News Archive for 02/01/15

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Mac OS : Viable work platform?

01/15, 11:40pm

Mac OS : Viable work platform?

ZDNet writer David Coursey is performing a "project"--going 'all Mac' for a month--to determine if the Mac OS is a viable work platform compared to Microsoft Windows. Coursey has already trivialized the platform, doubting that he can be a working contributing journalist without Windows XP.

Convert 2.0b3 supports OS X, new units

01/15, 11:10pm

Convert 2.0b3 supports OS X, new units

Fifth Wave's shareware unit conversion utility, Convert Carbon 2.0b3, adds Acceleration, Angle, Force, Mass Flow, Moment Force, Pressure, Time, Viscosity, and Volumetric Flow categories as well as OS X compatibility.

Mac driver for Skyline wireless USB adapter

01/15, 11:00pm

Mac driver for Skyline wireless USB adapter

Last week, Proxim posted its Skyline 11Mb Wireless USB Adapter 1.0 driver for its wireless networking device.

Electric Image 4.02 fixes bugs in modeler

01/15, 11:00pm

Electric Image 4.02 fixes bugs in modeler

Electric Image has released Electric Universe 4.02, which fixes minor bugs with Modeler in release 4.0.1. (It requires the v4.01 updater.)

iMac debut marks death of CRT?

01/15, 10:55pm

iMac debut marks death of CRT?

Despite the expected 64 percent rise in LCD shipments this year and the expected 6 percent decrease in CRT monitor shipments, IT Week says that "Steve Jobs' proclamation of the 'death of CRT' may have been a bit premature."

Deep Sky releases Server, Log 4D components

01/15, 10:50pm

Deep Sky releases Server, Log 4D components

Deep Sky has released the second public beta of HTTP Server Deux 1.00b2, a 4th Dimension component which provides a cross-platform, flexible web server with appropriate parsing, formatting, and utility routines. It adds a new functional demo mode as well as new API for supporting Adjunct Components. Deep Sky also released the first public beta of HTTP Log Deux 1.0.0b02, which provides a cross-platform, flexible web log generator. [Server, Log]

FinderEye 1.0: commands for contextual menu

01/15, 10:40pm

FinderEye 1.0: commands for contextual menu

FinderEye 1.0 is a shareware ($15) OS X Contextual Menu plugin that adds a number of commands, including copying the path of the current file or folder to the clipboard, opening the currently selected folder in a new window, locking/unlocking the current file, opening the current file or folder with another application, and changing the creator and type of a file to that of a template file.

TeXPalette 1.1: GUI for TeX layout app

01/15, 10:35pm

TeXPalette 1.1: GUI for TeX layout app

TeXPalette 1.1 provides a GUI to Darwin-based TeX distributions, such as teTeX; "You use your favorite OS X text editor to write the code, and you can go from source to final output in one click! Alternatively, you can use the dock menu if screen real estate is especially precious."

MacTV Network looks at new iMac, iPhoto

01/15, 8:00pm

MacTV Network looks at new iMac, iPhoto

The MacTV Network has posted two items on the two biggest announcements from last week's MacWorld Expo. MacTV takes a hands-on look at the new G4 iMac in a video from the show floor. Also, The Mac Help Radio Show will be offering an iPhoto tutorial and Q&A session.

RealMac offers new bundle deal; updates

01/15, 7:40pm

RealMac offers new bundle deal; updates

RealMac Software today announced that it will bundle ButtonBuilder, iSlideShow and iPhotoBatch for $25. ButtonBuilder has been updated to version 2.6 with an enhanced interface and several bug fixes; iSlideShow has been updated to version 1.3 adding a new application icon and several major bug fixes. Both applications are available individually for $10 each, as is iPhotoBatch. Free trials are available of all three programs.

Eskape posts alpha drivers for MyTV devices

01/15, 6:40pm

Eskape posts alpha drivers for MyTV devices

Eskape Labs has posted new alpha drivers for its MyTV hardware products, MyTV 0.16a1. The pre-release drivers, which will work with its MyTV and MyTV/fm devices and its MyCapture II and MyVideo devices, do not yet offer video capture support, HIRC cable support, nor PAL support.

CorelDraw boxed in Adobe's Illustrator

01/15, 5:00pm

CorelDraw boxed in Adobe's Illustrator

Canada's Ottawa Citizen notes that CorelDraw 10 has suffered another "indignity" as the product's packaging was designed using archrival Adobe's 'Illustrator' software.

ViaVoice for Mac Enhanced Edition v2.0.3

01/15, 4:55pm

ViaVoice for Mac Enhanced Edition v2.0.3

IBM ViaVoice Enhanced Edition 2.03 (US Version Only) brings a number of changes, including Mac OS 9.1 compatibility, the ability to run both Microsoft Word 98 and Microsoft Word 2001 on the same system and several bug fixes. The update is available as a CD-ROM only for North American customers. The update CD is free of charge. This update does not apply to ViaVoice Millennium Edition for Macintosh.

ecOrganizer v1.2v5: French, Italian UI; fixes

01/15, 4:50pm

ecOrganizer v1.2v5: French, Italian UI; fixes

ecOrganizer version 1.2v5 is now available for download. Major changes in version 1.2v5 include French and Italian interface translation and various improvements on the cost and time management module. ecOrganizer is a workgroup organizer, contact and project management system with optional extra modules for quoting, invoicing and time management. ecOrganizer is built in FileMaker Pro, making it cross-platform.

"Jobs hasn't addressed central problem"

01/15, 4:00pm

"Jobs hasn't addressed central problem"

Jon Katz has posted an article on "Steve Jobs And The Oh-So-Cool iMac," noting: "Jobs hasn't addressed the central problem facing computer makers: the public doesn't trust them. Burned by years of outrageously poor tech support, increasingly expensive software, and hardware that's almost instantly outdated, middle-class consumers aren't the least bit interested in the coolest new new thing."

Cringely: "Jobs has already won"

01/15, 3:55pm

Cringely: "Jobs has already won"

Robert Cringely's latest column talks about Steve Jobs and his definition of success, which he notes differs from Bill Gates': "[Jobs] is quite content with the status quo. That's because Steve's definition of success is different from Bill's, and from that of most other people in the computer industry. Success to Steve means getting his own way. That's all. Forget about market share. It's all about longevity and personal dominance."

Architosh: FastTrack, VRML Ext'ns, PV II

01/15, 3:45pm

Architosh: FastTrack, VRML Ext'ns, PV II

Architosh has posted articles on AEC Software's new FastTrack Schedule for Mac OS X, VRML Extension Suite for Dreamweaver and Peer Visual II for Mac OS X.

Portraits & Prints v1.0.4 works with iPhoto

01/15, 2:50pm

Portraits & Prints v1.0.4 works with iPhoto

Econ Technologies, Inc. has announced the release of Portraits & Prints version 1.0.4, the personal photo studio for Mac OS X. This update makes Portraits & Prints and Apple iPhoto work even better together. Apple's recent release of iPhoto brings powerful photo cataloguing and archiving capabilities, but developer Econ Technologies says when it comes to actually enhancing photos, Portraits & Prints has more features. Portraits & Prints costs $20, the Template Maker is $10. Free demo versions are available for download.

Xounds 1.1 adds stereo panning sounds

01/15, 2:30pm

Xounds 1.1 adds stereo panning sounds

Unsanity LLC announced today the release of Xounds v1.1. Xounds is a 'haxie,' or Mac OS X hack, that brings Appearance Sounds to Mac OS X. Version 1.1 brings many requested features including stereo-panning sounds, a choice of what sound effects to play (Controls, Windows, Menus, Finder) and adjustable volume for every type of sound effect.

MCE intros 16x Lucid Portable FireWire CDRW

01/15, 1:10pm

MCE intros 16x Lucid Portable FireWire CDRW

MCE today announced a 16x version of its Lucid Portable FireWire CD-RW Drive, which sports the "slimmest dimensions and lightest weight" of any FireWire CD-RW drive on the market today, as well as a sleek industrial design." The bus-powered Lucid-16 16x10x24x Portable FireWire CD-RW Drive weighs less than a pound and measures 5.5 inches in width, 6.5 inches in length, and only 0.8 inches in height. It is compatible with both Finder burning and Apple’s iTunes under Mac OS 9.1 through OS X is bundled with Roxio Toast CD-recording software, a FireWire cable, and a user’s guide. It will ship on February 1st for $400 (universal AC is an optional $15).

Macworld Expo has strong attendance

01/15, 11:20am

Macworld Expo has strong attendance

IDG today announced that Macworld Expo SF attracted 87,890 attendees, slightly down from more than 90,000 last year: "The strong attendance at Macworld is in sharp contrast to other recent IT trade shows which have reported significant declines in attendance."

OS X: Zingg! v1.1, IK Multimedia releases

01/15, 11:00am

OS X: Zingg! v1.1, IK Multimedia releases

osx.macnn.com has notes on a useful freeware contextual menu for opening files, new Samsung printer drivers, IK Multimedia announcements (in anticipation of the Winter NAMM 2002 show), and MacPar for OS X.

Swaptop 1.4 supports multiple-image galleries

01/15, 10:55am

Swaptop 1.4 supports multiple-image galleries

Zonic has released SwapTop 1.4, an update to its shareware ($15) Mac client for the WebShots desktop picture service. Version 1.4, adds support for WebShots multiple-image gallery packs, fixes a potential login items corruption on OS X 10.1, and correctly registers as a web browser helper app for downloads on OS X.

DealNN notes special iMac pricing

01/15, 10:30am

DealNN notes special iMac pricing

DealNN, which will begin full publication later this week, notes special up to 30% off pricing off new iMacs (and sales on select iBooks) at the Apple Store.

Zingg! 1.1 adds options to contextual menu

01/15, 9:05am

Zingg! 1.1 adds options to contextual menu

Rainer Brockerhoff's freeware Zingg! 1.1 is a freeware contextual menu that shows a list of all applications that claim to open the selected file. It now resolves symbolic links prior to checking for duplicate entries in the application list, has an option to show full pathnames in the menu (with Caps Lock), an improved installer with uninstall options, Sherlock support, and other enhancements.

iMac CRT production continues

01/15, 8:50am

iMac CRT production continues

SCMP, an Asia Hong Kong news group, notes that while Quanta, a Taiwanese manufacturer for Apple notebooks (as well as Dell and HP) has won the contract to manufacture the new iMac, Hon Hai Precision Industries will continue producing monitors for the older iMacs. (We previously noted that both the $799 and $999 iMac would continue to be sold at the Apple Store, through education channels, and possibly at other retail locations.)

AAPL financials due tomorrow

01/15, 8:50am

AAPL financials due tomorrow

Apple is expected to release its financial results tomorrow after market close. Consensus estimates are 11 cents per share on sales of $1.43 billion, according to Thomson Financial/First Call. Apple’s Q1 financial conference call webcast will follow at 2:30pm PT on Wednesday, January 16, 2002.

ATI updates Retail Driver package

01/15, 8:45am

ATI updates Retail Driver package

ATI Retail Update for Mac OS 9.x, replacing last week's revision, is designed for Mac OS 9.2.1 owners only.

Key Xing 1.4: shareware keyboard launch util

01/15, 8:40am

Key Xing 1.4: shareware keyboard launch util

Key Xing 1.4 is a $7 shareware utility that allows you to launch files, programs, folders, and AppleScripts from the keyboard. Version 1.4 adds the ability to open folders, executes AppleScripts fater, and fixes some error reporting issues.

Design guru praises iMac design

01/15, 8:35am

Design guru praises iMac design

Apple's new iMac has won the endorsement of the influential computer design guru Don Norman, according to the BBC: "I searched it thoroughly and studied it carefully looking for problems or flaws. I couldn't find anything. It is brilliant design."

Sony intros "world's thinnest" color PDA

01/15, 8:35am

Sony intros "world's thinnest" color PDA

Sony today expanded its handheld line, adding the CLIE PEG-T615C and PEG-S360 to its product line. (We previously noted Palm's hints at new upcoming handhelds.)

Peer Visual II places dymanic charts

01/15, 8:25am

Peer Visual II places dymanic charts

VVI today announced availability of Peer Visual II (as well as a chart service), allowing users to place dynamic charts on their own web sites. "[it] makes any type of chart or visual in real time and offers it over the Internet." (No pricing information available.)

Apple Store Japan allows US-localized orders

01/15, 8:25am

Apple Store Japan allows US-localized orders

Peter Payne passed along some interesting information about changes at the Apple Store Japan:

"The Apple Store Japan now accepts orders for computers and allows U.S. keyboards (the standard keyboard layout) as a build-to-order option on all computers they sell, even iBook/Powerbook/iMacs (you can also order Macs with an English OS). Since there is a very high rate of 'gaijin users' in Japan who don't appreciate the JIS keyboard layout, this is something you should pass on to your readers.

"The weak yen also means that virtually all of Apple's products are cheaper if bought through the Apple Store Japan than from anywhere in the U.S. -- a decked out dual 800 mhz G4 is about $260 less on the Apple Store Japan than the Apple Store in the U.S. To top it off, you get a free 1 GB of memory if you buy from the Japan store. A major deal!"

Sonnet begins shipping HARMONi upgrade

01/15, 8:20am

Sonnet begins shipping HARMONi upgrade

James Burdette notes that his previously ordered Sonnet HARMONi G3/500 iMac processor/FireWire upgrade card has begun shipping: "Just thought I'd let you know that I just ordered one of these online--apparently they're FINALLY shipping. I can also let you know when I receive it, too."

Samsung driver supports OS X

01/15, 8:15am

Samsung driver supports OS X

Dave Wallans notes the release of a new Samsung v.22 driver, which "adds support for printers that previously didn't have support for Mac, only through Powerprint."

Digital Hub without Apple?

01/15, 8:15am

Digital Hub without Apple?

"Creation Station" discusses the "third age of the desktop PC," noting the evolution of the PC as a "digital hub." Brian Killen writes: "FYI: I found an interesting article on the idea of a digital hub and the three stages of computing without mentioning Apple or Macs or Jobs--just PCs."