News Archive for 03/01/25

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Apple sues Unova for patent infringement

01/25, 6:25pm

Apple sues Unova for patent infringement

Apple has filed a lawsuit accusing hand-held scanner maker Unova of using computer-related technology protected by six patents without permission, according to Bloomberg:

"Unova's Intermec unit is using the patented technology in software and scanners that are hand-held or mounted on vehicles and used by delivery people or warehouse workers, Apple claims. The suit seeks to bar Unova and Intermec from selling machines and software that rely on Apple's innovations, including those related to data transmission and the voltage on circuit boards.

"Apple's suit is the latest chapter in a fight over technology between the two companies as Unova sued Apple and other computer makers last May, claiming infringement of a patented invention to monitor use and recharging of portable computer batteries. Unova has collected at least $150 million in legal settlements from laptop makers over the 'smart battery' patent."

KB: 12-inch maintenance; ARD custom screen...

01/25, 5:20pm

KB: 12-inch maintenance; ARD custom screen...

Apple Knowledge Base notes: To force-quit applications that do not appear in the Dock, special steps must be followed; Apple Remote Desktop (ARD) includes a feature that allows you to "lock" the screens of client computers, this feature can be cutomized by the adminsitrator; it is possible to disable HTML rendering of images or embedded objects in Mail.app; Apple has made available a set of PDF documents that contain instructions for installing replacement parts in the PowerBook G4 (12-inch) computer.

Apple Store ranks lowest in search usability

01/25, 4:55pm

Apple Store ranks lowest in search usability

37signals -- an interface and usability analysis group -- has published a report that examines 25 popular e-commerce Web sites. The Apple Store finished in last place, while Lands' End and Petco finished first. The report, which costs $100 to view, evaluates how retailers handle misspellings, synonyms, hyphenation, plurals, and other real-world search query variables.

Photos from Dallas store; Portland location

01/25, 4:25pm

Photos from Dallas store; Portland location

Jeremy Johnson has posted photos from the grand opening of Apple's Dallas, Texas retail store.

A MacNN reader notes that Apple is apparently planning the launch of a Portland, Oregon store, as indicated by Apple's employment Web site.

Apps: CopyPaste X, Time Track, ImageCaster...

01/25, 2:40pm

Apps: CopyPaste X, Time Track, ImageCaster...

Script Software's CopyPaste X 1.5.2 is an update to the popular clipboard enhancement utility for Mac OS X. CopyPaste offers contextual menu and dock access to up to 10 saved clipboards, instant application of text filters, import/export of many text file types, and many other productivity features. Version 1.5.2 adds new tools to the contextual menu and the dock menu, including E-mail Comment, E-mail Uncomment, URL Extractor, and Eddress Extractor. [2.3MB]
GoogleSynth is an experimental application for texture image synthesis. It attempts to recreate a "target" image using the textures present in an "input" image using random searches of the Google Image Search. [304KB]
Webbingtec's HtmlMap Maker 2.1 is a $15 web authoring utility allows you to create image maps without writing code. Version 2.1 adds enhanced cursor display, HTML output case option, and French and German localization. [404KB]
Norbert Doerner has released CDFinder 4.02, a maintenance update to his application for catalogging hard disks, CD-ROMs, DVDs, floppies, ZIPs and audio-CDs and the TAG info of MP3 files. The $25 shareware runs on Mac OS 8/9/X. [1.1MB]
Econ Technologies has updated its webcam application, ImageCaster 1.04. It now includes "Frame Canvas" control, improved script execution and error reporting, enhanced FTP browse and upload options along with several bug fixes. Imagecaster offers the ability to capture video at multiple resolutions from multiple sources, rotate images, add time stamps overlays, and deliver webcam images to FTP servers as well as local hard disks and servers. A demo of the $20 utility for Mac OS X is available. [744KB]
Time Track 1.2 has a new AutoTrack feature, which allows users to automatically track the time spent using almost any application. Other new features include background operation, automatic startup at login, AppleScript support, and new Control Strip Module (CSM). The $25 for tracking time spent on projects is bundled with Trinfinity's freeware calendar, QuicKalendar, which can be launched via a menu item or command key. [Classic, OSX]
Thinkertons.com has released Jotz 1.2 dubbed as "the zero-learning-curve notepad for Mac OS-X." Version 1.2 adds database functionality by providing note-sorting by up to 8 different note attributes as well instant search display ("LIve Find"). The $18 shareware runs on Mac OS X only. [702KB]