News Archive for 03/10/06

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Apps: DJ-1800, DiscBlaze, xBack, Dock-It...

10/06, 9:00pm

Apps: DJ-1800, DiscBlaze, xBack, Dock-It...

DJ-1800 1.2 is an update to the $40 complete professional DJ system for the Mac. Version 1.2 offers many new features, including: a new crossfader interface, full support for ContourDesign ShuttlePro, ShuttlePro v2 and ShuttleXpress, and visual feedback of button presses. [Download - Classic, OS X]
DiscBlaze 2.0.2 is an update to the $20 CD/DVD burning software. The free update offers many improvements: users can now select multiple files; the displayed file size is now updated properly; sorting by file size now works as expected; and more. [Download - 1.1MB]
Gideon Softworks has released xBack v2.5, a $12 update to the utility that allows users replace the desktop background with a screen saver. Version 2.5 no longer uses Apple Screen Saver Engine, adds a screen menu to xBack menu for choosing backdrop screen on multiple monitor systems, and fixes a permission issues with DVD media. [Download - 564KB]
iMakeHTML 1.2.1 can "generate HTML for many tags including text, images, tables, and even QuickTime movies. It also has a convenient preview in browser function. You can work in a distraction free full-screen mode or a standard two-window interface." [Download - Classic, OSX]
FontCat 3.0 ($15) offers font search improvements, improved PDF generation, more sorting options, better printing options and other features to the shareware application for displaying system fonts. The Deluxe ($25) version ads XML export and PDF and image (Photoshop, png, tiff) export. [Download - FC, FCD]
Gideon Softworks has also released Dock-It v2.5 ($12), an update to its multifunctional launcher and Finder enhancer for Mac OS X. Version 2.5 offers many internal bug fixes, better icons, performance improvements, support for multiple monitors, and other minor enhancements. [Download - 1.5MB]
piDog Software has updated FontThing 1.3, a $10 utility allowing users to preview, install and activate fonts from any location. This update allows users to customize the available font preview strings. [Download - 1.0MB]

Dr. Bott ships PocketDock add-on for 3G iPods

10/06, 8:25pm

Dr. Bott ships PocketDock add-on for 3G iPods

Dr. Bott today began shipping the PocketDock, a small device add-on for "3G" (third generation) iPods that lets you connect the new iPod's docking port to a standard 6-pin FireWire cable. Designed and built by SendStation Systems, PocketDock allows owners of the new 3G iPods to leave their docking cables at home but retain the easy access to their iPod. The PocketDock is smaller than a box of matches and allows a standard 6-pin FireWire cable to connect to the iPod's proprietary docking port. PocketDock is compatible with iPods that use the dock connector; it is available for $20 from Dr. Bott.

Tech: Motorola spin-off; Nokia game phone...

10/06, 6:10pm

Tech: Motorola spin-off; Nokia game phone...

Evening tech news: To help sharpen its focus on communications and electronics systems, Motorola intends to create a separate company out of its semiconductor unit, which builds chips such as the PowerPC; Nokia set out ambitious goals for its new combined cellphone and gaming device on Monday, as it seeks to wrest control of the market from Nintendo's GameBoy; while a growing number of devices feature USB 2.0, some actually transfer data at the slower speed of its predecessors, according to industry experts.

DigiEffects Introduces "Euphoria" plug-in s

10/06, 5:30pm

DigiEffects Introduces "Euphoria" plug-in s

DigiEffects today announced Euphoria, its first offering of plug-ins for the Photoshop market. Euphoria will focus on artistic tools and special effects for the Web, most of which are based on DigiEffects’ vast set of plug-ins for Adobe After Effects but are optimized to work for the Photoshop environment. The collection consists of a set of 20 artistic tools and effects that have not been seen before in Photoshop. Euphoria is now available for the Mac OS at a price of $200.

WiebeTech publishes doc on HD capacity

10/06, 5:00pm

WiebeTech publishes doc on HD capacity

WiebeTech has published a white paper that addresses Hard Drive capacity concerns as cited by a recent lawsuit against major computer manufacturers. The paper analyzes the mathematics behind the varying capacity claims of hard drive manufacturers and operating systems, "ultimately providing an explanation for the majority of the numerical differences."

Avid posts Avid Free DV software for Mac OS X

10/06, 3:50pm

Avid posts Avid Free DV software for Mac OS X

Avid has released Avid Free DV, its free software application for users to try/test-drive the popular editing application: "Once you’ve had a chance to familiarize yourself with the Avid Free DV software, we invite you to step up to the robust production and networking features found in our professional line of products such as Avid Xpress DV software and Avid Xpress Pro software." The 26MB download requires Mac OS X 10.2.4 and a 667MHz G4 processor.

Apps: XRG, Weblet ZipCodes, Revolution...

10/06, 3:40pm

Apps: XRG, Weblet ZipCodes, Revolution...

XRG 0.3 (X Resource Graph) is an open-source system monitor application for Mac OS X. XRG will monitor your CPU usage, memory usage, network activity, disk activity, local weather, and stock market data. It adds a CPU temperature graph for supported CPUs, the ability to invert the disk read or write graph, and the ability to enable/disable the graph window's drop shadow. [738KB]
Pariahware's $10 shareware Days Away 1.1 is an update to its Mac OS X application that periodically reminds the user of upcoming events by discreetly fading in to focus, pausing for you to read the events, and discreetly fading back out. Users now have the option to only show events within a chosen time frame. [871KB]
JWTM is a professional java tree Web menu applet, a comprehensive solution for website navigation. JWTM is browser-independent and highly-configurable, it could be easily customized to fit your website needs and to achieve an unlimited variety of menu appearances.
Weblet ZipCodes provides FileMaker Pro or Lasso sites with the ability to perform zip code proximity searches. Weblet ZipCodes includes the current 2003 United States Postal Service zip code database, which provides latitude, longitude, city, state, and more for over 42,600 current United States zip codes. The full version is $130, while the lite version is $40.
Alco Blom has released URL Manager Pro 3.1b2 ($25), another beta of his professional bookmark manager for Mac OS X/9. The UI has been improved and it now offers a system-wide bookmark menu, including support for Safari, Mozilla, Netscape and Mail. [Classic, OSX]
Runtime's Revolution 2.1.1rc1 is the latest update to the $300 (limited time offer) user-centric multi-platform development tool for Windows, Macintosh, Linux, and Unix. It adds support for Polish language in Unicode functions, improved Mac OS X compatibility, and better OS support as well as improvements to the script editor and debugger.
iChat Streaming Icon can stream a video feed or file (any QuickTime-compatible file format) as the buddy icon, allowing everyone who can see your buddy icon to see your video--even those without a camera. [105KB]

Apple iChat, iSight expand horizons for deaf

10/06, 3:25pm

Apple iChat, iSight expand horizons for deaf

An article in the San Francisco Chronicle reports that Apple's iChat AV/iSight software/hardware combination is enabling internet communication for the deaf: "When my girlfriend and I were able to talk to each other using iChat with iSight, I can't describe the feeling I had,'' the Chicago film school student said in an e-mail to The Chronicle. "I'm sure it is the same feeling people had long ago when the telephone was invented, being able to hear someone's voice with all their inflections from a distance. We can communicate with all the inflection and expression, as we do in person, from a distance. I have been waiting for so long for technology that improves accessibility for the deaf and hard of hearing."

Human Software ships AutoSelect PS plugin

10/06, 3:20pm

Human Software ships AutoSelect PS plugin

Human Software is now shipping a new plug-in to perform multiple selective color corrections in RGB: AutoSelect can now perform multiple color changes, without having to create masks using adjustable ranges to deliver color changes that are precise, smooth and follow the different shades of color. AutoSelect 1 comes as a filter plug-in compatible with applications supporting Photoshop 5.5 (including Photoshop 8) and higher plug-ins-kind. AutoSelect 1 offers multiple color correction modes on top of any RGB photos or layers. It is available for $80 for Mac OS 9/X.

Aspyr launches Wakeboarding Unleashed for Mac

10/06, 2:10pm

Aspyr launches Wakeboarding Unleashed for Mac

Aspyr today announced it will be publishing Wakeboarding Unleashed Featuring Shaun Murray. The conversion is being handled by Beenox and is currently in beta testing, according to Aspyr. "Rip across a lake behind a screaming speedboat, tricking through dangerous terrain with only a sliver of wakeboard between you and the blistering water below. Catch mind-blowing air in 9 exotic locations around the world-from Lake Powell to Hong Kong Harbor. Tired Already? Then steer the boat and help your friend pull off challenging technical ticks on the most realistic-looking water ever." The $30 title, available for pre-order now, will run on Mac OS X 10.2.3 and require a 700MHz G4 processor.

Apple's dual 2-GHz G5 by the numbers

10/06, 12:30pm

Apple's dual 2-GHz G5 by the numbers

Computerworld's second G5 look, Apple's dual 2-GHz G5 by the numbers, says: " It's clear from two weeks of testing that Apple's new Power Mac G5 dual 2-GHz machine is the fastest thing the company has ever produced. And while you can debate benchmarks until eternity, it certainly appears poised to meet or beat anything now out on the Windows side." The review includes basic tests and comparisons with two other recent Apple models, including startup and reboot times, launch times for several typical apps and the times needed to process a variety of tasks.

Barcode Producer gets Panther, plugin support

10/06, 11:50am

Barcode Producer gets Panther, plugin support

Intelli Innovations today released Barcode Producer 2.0, a major upgrade to its award-winning barcode generation suite for the Mac. Version 2.0 now includes a Symbology Guide, which offers categorized access to information about various barcode symbologies. It also features a new EAN AutoCheck that offers easier Bookland EAN generation by automatically completing user input with the appropriate check digit information; new multinational options; an ISBN Check Digit Calculator; more barcode support; Panther compatibility, and a Barcode Producer Plug-In Engine that offers an expandable architecture. It is $130 for Mac OS 9/X with upgrades from previous releases priced at $40. [Classic, OSX]

Apps: PowerMail, Veta Chat, MailTemplate...

10/06, 11:40am

Apps: PowerMail, Veta Chat, MailTemplate...

Veta Chat 1.0 ($10) is an application for communicating with other Mac (and soon Palm users) via Bluetooth. Users can quickly exchange messages by creating a small peer-to-peer chat room of up to 7 people on the fly by simply hosting the chat and letting the others join you. [944KB]
multiple movie 1.0 ($4) allows you to place, and animate in position and size, as many movies as you like. Users can define starting position and size as well as ending position and size, and the plug will generate all sizes and positions in-between. It supports pictures, movies, and animated GIFs. [527KB]
uGrabIt 1.1 is a video capture tool which allows to record videoclips from almost any device. Users can select the dimensions, the desired codec and the framerate: "To make the digitized material fit into iMovie it needs to be digitized in DV Pal or DV NTSC format. In wide parts of Europe DV Pal is used in the USA and other countries it is NTSC." [Classic, OSX]
Volumes Menu 1.0 adds a menu to the top right corner of your screen that allows users to browse through their volumes with infinite recursion, eject removable media and network volumes, and move and copy files by dropping them on Volumes Menu's icon in the menu bar. The donationware runs on Mac OS X 10.2. [142KB]
MailTemplate 1.3 and EntourageTemplate 1.3 are Mac OS X software applications for creating e-mail messages with templates. Version 1.3 of each adds attachment support, compatibility with Mac OS 10.3, and other nternal changes for easier localization. Each is $10 with a 15-day trial available for Mac OS X. [MT, ET]
Cemetary 1.2 is a free Halloween screen saver for Mac OS X: "A spooky desolate cemetery is haunted by bothersome bats, ghastly ghosts, lethal lightning, scary skeletons, wicked witches, and zany zombies! Beware; they rise from the grave looking for their next victims!" Registration ($5) enables a few "bonus" creatures. [1.6MB]
CTM Development's PowerMail 4.2.1 updates the email client with support for FoxTrot high-speed search technology with extensible search functions, multithreading, indexing, scheduling, contextual menus, import/export, multiple signatures, PGP, spell checking, and other features. Upgrades to the $50 application are $30. [5.1MB]

Epson launches CX6400 Scan-Print-Copy device

10/06, 11:10am

Epson launches CX6400 Scan-Print-Copy device

Epson today launched a scan-print-copy device that is optimized for office-level workloads and busy households. The low-profile Stylus CX6400 triples as a scanner, PC-free printer and PC-free color copier, offering unique features such as a PIN-based digital lock, Epson's new photo restoration technology and easy-to-navigate LCD panel. It incorporates Epson's DURABrite CYMK-based ink system with four individual cartridges, offers up to 22 ppm black and up to 11 ppm color printing, is even quieter with its newly designed engine and mechanism, and features up to 5,760x1,440 optimized dpi and ultrafine three-picoliter ink droplets. The $200 device also integrates a multifunctional flash card reader.

Motorola to spin-off semiconductor unit

10/06, 10:50am

Motorola to spin-off semiconductor unit

Motorola today announced that it plans to spin-off its semiconductor operations--the division that manufactures the PowerPC G4 processor--into a publicly traded company, which "reflects Motorola’s intention to increase its focus on communications and integrated electronic systems, as well as create an exciting opportunity for the company’s Semiconductor Products Sector (SPS) as an independent semiconductor company with its own focused strategy." Motorola says it has not finalized details of the transaction and is considering an initial public offering (IPO) of a portion of SPS, followed by a distribution of remaining shares to shareholders in a tax-free manner.

Asante updates network drivers for G5

10/06, 10:50am

Asante updates network drivers for G5

Asante today released five updated drivers that offer full compatibility for Apple's Power Mac G5 computers, saying it is "the first" to offer a complete line of 10/100 and Gigabit Ethernet adapters for Mac OS X. "By updating our drivers for the 64-bit, PowerPC G5 microprocessor, we're able to deliver maximum network throughput," continued Wong. "All of the drivers have been thoroughly tested for compatibility and are blazing fast." Updated drivers are available for the FriendlyNET GigaNIX 1032TA (Gigabit, 32-bit MHz PCI), FriendlyNET GigaNIX 1000TA (Gigabit, 64-bit PCI), FriendlyNET GigaNIX 1000SX (Gigabit PCI), GigaNIC 1064SX, and FriendlyNET AsanteFAST 696 PCI.

Dantz Retrospect 5.1 now compatible with G5

10/06, 8:35am

Dantz Retrospect 5.1 now compatible with G5

Dantz today announced that Retrospect 5.1 is now fully compatible with the impressive new line of Power Mac G5 computers via a new Retrospect updater (noted here last week): "Apple is pleased to have worked closely with Dantz to ensure their timely support of the new Power Mac G5," said Ron Okamoto, Vice President of Worldwide Developer Relations, Apple. "Dantz has done a great job enhancing our customers' ability to safely and reliably protect their data." Retrospect 5.1 is available in Server ($800 for 100 clients), Workgroup ($500 for 20 clients), and Desktop ($130) editions.

Apple competing for Michigan laptop contract

10/06, 7:40am

Apple competing for Michigan laptop contract

Apple and Dell are among the companies competing for a $156 million purchase of nearly 130,000 laptops for Michigan's sixth graders: " Dell hosted a low-key gourmet dinner at the very upscale Tribute restaurant in Farmington Hills for 60 or so school superintendents and educational information technology leaders. That's also why Apple Computer hosted a dinner of its own a couple of weeks ago for key members of its Michigan user groups, urging them to spread the word and use their influence among their educational contacts. Apple probably has the edge, based on the much-publicized success it has had with the nation's two most-watched educational experiments with wireless laptops." A MacNN reader provided a few more details:

Griffin ships updated iTrip for '3G' iPods

10/06, 7:25am

Griffin ships updated iTrip for '3G' iPods

Griffin Technology today announced that the new iTrip FM Transmitter for "3G" (third generation) iPods has begun shipping (as anticipated last week). The new iTrip is similar to the Original iTrip, offering features such as unlimited station frequencies and battery-free iPod mating design. The new model improves upon its predecessor with an even sleeker body style, new power saving features and a red LED light to match the new iPods red backlight perfectly. The $35 compact device rests atop the iPod and attaches securely to the headphone jack without any cables. Griffin also released over 100 new international iTrip frequencies--including those for European users--which are available for download for the new and older iTrip models.