News Archive for 03/07/23

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Dynagram announces INposition 6.0 XTension

07/23, 9:30pm

Dynagram announces INposition 6.0 XTension

Dynagram today announced that it will be releasing a Mac OS X version of INposition 6.0, its imposition XTension Quark Xpress. Version 6.0 will be fully compatible with QuarkXPress 6 and Mac OS X and will also include new filters for Adobe InDesign and Acrobat 6 PDF files as well as will include printing and UI enhancements. INposition 6.0 will be available by the end of the third quarter 2003. Dynagram's pre-launch specials offer $400 pre-order upgrades for existing INposition 5 customers and free upgrades for all purchases of INposition 5.0 upgrades ($600) and new INposition 5.0 purchases.

PFTrack 1.1: 3D camera match-moving app

07/23, 9:20pm

PFTrack 1.1: 3D camera match-moving app

The Pixel Farm today announced PFTrack 1.1, its "revolutionary" 3D camera match-moving application based on core technology developed by Manchester University's Advanced Interfaces Group; it provides a suite of state-of-the-art tools to exactly match Computer Generated content with film or video footage of any resolution. Version 1.1 contains significant enhancements to productivity and workflow as well as expanding the capability of the already industry leading calibration algorithms.

Apple Security Update 2003-07-23 fixes bug

07/23, 9:05pm

Apple Security Update 2003-07-23 fixes bug

Apple's Security Update 2003-07-23 for both Mac OS X 10.2.6 Client & Server "improves the security of your system by assigning a 'disabled' password to a new account created by Workgroup Manager until that account has been saved for the first time. This ensures the new account cannot be accessed by an unauthorized individual." [563KB]

Keyspan ships retractable USB charging cables

07/23, 4:50pm

Keyspan ships retractable USB charging cables

Keyspan is now shipping retractable USB charging cables for most popular cell phones. The cables allow a cell phone to be charged from the USB port and are designed for use with Nokia, Motorola, Ericcson, Siemens, Sony, Samsung, LG Mobile, Sanyo, and Kyocera cell phones. Keyspan has also released AC and DC adapters that allow cell phones to be charged from a power outlet in a building, car or boat. The cables feature a remarkably compact form factor and extends to 30 inches. Cable prices range from $22 to $30.

Tech: Jackson on piracy; do-not-spam list ...

07/23, 4:15pm

Tech: Jackson on piracy; do-not-spam list ...

"I am speechless about the idea of putting music fans in jail for downloading music," said Michael Jackson in reaction to the recently announced Music Piracy Bill; Americans overwhelmingly support a do-not-spam list, according to a new study released Wednesday by privacy consultant and antispam software seller ePrivacy Group; Sun Microsystems barely broke even in its fiscal fourth quarter and reported a larger-than-expected sales decline of 13 percent.

Formac updates Devideon DVD Authoring app

07/23, 3:50pm

Formac updates Devideon DVD Authoring app

Formac today announced a new release of its Devideon DVD Authoring software. The new release detects and incorporates chapter marks inserted in iMovie 3 editing software, and is "the first" DVD Authoring software to support Pioneer’s A05 as well as A06 mechanism. Concurrent with the release of the new software, Formac has also lowered the price for its complete hardware/software DVD Authoring package to $300, including the FireWire-based DVD-R/RW & CD-R/RW combo drive. Existing Devideon superdrive owners can download the new release of the Devideon software for free.

Apple UK offers server financing

07/23, 3:40pm

Apple UK offers server financing

Apple UK is offering customers the option to lease server solutions for as little as £88 per month. A single-processor Xserve is available for a monthly fee of £88; a 1.26TB Xserve RAID for £194 a month; or a 2.52TB Xserve RAID for £392 monthly.

Abelton releases Live 2.1 audio sequencer

07/23, 3:40pm

Abelton releases Live 2.1 audio sequencer

Ableton today released Live 2.1, a free update to its sequencing instrument with multitrack recording and editing--after announcing the update earlier this month. Live 2.1 brings full ReWire support to Windows, Mac OS 9 and now Mac OS X. Version 2.1 integrates seamlessly with Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Nuendo, Digital Performer and Reason. It also adds multi-channel audio input and output support for the entire range of Digidesign's audio hardware via Direct I/O; supports samples in Sound Designer II format; has a more responsive interface; and includes PDF version the manual in English, French and German. The full version is available for Mac OS 9/X for $400.

Wildform offers Wild FX Pro titling software

07/23, 3:10pm

Wildform offers Wild FX Pro titling software

Wildform today announced the release of Wild FX Pro, a versatile and easy-to-use video titling and text animation application. It ships with 417 effects that work with a user's installed fonts, including double-byte characters. Wild FX Pro also offers for many video formats, such as .mov, .avi, .dv, and .mp4 as well as .swf Flash files; it also supports alpha channel for creating transparent backgrounds for use with non-linear editing programs. It is available now for $100.

ATI clarifies new Radeon lineup

07/23, 3:00pm

ATI clarifies new Radeon lineup

A week ago, we reported that ATI had unveiled its Radeon 9800 Pro Mac Edition as a BTO option on Apple's new Power Mac G5. ATI has clarified its original press release, now stating that is Radeon 9800 Pro Mac Edition is a retail product, with a price tag of $400. It features 128MB of DDR memory and an AGP 4x/2x interface allowing it to work in any G4 or G5 computer. During WWDC, Apple announced the Radeon 9600 Pro and Radeon 9800 Pro OEM products. Both these solutions will ship in the G5 directly from Apple. They both feature ADC and DVI connectors. The 9800 has 128MB of DDR memory and is an 8x AGP-Pro card. The 9600 has 64MB of DDR memory and is an 8x AGP card.

Apps: Qt, iPod It, iBank, Aargon, SpamSlam

07/23, 2:00pm

Apps: Qt, iPod It, iBank, Aargon, SpamSlam

Trolltech today announced the release of Qt 3.2, an update to its multi-platform, C++ application framework that lets developers write one application that will run natively on many platforms. The new release includes two new widgets, additional database support, Indic and Syriac script support, and many other improvements. [Download - 16.2MB]
ZappTek has released iPod It 2.0, an update to its iPod software for using PDA-like functions on the iPod. This version introduces a new "sync-centric user" interface that maintains "the power and control you've come to expect from previous versions of iPod It." This release also adds the ability to transfer information from Stickies, Mail.app, and Address Book. [Download - 436KB]
iBank 1.1.3 is an update to the intuitive money management solution for Mac OS X. New features include the ability to have checks act as transfers, marking transactions as reconciled acts like a toggle, improved qif import and numerous other enhancements and bug fixes. iBank costs $20. [Download - 3.3MB]
Red Marble Games, in association with Twilight Games, announced today that Aargon Deluxe, the popular laser puzzle game for Mac OS X, is now available in a Mac OS 9 distribution. Aargon Deluxe is a non-violent logic game in which the player uses a wide variety of tools -- beam splitters, refractors, color converters, etc -- to direct one or more laser beams to its goal. [Download - 3.3MB]
SpamSlam 1.1 is an update to the "revolutionary tool" that blocks nearly all unwanted junk email. Version 1.1 includes bug fixes, and a new Rules system that allows for greater flexibility including real mailing list support, and the ability to blacklist and whitelist entire domains. Registration of the shareware application is $20. [Download - 2.0MB]
Prosoniq recently announced a new version of its MPEX2 library for Mac OS X. Version 2.2 dramatically improves performance for some quality levels, fixes compatibility problems that were reported with 96kHz files and enhances accuracy when processing very long files. [Download - site not updated]
MySQL 4.0.14 is a maintenance update to the SQL database environment. Version 4.0.14 includes countless changes, and bug fixes to address issues in the previous version. A Mac OS X-specific distribution is available. [Download - 7.4MB]
iRoster Version 1.0b8 adds new features and fixes bugs found in the Rendezvous-based service browser and advertiser. The latest release adds a preference to prevent Rendezvous services hosted on the user's Macintosh from showing up in the menu; fixes the Dock icon badge; adds a 'Rendezvous' menu; and corrects other minor bugs. [Download - 1.0MB]

MacPlay ships Aliens vs. Predator 2

07/23, 12:45pm

MacPlay ships Aliens vs. Predator 2

MacPlay is now shipping Aliens vs. Predator 2, the sequel to popular first-person shooter: "The intense action takes place on planet LV1201, where a group of scientists set up a base and capture several Aliens to study. When the vicious creatures escape, the scientists call for help from the Colonial Marines." The game features 21 missions and 3 interlocking storylines that allow the player to take on the role of Alien, Predator, or Colonial Marine. Each sports new weapons and abilities; multiplayer mode offers 10 characters from which to choose and 12 maps where players can stage deathmatch, team deathmatch, survivor, evac, overrun, and hunt contests. The $50 title requires Mac OS X 10.2.5.

PhotoshopWorld returns for 2003

07/23, 12:25pm

PhotoshopWorld returns for 2003

"Creativity, productivity, and profitability" will be the training focus of this year’s PhotoshopWorld Conference & Expo, the National Association of Photoshop Professionals said today. Billed as “The Largest Adobe Photoshop Event In The World” and sponsored by Adobe Systems, PhotoshopWorld will offer attendees more than 60 educational sessions and 12 after-hours events. Conference admission is $500 on or before August 25, 2003, $600 after August 25, 2003.

Sparkpod offers trial of online service

07/23, 11:55am

Sparkpod offers trial of online service

Sparkpod announced today that it is offering free trial accounts for its new Web log hosting service. Sparkpod was designed using Apple- and Macintosh-based solutions. Sparkpod was programmed using WebObjects, designed using Macs, and is hosted on Xserves. Sparkpod offers the "easiest way" to get started with Web logging, also known as "blogging."

Momjian returns to teach PostgreSQL at Ranch

07/23, 11:50am

Momjian returns to teach PostgreSQL at Ranch

Bruce Momjian is returning "by popular demand" to teach PostgreSQL at the Big Nerd Ranch, August 18-22. Momjian is the author of "PostgreSQL: Introduction and Concepts," a book on the subject. PostgreSQL is a sophisticated object-relational database management system. The Big Nerd Ranch offers intensive training classes for Unix and Mac OS X programmers in a lodge outside Atlanta. Class price of $3500 includes lodging, meals, instruction materials, 24-hour lab access, and transportation to and from the Atlanta airport.

'Direct Approach: Maya' published

07/23, 11:30am

'Direct Approach: Maya' published

"Direct Approach: Maya 5" from Platinum Rose Publishing is a guide to Maya on the Mac platform by John Rose. The book offers a "no-nonsense" learning technique that takes users "right to the hard-core procedures of the application." Other "Direct Approach" from Platinum Rose include: Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator. It is available now for $50.

Palm debuts Tungsten T2 handheld

07/23, 10:40am

Palm debuts Tungsten T2 handheld

Palm today introduced the Palm Tungsten T2 handheld with integrated Bluetooth and voice-recorder capabilities as well as 32MB SDRAM (29.5MB user available) of memory--twice that of the original Tungsten, a high-resolution 320x320 TFT display, Palm OS v5.2.1, and new MP3, video playback, and photo software. The Palm Tungsten T2 handheld is expected to cost $400. Also effective today, Palm announced the price reduction of two current handhelds. The Palm m130 handheld is reduced from $200 to $180, and the Palm m515 handheld is reduced from $300 to $250.

Dell targets promos, rebates toward Mac users

07/23, 10:35am

Dell targets promos, rebates toward Mac users

MacNN reader Alex Bortvin notes that Dell is offering Mac users at the Whitehead Institute (Cambridge MA) incentives to switch to from a Mac to a Dell system: "Dell is offering nearly $250 for blue and white G3 computers and over $400 for graphite G4s when you purchase a new Dell Precision workstation. To make the deal more interesting, they will also give you a $250 rebate in addition to the trade-in value if you participate in this program."

Willow Design offers new Mac Lab cases

07/23, 10:30am

Willow Design offers new Mac Lab cases

Willow Design has announced a set of Mac Lab cases (to fit multiple Titaniums, 14" iBooks, and Clamshell iBooks) to make setting up portable Macintosh curriculum labs easier. The cases were designed as a result of customer requests after Willow released its popular 12" iBook MacLab case in December 2002. The cases will fit five to seven of the different Macs, an AirPort Base Station, and the power supplies, cords and accessories needed to set up a portable Mac lab, all in separated and highly protective compartments. Pricing starts at $200.

4D Summit Conference scheduled for October

07/23, 7:50am

4D Summit Conference scheduled for October

4D has announced details of the upcoming 4D Summit Conference 2003, which is scheduled for October 15-19 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The 4D Summit, for developers to "discuss driving technology topics with other developers and with the 4D engineers," covers many current topics, such as XML and cost-effective application integration using Web Services. It also offers 40 conference sessions, a special pre-class on Web Services, a third-party exhibit fair, "An Evening with 4D" event, and a post-class focusing on the future of 4D. Early-bird registration discounts are available through the end of the month.

Sprint to create WiFi hotspot network

07/23, 7:20am

Sprint to create WiFi hotspot network

Sprint PCS Group will build Wi-Fi wireless LAN hot spots (using AirPort-compatible 802.11b standards) and create roaming agreements with other service providers for wireless access in more than 2,100 U.S. locations by the end of this year, according to Infoworld: "Prices were not yet available for the service, which will be launched by the end of this quarter, and charges for the Wi-Fi service can't be integrated into Sprint customers' cellular service bills until late this year...[It] will kick off with more than 800 hot spots in locations such as airports, convention centers and hotels.

IT-Enquirer: The Official G5 Interview

07/23, 7:05am

IT-Enquirer: The Official G5 Interview

The IT-Enquirer has posted "The Official G5 Interview," an interview with Apple's Tom Boger, the Director Power Mac Worldwide Product Marketing. It covers several topics, including the importance of 64-bit hardware, the use of aluminum for heat dissapation and design considerations, and Apple's initial benchmarking claims.

Apps: Mozilla, DVDxDV, Numerology, macstl...

07/23, 6:55am

Apps: Mozilla, DVDxDV, Numerology, macstl...

Mozilla.org has released Mozilla 1.5a, better resizing for images, tables and absolutely positioned objects; support for absolutely positioned objects, movable on the canvas using the mouse; support for z-index management; and other enhancements. [15MB]
MAKI Enterprise has released its parental control program, Kids GoGoGo 7.6. It offers an improved site judgement system, better restriction for Asian sites, and an improved CheckHistory function. It is a free update to the $30 application. [Classic, OSX]
Finder Bookmarks is an editor for Web Location Files, browser-independent bookmarks that you can store URLs in files. It can edit locations and attach site icons to the Web Location's icon as well as adds a powerful new kind of location file, Dynamic Locations, for faster web searching and lookups. [1.0MB]
Quadmation's PlayerPRO 5.9.8, a maintenance update, is a complete music editing program with a tracker, composer, and player. It supports dozens of sound formats, including WAV, AIFF, AIFC, SoundDesignerII, MP3, MuLaw, ALaw, AVI, MPEG (I, II and III), PAT (GUS), QDesign, and RAW Data. The freeware version is now open-source, with the complete C source code available on the Web.
QuickConvert 2 ($10) offers processing of Finder files using Entourage/Mail-like rules. It change mac creator/type codes and also modify file names and move files. Version 2.0 features batch processing, folder scanning, a new rules engine with 20 conditions and 10 actions, support for unlimited rules, and improved speed. [915KB]
DBCopy Tool for MySQL (Preview) offers functions to copy MySQL tables and databases. New features include the ability to make copies via a PHP Tunnel interface to copy MySQL databases hosted by an ISP without direct connection to the MySQL server. It is available as free add-on for specific editions of SQL4X Manager J, MySQL4X Manager and eSuite4X. [210KB]
DVDxDV 1.053, the software which exports the audio/video from DVDs, is now available. The $25 application is designed to extract your home movies off of a DVD. This version improves audio sync, stability, and performance and Apple's MPEG2 plug-in is no longer required in order to extract video from a DVD. In addition, it offers better support for non-iDVD created DVDs. [1.1MB]
Wine XT is a new wine cellar management software for wine enthusiasts. Users can manage wines and wine tasting notes, including sight, smell, taste and the quality of a wine as well as manage the wine cellar racks and reviews. The Mac OS X application is $50; a limited demo is available. [4.4MB]
Five12 has updated Numerology 1.14, a $50 modular MIDI sequencer for Mac OS X, to include improved MIDI Clock sync, MIDI NRPN generation, and several usability enhancements including new sequencer prototypes and automatic routing. It has also announced Audio Unit hosting for Numerology version 1.2, which is currently in beta testing. [2.5MB]
Pixelglow Software's macstl 0.1 is a new C++ source library with extensive C++ template support. macstl ($100) offers an Altivec-optimized valarray implementation which it says is more than 14x faster than the standard gcc implementation: "AltiVec programmers get a clear, natural syntax without sacrificing speed or portability." [71KB]

WiebeTech adds 300GB models, reduces prices

07/23, 6:25am

WiebeTech adds 300GB models, reduces prices

WiebeTech today added new 300GB capacities to its desktop enclosures as well as reduced on various configurations of Fire800 and DesktopGB+. Fire800, with FireWire 800 and USB connectivity, includes the enclosure, vertical stand for desktop use, three different FireWire 800 and 400 cables, USB cable and AC adapter. Prices start at $170 (case-only); the 300GB/5400 rpm version is $590, while prices on other have dropped by as much as $60. DesktopGB+, offering both standard FireWire and USB 2.0 connectivity, is $120 (case-only), while the 300GB version is $540. Other configurations were reduced in price by as much as $60 as well.

Konfabulator 1.5 updates JavaScript engine

07/23, 6:15am

Konfabulator 1.5 updates JavaScript engine

Arlo Rose and Perry Clarke have released Konfabulator 1.5, an update to its $25 system utility for Mac OS X. Widgets can now support drag and drop, direct text input, keyboard events, track of mouse events, and can be integrated with the desktop (behind everything or "floating"). It also adds over 200 new features, including weather forecasts, drag & drop support for Picture Frame, and unlimited stock symbol support. Konfabulator is a JavaScript runtime engine that uses modules (see Widget Gallery) to perform virtually any system or other scripting function. [4.6MB]