News Archive for 03/09/18

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Tech: PDF under fire; hacker helps FBI; ...

09/18, 8:00pm

Tech: PDF under fire; hacker helps FBI; ...

Evening tech news: Adobe's portable document format is under fire from competitors looking to muscle in on the electronic document market; U.S. federal prosecutors credited the man responsible for transmitting the Melissa virus -- a computer bug that did more than $80 million in damage in 1999 -- with helping the FBI bring down several major international hackers; the long-awaited launch of Advanced Micro Devices' Athlon64 processor is less than a week away, and it's only a matter of time before rival Intel duplicates AMD's approach, the company has said.

PowerMate driver supports multiple devices

09/18, 7:20pm

PowerMate driver supports multiple devices

Griffin today released PowerMate 2.02 beta drivers for Mac OS X, its driver software for its PowerMate USB Controller. It now adds support for use of up to six PowerMate USB Multimedia Controllers simultaneously. Griffin is offering a special price of $40 ($5 off) for a limited time. It is available in Black or original Brushed Aluminum colors and comes with presets for many common applications such as iTunes, iMovie, Safari, etc., while new settings can be created for other applications.

Production Pack 2.5 debuts for Virtual Ticket

09/18, 6:55pm

Production Pack 2.5 debuts for Virtual Ticket

MetaCommunications today announced Virtual Ticket Production Pack 2.5 (VTPP), an upgrade to its solution that offers in-process digital asset management and now includes support for QuarkXPress 6.0 on Mac OS X (as well as previous versions). VTTP offers the ability to access related production and digital asset information using either a QuarkXPress XTension or an Adobe plug-in, both of which automatically capture detailed multi-page document previews and rich XML metadata as well as integrate into Virtual Ticket 5.5. It will ship next month with special upgrade pricing through October 15.

WaterField ships case for 15" Alu. PB G4

09/18, 6:40pm

WaterField ships case for 15" Alu. PB G4

WaterField Designs, a leading maker of custom-fitted computer cases and bags, will soon begin shipping a SleeveCase model designed specifically for Apple’s newly-introduced 15-inch Aluminum PowerBook G4. The SleeveCase is a slim, durable covering made of ballistic nylon and high-grade neoprene that envelopes itself around laptops. It can be used by itself, or can be inserted into briefcases, messenger bags, or backpacks. The new SleeveCase for the 15-inch Aluminum Apple PowerBook G4 (size 11) will be available tomorrow for $40.

KaleidaGraph 3.6 improves statistical testing

09/18, 6:15pm

KaleidaGraph 3.6 improves statistical testing

Synergy Software has released KaleidaGraph 3.6, the latest version of its application for "sophisticated curve fitting and data analysis." Version 3.6 adds to the statistical testing capability begun with the inclusion of the student t-test in version 3.5, eliminating the need to move data to an additional application. Upgrades to KaleidaGraph are priced at $50 and are available both electronically and on CD. Platform crossgrades are $75, while new purchases of KaleidaGraph 3.6 are $180 (CD) or $160 (electronic).

Apple, others sued over drive size claims

09/18, 5:50pm

Apple, others sued over drive size claims

A group of computer owners has filed a lawsuit against some PC makers (Apple, Dell, Gateway, HP, Sharp, Sony, and Toshiba), claiming that their advertising deceptively overstates the true capacity of their hard drives. The lawsuit asks for an injunction against the purportedly unfair marketing practices, an order requiring the defendants to disclose their practices to the public, restitution, disgorgement of ill-gotten profits and attorneys' fees, according to Reuters.

MacNN Video reports from Apple Expo

09/18, 5:15pm

MacNN Video reports from Apple Expo

We have three video reports from Apple Expo Paris, including "How long have you been waiting?", "It's my birthday!", and "Getting though the security". This supplements our three photo galleries: Show Floor, Keynote, Keynote/Showfloor.

Eovia ships Carrara Studio 3

09/18, 3:55pm

Eovia ships Carrara Studio 3

Eovia today began shipping Carrara Studio 3, its 3D solution for the Web, print and video. Carrara Studio 3 offers professional-level tools for modeling, texturing, animation, rendering and special effects. It introduces Eovia Impression, a "revolutionary" non-photorealistic rendering engine, and Eovia Photon Reality 2.0, a global illumination renderer with HDRI support. Other new rendering features include Alpha Channel rendering, Raytraced Soft Shadows and more. The English/International version of Carrara Studio 3 is available for $400 for Mac OS 8/9/X. A free trial requires registration.

Samsung showcases displays, color laser

09/18, 3:35pm

Samsung showcases displays, color laser

Samsung Electronics has introduced the SyncMaster 403T, the industry's first 40" TFT-LCD monitor and its new USB-enabled CLP-500 color laser printer. The 403T features a slim form factor, a 170 degree viewing angle in all directions, 1280 x 768 resolution, a 500 cd/m2 brightness, and a contrast ratio of 600:1. Samsung's new CLP-500 color laser printer offers 21 ppm (black/white) and 5 ppm (color) print speeds, USB 2.0 connectivity, up to 160MB of memory, and 850 sheets (with an optional paper tray). It also offers optional 802.11b and Ethernet connections. The company also exhibited its new 70" PDP TV and 54" TFT-LCD TV--both of which feature 1920x1080 resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio extremely high brightness (1000 and 800 cd/m2, respectively) and high contrast ratios (1,500:1 and 800:1).

Archos unveils ultra-portable USB hard drive

09/18, 3:20pm

Archos unveils ultra-portable USB hard drive

Archos has announced its ARCDisk, which it describes as "the world's smallest and lightest" 20GB external hard drive. The companys say the bus-powered storage device is smaller than a floppy disk, weighs only 2.7 ounces, and features USB 2.0 connectivity. It is based on the new generation 1.8-inch hard disk from Hitachi. The 20GB version (4,200 rpm/2MB buffer) is available now for $250 and ships with a USB 2.0 cable and power adapter. It will also be available in a 40GB capacity at a later date.

Arizona school districts installs 1,400 eMacs

09/18, 2:50pm

Arizona school districts installs 1,400 eMacs

Each classroom of the Tempe, Arizona Elementary District's 24 schools will be equipped with two new eMacs, according to The Arizona Republic: "The 1,400 new flat-screen monitors and computers are designed specifically for education and were installed over the summer. They will cost the district $2.15 million over the next three years, which will be paid out of a fund for technology, buses and textbooks....The computers will operate on the Cox Education Network, enabling students to access their projects at any computer with an Internet connection in or out of school."

Sony, D-Link debut new Internet cameras

09/18, 2:40pm

Sony, D-Link debut new Internet cameras

D-Link today extended its line of popular Internet security cameras with the release ofthe D-Link DCS-900 Video Monitoring Internet Camera, its compact web-based camera that delivers live video over the Internet for real-time viewing and monitoring or automatic sensor-based recording and notification. It will ship in October for $130. Sony today also introduced its SNC-Z20N network color video camera, which is scheduled to be available in October, although it said would announce pricing at a later date.

Digit bundles Carrara Studio 1.1 w/magazine

09/18, 1:05pm

Digit bundles Carrara Studio 1.1 w/magazine

Digit magazine is offering the complete, commercial version of Eovia's Carrara Studio 1.1 (£300 value) with the new issue, which is on sale now. Carrara is a professional 3D modelling, animation, and rendering tool that enables full real-time scene manipulation and high-quality 3D rendering. Eovia today began shipping the latest version, Carrara Studio 3, announced in July. Digit says that an (undisclosed) upgrade is enclosed as well, while Eovia announced $250 upgrade pricing from v1.1. Digit 66 is available for order in the UK (£6), Europe (£9), and other parts of the world (£10). [pricing updated]

Apps: DAVE, AppComposer, MixFox, OSXvnc...

09/18, 12:45pm

Apps: DAVE, AppComposer, MixFox, OSXvnc...

Thursby has posted ADmitMac 1.1p1, an update to its application that offers directory services provided by both Active Directory and NT Directory Services and DAVE 4.1p2, an update to its cross-platform sharing application. Both correct recognition of DFS junctions and add URL/UNC name resolution. [AD, DAVE]
Unsanity's WindowShade X 3.0.1 adds new actions to minimize windows and enhances the minimize-in-place functionality to the Mac OS X utility that brings the familiar window-collapsing effect from Classic Mac OS into Mac OS X, and allows you to control window shadow settings. [1.9MB]
David Ahmed has added a 'Flyby' view to Exhibition X 2.2, which now offers 7 easy-to-navigate, OpenGL-enhanced 3D viewing environments for picture folders. It offers direct iPhoto 2 integration, choice of background textures & colors, and other options. The $15 shareware runs on Mac OS X. [unknown]
DigiSlice has released AppComposer 3.0.2, an update to its integrated assembly environment for building applications from reusable Java components. In addition to several bug fixes, the free version (SE) can now create webpages with Free Marker. The $600 Enterprise Edition (EE) has a rewritten JMS (Java Messaging Service) component. [SE, EE]
Alexander Clauss's freeware MisFox 1.1 (MF) makes some internet settings accessible again under Mac OS X. It will display the file mappings settings and the protocol helpers as well as allow users to edit, delete and create new items. More Internet 1.1 (MI) is a free System Preferences pane with the same functionality. [MF, MI]
OSXvnc 1.3 is a full featured VNC server providing remote access to the GUI, keyboard and mouse using any VNC client. Version 1.3 offers several new features including local cursor support and more UI control. It also addresses several stability problems and has improved performance. [221KB]
Another Launcher 2.0 (donationware) lets you open applications, files, local folders, system preferences, and bookmarks by either browsing fully customizable system-wide spring-loaded menus, entering abbreviations of the applications, pressing hot keys, and clicking hot corners. It also offers move/copy functions for files, access to browser bookmarks and Address Book, and control iTunes. [455KB]

Apple VP on G5 PowerBook possibilities

09/18, 12:15pm

Apple VP on G5 PowerBook possibilities

Macworld UK has a report on the possibility of an upcoming G5 PowerBook, which Apple VP of Hardware Engineering says is "a challenge," but simply "an issue of good, solid engineering." The report says "He made it clear, however, that the current crop of G5 processors are designed for desktop machines, and a cooler-running version of the processor would be needed for a PowerBook. But he did point to the fact that a few years ago, nobody thought it would be possible to get a G4 processor in a PowerBook."

Belkin debuts two new USB 2.0 hubs

09/18, 11:45am

Belkin debuts two new USB 2.0 hubs

Belkin this week introduced its new Belkin Hi-Speed USB 2.0 4-Port Hub, a reversible and stackable design allows the unit to be positioned toward the back of the desktop for efficient cable management, or to the front of the desktop for easier port access. It is the "size of a deck of cards" and ships with a power cable. The Hub is self- powered and allows cascading, so that up to 127 USB devices may be connected to a single port. The Hub will begin shipping at the end of the month for $30. The Belkin Hi-Speed USB 2.0 7- Port Hub ($50, pictured at right), also due at the end of the month, features two top-loading 480Mbps ports and five horizontally mounted 480Mbps ports.

breve 1.7: artificial life sim environment

09/18, 11:25am

breve 1.7: artificial life sim environment

breve 1.7 is a freeware 3D artificial life simulation environment with realistic physical simulation and an OpenGL display engine. Users define the behaviors of agents using an easy-to-use language and observe how the agents interact in a simulated world. This release features major enhancements to physical simulation, graphical rendering, support for customized terrains, fractal-based landscapes, new documentation, improved shadow effects, and more. The source code is now also available under the GPL.

Informatix launches Piranesi for Mac OS X

09/18, 11:20am

Informatix launches Piranesi for Mac OS X

Informatix has launched the Mac OS X version of Piranesi, its "3D Painting" program: "Designers can start with simple models and renderings, and use Piranesi's patented '3D Painting' technology to quickly fill in missing detail and produce artistic, hand-drawn effects. Piranesi images can be produced from 3DS or DXF models; popular Macintosh 3D applications such as Art*lantis, form*Z, and LightWave provide direct interfaces." It has Mac-only features such as multi-fill styles, automatic contrast adjustments, and improved support for pressure sensitive pens. The style library technology also has been reworked using XML and floating cutouts can now be saved directly into a Piranesi EPix file.

Apps: IntelliPoint, Epson drivers, FFusion...

09/18, 3:40am

Apps: IntelliPoint, Epson drivers, FFusion...

A MacNN reader notes that Microsoft's updated IntelliPoint Mouse and IntelliType keyboard drivers (noted yesterday) bring compatibility with the new G5 Power Macs (and other Macs with USB 2.0): "The previous version of IntelliPoint did not detect a Microsoft Mouse when used on a G5, and I assume the same would have happened with IntelliType." [IntelliType, IntelliPoint]
Epson's Twain Driver and EPSON Scan Utility v1.25A for its Expression scanner series supports both USB and FireWire connections: "Finally I can scan into Acrobat 6 and use OmniPage Pro! Even GraphicConverter works! WorkingPapers new X version works! Even the button on my scanner opens the Epson Scan app!" [8.7MB]
Eduphant is a freeware educational client designed to help users learn SQL and PostgreSQL. It offers templates for the basic SQL commands to easily pick up the syntax and the logic and the ability to enter commands quickly as well direct links to internet documentation. [Classic, OSX]
Andy Szybalski's Shellsilver 1.2 is a freeware application for Mac OS X that makes it more convenient to execute UNIX shell scripts. The user can simply double-click any .sh file in the Finder, and the shell script will pop open in a Terminal window. [80KB]
FFusion 2.2 (previously ffmpeg D*vX) is an alternative open-source DivX Codec that can play MS-MPEG4v1, MS-MPEG4v2, DivX 3.11 alpha, DivX 4 (aka OpenDivX), DivX 5, 3ivx (Delta 4 and later) and XVID. It is based on ffmpeg libavcodec 0.4.6 and is optimized for G4/PPC processors, but no longer includes Avi2Mov for converting DivX 4/5/XVID files. [3.9MB]
Matrix pre9 is "not merely another filesystem. [It] is being designed to completely replace the Finder and the Desktop and a variety of other utility apps with a single integrated application." It offers inline image viewing/editing functions, virtual volume creation, and more UI options. [849KB]
Webroot Software's MacWasher X ($40) is a new Mac OS X privacy tool with the ability to "bleach" files with secure overwrite capabilities that exceed stringent Department of Defense standards, including browser and Instant Messaging (IM) files as well as other popular application using customizable plugins. [4.9MB]