News Archive for 03/06/23

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Slate: Linux popularity may hurt Apple more

06/23, 10:35pm

Slate: Linux popularity may hurt Apple more

Slate Magazine notes that Linux's new popularity may hurt Apple more than Microsoft, noting that despite Apple's claim that it is the No. 1 Unix desktop system, next year "Linux should pass Apple in market share for desktop operating systems on computers," and that's Apple's desktop offerings, which start at $2,000 are little competition for the $248 new, ready-to-use Linux desktop computer from Wal-mart.com.

Integrated reporting, and analysis for OS X

06/23, 10:00pm

Integrated reporting, and analysis for OS X

Business Objects today announced it is the first business intelligence vendor to support Safari, Apple's open-source-based web browser: "Mac users of Business Objects will have full access to the new generation of BusinessObjects Enterprise 6 WebIntelligence and InfoView portal capabilities. This includes powerful, integrated query, reporting, and analysis solutions in a thin-client environment. Enterprise Mac users will also enjoy superior performance, full Unicode support for multinational/multilingual deployments, and comprehensive support for LDAP-based security systems." Support for Safari is expected to be available in Q4 of 2003.

CRiSP - Editing Workbench dev tool for OS X

06/23, 9:55pm

CRiSP - Editing Workbench dev tool for OS X

Vital today announced CRiSP - Editing Workbench for Mac OS X, which is targeted "to developers interested in high-powered text editing and programming options and makes liberal usage of windowing styles from Windows and UNIX to provide a very advanced development environment for developers in all backgrounds. CRiSP comes with a platform independent macro language that can be used to fully customize / enhance the feature set." It features columnar editing, drag & drop support, full Finder support, syntax coloring for 80 languages, embedded script language, large file support, tagging and cross-referencing browsing support, mult-file editing/search, and other functions. A 21-day demo of the $150 application is available.

Apps: OpenOffice.org, CADintosh, Backup...

06/23, 6:05pm

Apps: OpenOffice.org, CADintosh, Backup...

OpenOffice.org has released OpenOffice.org 1.03 for Mac OS X (X11). This release runs with X11 graphics provided by either Apple X11 or XFree86. The "free, complete, and open-source office suite" supports FreeType's font engine, for anti-aliased fonts, can open and save as Microsoft Office documents, and other features. Open 1.1b2, the next beta, is also available for download. [options]
Gammonsoft has introduced a new backgammon game called Absolute Backgammon: "it has superb graphics and sound. It has a very attractive default board with the ability to use other boards (themes/skins), including a much larger Glass Board. Other features include the use of speech and the option to select from several methods to move the pieces." The $25 shareware runs on Mac OS 9/X. [810KB]
Lemke Software's CADintosh 4.4 ($32) is an update to the 2D-CAD program for technical and architectural drawings. It adds a hybrid mode for working with TIFF images, custom text fonts, improved printing under Mac OS X, better DXF import, and other changes. It is available in German, English, French, Danish and Japanese. [Classic, OSX]
Apple's Backup 1.2.2 software, which requires Mac OS X 10.2.6 or later, for Mac OS X and .Mac adds support for iTunes 4, Safari, and QuickPick hidding. The utility can back up files to your iDisk or CD/DVD backup (hardware required) with functions for scheduling, automatic restoration, and QuickPicks (specific types of files).
Script Software's CopyPaste 1.6 is an update to its clipboard system utility. It adds a new multi-selection feature, an option to append text to the clipboard, a new optional menu bar icon, and other changes. The $20 utility provides multiple clipboards and other useful utilities. [2.4MB]
ECXS has released a "Lite" version of its workgroup organizer, contact- and project management system. ecOrganizer Lite ($100) is based on FileMaker Pro's run-time engine and is only available in single-user and only includes the basic (organizer, contact- and project management) modules. The additional modules for quoting, invoices and time-/cost management are only available in the ‘full’ version ($200 for a limited time).
biakfennel's DVDManager 1.0 is a "simple, yet efficient" DVD manager available in English and French. Users can manage playlists, search for DVDs, filter DVDs according to status, export lists, and perform other organizational functions. It requires Mac OS X 10.2. [250KB]
An public release of qXport 3.0a1 is now available. The new version of the Word-to-QuarkXPress converter is completely rewritten with a Client-Server architecture, offering the ability to integrate with other text editing and layout applications in the future. "qXport primer" (Client) is a free Word-Addin, which optimizes the Word file before for conversion "qXport converter" Server (Mac OS 9/X). It offer performance improvements and support for the latest versions of Quark Xpress. [Classic, OSX]
Moho 4.5 ($100) is an update to the 2D vector-based cartoon animation application for Mac OS X. It offers a set of tools for drawing, coloring, keyframe animation, multi-layer compositing, and final rendering of QuickTime and AVI movie files. It adds true true 3D layer positioning and camera movement, depth sorting of layers, undoable camera moves, bone scaling, more control over layer shadow and shading, and other enhancements. [4.4MB]

Apple announces dual-2GHz Power Mac G5

06/23, 5:30pm

Apple announces dual-2GHz Power Mac G5

Apple today released what it calls the "world's fastest" personal computer the Power Mac G5 at speeds of up to dual-2GHz. The computers are expected to ship in August (all three configurations) with FireWire 800, FireWire 400, USB 2.0, the 64-bit G5 processor, Nvidia or ATI graphics cards, optical digital audio input and output, a new enclosure, serial ATA drives, and support for both Bluetooh and AirPort as well as other optional hardware. Pricing ranges from $2000 to $3,000. Update: Apple also revised its Power Mac G4 line-up, reducing pricing as well as reduced configurations.

FileMaker to demo Web Objects compatibility

06/23, 5:15pm

FileMaker to demo Web Objects compatibility

FileMaker will begin demonstrating connectivity between FileMaker Pro 6 and Apple's Web Objects 5.2 and Keynote 1.1, at the Apple Worldwide Developer Conference starting today. WooF (WebObjects on FileMaker) from 360 Works, is a WebObjects adaptor, which allows WebObjects 5.2 to read and write to a FileMaker Pro database, allowing for powerful database Web publishing. In addition, FileMaker will demonstrate FileMaker to Keynote 1.1, its free tool allowing FileMaker customers to transform data contained within FileMaker Pro 6 databases into native presentations for Apple's new Keynote presentation software.

Apple announces Xcode developer tools

06/23, 5:10pm

Apple announces Xcode developer tools

Apple today announced Xcode, a set of powerful developer tools that brings high performance UNIX-based development environment, a breakthrough user interface and powerful performance technologies including Fix and Continue, Zero Link and Distributed Build. It is due in September and available now as a public beta. (Apple has also posted Tech notes on Tuning for a G5, Driver Tuning for Panther, and G5 Performance Primer.)

Apple releases final version of Safari 1.0

06/23, 5:00pm

Apple releases final version of Safari 1.0

Apple today released Safari 1.0, completing its successful beta program which had nearly five million downloads since its initial release near the beginning of this year. Safari will be the default browser for all newly introduced Macs, starting with the Power Mac G5 announced today. Apple also released a software development kit that allows developers to embed the Safari HTML rendering engine directly into their applications. Safari features AutoTab for quick loading of bookmark folders, bookmark syncing, increased standards support and is available in all Mac OS X languages. [not yet available]

Oracle to release full Oracle 9i for Mac OS X

06/23, 4:55pm

Oracle to release full Oracle 9i for Mac OS X

Oracle Corp. today announced new plans to issue a production release of its next generation database technology on Mac OS X, following a successful public release of its Developer Release for Mac OS X earlier this year: "In the first half of 2003 alone, more than 5,000 copies of Oracle9i Database Developer Release for Mac OS X were downloaded from the Oracle Technology Network. With the upcoming production release, not only will customers be able to deploy enterprise class applications that leverage Oracle's leading database technology, but can do so economically by adding additional Xserve servers, utilizing Oracle's database clustering technology as computing power demands increase." The company did not note a release date or pricing.

Apple debuts iChat AV, iSight video camera

06/23, 4:45pm

Apple debuts iChat AV, iSight video camera

Apple today released iChat AV software application and the iSight digital video camera, which enables high-quality video conferences between two Mac users over any broadband connection and features audio conferences on slower dial-up connections. iChat AV is a feature of the upcoming release of Mac OS X 10.3 "Panther," and is available as a public beta today for Mac OS X version 10.2 "Jaguar."

Apple previews Mac OS X Panther Server

06/23, 4:35pm

Apple previews Mac OS X Panther Server

Apple today previewed Mac OS X 10.3 "Panther" Server, the next major release of its UNIX-based server. It now includes Automatic Setup for easily setting up multiple servers; Open Directory 2 for hosting scalable LDAP directory and Kerberos authentication services; Samba 3 for providing login and home directory support for Windows clients; and the JBoss application server for running powerful J2EE applications. Panther Server will be available by end of the year for $500 (10-clients) and $1000 for an unlimited version.

Apple WWDC announcements recapped

06/23, 4:35pm

Apple WWDC announcements recapped

We've posted a complete review of Apple's major announcements at the World Wide Developers Conference today, including the preview of Mac OS X 'Panther' and the release of the Power Mac G5. Update: Apple has also posted its WWDC 2003 Keynote by Steve Jobs as a QuickTime Webcast replay, while our original WWDC 2003 Keynote Live Coverage is also available.)

Apple previews Mac OS X Panther at WWDC

06/23, 4:25pm

Apple previews Mac OS X Panther at WWDC

Apple today previewed Mac OS X 10.3 "Panther," the next major version of Mac OS X that will ship by the end of this year. The fourth major release of Mac OS X in four years, Panther sets a new gold standard for desktop operating systems with more than 100 breakthrough new features including a completely new Finder; Expose, a new way to instantly see all your open windows at once; and iChat AV, a complete desktop video conferencing solution for business, education and consumers. Mac OS X 10.3 Panther will be available by the end of this year for $130.

SQL Anywhere Studio 9 gains Mac OS X support

06/23, 12:05pm

SQL Anywhere Studio 9 gains Mac OS X support

iAnywhere Solutions, a subsidiary of Sybase, today announced the general availability of SQL Anywhere Studio 9, the next generation of its data management and enterprise synchronization solution for anytime, anywhere access to corporate information. It features Mac OS X support as well as support for XML, Web services, server initiated synchronization, and .NET, including XML import/export capabilities, SQLX functionality, new HTTP server and SOAP support. It is $400 with a single deployment license priced at $120; it is due in Fall 2003. A public beta is available now.

Metrowerks to release update to CodeTEST

06/23, 12:00pm

Metrowerks to release update to CodeTEST

Metrowerks' CodeTEST 4.0.1 is a comprehensive suite of C/C++ software analysis tools that enables developers to "reduce development costs and improve application[s]." It provides detailed measurement information of desktop applications, including comprehensive code coverage, performance profiling, memory analysis and software trace. Version 4.0.1, a maintenance update, is expected to be available in July. CodeTEST is $3,000 per license, which includes the first year of maintenance and support.

ackNOWLEDGE announces case for new iPod

06/23, 11:45am

ackNOWLEDGE announces case for new iPod

ackNOWLEDGE today announced that it will soon ship a redesigned iSkin protector for the new generation Apple iPods. Called the iSkin eXo, it is designed to offer all-round external surface protection, without compromising the usability, size or aesthetic qualities of the iPod. The iSkin eXo is made from a silicone that is soft to the touch yet provides flexible, durable coverage with an anti-slip grip. It is available in two separate sizes and is custom molded to fit either the 10/15GB or 30GB iPod. It also includes a removable screen protector that inserts into the screen opening of the iSkin, covering the iPod screen and protecting it from scratches. The $30 iSkin includes a belt clip and is available in 25 colors.

Apple WWDC 2003 Keynote details

06/23, 11:30am

Apple WWDC 2003 Keynote details

Steve Jobs's WWDC Keynote is expected to start at 1 pm ET from the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Several universities will be offering a live broadcast of the live satellite feed, which will also be available at select Apple Stores and some resellers. We will have live coverage of the event. Users can also join the discussion in the MacNN forums and in live chat on MacNN's IRC Network. (Apple will also offer a delayed QuickTime Webcast.)

Apps; VLC, MacMaid, DropWaterMark, HighDesign

06/23, 11:25am

Apps; VLC, MacMaid, DropWaterMark, HighDesign

The VideoLAN team has released VLC 0.60 media player, code-named "Trevelyan". It features a new CDDA input (for audio CDs), multicast IPv6 support, support for Sorenson 3 (SVQ3 or Quicktime content) via ffmpeg, support for QuickTime codecs under Mac OS X, a new HTTP remote control interface, better SAP/SDP announcing support in IPv4 and IPv6, and other enhancements and bug fixes. [6.7MB]
Emagic's new Guitar Tuner plug-in runs under Mac OS X 10.2 and any host software that supports Audio Unit, such as Logic 5.5 or higher. For Logic users, the plug-in can be inserted on an input channel, and used to tune any stringed instrument. The Guitar Tuner is available for free download. [931KB]
MacMaid 2.0 from Realmac Software is described as a cleaning utility for Mac OS X, allowing users to manage and organize the desktop. The new Cocoa-based version offers a sentence-based rule system, performance improvements, scheduling, supports moving/opening/deleting of directories, has file protection features, and a menubar icon. It is a free upgrade to the $10 utility. [419KB]
Aqua For Command-Line Tools provides point-and-click user interfaces for controlling the command-line tools shipped with Mac OS X, allowing users to "skip the manual and have correct command lines built for you." Version 1.0 includes graphical interfaces for over 20 command-line tools in 4 usage categories. The $15 shareware requires Mac OS X. [205KB]
Yenco.com's Archive 5.1 update contains over 40 enhancements including a new button bar, an improved startup process, resizable search/browse and disk overview windows, an automatic software update feature, built-in feedback, recent catalog access, various interface enhancements and other enhancements to the $20 shareware for catalogging disks. [940KB]
Reliabit MDDS 1.35 is an update to the multicast file distribution system for Mac OS X and Red Hat Linux. The update includes Configcast auto configuration, improved packet correction, new login splash screen and numerous bug fixes. The system offers security features for the encryption of data in transit, packet correction of multicast data, and distribution management as well as XML-based configuration.
LAJ Design's DropWaterMark 1.2 ($13) is an update to its cross-platform application that allows users to easily create watermark images. Users can set two different one line text marks, an image (image on image), or set borders for for photos along with custom fonts, font properties, rotation, position, and transparency (or brightness and color). [Classic, OSX]
SCGI says it has developed a "revolutionary" sharpening and softening plug-in for Adobe Photoshop. The Asiva Sharpen+Soften plug-in allows unmatched control over how an effect is applied to an image. It supports 8 or 16-bit, RGB or CMYK files. A built in Sampler Tool allows for the easy selection of a color range for sharpening or softening should occur, often eliminating complex masking. The Asiva Sharpen+Soften plug-in is currently in the beta test stage and release is expected in mid-July.
Ilexsoft's HighDesign 1.0.2 is an update to the new professional CAD and illustration program for Mac OS 9/X: "This release provides: many improvements and fixes on walls; added the ability to change the leading side of a selected wall; doors and windows can now be moved within their parent wall; better HPGL support; DXF files can now be opened via a double-click; improved Hatch & Fill properties dialogue; and other miscellaneous bug fixes. It is $350. [Classic, OSX]

Zend Studio for Mac OS X released

06/23, 10:15am

Zend Studio for Mac OS X released

Zend Technologies today announced the availability of its PHP Integrated Development Environment (IDE), Zend Studio for Mac OS X: "For the past two years, thousands of developers have adopted the Zend Studio as their IDE of choice when creating and developing in PHP, the server side scripting language now used on over 9 million sites worldwide. Now, the complete Zend Studio including an advanced development environment, local and remote debugging capabilities and online help guide is available for Mac OS X." A 21-day demo of the $200 application is available now.

LaCie announces PocketDVD-RW Drive

06/23, 9:20am

LaCie announces PocketDVD-RW Drive

LaCie last week announced its new portable PocketDVD-RW Drive with a FireWire interface. The bus-powered, compact DVD-rewritable drive features a rugged bumper guard and weighs only 1.4 pounds. It ships with recording software for Macs, including Roxio Toast Lite for CD and DVD recording and CaptyDVD for full-featured DVD authoring. The drive features a 2MB buffer, reads CDs at 16x10x24x and DVDs at 3x1x8x. It will be available in July 2003 for $400. Drives ship with a FireWire cable, CaptyDVD authoring software, Toast Lite CD and DVD recording software, and one free piece of DVD-R media.

LaCie also announced a new dual compatible DVD+/-RW drive that incorporates both FireWire and USB 2.0 connectivity. Shipping with Pixela's CaptyDVD, a full-featured authoring software, it supports both DVD-RW and DVD+RW formats (2x DVD-R, 1x DVD-RW, 2x DVD-RAM, 12x DVD-ROM, unknown DVD+RW), as well as, the ability to burn CD-R and CD-RW media (12x/8x/32x). Featured in the d2 design, the fanless drive is encased in a sturdy metal alloy that dissipates heat to prolong drive performance and has an external AC adapter to keep the drive cool. It is due in July for $350.

Pinnacle ships CineWave 4 for FCP 4

06/23, 9:00am

Pinnacle ships CineWave 4 for FCP 4

Pinnacle Systems today began shipping CineWave 4, delivering new advanced real-time, offline, online, film and audio capability to Final Cut Pro 4. Version 4 includes real-time support for DV50, Apple LiveType titling, the high-quality Animation codec, video out with Apple Soundtrack, and support for up to 5 uncompressed real-time tracks (3 video and 2 graphics with alpha channels). CineWave includes high-quality offline support with real-time HD and SD capture into PhotoJPEG, DV25/DV50 and CineOffline; new real-time effects for DV25/50, PhotoJPEG, etc.; new high-precision 32-bit floating-point rendering; real-time reverse telecine from 30 or 29.97 FPS video capture to 24 FPS footage in both HD and SD formats; real-Time HD Effects; and support for Steinberg Nuendo and up to eight tracks of audio out with Final Cut Pro 4. Full CineWave systems are $4,000, while upgrades start at $300.

Stalker debuts CommuniGate Pro v4.1

06/23, 8:55am

Stalker debuts CommuniGate Pro v4.1

Stalker Software's CommuniGate Pro v4.1 with Groupware is a robust messaging and collaboration package, enabling Microsoft Outlook in full workgroup mode. The 4.1 release extends groupware productivity beyond the office desktop byproviding collaborative functionality via the Web interface, and any other client or device adhering to existing and emerging Internet calendaring and groupware standards. Version 4.1 brings an improved Webmail interface with advanced calendaring, scheduling and contact management capabilities and supports standards-based mail clients such as Eudora, Netscape, and Evolution as well as a fully customizable wireless WML interface. CommuniGate Pro v4.1 supports a wide variety of protocols and standards including SMTP/POP/IMAP for e-mail and iCalendar/iTIP/iMIP for calendaring.

Keyspan ships USB Parallel Printer Adapter

06/23, 8:45am

Keyspan ships USB Parallel Printer Adapter

Keyspan is now shipping a hardware and software package to quickly add and use parallel printers to Macs running Mac OS X. The USB Parallel Printer Adapter ($40) is a six-foot cable used to connect a parallel printer to the USB port on a Mac/PC, and is compatible with more than 200 parallel inkjet, laser and dot matrix printers. Users can install a third-party driver such as Gimp-Print, install the Keyspan Printer Utility, add the printer from the list to the Mac's Print Center and print via the CUPS printing engine and third-party drivers. [site not updated]

Wolfram releases Mathematica 5

06/23, 8:40am

Wolfram releases Mathematica 5

Wolfram Research today announced the release of Mathematica 5, a version of its technical computing software. Mathematica 5 can outperform dedicated numerical systems in raw computational speed, offering up to a 1000x performance improvement and over 100 new algorithms for symbolic and numeric computation. It offers support for fast sparse matrix operations;; numerical solvers for ordinary/partial differencial equations, new algorithms for solving equations and inequalities symbolically; an integrated solver for differential algebraic equations; expanded support for vector and array functions in numeric solvers; .NET/Link for integration with Microsoft's .NET; import/export of DICOM/PNG/SVG formats; and an optimized version for 64-bit hardware and operating systems.

The Iconfactory launches StockIcons.com

06/23, 8:20am

The Iconfactory launches StockIcons.com

The Iconfactory today launched StockIcons.com, a Website geared towards software developers looking for professional quality stock icons for inclusion in their desktop or web-based applications. The icon artists at the factory have taken their skills and experiences and applied them to the creation of high-quality sets of affordable icons. Each stock set comes complete with 80 individual icons rendered in three pixel sizes - 32x32, 24x24 and 16x16. Each size is provided in a range of file formats including 32-bit TIFs, PNGs, 8-bit GIFs, BMPs and of course Mac .ICNS and Windows .ICO formats. Individual collections are available for $350 (electronic download).

RadTech offers "Mac Pirate" ScreensavRz

06/23, 8:15am

RadTech offers "Mac Pirate" ScreensavRz

RadTech today announced a limited edition, commemorative "Mac Pirate" Laptop ScreensavRz for all currently shipping Mac portables. It features the "unique and symbolic pirate flag which proudly flew above the original Macintosh 'skunkworks'." RadTech ScreensavRz are designed to protect notebook LCD displays from damaging contact with keyboard and chassis, as well as offering the ability to clean, polish and remove prior damage resulting from abrasive contact, without the need for additional chemical-based sprays, solvents or wet-wipes. The Mac Pirate ScreensavRz will be available on-site at WWDC. Availability beyond the conference has yet to be determined.

LANDesk demos software license monitoring

06/23, 8:10am

LANDesk demos software license monitoring

LANDesk Software is demonstrating new software license monitoring and management capabilities for Mac OS X in the Exhibit Fair at WWDC. The company says it plans to make this new technology available as a product update to the LANDesk Management Suite solution in the fourth quarter of this year. The new software license management technology follows the recent release of software distribution, expanded inventory and remote control support for Mac OS X in LANDesk Management Suite 7. LANDesk Software License Monitoring also provides the ability to deny unauthorized applications from running, even when a machine is disconnected from the network via a resident agent, as well as sophisticated reporting with audit, execution and usage trend reports.

SubRosaSoft debuts CopyCatX 1.0 utility

06/23, 7:45am

SubRosaSoft debuts CopyCatX 1.0 utility

SubRosaSoft today announced CopyCatX 1.0, an "extremely fast and easy-to-use" utility for duplicating an a Mac OS X hard drive. CopyCatX utilizes "device copying" technology instead of the more common "file-by-file" copy employed by most backup software: "Using device copy enables a user to retain every detail of the original drive, from bootablity to the icon locations. Device copy is also a lot faster than the traditional file-by-file backup." The $40 utility is available now.

Apps: Fink, Gimp-Print, Gamma Control, ...

06/23, 2:45am

Apps: Fink, Gimp-Print, Gamma Control, ...

The Fink Project has released version 0.5.3 of Fink, the open-source software for running native Unix software of Mac OS X. Details of the latest release are not available. This version does not support the upcoming Mac OS X 10.3: "Once the Fink developers have received pre-release seeds of 10.3, we will begin testing." [Download - 13.7MB]
Gimp-Print 4.3.17 is an update to the printer drivers for Mac OS X that enable printing from Ghostscript, CUPS, Foomatic, and the Gimp. The 4.3.x version line is "approaching mainline stability and has many new features over the current mainline (4.2.x)." [Download - 5.2MB]
Gamma Control 2.2 is an update to the freeware utility to adjust your display's gamma curve. This new version correct a bug that prevented separate calibration of a second monitor. You can now link knobs for the three channels while dragging by holding the shift key. Also, it offers support for loading Photoshop .amp curve file format. [Download - 166KB]
Proteus 3.0 is an instant messaging client for Mac OS X that offers support for the AIM, ICQ, IRC, MSN and Yahoo! communication systems. Specific details of version 3.0 were not published. [Download - 6.1MB]
KisMAC is one of the few 'stumbler' applications for OS X that will detect hidden networks and put an Airport card into monitoring mode without sending probe requests. The latest version (0.05b) offers "detailed advances and a lot of bug fixes." Most importantly, the installer contains a new version of the sourceforge wireless driver, which has a new power-management system. [Download - 3.0MB]