News Archive for 03/05/16

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Journalist revisits iTunes quality issues

05/16, 6:50pm

Journalist revisits iTunes quality issues

Gary Krakow, the MSNBC reporter who was one of the first journalists to offer a critique of Apple's online music service, has written a follow-up article in response to impassioned reader feedback to his initial findings. Krakow criticized the sound quality of the AAC files sold on Apple's service, and also suggested that Apple's pricing scheme was no more compelling than that of a CD store. In his latest article, he responds to reader feedback on the issues of sound quality, pricing, and even Krakow's alleged agenda.

Gefen unveils new ex-tend-it Switcher

05/16, 5:30pm

Gefen unveils new ex-tend-it Switcher

Gefen's new ex-tend-it 4x1 DVI/ADC Switcher ($850) connects four DVI sources to two ADC and/or DVI displays. DVI sources include any computer or HD television equipped with a DVI port. Each source is accessed through either display. Any DVI or ADC equipped display can be used with the Switcher including Apple’s 23-inch Cinema HD Display. "The 4x1 DVI/ADC Switcher is made with a technology that is better equipped to display high-end visuals so visual acuity is assured." The rack-mountable unit switches video, USB and audio for each source, offers HDCP (High Definition Copy Protection) compatibility for home theater applications and includes ports for USB and audio.

MS Watch: Why Panther May Tear Up Longhorn

05/16, 1:00pm

MS Watch: Why Panther May Tear Up Longhorn

Microsoft Watch's Why Panther May Tear Up Longhorn talks about the forthcoming improvements in the next release of Mac OS X codenamed "Panther" and how the OS compares to Windows XP and the forthcoming Longhorn upgrade due in 2005: " Apple has been careful not to underestimate Microsoft on the OS front. Indeed, even though Mac users have been fulsome in their praise of the features and speed of the current version, 10.2, of Mac OS X (a k a Jaguar), Apple insiders are well-aware of areas where XP is ahead of Mac OS X."

Apps: Java for Oracle, ImageBuddy, PostView..

05/16, 12:40pm

Apps: Java for Oracle, ImageBuddy, PostView..

Apple's Java 1.3.1 Update for Oracle provides support or Oracle 11i client applications on Mac OS X. It is avaialble in French, English, German, and Japanese. [13MB]
Kepmad Systems has released ImageBuddy 2.8.2 adding improved project file support and a 3x Print To File Speed Increase along with a number of small improvements and bug fixes. Imagebuddy is a digital image layout program. The OSX version offers Drag & Drop support from iPhoto allowing you to greatly expand on iPhoto's limited printing options. It is $17 shareware. [Classic, OSX]
PostView 1.1 is an update to the $22 document and image viewer. It includes support for immediate display of DSC Postscript files without pre-rendering, better performance with TeX/Postscript files, document icons for Postscript/EPS/PDF, page rotation and automatic detection of landscape format, arbitrary zoom, better intra-page scrolling, and other bug fixes. [1.6MB]
Andrew's Vector Plugins Vol 8, "Symbol Paint" ($12) is a toolbox plugin for Illustrator 10. The plugin paints with symbols as a spray/hose/paint brush. The symbols can take the form of text, paths, gradients, patterns and even images. It includes a number of new presets as well as layers (for brush stroke animation), placement/speed features, and also improvements to the dab/brush bristles and also ships with a selection of bonus symbols.

NewTek releases LightWave 3D 7.5c update

05/16, 9:45am

NewTek releases LightWave 3D 7.5c update

NewTek has released LightWave 3D 7.5c, a mainenance update to the company's 3D animation package: "The update addresses a number of issues for both platforms but does not add features beyond those provided in 7.5b. The 7.5c update also addresses a feature parity issue by bringing three plugins to the Mac OSX version which had previously only been present on the Windows and Mac OS 9 versions due to a source code difficulty."

Marketcircle's DayLite 1.4 adds new features

05/16, 12:10am

Marketcircle's DayLite 1.4 adds new features

Marketcircle has released DayLite 1.4, a free upgrade to its solution for managing contacts, accounts, sales and campaigns. The release offers integration with Blacksmith's Chartsmith charting application and preliminary iCal integration with an iCal exporter for the DayLite calendar. It can also now create merged documents in Microsoft Word and Excel. The DayLite Business Edition is currently being offered for $150. (The company also announced new boxed versions of DayLite with Channel Sources handling the distribution. It is expected to be available in Mac business section off computer stores across the US.)

Apps: Card Validator, Imprint, iPod Acess...

05/16, 12:05am

Apps: Card Validator, Imprint, iPod Acess...

Card Validator 3.0 for FileMaker Pro allows developers and FMPro users to check authenticity of credit card numbers with a single calculation--without scripts or plug-ins. Version 3.0 includes support for additional international card numbers. The freeware also includes the source-code. [75KB]
Birdstep RDM Server, now available for Mac OS X, is a relational and network database that is designed for applications with "demanding server based performance requirements for industrial, commercial and general line-of-business applications such as e-Business, Web applications and Internet infrastructure." The client/server database supports thin clients, 128-bit encryption, ODBC interfaces, hot online backups, dynamic database definition language (DDL) and other advanced features.
iClip 2.0 is a $20 utility designed to extend the system clipboard functions. It allows you to quickly copy & paste and drag & drop clippings to and from its multiple "clipping bins," which can be easily access from any application. Version 2.0 adds "clipping sets", better support for vector graphics, and an improved interface. [1.5MB]
Ampersandbox has updated its label and envelope printing software: Imprint 1.2 adds support for the Services menu, allowing users to print labels and envelopes from any application. It also adds many new preferences, envelope sizes and label templates (including Avery A4 templates). [829KB]
iPod Access 1.2 can be used to transfer songs from your iPod to your computer organized by artist/album or can be used to play songs directly from your iPod and auto-sync with the last song listing gathered from your iPod. It can also perform full iPod backups. Version now allows the backup of m4p songs downloaded from the iTunes Music Store and fixes a few bugs. [1.6MB]

WaterField updates carry case for '3G' iPod

05/16, 12:05am

WaterField updates carry case for '3G' iPod

WaterField Designs today started shipping its new iPod Case specifically designed for the new third-generation iPods. The case has a bottom-entry design for use with the new iPod docking station and also has a slit on the bottom to enable users to easily attach a cable to the iPod's connector as well as exposes the iPod controls for easy user access to the iPod's buttons. A front flap protects the iPod and stores your ear buds. The case is available now for $40.