News Archive for 04/08/18

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Digital Lifestyle Outfitters offers iPod boombox

08/18, 3:35pm

DLO iBoom

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters, a manufacturer of MP3 player accessories, today announced the upcoming iBoom, a boombox solution designed specifically for iPod and iPod mini. iBoom is a 20 watts per channel, four-speaker boombox system with built-in digital FM radio. Users simply drop iPod or iPod mini into the iBoom dock. iBoom also features a digital FM radio, built-in handle for ease of portability, auxiliary input jack and can be powered via its included AC adapter or 6 D batteries (not included). iBoom will be available in late September.

MakeMusic! ships Finale 2005 music notation software

08/18, 3:10pm

MakeMusic! Finale 2005

MakeMusic! today announced the release of its Finale 2005 music notation software, offering a variety of timesaving new features for educators, students, composers and publishers. Finale 2005 includes Finale Performance Assessment (FPA), which leverages the company's SmartMusic technology that can create music files which students can see and play in the revolutionary FPA application. Other new features include engraver tuplets, the ability to create SmartMusic Accompaniments, new Row-Loff Marching Percussion sounds, Human Playback enhancements, intelligent repeats, grace note improvements, and more. It is $600 with upgrades priced at $90 for a limited time. [upgrade pricing updated]

Briefly: iPod contest, Real parody, MediaMaid

08/18, 3:10pm

iPod contest

In Brief: SmileOnMyMac has invited disclabel users to create a template with the software, for a chance to win an iPod; Mandril Design has created a parody of the Real logo that they think "sums up this whole Harmony situation pretty well;" End If Software has startet its new public beta program whereby every user, who takes part in the beta test phase and reports a bug or creates a report, will receive a llicense key for the final version of MediaMaid FM for free.

CaptureWorks releases PrintCapture 4.0

08/18, 2:55pm

PrintCapture 4.0

CaptureWorks has released PrintCapture 4.0, the newest version of its print tracking software for both Mac and Windows. Version 4 includes significant improvements, making it easier to deploy, use and easily create centralized reports of company-wide printing activity. PrintCapture is designed for companies that need or desire to accurately track who is printing how much of what at which sizes to which printers. It can capture the fine details of this information and attach to it job numbers or billing codes, simplifying billing data collection. Version 4 adds print categories, a new CaptureConnect SDK for third-party application integration, enhanced reporting, and more. It is $100 per tracked machine and includes the Manager and Antenna software (server).

Apps: iPod It, MacTheRipper, iTattle, AstroView, ...

08/18, 1:50pm

iPod It, MacTheRipper...

iPod It 2.4 ($15) is the latest version of the utility that allows users to transfer their PIM data to an iPod. This release has almost 40 changes/enhancements including: full Entourage 2004 support, the option to download full news articles, the ability to download multiple weather forecasts, and more. [Download - 442KB]
MacTheRipper is a freeware DVD ripper (extractor) for Mac OS X based on the open-sourced GPL libdvdread and libdvdcss libraries. Version 2.0.1 introduces minor bugfixes, is compiled with Xcode 1.5 for increased performance and stability, and offers interface changes to decrease CPU usage. [Download - 1.3MB]
iTattle 1.1 is an application that displays Network information for AirPort Extreme, built-in Ethernet, and System information. Version 1.1 now displays users in a table, offers a software update feature, and manual external IP updating. [Download - 1.3MB]
AstroView 1.33 ($20) is a program that allows users to view a shared computer. Version 1.33 adds support for 16-bit monitors for AstroShare. Upcoming versions may add 24-bit sharing support. [Download - 157KB]
Graphviz 1.13 is the Macintosh port of the automated graph layout software, featuring a new document-based GUI, export to PDF and many more bitmap formats, full alpha transparency, native font and shapefile support, and anti-aliasing. [Download - 1.4MB]
LCedit+ 3.2.1 is the latest version of the advanced LanBox lighting editor. This new version adds new PDF documentation, new features for the LanBox-LCX, LanBox-LCE and LanBox-LCM, and many bug fixes. [Download - 4.7MB]

CSFB begins coverage of AAPL with "neutral" rating

08/18, 1:00pm

CSFB: AAPL \'neutral\'

Research firm CSFB today initiated coverage on both Apple and Dell. The company said that both Dell, rated an 'Outperform' and Apple, rated "neutral" were part of the larger PC industry that has arrived at "a saturation point where a large percentage of the developed world now owns a PC, and long-term market growth is largely dependent on replacement cycles as opposed to new user adoption." The CSFB analyst also said that Dell has the lowest-cost supply chain, and owning this mode is "paramount for long-term success." Apple, however, has lost marketshare in the PC business but has successfully expanded into portable music players and legally downloadable music. Update: Analyst Gene Munster of Piper Jaffray reiterated his "outperform" rating on AAPL, saying that Apple is poised to take advantage of industry data that suggests that the creative professional computer market has rebounded. The report says that Mac sales growth is expected to be 9% year-over-year for the September quarter and says that Apple is expected to ship its upgraded iMacs during mid-September.

Cobash Space Colony Campaign for Mac

08/18, 12:15pm

Cobash for Mac

Aspyr today announced that "The Cobash Space Colony Campaign," a game by Firefly Studios, is now available for Mac. The Cobash campaign, named for its planetary setting, contains five new, challenging missions. "Mr. Waterhouse is up to his old tricks again, this time on the very unstable planet of Cobash. A rival company is attempting to steal his business, and he’s not too happy about it. All Venus and her team have to do is run them out of business."

Tech: Google IPO, unpatched PCs, game ratings

08/18, 11:30am

Google IPO

Morning tech news: Google lowered the target price per share for its IPO on Wednesday, and asked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to give buyers additional time to reconsider their bids; according to the researchers, an unpatched Windows PC connected to the Internet will last for only about 20 minutes before it's compromised by malware, on average; California's state senate passed a bill Monday that requires retailers to display signs notifying parents of the ratings systems for video games.

IRIS Business Card Reader II offers new OCR engine

08/18, 11:15am

IRIS B-Card Reader II

I.R.I.S. today announced the US availability of a new version of its unique business card reading solution, the IRIS Business Card Reader II. The device is designed to scan and import business card information into virtually any contact manager. "With its totally redesigned interface and new software architecture, the IBCR II is the fastest, easiest and most reliable tool for saving, organizing and updating contact information on the Mac environment", said Jean-Marc Fontaine, Director of Sales for I.R.I.S. Inc. The solution includes dedicated card scanner hardware as well as Cardiris 3.0, an updated version of the business card reading software, featuring a new OCR engine, new field analysis and field parsing technology, powerful save/export functions, a new user interface, and more. It runs on Mac OS 9/X and is available for $150.

OWC ships NewerTech RoadTrip! FM transmitter for iPod

08/18, 11:00am

RoadTrip! FM transmitter

Newer Technology and Other World Computing today announced the new NewerTech 'RoadTrip!' FM transmitter, an adapter that allows iPod users to broadcast their favorite audio files from an iPod through a car audio system using the 107.7 FM radio frequency. The 'RoadTrip!' FM transmitter connects to a vehicle's 12-volt cigarette lighter and has a 3.5-millimeter stereo jack that is compatible with all four generations of iPods, the iPod mini and most personal MP3 and audio players. The 'RoadTrip!' is available immediately for $20.

PhotoshopWorld offers Adobe Certified Expert testing

08/18, 10:45am

PhotoshopWorld tests ACEs

PhotoshopWorld Conference & Expo will offer mobile onsite Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) testing. Scheduled for the Photoshop event in Orlando on September 1-2, the Adobe-sponsored mobile testing, for the first time, has been made available at a conference venue and outside of Adobe’s test centers in the U.S. As part of this special offer, Adobe is also providing PhotoshopWorld attendees a 25 percent discount off the cost of certification ($113 after discount). Conference attendees may demonstrate their proficiency in Adobe software products such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, GoLive, Acrobat Reader, After Effects, or Premiere Pro by passing the ACE test at PhotoshopWorld. Early registration is available online, while onsite registration will be held if testing slots are still available.

FileMaker launches FileMaker Certification Program

08/18, 10:35am

FileMaker Certification

FileMaker today announced the FileMaker Certification Program for Developers. "With over 60,000 advanced FileMaker developers worldwide, the company has deployed a training and testing program to provide a common set of developer proficiency standards related to its recently launched FileMaker 7 product family. The certification program, which begins today, is effective worldwide. Successful completion of the certification program provides developers with a designation of "FileMaker 7 Certified Developer." The program tests candidates on the essential knowledge required to develop and deploy business or organizational solutions using the complete FileMaker 7 product family.

Sony debuts compact PictureStation photo printer

08/18, 8:35am

Sony compact photo printer

Sony today announced its new PictureStation DPP-FP30 printer. The compact printer is "about the size of a standard paperback" and features a lightweight silver-colored casing; the photo printer uses dye-sublimation technology to produce continuous tone, photo-quality prints and each photo is sealed with SuperCoat 2 laminate, offering protection against spills, moisture and fingerprints. The printer also supports viewing and printing of images directly from a PictBridge-compatible digital camera (without using a PC). The FP30 printer will be available in October with an included 40 sheet print pack for about $150.

DVDthemePAK.com releases ShapePAK collections

08/18, 8:10am

ShapePAK collections

DVDthemePAK.com today released three new ShapePAK collections of 24 shapes each for Apple's DVD Studio Pro 3.0 software. DVDThemePAK.com, the creator of a large variety of ThemePAKs for DVD Studio Pro and iDVD, says the ShapePAKS are "the first product of its kind for DVD Studio Pro," offering a collection of frame art for use as buttons or drop zones within DVD Studio Pro. "Our new shape designs offer a much needed increase in creative choices for any DVD Studio Pro project." Each ShapePAK is priced at $40, while all three ShapePAKs are available for $100. ShapePAKs are compatible with DVD Studio Pro 2.0/3.0.

equinux updates VPN Tracker 3 security software

08/18, 8:05am

VPN Tracker 3 released

equinux today announced the newest release of its flagship software, VPN Tracker 3. Version 3 allows for added security in the form of Extended Authentication (XAUTH), which allows multiple users to share the same pre-shared key, while still allowing for restricted access to the central network on an individual user basis. It also offers improved tunnel stability with dynamic IP addresses, a redesigned interface, an integrated "How-to Guide," remote DNS support, and simplified network setup. The Professional Edition ($200) supports multiple connections, connection export and certificate enrollment, while the Personal Edition ($90), a more simplified version, can secure a single network connection. Upgrades are $24. A limited-time 20% discount is available on new product pricing.

PowerPC G4 improvements in the works

08/18, 8:00am

PowerPC G4 improvements

Freescale, Motorola's chip division, is expected to debut its dual-core PowerPC G4 processor at the Microprocessor Forum in San Jose, CA, in October. According to The Register, the new G4 is expected to feature an on-board memory controller capable of supporting DDR 2 SDRAM, a Gigabit Ethernet controller, Rapid IO bus, and speeds eventually in excess of 2GHz. The processor "may also mark the next major leap in Mac notebook G4 processors" before the PowerBook G5. A successor to the MPC 7447A, used in current PowerBook G4 systems, is also in the works.

Apps: Process, OSXvnc, SafariSpeed, WPConvert

08/18, 7:40am

Apps: Process, OSXvnc

• Process 1.0 ($25) is an outlining application that can seamlessly link projects with the elements needed to complete them. It offers a simple popup menu to link plans and schedules with project-specific resources such as web sites, PDF files and text documents. Documents stored elsewhere can be opened in Process, edited there and saved to their original sites without separately opening other applications.


• A Better Finder Rename 6.5 ($20) is a utility for easily and quickly renaming batches of files. Version 6.5 improves compatibility with remote and external file systems, as well as with Apple's FileVault mechanism. (The company has also added its own RSS feed.)


• Chicken of the VNC 2.0b1 a VNC client for Mac OS X, which allows one to display and interact with a remote computer screen. The software features automatic server discovery via Rendezvous, Keychain integration, an auto-scrolling full-screen mode, customizable connection profiles, and more.


• OSXvnc 1.4 (free) is a VNC server providing remote access to the GUI, keyboard and mouse using any VNC client. The new version adds Rendezvous support, Chicken of the VNC compatibility, and bug fixes.


• SafariSpeed 1.0 (free) removes a page loading delay built into Safari to substantially increase the speed at which pages are loaded. SafariSpeed works by removing the delay that Safari waits for before starting to load a page.

ChemCalcsX 1.0 ($40) is a chemistry Q&A environment for mastering fundamental skills and processes essential to the understanding of chemistry calculations and concepts, such as naming elements, writing symbols, atomic/orbital construction, molecular formulas, balancing equations, equation solving, and stoichiometric calculations. It runs on Mac OS X 10.2.8 or later. [3.5MB]

• WPConvert 1.0 (free) is a utility for converting old Word Perfect documents (version 5.x) into text and HTML documents. The software functions as a wrapper around the command line utility wp2x, which is included in the application.

Briefly: online petitions, Miami iPod party, Comcast

08/18, 7:40am

Online petitions

In Brief: An online petition seeks to rally support against PalmSource's decision to abandon native Mac synchronization (although third-party solutions exist), while another asks Yahoo! to update the features of its Yahoo! Messenger client on the Mac (and Linux) to match its Windows...The iPod Garage has announced La Spiaggia as the venue for the upcoming South Beach iPod Garage Party in Miami on September 1st...The Iconfactory has released Jolly Roger, a free icon collection for "users of all ages who love pirates, finding buried treasure and getting keel hauled."...Apple describes an intermittant Comcast DHCP connection problem that may require an upgrade to Mac OS X 10.3.5 or a reset of the cable modem termination system (CMTS).

Speck launches new "4G" iPod cases

08/18, 1:05am

New Speck \"4G\" iPod cases

Speck Products today announced two new cases for Apple's "4G" (fourth-generation) iPod (a.k.a., the "iPod with Click Wheel"). The 4G SkinTight case is a rubberized case that hugs the iPod to provide protection from bumps and scratches without adding bulk and the new 4G iStyle features an all-leather construction that provides "elegance and protection." The SkinTight iPod Skin provides protection against dust, knocks, and scratches and is made out of a superior shock-absorbing, tear-resistant KRATON plastic; it features a flex-away flap, allowing it to work with the iPod dock. The Speck SkinTight rubberized skins are available in 3 colors (frosted clear, blue, and pink) and can be purchased at the end of the month $20 (single-pack) or for $30 (three-pk).