News Archive for 02/10/22

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Open-source printer driver supports HPs

10/22, 10:20pm

Open-source printer driver supports HPs

HPIJS 1.1.1 is an open-source printer driver that supports over 190 Hewlett-Packard printers. Under Mac OS X 10.2, printing with HPIJS requires ESP Ghostscript 7.05.5 (an open-source PostScript interpreter), cups-o-matic (a CUPS filter script), and a "foomatic PPD" for each supported printer. Although configuration sounds complicated, the lead developer explains that the downloadable software package automatically addresses these requirements.

Evening apps: Monkeybread, Macaroni, ...

10/22, 7:45pm

Evening apps: Monkeybread, Macaroni, ...

Monkeybread Software Germany has released version 2.7 of its REALbasic plug-in collection. The plug-in adds around 2835 functions, methods and classes to REALbasic. The latest version includes countless enhancements to several aspects of the $80 package. [Download - 4.7MB]

PDF Magic Professional 1.0 ($200) is the initial release of Acro-Works Software's utility for automating the process of creating interactive PDF files. When creating complex, linked PDF files, users previously sought add-ons for Adobe Acrobat, or any given layout program. PDF Magic is a standalone application that converts Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop EPS files into files dubbed "Magic Link Graphics." [Download - 2.1MB]

Macaroni 1.0.3 is a minor revision to the automated maintenance utility for Mac OS X, which services the OS's UNIX core. This release fixes problems affecting some Macs where the "Run Job Now" button failed to work properly. Version 1.0.3 also fixes "no such file" errors affecting some Macs. [Download - 1.1MB]

Emagic helps bring Logic Platinum support

10/22, 5:20pm

Emagic helps bring Logic Platinum support

DigiDesign is working with Apple's recently acquired Emagic to produce Logic Platinum support for DigiDesign hardware on Mac OS X. DigiDesign plans on releasing OS X Core Audio drivers that will enable Emagic support of their I/O hardware soon after Pro Tools 6.0 is released.

USB ThumbDrive from Memorex introduced

10/22, 5:10pm

USB ThumbDrive from Memorex introduced

The Memorex USB ThumbDrive is a 64MB or 128MB storage device "small enough to fit on a key chain." The plug-and-play drive reads at 700 Kb/second, writes at 350 Kb/second, and offers 10 years of data retention regardless of platform use. The 64MB ThumbDrive is $60 and the 128MB ThumbDrive is $100.

Apps: Compositor 2.1, MacDopplerPro...

10/22, 4:20pm

Apps: Compositor 2.1, MacDopplerPro...

Compositor 2.1 ($35) edits, creates, and re-creates images in different ways. There are over 160 filters and channel variations available, and a new slide show feature. Also included are feathered and boolean selections, drop shadow, anti-aliased text, and more. [2.9MB]
Dog Park Software has released MacDopplerPRO 1.8.3 for Mac OS 9 & X, fixing bugs and improving speed. The application features full 3D projection models of the earth, satellite tracking, high resolution maps and more. [Classic, OSX]
MuchoThumbs Pro 3.0 is a $15 update to the website thumbnail creation tool. The update adds the ability to tune directory structures, supports QuickTime movie previews, adds timed slideshows and frames around images. [1.7MB]
DynamicStructure 1.1.0 is a plugin for Mac OS 9 & X that lets 4D developers dynamically get and set properties and contents of objects in the structure. It allows for functionality not previously possible in 4th Dimension, from automatic documentation to dynamic manipulation of objects. A single Developer License is $260. [796 KB]
Essence Software has released SuperSocket 2.2, a networking toolkit for REALbasic. It provides a collection of classes that can be used to build network-aware applications. The update fixes a problem with data being lost by TCPEndpoint Read routines. [650 KB]

Readers receive AccountEdge 3 from MYOB

10/22, 3:35pm

Readers receive AccountEdge 3 from MYOB

In response to news yesterday that MYOB is delaying the release of AccountEdge 3, several readers have confirmed receiving their orders: "I have already received my AccountEdge 3 package. I received this as an upgrade purchase. No box was included. I haven't heard anything about a delay in shipping, but perhaps they are shipping upgrades first, or maybe the box isn't ready?"

24i/o: rack-space 96 kHz audio interface

10/22, 3:30pm

24i/o: rack-space 96 kHz audio interface

MOTU has announced 24i/o, a single rack-space 96 kHz audio interface for Mac OS X. "[It] provides 24 balanced quarter-inch (TRS) 96 kHz analog inputs and outputs in a single rack-space enclosure. A 24i/o core system ($1,495) includes MOTU's next generation PCI-424 card, which provides expansion up to 96 inputs/outputs, DSP–driven mixing and monitoring, legacy I/O support, and on-board SMPTE synchronization. The 24i/o rack interface, which will also be sold separately as an expansion I/O ($1,195) for any MOTU PCI-424 system (such as MOTU's new 2408mk3), provides 5-segment front-panel meters for every input and output and software-switchable (-10/+4) analog input levels." Shipping is expected in the fourth quarter of 2002.

Apps: Microscope, Make Mine MPEG...

10/22, 11:15am

Apps: Microscope, Make Mine MPEG...

Microscope 1.0 is a "freeware application written specifically for the USB Intel Play QX3 Computer Microscope. The software allows you to capture images as jpeg or tiff, create time elasped QuickTime movies, and add a text comment and/or timestamp to the image or movie." [431KB]
Apple's iPod 1.2.2 for Windows adds "significant enhancements and new features to iPod," including audio playback and user interface enhancements, the ability to browser music by additional categories, a new calendar, a clock, a battery icon, FireWire connection feedback, and compliance with EN 50332-1. [12.6MB]
Doug's AppleScripts has released Make Mine MPEG-4 v3.5, an AppleScript applet that automates the process of importing CD Tracks and encoding them as MPEG-4 files using QuickTime 6 Pro. The tracks are then added to your iTunes Library. It now includes the ability to selectively "rip" tracks, a new option to leave tracks in the Library or copy to a new or existing Playlist, and other options. [113KB]
Media 100 has posted an Media 100i v8.02 installer, which resolves several issues in the high-end video production software [19.7MB]
Epson has posted its Twain Plugin for Photoshop 7 and its Scan to File Utility v1.00E for its Perfection 1250/1260 PHOTO scanners. [TPP, STFTU]
SkyRocket Multimedia has posted Cemetery Screen Saver, an OS X screensaver for Halloween: "A spooky graveyard is haunted by a bevy of scary creatures that rise from the grave." The $5 registration code includes 3 bonus monsters.

Apple Australia makes another retail attempt

10/22, 11:05am

Apple Australia makes another retail attempt

Making another foray into retailing, Apple Australia will reportedly refurbish 20 of the country's 50 AppleCentres and to launch new stores in high-traffic centres. Meanwhile, Sydney accounting firm Armstrong Wily is examining the reasons behind the 2001 collapse of Buzzle, a consortium of six Apple dealerships that was put into liquidation at the end of last year with debts totalling $32 million.

KB: passwords, HP drivers, modem setttings

10/22, 11:00am

KB: passwords, HP drivers, modem setttings

Knowledgebase Roundup: In some cases changing a password in Mac OS X Server (and some older pre-Jaguar OS X systems), does not update the system correctly and the previous password continues to work for certain functions; Hewlett Packard has released updated (2.0 or later) printer drivers that resolve certain issues you may encounter when using the versions 1.4.1 HP drivers that were included with Mac OS X 10.2 (build 6C115); the modem country setting in System Preferences may be set to an incorrect location, after installing Mac OS X 10.2.

Apps: Gimp-Print, URL Manager, Barres...

10/22, 9:20am

Apps: Gimp-Print, URL Manager, Barres...

The open-source driver set for OS X, Gimp-Print 4.2.3, includes 186 drivers supporting over 300 printers, including printer drivers for Canon, Epson, Lexmark, and PCL printers. The native CUPS driver now accepts custom paper sizes for Epson printers, and most other printer types. (Users need to also install ESP Ghostscript, a free, open-source PostScript RIP built specifically for use with the CUPS print spooler that provides Postscript Level 3 support for raster printers.) [5.3MB]
Alco Blom's popular bookmark manager, URL Manager Pro 3.0.1, now includes the ability to specify a destination folder when adding a new bookmark, the option to set the preferred screen font under Mac OS X, support for the Mac OS X Services menu, and the display of URLs of bookmark menu items in Mac OS X tool tips (help tags). It is $25. [2.4MB]
24U Appearance OSAX 1.3 for classic Mac OS allows AppleScript to generate modern error messages and display dialog windows, including the ability to open floating text windows, display process indicators and send virtually any type of notification to the user. It is "donationware."
Antilog has released Barres I.2.0, a new release of its barcode creator for Mac OS 7/8/9. It can generate several types of barcodes, including UPC (12 digits), EAN13 (13 digits), and SCC14 (14 digits); the resulting barcode graphic (a resolution-independent PICT image) is automatically copied to the clipboard file. The update adds support for SCC14 barcodes and the ability to save the barcode graphic. It is a free update to the $10 shareware. [412KB]

Digigram posts OS X drivers for sound cards

10/22, 9:00am

Digigram posts OS X drivers for sound cards

Digigram today released Mac OS X drivers for its VXpocket v2, VXpocket 440 and VX222 sound cards. The two VXpocket models provide 24-bit audio performance and feature a single stereo SPDIF input and output allowing digital record/playback and an LTC (SMPTE) time-code input. A breakout cable is provided with XLR connectors for the analog inputs/outputs, phono connectors for digital and LTC, and a stereo mini-jack for headphone monitoring. The VXpocket v2 has two balanced analog mono inputs at microphone or line level and two balanced analog outputs, while the VXpocket 440 has four balanced mic/line analog inputs and four balanced analog outputs. The PCI-based VX222 for desktos includes balanced analog inputs and outputs with 24-bit converters, as well as digital input/output in AES/EBU or S/PDIF formats and two General Purpose Interface (GPI) inputs and outputs.