News Archive for 03/03/04

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Apps: PowerKey, X-Words, DSLR, Charla, Nimbus

03/04, 11:25pm

Apps: PowerKey, X-Words, DSLR, Charla, Nimbus

Sophisticated Circuits has released version 4.1.3 of the software for its PowerKey Pro 650 programmable power strip. This free update adds some minor features and bug fixes, including: the ability to restart the computer using telephone tones (Admin version); the ability to control-click or right-click on events to edit or delete; Hot keys now run regardless of the caps-lock key. [Download - Classic, Mac OS X]

X-Words Deluxe 2.2 is an update to Freeverse's $20 crossword game for the Mac. Details of the update were not available at the time of publication. [Download - 3.3MB]

PhaseOne today released its Capture One DSLR for Canon software for the Mac. Capture One DSLR is a popular Raw file conversion and workflow management solution for high-end DSLR cameras. [Download - Download form]

Charla 2.0, a complete rewrite of the open-source client for Yahoo! Messenger, is now available. It can be used as a replacement for Yahoo!'s own Messenger client. It supports fades, chat, multiple simultaneous logins, SPAM filtering, scripts, customizable colors, PM history, and many other features not available in the standard Macintosh version of Yahoo! Messenger. Version 2.0 includes support for chat, a buddy list, viewing webcams, scripting, and simultaneous logins. [Download - 1.2MB]

Nimbus 2.0 is a significant update to the GUI controller for Canto's Cumulus Server 5.5 software. "Nimbus is especially useful to those who don't like fiddling around with Cumulus 5.5 in its default command-line form," explains the developer. Nimbus is $25 shareware; it is compatible with Mac OS X. [Download - 507KB]

Jumsoft offers Keynote theme set

03/04, 9:50pm

Jumsoft offers Keynote theme set

Jumsoft has released its Keynote Themes Package which includes five high-resolution themes for Apple's new Keynote presentation software. "Developer", "Photo Artist", "Wood", "Simple" and "Valentine" themes are available in 800x600 and 1024x768 sizes for $10.

iBook users experience 10.2.4 battery bug

03/04, 8:25pm

iBook users experience 10.2.4 battery bug

A number of iBook owners describe an unusual battery anomaly that occurs after the installation of Mac OS X 10.2.4. The Apple technical support discussion forums are "ablaze" with complaints from users who suddenly have a battery life of less than a few minutes, according to one MacNN reader. (See: iBook battery support section)

Apple ships 1.42GHz PMs to resellers

03/04, 6:00pm

Apple ships 1.42GHz PMs to resellers

Apple resellers are beginning to receive PowerMac G4 dual-1.42GHz shipments. Mac Resource reports receiving orders on Saturday, following quick overnight shipping from Apple.

Formac reduces Gallery LCD pricing

03/04, 5:40pm

Formac reduces Gallery LCD pricing

Formac Electronic yesterday announced price drops for its Gallery LCD line. Formac’s Gallery 1740, a 17.4” TFT is now priced at $700 for the ADC or VGA version, and $740 for the DVI model. The 20.1” Formac Gallery 2010 is now priced at $1,400, and comes with both ADC and DVI connections, making it ideal for dual-monitor environments. All Formac displays come with a 3 year warranty, allowing a maximum of 2 dead pixels per Display.

MacMice announces two-button optical mouse

03/04, 5:35pm

MacMice announces two-button optical mouse

MacMice has announced its MacMice Optical Mouse designed for "users who like the design of Apple's Pro Mouse, but who want to enjoy 2-button and scrollwheel functions. The high-resolution mouse has a scroll-wheel and a clever 1-piece clear acrylic outer housing that tilts left or right to provide true 2-button functionality in a stylish 'buttonless' design." It also includes a USB-powered blue LED under the scroll wheel and is available in black, silver, or white inner colors for $40. One reader notes that "these mice have been out well over 2 years under another company."

Apps: SecureJournal, Watson, iWork, MP3 Sushi

03/04, 5:15pm

Apps: SecureJournal, Watson, iWork, MP3 Sushi

Lava Software is now shipping PC-Mac SecureJournal, a product containing a highly-secure document editor and password-protected diary/journal. It safeguards private notes, commercial information, academic papers, daily journal entries, etc. A limited demo of the $25 application is available. [Classic, OSX]
Karelia Software today released Watson 1.6.2, a free upgrade to its $30 desktop interface for Mac OS X to popular Web content and services. This minor update adds support for weather locations in Kansas/Missouri and New York/Pennsylvania areas, integrated support for QuickTime player, DHL carrier support, and an updated developer kit (folding some formerly tool-specific functionality into the frameworks available to third-party developers). [Site unavailable]
IGG Software has released iWork 1.2.2, a minor update its $20 intuitive time-billing and invoicing application. Changes in version 1.2.2 include: better batch processing for editing/entering job event info, resolution of minor bugs and an improved German localized version. [1.4MB]
MP3 Sushi 1.2 is an update to the Rendezvous-enabled Internet broadcast utility (offered as "donation-ware") : "MP3 Sushi Server allows you to turn your Mac into a Jukebox or a Radio broadcast station in a few clicks. It's a cool way to share and stream and share your music among a local network or the Internet." [1.3MB]
Kanex Group has released Align Icons 2.0, a free Mac OS 9 Contextual Menu plug-in that allows you to align icons in any way you want, which can be used for professional disk mastering or for maintaining a clutter-free desktop. [7KB]
iLink 1.0 is a bookmark manager designed specifically for use with multiple browsers. It features a floating palette for storing bookmarks or launching any typed or dragged URL with any browser. The $20 software supports Safari, Internet Explorer, Chimera, Mozilla, Netscape, Omnieb, Opera, and iCab under Mac OS X (as well as other browsers under Mac OS 9). [1.8MB]

Core OS X/Unix Programming returns to BNR

03/04, 5:00pm

Core OS X/Unix Programming returns to BNR

Core Mac OS X and Unix Programming classes have returned to the Big Nerd Ranch technology training school. "Core Mac OS X Programming will allow programmers to harness the power of Mac OS X's Unix foundation." After a successful Core Class in November 2002, the Big Nerd Ranch has edited and improved the instruction materials. This class is the only Core offering currently scheduled for 2003. Class price of $3500 includes lodging, all meals, original instruction materials, 24-hour lab access, and transportation to and from the Atlanta airport (ATL).

Magma releases 64-bit 2-slot CardBus-to-PCI

03/04, 4:50pm

Magma releases 64-bit 2-slot CardBus-to-PCI

Magma today announced the availability of the latest addition to its line of PCI Expansion products -- the 64-bit 2-Slot CardBus-to-PCI Expansion System. Magma's line of portable CardBus-to-PCI Expansion Systems enable the use of standard PCI cards with PC Laptop or Apple PowerBook computers, all of which do not have built-in PCI slots. MAGMA's new 64-bit 2 slot Expansion System accommodates 2 full-length 64-bit PCI cards, two internal disk drives, and includes a 1-meter expansion cable and CardBus PC Card. Pricing ranges from $1100 to $1450 for the 64-bit 2-slot model.

Prosoft ships update to Data Rescue file util

03/04, 4:50pm

Prosoft ships update to Data Rescue file util

Prosoft Engineering today announced an upgrade to its popular data recovery utility, Data Rescue. Data Rescue X v10.2 and Data Rescue Classic v4.2 adds new, enhanced algorithms used in the scanning process to significantly improve data recovery performance. It also adds resizable windows (which include file size information) and improved search along with a new user interface that integrates with Prosoft's Data Safety System family of products. Data Rescue X now ships on a bootable Mac OS X 10.2.3 CD and Data Rescue Classic ships on a bootable Mac OS 9.2.2 CD. The $90 application is available is available in a Mac OS 9/X bundle for $140. A demo is available. (No upgrade info available.)

MSN software coming to OS X "soon"

03/04, 4:40pm

MSN software coming to OS X "soon"

Microsoft's Macintosh software unit recently revealed details of the upcoming MSN client software for Mac OS X. The software -- which integrates Internet browsing, instant messaging, and other 'net services -- enables OS X users to connect to the MSN service provider. The software, which is "coming soon" will "make the Web as useful as your Mac."

Aspyr to bring SpyHunter to Mac in April

03/04, 4:35pm

Aspyr to bring SpyHunter to Mac in April

Aspyr today announced it would publish the next-generation version of the Midway's 1980s action-racing game SpyHunter. The game is expected to ship simultaneously for both platforms in April: "A remake of the arcade classic, SpyHunter boasts ultra-realistic 3D graphics, real-world locales and the only vehicle capable of morphing into a boat, jet ski or motorcycle." It will run both Mac OS 9/X and is available for pre-order for $30.

DiamondSoft announces Font Reserve Server 1.6

03/04, 4:30pm

DiamondSoft announces Font Reserve Server 1.6

DiamondSoft today announced Font Reserve Server 1.6, which brings new client software for Mac OS X and adds system-wide automatic font activation (both application- and document-based activation) and and allows administrators to activate fonts on client systems. The update to the client/server font management application also adds the ability to set user permissions to specify how each user's system fonts are handled, allows administrators to specify font sets that automatically and permanently activate when users connect, and supports OpenType, Windows TrueType and Apple dfont formats in addition to all the standard Macintosh font formats. Pricing and upgrade information is not available.

Online music service by Apple for Mac users

03/04, 4:20pm

Online music service by Apple for Mac users

The LA Times reports on a new music service to be offered by Apple to Mac users: "The new service would only be available to users of Apple's Macintosh line computers and iPod portable music players, who have been largely overlooked by the legitimate online music services. Although no licensing deals have been announced, sources close to the situation say at least four of the five major record companies have committed their music. The service could be launched as early as next month."

Status report: news publication

03/04, 4:00pm

Status report: news publication

MacNN this morning experienced a series of technical problems that prevented the publication of news. Publication will resume this evening. We apologize for this inconvenience.