Apps: KDX, FinKit, EasyWMA, iStumbler, iTunesCheck...
KDX 1.5 ($30) brings support for IRC gateways and individual per-folder access controls to the "BBS"-style encrypted internet communications system with functions for voice chat (Internet Telephone), text chat, messaging, news, file and folder transfer, remote access, trackers and more. [client, server] FinKit 2.3 ($25) is a flexible and intuitive financial calculator that lets you calculate annuities, bonds, dates, depreciation, interest, loans, leases, rates, and more. Version 2.3 adds new calculations that let you generate depreciation schedules using a wide range of depreciation methods. [1.6MB] Tactile Interrogator 1.1 ($50) updates the alternative file manager that uses icon sizes to show the sizes of files, uses colors to show the ages of files, offers keyboard-based navigation, and more. It brings performance improvements, better copy/paste functions, and improved visual feedback during copy/duplicate. [6.7MB] EasyWMA 2.1 ("donationware") adds ID3 tag support the audio utility you to convert WMA audio files to the MP3 format for playback via iTunes or other music player. It offers a very simple user interface, full drag and drop support, and batch processing. [1.6MB] iStumbler R88 (free) is an open-source tool for finding wireless networks and devices via AirPort or Bluetooth, offering a realtime display of signal strength and complete debugging info. Release 88 updates the UI, implements plugin menu support, reworks the preferences, and more. [672KB] iTunesCheck 0.7 (free) is a program that It provides global hot keys for controlling iTunes without switching to it, provides a hotkeyable floating window that shows the currently playing song, and it provides a hotkey for quickly finding a song without switching to iTunes. [258KB]
Briefly: AirPort Express, Phillipines event, Netscape
In Brief: Apple offers advice on configuring AirPort Express on an wired-only Ethernet network and says that Safari may stop responding if the hard disk name has a non-ASCII character... A new tutorial offers instructions on installing an iPod into a Mazda RX-8 using the "CD Player Hack."...The Philippine Macintosh Users Group (PhilMUG) in cooperation with local Apple retail distributor, AppleCenter held the first Discover iLife event in the country over the weekend and has posted a few photos of the 2-day event showcasing Apple's applications...Noting that the "ranks of techno-deficient iPod" are growing, BusinessWeek offers a look at a few iPod services for non-techies....America Online will release Netscape 7.2 later this month performance enhancements, password manager improvements, improved junk mail filters and support for vCards.
Apple to open \"mini-store\" in Syracuse, NY
Apple will open a new "protoype" retail store in Syracuse, New York early this fall, according to The Post-Standard. The "mini-store" will open this Semptember in Carousel Center mall on the mall's second level, near the food court: "Apple's newest prototype stores are smaller than their first models, and edgier. The Carousel store will be only the second of the newest version; the first is in Apple's home port of Cupertino, Calif." (Editor's note: this may be a reference to the upcoming Stanford Shopping Center "mini-store" in Palo Alto, CA.) Apple is expected open other "mini-stores" in Santa Rosa, CA (in September) and Bridgewater, NJ.
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Cirrus creates Lightning-headphone dev kit
Apple supplier Cirrus Logic has introduced a MFi-compliant new development kit for companies interested in using Cirrus' chips to create Lightning-based headphones, which -- regardless of whether rumors about Apple dropping the analog headphone jack in its iPhone this fall -- can offer advantages to music-loving iOS device users. The kit mentions some of the advantages of an all-digital headset or headphone connector, including higher-bitrate support, a more customizable experience, and support for power and data transfer into headphone hardware. Several companies already make Lightning headphones, and Apple has supported the concept since June 2014. http://bit.ly/29giiZj
Apple Store app offers Procreate Pocket
The Apple Store app for iPhone, which periodically rewards users with free app gifts, is now offering the iPhone "Pocket" version of drawing app Procreate for those who have the free Apple Store app until July 28. Users who have redeemed the offer by navigating to the "Stores" tab of the app and swiping past the "iPhone Upgrade Program" banner to the "Procreate" banner have noted that only the limited Pocket (iPhone) version of the app is available free, even if the Apple Store app is installed and the offer redeemed on an iPad. The Pocket version currently sells for $3 on the iOS App Store. [32.4MB]
Porsche adds CarPlay to 2017 Panamera
Porsche has added a fifth model of vehicle to its CarPlay-supported lineup, announcing that the 2017 Panamera -- which will arrive in the US in January -- will include Apple's infotainment technology, and be seen on a giant 12.3-inch touchscreen as part of an all-new Porsche Communication Management system. The luxury sedan starts at $99,900 for the 4S model, and scales up to the Panamera Turbo, which sells for $146,900. Other vehicles that currently support CarPlay include the 2016 911 and the 2017 models of Macan, 718 Boxster, and 718 Cayman. The company did not mention support for Google's corresponding Android Auto in its announcement. http://bit.ly/295ZQ94
Apple employees testing wheelchair features
New features included in the forthcoming watchOS 3 are being tested by Apple retail store employees, including a new activity-tracking feature that has been designed with wheelchair users in mind. The move is slightly unusual in that, while retail employees have previously been used to test pre-release versions of OS X and iOS, this marks the first time they've been included in the otherwise developer-only watchOS betas. The company is said to have gone to great lengths to modify the activity tracker for wheelchair users, including changing the "time to stand" notification to "time to roll" and including two wheelchair-centric workout apps. http://bit.ly/2955JDa
SanDisk reveals two 256GB microSDXC cards
SanDisk has introduced two 256GB microSDXC cards. Arriving in August for $150, the Ultra microSDXC UHS-I Premium Edition card offers transfer speeds of up to 95MB/s for reading data. The Extreme microSDXC UHS-I card can read at a fast 100MB/s and write at up to 90MB/s, and will be shipping sometime in the fourth quarter for $200. http://bit.ly/294Q1If
Apple's third-quarter results due July 26
Apple has advised it will be issuing its third-quarter results on July 26, with a conference call to answer investor and analyst queries about the earnings set to take place later that day. The stream of the call will go live at 2pm PT (5pm ET) via Apple's investor site, with the results themselves expected to be released roughly 30 minutes before the call commences. Apple's guidance for the quarter put revenue at between $41 billion and $43 billion. http://apple.co/1oi1Pbm
Twitter stickers slowly roll out to users
Twitter has introduced "stickers," allowing users to add extra graphical elements to their photos before uploading them to the micro-blogging service. A library of hundreds of accessories, props, and emoji will be available to use as stickers, which can be resized, rotated, and placed anywhere on the photograph. Images with stickers will also become searchable with viewers able to select a sticker to see how others use the same graphic in their own posts. Twitter advises stickers will be rolling out to users over the next few weeks, and will work on both the mobile apps and through the browser. http://bit.ly/29bbwUE
