News Archive for 03/10/07

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Peachpit publishes FCP4 guide

10/07, 6:55pm

Peachpit publishes FCP4 guide

Peachpit Press has published "Final Cut Pro 4 for Mac OS X: Visual QuickPro Guide," a book that introduces video producers to the comprehensive set of tools available in the latest version of Apple's professional video editing software. Step-by-step instructions lead readers through the basics and quickly into more advanced projects in video editing. The book costs $30.

Apple adds "Switcher" stories to site

10/07, 5:30pm

Apple adds "Switcher" stories to site

Apple recently updated its collection of stories from Windows-to-Mac "Switchers." The latest include everything from a club DJ to a Java developer. A total of eight stories have been added.

Sarah McLachlan EP exclusive for Apple iTMS

10/07, 4:00pm

Sarah McLachlan EP exclusive for Apple iTMS

Arista on October 21 will release a Sarah McLachlan EP as a download, to be available for the first 30 days exclusively via Apple's iTunes Music Store, according to Billboard Bulletin. "'Acoustic Live EP 2003' has five cuts recorded in concert earlier this year: a pair from McLachlan's new album 'Afterglow,' due November 4, and three older tracks. 'Fallen,' the first single from 'Afterglow,' debuted in two versions last week on Billboard's Hot Digital Tracks chart, at No. 1 (album mix) and No. 4 (radio mix). The former logged 2,500 paid downloads, the largest one-week tally in the chart's three-month history. Both tracks were also 30-day iTunes exclusives."

Contour Design debuts new iPod carry case

10/07, 4:00pm

Contour Design debuts new iPod carry case

Contour Design has introduced Showcase, its rubber/hard plastic case for the new 3G (third-generation) iPods: "Through the skillful application of advanced dual-injection molding technology, Contour Design has created a case with a clean, trim, seamless look that highlights the pure beauty of your iPod. No other case on the market looks and feels so much like a natural extension of the iPod itself." The $40 case features a removable, horizontally-mounted belt clip, is now available for pre-order, and will ship on October 20th.

Spark 800: portable FireWire 800 hard drive

10/07, 3:55pm

Spark 800: portable FireWire 800 hard drive

FirewireDirect.com today announced its Spark 800 2.5" Hard Drive, the latest in its line of FireWire 800 storage products. The Spark 800 offers both FireWire 800 and USB 2.0 connectivity and is available in configurations up to 80GB in a a "tiny, cool silver chassis barely larger than a deck of cards. As a 1394 'B' device, it’s about twice as fast as existing portable FireWire solutions." It includes both FireWire 800 and USB 2.0 cables, a worldwide power adapter and a carrying case as well as both MacDrive for Windows and Intech's Speed Tools for the Mac. It is $140 (case-only), $300 (40GB), $340 (60GB), and $400 (80GB) for the 4,200 rpm/2MB buffer mechanisms and $450 (80GB/5400rpm/8MB) and $460 (60GB/7200rpm/8MB) for the higher performance models.

Aladdin updates StuffIt Engine 8.01

10/07, 3:40pm

Aladdin updates StuffIt Engine 8.01

Aladdin has released StuffIt Deluxe 8.01, an update to its $80 Mac OS X compression software suite as well as StuffIt Standard 8.01, an update to its $50 shareware suite of compression utilities: "The StuffIt Engine 8.0.1. update is designed to address ONLY the problem relating to UNIX permissions. It does not address any other issues. We are currently working on a solution to the issue with StuffIt AVR Kernel Extension and hope to have an additional update released in a matter of weeks." [4MB]

Tech: CD copy protection, 8.5GB DVDs...

10/07, 2:35pm

Tech: CD copy protection, 8.5GB DVDs...

Afternoon tech news: Holding down the computer's shift key will disable the new anticopying measures being tested on CDs by BMG, according to a Princeton University student; Microsoft on Tuesday released what it called "modest changes" to Windows and Internet Explorer as a result of the patent suit brought against it by Eolas Technologies; Companies at Ceatec Japan 2003 are demonstrating dual-layer 8.5GB versions of both DVD-R and DVD+R discs that offer almost double the data capacity of today's standard blank DVD discs; America Online has expanded its agreement with Google and shored up its own AOL Search capabilities with new query options and navigation tools.

Apple could use water-cooled PPC to boost MHz

10/07, 2:20pm

Apple could use water-cooled PPC to boost MHz

Apple/IBM could soon been shipping water-cooled processors to boost clock frequencies without putting extra strain on notebook, desktop and server heat management systems, courtesy of a new technique developed by Stanford University spin-off company Cooligy, according to The Register: "Cooligy's approach - called Active Micro-Channel Cooling (AMC) - involves scoring hundreds of tiny channels into a silicon layer placed on the upper surface of the chip package. Water - or any other fluid, for that matter - circulates through the channels drawing heat away from the core. The company claims AMC can cool a CPU by up to 1000W per square cm. The best a passive system can manage, it says, is 250W per square cm."

Apple Japan expands direct sales staff

10/07, 1:15pm

Apple Japan expands direct sales staff

Apple Japan is expanding its direct sales staff, according to The Nikkei Business Daily: "The subsidiary of US firm Apple Computer Inc plans to immediately increase staff in its direct sales division to 50-60 workers from 20. It is also aggressively hiring contract sales agents. The direct sales staff will focus primarily on universities and other institutions of higher education, as well as small and midsize digital content firms, market segments that distributors have not been able to adequately cover due to swelling sales costs."

Apps: FMPro Server, MP3 Rage, Smart Folders

10/07, 1:10pm

Apps: FMPro Server, MP3 Rage, Smart Folders

Smart Folders 1.0 is a new utility which keeps similar files in a central location and updates itself when new files are created. The special folder will search for all items that match certain criteria and can update itself at regular intervals. It is $10 for a limited time. [889KB]
FileMaker has posted FileMaker Server 5.5r4, an update to the database server application for Mac OS X; it fixes an issue that could cause FileMaker Server to improperly close a file at shutdown; correctly handles non-Western filenames in the open/save dialog; and other fixes. [1.7MB]
Chaotic Software has released MP3 Rage 5.8, its popular MP3 tag editor application. Version 5.8 offers an improved 'Tag Data Mover', support for changing BMP, options to clean up field names, more ID3 tag support, and other enhancements. It is a free update to v5.x owners; full licenses are $25. [2.0MB]
MAKI Enterprise has released an update to its $30 parental control program Kids GoGoGo 7.8.0; it now suports the surveillance "Screen log" that records movements on the screen to an MPEG-4 QuickTime file when running under Mac OS X. It also better supports Safari and has an improved dictionary. [Classic, OSX]
Lismore Software has updated its Blue Label 1.8 emulation application that can run, Windows 95/98/NT, Linux and DOS programs. The update offers improved stability running PC applications and better printer support (including USB and network printers). The Mac OS 8/9 application is $35 with a 50% discount on the future Mac OS X compatible version.
Page Sender 3.1.1 updates Smile Software's fax software for Mac OS X with improvements and bug fixes related to the modem in use check, manual send, cover pages, and preferences. Page Sender 3.0, available as a 30-day free demo, is $30 and available for Mac OS X. [2.9MB]
disclabel 1.2 updates the CD labeling software with import of iTunes album art, import of track lists from comma-separated files, and the addition of a Script menu. disclabel 1.2 supports templates, a wide variety of paper types/sizes, and is available in English, Japanese, German, Italian, and French. It is $30 and requires Mac OS X 10.2 or later. [3.2MB]

IOGEAR releases new USB Flex Light

10/07, 12:30pm

IOGEAR releases new USB Flex Light

IOGEAR has released its new USB Flex Light, illuminating computer keyboards and documents with four or eight power-efficient diode (LED) lights. The new device features a power on-off/low/high switch and is mounted on a 1.5-foot gooseneck flexible cable that can bend to nearly any position. It plugs into any Mac USB port and uses its LEDs for precision illumination, without the heat of standard lights. Users are able to select low or high brightness for maximum control. The $20 Flex Light is USB-powered, eliminating the need for batteries.

BuyIcons offers affordable app icons

10/07, 11:45am

BuyIcons offers affordable app icons

BuyIcons -- a Web site that will offer professional icons at affordable licensing fees -- was launched today by lead designer Jordan Langille. The goal of BuyIcons is to provide a "very affordable service" to developers that need to "make their application more presentable," with the help of high-quality icons. BuyIcons is targeting new/independent software developers who might not be able to justify expensive graphic design, given the demand uncertainty of new products.

Intro to OS X programming class planned

10/07, 11:45am

Intro to OS X programming class planned

Eric Tremblay of MacDev.ca is considering offering an "Introduction to Mac OS X Programming" class at the DeMaisonneuve College in Montreal in November or early December. Those interested in the two-day (14 hour) hands-on program are asked to contact Mr. Tremblay for more information. The class is intended to be an introduction of programming on the Mac, where students will learn to use various development tools and explore the basics of the Cocoa environment.

TetraSoft AASP serves North Georgia area

10/07, 11:15am

TetraSoft AASP serves North Georgia area

TetraSoft Computers, locatd in Rome, Georgia, has announced its certification as an Apple Authorized Service Provider Plus (AASP). TetraSoft will serve the North Georgia region as an AASP for both carry-in and on-site Apple service issues for portables and desktops. The company is currently one of the largest service centers for home and business PC service and networking in the Northwest Georgia region and will now be the only Apple Service Provider North of the Atlanta area in the state of Georgia. The company's Website also notes that it recently moved its mail and Web servers to Mac OS X, so that it can offer "even faster (and more reliable) access to all areas of TetraSoftPC.com."

Luidia debuts eBeam System 3 Wireless

10/07, 11:00am

Luidia debuts eBeam System 3 Wireless

Luidia today introduced eBeam System 3 Wireless, the first portable interactive whiteboard system to eliminate the need for cords or cables using Bluetooth technology. eBeam System 3 Wireless allows any USB-equipped Mac as well as Palm OS or PocketPC handheld, to capture notes, images and drawings wirelessly, as they are written on any standard whiteboard: "Combining the compact design and Idea Capturing Technology with Bluetooth connectivity and new intuitive software, eBeam System 3 Wireless is the most portable, easy-to-use communication and presentation solution for the education, distance learning, conferencing, audio/visual, and office products markets." It is $1,200.

Apps: db Reports, UniHelp, ProjectileX...

10/07, 8:50am

Apps: db Reports, UniHelp, ProjectileX...

db Reports 3.2 offers easy integration of reports into the applications of REALbasic developers that use databases. It can also create professional reports as a standalone application. Version 3.2 introduces the support Sybase ASE, faster expression handling, and numerous bug fixes. Pricing starts at $130. [30MB]
Directors NoteBook 1.6 adds support for multi-camera shoots, allowing users to specify different cameras for shots in the same scene or shot number or in other units. Directors NoteBook is designed specifically for TV commercial directors and director/cameramen, functioning as a digital "project notebook" that organizes director and preproduction information. Pricing start at $170. [9.6MB]
UniHelp 1.5 provides an easy-to-use, feature-rich solution for REALbasic developers who want to add online help to their cross-platform applications. It displays both HTML and ASCII text files, supports URLs, context sensitive help, custom icons, internationalization options, and audio/video/image integration. [585KB]
ProjectileX 2.0 is a $12 projectile motion simulator available to students that is designed to provide "the information that you need to know about a projectile in flight, whether it is an ideal motion projectile or one affected by linear air drag. PojectileX quickly calculates every detail of its trajectory at the click of a mouse and graphs the projectile's flight path." [Classic, OSX]
iCal Calling iTunes! 3.2 is an application that lets you use iCal to schedule iTunes music playlists to play. The latest version fixes a problem some users experienced with playlists not fading and stopping on schedule. Registration ($5) adds support for setting iTunes volume by event, recognition of recurring events, and the ability to use more than a single iTunes Calendar. [247KB]
Derman Enterprises' FolderControl 1.3 ($22) automatically sets up, sizes and arranges your Finder's folder windows into custom settings and configuration sets. Version 1.3 adds support for user-created AppleScript plug-ins, improves startup time, and other enhancements. Derman's ClipCommControl 1.05 ($9) lets you to share your Mac's clipboard with other Macs on the network. [FC, CCC]
Phelios has released Marbles Deluxe, a new puzzle game ported game from the PC. The Mac demo includes 8 levels, while the full version consists of 96 new levels as well as a level editor to customize and create puzzles. It is available for Mac OS X for $20. [5.5MB]

ComputerGuardian offers change notifications

10/07, 8:30am

ComputerGuardian offers change notifications

SubRosaSoft today released ComputerGuardian, a utility that will monitor your computer and attached devices and report its location if the computer is stolen. The application compares the current IP address with the previous IP address and sends an email to the designated recipient if the IP address has changed; the new IP can then be used to locate and recover the Computer. In additional to the IP address, ComputerGuardian also monitors the RAM, the battery, and the internal/external hard drives attached to the computer. It is now available for $15.

Epson launches Stylus C64 inkjet for home

10/07, 3:10am

Epson launches Stylus C64 inkjet for home

Epson yesterday introduced the Stylus C64, an all-purpose DuraBrite inkjet printer that replaces the Stylus C62. The C64 offers borderless 4"x6" prints, as well as text and graphics with ease and offers up to 5760x1440 optimized dpi and variable size ink droplets -- as small as four picoliters and print speeds of up to 17 ppm for black text and up to 9 ppm in color. The USB printer features a sleek more compact design and a DC motor for quiet printing. The Stylus C64 also includes individual ink cartridges for a more convenient, affordable home printing solution. It is now available for $60.