News Archive for 03/09/08

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IOGEAR offers MiniView Micro KVM

09/08, 10:15pm

IOGEAR offers MiniView Micro KVM

IOGEAR today announced its MiniView Micro KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch, with 6-foot built-in cables. The USB-enabled MiniView Micro is a compact, plug-and-play device which allows computer users to access two computers from a single PS/2 keyboard, monitor and PS/2 mouse. The switch measures 2.5" x 2.25" x 0.875", the equivalent to a deck of cards, and weighs 0.75 lbs. MiniView Micro USB works on most hardware platforms with the majority of operating systems. It is priced at $60 and is equipped with a built-in 6' KVM cable for simple, secure connectivity.

Apple updates Java for Mac OS X

09/08, 8:30pm

Apple updates Java for Mac OS X

Apple has released Java 1.4.1 Update 1 via the the Mac OS X Software Update preferences The update adds improved Java applet support for Safari and other Web browsers, improved rendering, and other compatibility enhancements.

Apps: VectorWorks, Déjà Vu, MacWasher ...

09/08, 6:40pm

Apps: VectorWorks, Déjà Vu, MacWasher ...

VectorWorks Series 10.5, an update to the CAD software for Mac OS X, is now available. Version 10.5 offers improvements and new technology including: interface refinements, new 3D surface and solids, and improved printing and DXF/DWG translation reliability. [Download - form]
Propaganda Productions has released Déjà Vu 2.5, a $15 preference pane for Mac OS X that allows you to perform scheduled or manual backups of important folders, or even make a bootable clone of your entire system. This version adds Toast support, an option to choose not to show backup progress, increased trial period from 15 to 30 launches, and a Ukrainian localization. [Download - 622KB]
ShadowCaster 3.2 allows QuarkXPress users to apply bevels, glows, and shadows to documents. Version 3.2 is compatible with QuarkXPress 6.0 and Mac OS X, allows users to save effects as JPEGs; offers improved handling of FreeHand EPS files; fixes an incompatibility with Grayscale Scitex CT files has been fixed; and other enhancements. [Download - 8.4MB]
MacWasher X ($40) allows users to "wash away" online and offline tracks to protect their privacy. The latest features include a more detailed list of application choices, browser choices which include Safari, Mozilla and Opera, Instant Messenger cleaning, and a descriptive Cookie Keeper. [Download - 1.32MB]
iVolume ($7) allows users to bring all iTunes songs to the same loudness. "Therefore no simple peak analysis is made. Instead, the real from the human ears perceived loudness is calculated with an appropriate algorithm. The latest version adds an Automatic Album Mode and bug fixes." [Download - 619KB]

O'Reilly OS X Conf. to feature many speakers

09/08, 5:55pm

O'Reilly OS X Conf. to feature many speakers

The upcoming O'Reilly Mac OS X Conference, happening October 27-30, at the Westin Santa Clara, Santa Clara, CA will include the following: new Keynote: Bud Tribble; new Speaker: Sal Soghoian; bioinformatics Keynote: Terry Gaasterland; Other Keynote Speakers: Adam Engst, Andy Ihnatko, Tim O'Reilly, and David Pogue; and the Apple Consultants Network Tech Camp.

Macromedia Press publishes MX 2004 books

09/08, 5:40pm

Macromedia Press publishes MX 2004 books

Macromedia Press has announced that its best-selling Macromedia MX books have been fully updated for Macromedia MX 2004. Macromedia Press books are developed and tested in association with Macromedia to "deliver the best and most timely books covering Macromedia products on the market." Novice and intermediate users of Macromedia MX 2004 products who like a visual, task-based approach to learning will "find the best-selling Visual QuickStart Guides a great reference for learning Macromedia basics." All the latest Macromedia MX 2004 features are addressed.

‘Point-Of-Need,’ support for Apple’s LiveType

09/08, 5:20pm

‘Point-Of-Need,’ support for Apple’s LiveType

Intelligent Assistance announced today the immediate availability of Killer Titles: Intelligent Assistance for LiveType and Calligraphy. Killer Titles provides real-time, expert support and guidance for digital media artists creating design-intensive titles using Apple’s LiveType and BorisFX Calligraphy character generator applications. With Killer Titles, Intelligent Assistance has developed a unique ‘learning engine’ technology to help digital media artists work through questions or problems they may have in the digital video editing process. Killer Titles is available immediately and is priced at $75.

Easypress launches Atomik Xport Personal Ed

09/08, 5:15pm

Easypress launches Atomik Xport Personal Ed

Easypress today launched Atomik Xport Personal Edition, its entry-level XML export software for QuarkXPress. It offers 'one-touch XML' export from QuarkXPress with any setup required. It offers automatically extracts QuarkXPress content as XML, auto DTD generation, image data export, box ordering control, support for paragraph and character-level styling, batch processing, customized export, and optional inclusion of Formatting in XML. A single-user license is $1000.

Enfocus updates PDF apps for Mac OS X

09/08, 4:50pm

Enfocus updates PDF apps for Mac OS X

Enfocus today released an update to its flagship application for PDF editing, preflight, auto-correction and certification: Enfocus PitStop Professional 6.0 offers Mac OS X compatibility, support for Adobe Acrobat 6 and Adobe PDF 1.5, built-in PANTONE Color Support, Smart Profile comparison functions and integrated support for CertifiedPDF.net. The English is avaialable now for $600, while upgrades are $150 from v5.0 and $250 from v4.5 with a free copy of Enfocus Instant PDF 2.2 through the end of the year. Enfocus also announced Mac OS X, Adobe Acrobat 6, and PDF 1.5 compatibility for its Instant PDF ($250) and StatusCheck (free) applications, while Enfocus PitStop Server support for Adobe PDF 1.5 will follow later in 2003

HELIOS offers PDF HandShake printing plugins

09/08, 4:30pm

HELIOS offers PDF HandShake printing plugins

HELIOS today announced that its HELIOS PDF HandShake printing Plug-Ins are now available for Adobe Reader 6 (Standard and Professional) for use under Mac OS X 10.2 platform. The HELIOS PDF HandShake 2.1 server offers PDF printing functions, such as printing host-based or in-RIP color separations, and ColorSync/ICC-based color management for printing separations or simulating the printing process on a proof printer. It enables advanced print options including: custom bleed settings, font availability preflight, custom paper sizes, CID to Type 1 font conversion, preserve black text plus RGB gray detection, and many more functions.

Trans Intl. offers 2GB iMac memory upgrades

09/08, 4:25pm

Trans Intl. offers 2GB iMac memory upgrades

Trans Intl. today announced 2GB DDR333 memory upgrade modules for the 15" flat panel iMac and 17" flatpanel iMac. This upgrade expands the system's main memory up to 2GB, which it says exceeds the original 1 GB maximum memory limitation. The upgrade consists of a 1GB DDR memory module for the user slot ($650) and 1GB DDR memory module for the factory Slot ($220).

iView MediaPro 2.0: Pro-level multimedia app

09/08, 4:20pm

iView MediaPro 2.0: Pro-level multimedia app

iView Multimedia today announced iView MediaPro 2.0, an update to its $160 professional multimedia application for Mac OS 9/X featuring image editing, enhanced drag & drop annotations workflow, and file system control. Version 2.0 increases capacity to 128,000 media items per catalog while reducing catalog size. It also adds advanced PDF generation functions, HTML export with custom themes, more slideshow and movie options, and color profile management. It also debuted its new iView Catalog Reader, a royalty-free, cross-platform software utility that permits unrestricted sharing of iView catalogs as well as media/slide shows.

Key Composer debuts for Contour ShuttlePRO

09/08, 4:10pm

Key Composer debuts for Contour ShuttlePRO

Contour Design today announced Key Composer for Mac OS X, a new keystroke macro creation and management functionality for the ShuttlePRO v2 multimedia jog/shuttle controller ($130). Users can now assign multiple keystroke combinations, or macros, to execute from a single button on the ShuttlePRO v2. These macros can be executed either all at once, or step by step; It has pre-programmed shortcuts for popular audio and video applications, such as Final Cut Pro, Avid Express DV, Digidesign ProTools, etc. It will ship in October.

'Barren and sedate' Seybold conference

09/08, 12:50pm

'Barren and sedate' Seybold conference

Following a MacNN report last week, Wired News writes: "Media publishers can expect a barren and sedate Seybold conference this year. In addition to a smaller home -- the west wing of the Moscone Center -- and a shorter list of exhibiting companies, the premier publishing trade show will have some conspicuous absences this week, including digital-publishing bigwig Apple Computer. While it's no secret that Apple has scaled back its tradeshow attendances recently -- even at Macworld -- the company's absence seems to have forced Seybold's coordinators to fish for other big-name exhibitors and to cut back on space."

Minolta debuts digital camera, film scanner

09/08, 11:40am

Minolta debuts digital camera, film scanner

Minolta today debuted its stylish new DiMAGE Scan Elite 5400 film scnner with 5400dpi resolution, a new Quick Scan function, and 16-bit A/D conversion. It also debuted its DiMAGE A1 digital camera, the next generation SLR-type 5 megapixel digital camera based on the DiMAGE 7 series.

Canon debuts new inkjet printers

09/08, 11:05am

Canon debuts new inkjet printers

Canon today introduced seveal new inkjet printers, including new photo/all-purpose inkjets with PictBridge technology, two new six-color photo inkjets with a unique "tray-in-tray" design, and its i860 desktop printer with both pigment- and dye-based blank infk. Each printer also features new PictBridge technology and offers compatibility with Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X and both ImageBrowser image management software and PhotoStitch for compositing images from shots taken separately.

Pioneer debuts multiformat DVD/CD writer

09/08, 10:20am

Pioneer debuts multiformat DVD/CD writer

Pioneer today announced a new multiple format external DVD/CD writer. The DVR-S606 offers a sleek industrial design, can sit vertically or horizontally, supports multiple DVD media formats, and plugs into standard Firewire and USB 2.0 ports. Based on the company's sixth-generation internal recordable drive, it supports DVD-R/DVD-RW as well as +R/+RW discs. It offers 4x write speed with DVD-R discs, 2x with DVD-RW discs, 4x with +R media, and 2.4x with +RW media. It also records CD-R media at up to 16x speed and 10x with CD-RW discs. It is due later month for $300.

CDW purchases MacWareHouse

09/08, 10:10am

CDW purchases MacWareHouse

CDW today announced that it has agreed to purchase selected North American assets of Micro Warehouse, the parent company of MacWareHouse. The agreement includes purchase of the US customer base, which accounted for annualized August sales of more than $900 million; the Canadian operation, existing inventories valued at approximately $14 million, and intellectual capital, including trademarks and copyrights. The purchase price for the assets being acquired, including inventory, is approximately $22 million.

Apps: iTunes scripts, FUNDimensions, HexEdit

09/08, 9:30am

Apps: iTunes scripts, FUNDimensions, HexEdit

Doug's AppleScripts for iTunes has posted several new and updated AppleScripts, including iTunes Track CPR (re-associate MIA tracks with existing files), Erase Selected Disc, Re-Rip Non-iTunes MP3s as AAC, Play Next Album, and iScroll (scrolls info about currently playing track in iChat AV).
Bible Reader Free 0.92 is a free Bible viewing application for Mac OS X, offering access to multiple books/chapters at the same time. Features include the ability to search for words or partial words across all or select parts of the Bible. Three translations are currently provided (King Jame, Basic Bible English and Strongs). [5.9MB]
Version 4.5 of FUNDimensions adds continuous monitoring and display of gifts needing thank you notes, pledges and memberships that are expiring, and current day fundraising amount. The $2000 fundraising software, which runs on Mac OS 9/X, manages the entire fundraising process for smaller non-profits and schools.
FontCatalog 1.0 ($30) is a new font browser/manager that is designed to help "graphics professionals visualize typefaces quickly. Type a new sample text and see the results instantly — in hundreds of typefaces. And if you don't see the right typeface among your active fonts, you can use the exclusive 'Similar...' button" to find/activate similar fonts on your hard drive. [Classic, OSX]
The open-source HexEdit 1.88 is a Macintosh hexadecimal file editor that handles both data and resource forks. It can compare whole files for similarities or differences and can find hex or ASCII strings in files. It enhances and speeds up find/replace, fixes some bugs, and adds the ability to select which resource to edit via AppleScript. [408KB]
ALAP has updated its imposition plug-in, InBooklet 2.1.4 for Adobe InDesign. The free maintenance update resolves a number of customer reported issues. InBooklet expands the printing capabilities of InDesign by offer easy creation of printer spreads right from within the application. It is priced at $100 with upgrades starting at $40.
MAKI Enterprise has updated its parental control program, Kids GoGoGo 7.7 ($30). It improves performance, improves network security, has an expanded dictionary, and other features. It can control Internet use, block unwanted websites, disable unwanted applications, and detect/remove spyware. [Classic, OSX]
4D Agenda 1.2 is a 4D plug-in that allows displaying calendar events in a day, week, and month view, creating calendars for multiple users, and querying to retrieve events. The new version adds full drag-and-drop support, 12/24 time, improved offscreen drawing, and other changes. Licensing starts at $150.

Apple sells 10 million songs at iTMS

09/08, 9:10am

Apple sells 10 million songs at iTMS

Apple today announced that it has sold over over ten million songs from the iTunes Music Store since its launch just over four months ago--averaging over 500,000 songs per week. The ten millionth song, "Complicated" by Avril Lavigne, was purchased and downloaded at 11:34 p.m. (PDT) on September 3. "Legally selling ten million songs online in just four months is a historic milestone for the music industry, musicians and music lovers everywhere," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "Apple offers the only complete solution for digital music with iTunes and the amazing iPod, which now holds 10,000 songs in your pocket."

IntelliSwipe USB Credit Card Reader for Macs

09/08, 8:50am

IntelliSwipe USB Credit Card Reader for Macs

Intelli Innovations today introduced the IntelliSwipe USB Credit Card Reader: "Emulating a USB keyboard, the IntelliSwipe reader types credit card information into any application using a simple text output format." It features driverless operation, compatibility with any Mac application, and an embedded Good/Bad Multicolor Status LED, . The kit is available now for $230. The company also recently reduced prices on many of its products, including Barcode Producer PDF417 ($300_, Barcode Validator ($500), IntelliMerge SQL Enterprise ($2000), and its IntelliScanner 5000XL Kit ($600).

Apple debuts new 20GB, 40GB iPods

09/08, 8:40am

Apple debuts new 20GB, 40GB iPods

Apple today announced new 20GB and 40GB models of its iPod digital music player: "The new 40GB iPod holds up to 10,000 CD-quality songs (playing each song back-to-back takes a month) in a stunning enclosure that is lighter and thinner than two CDs." The new super-slim iPods are just 0.62 inches thick and weight of 5.6 ounces. The iPods are available in three models: a 10GB model for $300 (US), the new 20GB model for $400 and the new 40GB model for $500.

Apple offers faster iMacs with USB 2.0

09/08, 8:40am

Apple offers faster iMacs with USB 2.0

Apple today announced its upgraded iMac desktop line with faster PowerPC G4 processors running up to 1.25 GHz, faster 333 MHz DDR memory, faster NVIDIA graphics and updated USB 2.0 ports. The new iMacs sport faster PowerPC G4 processors running at 1.0GHz in the 15-inch model ($1,300) and 1.25GHz in the 17-inch model ($1,800). Both models include 256MB of faster DDR SDRAM running at 333 MHz and an 80GB Ultra ATA/100 hard disk drive. The 17-inch model also includes NVIDIA's GeForce FX 5200 Ultra graphics processor with 64MB of DDR video memory.

Shinza ships new ZeroShock Notebook Sleeves

09/08, 8:35am

Shinza ships new ZeroShock Notebook Sleeves

Shinza today announced its new ZeroShock line of notebook sleeves and mobile accessory cases, which is created from high-resistance polyurethane foam that provides superior absorption of external impact force. Available in blue, red, black, and grey, the new ZeroShock 12-Inch Notebook Sleeves ($25) can be used with the 12-inch PowerBook G4 and iBook notebook computers, while the ZeroShock 15-Inch Notebook Sleeves ($27) are designed for larger notebooks with 14" and 15" displays and are available in blue, black, and grey. Designed to protect digital cameras, portable music players, PDAs, and other mobile digital devices, the ZeroShock Mobile Accessory Case ($15) is available in three different sizes and two colors (black and grey).

Readers: updated iMacs at online Apple Stores

09/08, 8:25am

Readers: updated iMacs at online Apple Stores

Several MacNN readers note that the Apple Stores in the UK, France, and Switzerland, show new iMacs at speeds up to 1.25GHz, USB 2.0, drive storage up to 160GB, and compatibility with both Bluetooth and AirPort Extreme. Many of the Apple Stores are still not available with a note "We'll be back soon."

e-on software debuts Vue 4 Professional

09/08, 8:15am

e-on software debuts Vue 4 Professional

e-on software today announced Vue 4 Professional, the newest addition to its line of products for professional 3D designers and digital video production houses. Vue 4 Professional will "naturally integrate and extend all major 3D applications to provide a complete, professional natural 3D studio." It will ship later this month for $600.

Apps: Vsamp, Jasmine, Audiocorder...

09/08, 8:05am

Apps: Vsamp, Jasmine, Audiocorder...

Vsamp 3.4, the $40 sample playback application, offers major speed improvements, now uses Core Audio services directly (for selection of output device, 32-bit output, and 192Hz sample rates), and improved compatibility with DP 4.1. It runs on Mac OS 7/8/9/X. [7/8, 9/OSX]
Jasmine 1.6.6, the $30 sound recorder and multitrack editor/mixer has been updated to "run much faster under Mac OS X and incorporates a major bug fix. Additionally, it now supports virtually unlimited Undo/Redo, the ability to start overdub recording at anytime within a multi-track session. [Classic, OSX]
Audiocorder 3.8 adds additional capabilities to the schedule feature within Black Cat Systems' shareware ($20) audio recorder utility: In one mode, it operates as a volume operated (VOX) audio recorder; it can also be programed with a recording schedule as well as record telephone conversations using just a Mac's internal modem using Mac OS 9. [Classic, OSX]
Black Cat Systems has released Diet Sleuth 4.1.1 ($35), an update to its nutritional database and personal health logbook that allows you to keep track of what foods you eat each day and their nutritional value. A built-in recipe editor displays the nutritional information of any food based on the ingredients. [Classic, OSX]
DPS has created a web-based tool to track search engine keyword placement within Google; the free tool requires registration with DPS (as well as Google) and allows to track keyword placement for any URL, allows an infinite number of keywords/URL combination, and tracks historical data for viewing search engine placement trends.
MovieEdit3D 0.87, which allows 3D effects to be applied to iMovie DV clips, adds the ability to 'ease in and out' the movement of the clips in 3D space. Registration is $7. [339KB]
The freeware M-Beat 1.3 is the definitive iTunes companion application. M-Beat allows you to control iTunes through the use of the Mac OS X Menubar and/or a floating window. Other features include volume control, playlist access, and iPod syncing functions. [238KB]

CTM updates PowerMail 4.2 with FoxTrot search

09/08, 7:40am

CTM updates PowerMail 4.2 with FoxTrot search

CTM Development has released PowerMail 4.2, an update to its email client for Mac OS 9/X that features advanced Mac OS technologies. It features the company's new CTM FoxTrot high-speed search technology with performance gains of over 500%. Version 4.2 also features better application responsiveness, enhanced filtering with filtering by message content, IMAP search support, improved error handling and data recovery, and Mac OS X 10.3 Panther compatibility. It is free for registered v4.0 owners and a $30 upgrade for v3.x owners. New licenses are $50.

Wired: Woz gives blessing for Apple I replica

09/08, 7:30am

Wired: Woz gives blessing for Apple I replica

Apple's co-founder Steve Wozniak has given his blessing to the production of a replica of the Apple I, the legendary machine that launched Apple, accoring to Wired News: "Woz has given the go-ahead to Vince Briel, a computer technician, who plans to sell $200 replicas of the Apple I from his garage in suburban Cleveland, Ohio. Like the original Apple I, the replica will come without a keyboard, monitor or power supply -- customers will have to add their own. Because old ASCII keyboards are hard to find, Briel added a PC keyboard interface that supports standard PS/2 keyboards."