Apps: Backup Simplicity, OnSync, OmniWeb, StuffIt

• Backup Simplicity ($100) provides a simple way to protect the information on your computer. It can also help retrieve documents that were accidentally trashed. Backup Simplicity uses the same professional-quality, high-speed backup engine in Synchronize! Pro X. [Download - form]


• OnSync 1.9 ($12) is the latest version of the mobile phone contacts synchronizer for Mac OS X. The update offers improved Tiger support, Palm Desktop compatibility, support for new Samsung and LG models, and many bug fixes. [Download - 2.8MB]


• On-Target Reports 4.1 ($200) is a powerful report generator that can create reports from most popular databases, including FrontBase, mySQL, OpenBase, Oracle, postgreSQL, PrimeBase, REALDatabase, and more. SQLite Server is now supported as a data source. [Download - 7.6MB]


• KisMAC R62/R63 (free) is a stumbler application that locate information on wireless networks. It supports an "invisible mode" for most third-party cards (and the original AirPort card); however, Airport Extreme Cards are only supported in a limited active mode. It sports a new design, AppleScript support, PrismGT support and new Atheros support, improved WEP-cracking, and a new savefile format. [Download - Panther, Tiger]


• OmniWeb 5.1.1b1 ($30) brings several security fixes as well as Tiger-compatibility to the alternative browser for Mac OS X. It can also now make use of the Java plug-in supplied by Apple with Tiger, providing backwards comaptibility with Mac OS X 10.3 (but not Mac OS X 10.2). A 30-day demo is available. Upgrades are $10. [Download - 5.9MB]


• StuffIt Deluxe 9.0.2 is the latest version of the highly popular compression/decompression software for Mac OS X. The new version implements StuffIt's new JPEG Photo Compression Technology. [Download - 1.5MB]

Briefly: Prosoft Tiger updates, D-Command ships, ....

In Brief: Prosoft today announced that the latest versions of Drive Genius, Data Rescue and Picture Rescue are now Tiger compatible.... Digidesign has begun initial shipments of the D-Command tactile worksurface, which will be the highlight of a new worldwide Mixing with ICON D-Command Tour starting May 9, 2005.... Aspyr will release free Call of Duty: United Offensive Map Pack this Friday, including 6 which update original Call of Duty maps as well as 2 new maps.... For a limited time, Point In Space is offering Lasso Studio 8 for Eclipse for $150 ($50 off) when purchased in conjunction with any new MySQL or FileMaker Hosting Account.... Mac OS X Tiger is TIME magazine's Gadget of the Week, offering five things you may not about the new OS.

Marware to offer Sport Grip singles, 3-pk via retail

Marware today announced that it will begin retail sales of its Sport Grip for the iPod shuffle. Sport Grip singles, which have been shipping for over a month, will now be available in commercial packaging for $10, while new a 3-pack will be available for $25. Made of resilient silicone, it kesps the Shuffle cap secure; offers easy access to the front/rear toggles; and allows for synching without complete removal. It also includes an attachment ring and carabiner. Sport Grip 3 packs are available Red/Blue/Black or White/Gray/Black. In addition to the attachment ring and carabiner, the 3 packs include a silicone lanyard. Singles are availabe in Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Plum, Pink, White, Gray, and Black.

SoftRAID 3 driver included with Mac OS X Tiger

SoftRAID today announced that its SoftRAID 3 driver is included with Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger (both retail and CPU-installed versions). The SoftRAID 3 driver allows Mac OS X to recognize SoftRAID volumes created with the SoftRAID 3. "This means that a user can take their SoftRAID volumes to any machine with Tiger installed and the volumes will appear on the desktop and function normally, with or without the presence of the SoftRAID application. The application is necessary to create and manage the volumes." The company also said that users can install Tiger directly onto their SoftRAID volumes without modification. (Panther installers require modification for recognition of SoftRAID volumes.) Version 3.1.3, the currently shipping version, is recommended, for Mac OS X Tiger; however, a future version, due later this month, will address CD/DVD creation issues in Tiger. The full version is $130 (electronic) or $150 (CD).

Kodak debuts new EasyShare cameras, bundles...

Kodak today announced new packages that combine its EasyShare digital cameras, printer docks, and software. The packages include the EasyShare C-Series point-and-shoot digital cameras (C360, C330, and C310) models announced today, as well as previously announced C340 and C300 models as well as the EasyShare Printer Dock Series 3 and EasyShare Software. The C360 Zoom Digital Camera and Printer Dock Series 3 will be available in July for $380; the C360 (pictured at right), available separately for $280, features 5.0 megapixel resolution, a large 2-inch display, a 3x optical zoom, on-camera cropping, a new blur warning indicator, VGA video (along with audio), automatic photo rotation, red-eye reduction, and more.

Datamation debuts security device for Mac mini

Datamation has introduced a new security device designed specifically to protect the Mac mini: the DS-MAC-MINSP is a sleek, matching enclosure that helps secure a Mac mini (and its internal components) without compromising style. "This is a maximum security device that can be mounted to either the top or the side of a desk. It was created to respect the design and styling of the beautiful Mac mini while meeting the security needs of customers who need a higher level of protection." Users can use a powerful adhesive base (700 pounds of dynamic sheer strength) and/or screws to secure the device. The company has a similar product for the desktop G5 and other Macs.

iSkin debuts 'mini Shade' protectors for iPod mini

iSkin today announced its new mini "Shades", colored screen protection for the iPod mini. The 'Shades' feature "subtle but resonating" colors for the iPod mini display. Similar to its regular Shades for the iPod, the iSkin mini "Shades" are available as a separate product from iSkin; they feature an ultra-clear screen and are available in a bundled five pack. The "Shades" are durable and designed to be used in conjunction with the iSkin mini silicone protector. Customers can mix and match them with different iSkin minis to create the ultimate customized look. iSkin mini "Shades" retail for $15 per 5-pack and are available today.

Briefly: FileMaker and Tiger, iPod in Japan, fonts...

In brief: FileMaker today announced that FileMaker Pro 7 users will experience immediate compatibility with Mac OS X Tiger. FileMaker also plans to support the Dashboard and Automator in the future, ... Japan Today compares Apple and Sony's digital music offerings in the country, ... Wired Inc. today announced a Spring promotion featuring special pricing on all products and a free iPod with the purchase of any MediaPress MPEG encoder, ... Excel Software has streamlined product editions and cut prices by 50% on its Mac OS 9 products for system analysts and software developers, ... dincTYPE is offering a free set of fonts called "Yours Sincerely."

Nyko debuts iTop button relocator for iPod

Nyko Technologies has announced its iTop button relocator for Apple's iPod. The lightweight, slim adapter attaches to the iPod, and relocates standard controls from the face of the unit to the top, providing fast and easy access to music player. "The standard play, fast-forward, rewind and volume control functions are tactile, jeweled buttons that allow users to control their digital music player without exposing the screen or removing the unit from their pocket or handbag. Each button is assigned a unique texture so that users can recognize the controls by touch." Nyko's innovative accessory, which requires no additional batteries, features a white and chrome design to match the look and feel of the iPod and fits all full-size iPods. It is available for $30.

SLAPPA ShockShell Case for iPod mini

Total Impact Industrial today released the SLAPPA ShockShell Case for the iPod mini. The case features a Soft interior, an aluminum core, and a rubberized PVC outer body as well as cut-out access windows for iPod mini screen and click wheel and dock connector access. The ShockShell was designed using one of SLAPPA’s newest innovations, CORE3 Protection, which provides 3 layers of shock-absorbing defense "without sacrificing style." The Accessory Port located on the back of the case is designed to accommodate the included Accessories Adapter Plug (AAP). All ShockShell accessories have been designed to slide conveniently on to the AAP. It is available in six different designs--each of which are available in different colors. The $35 case will ship in June. Three-packs will be available for $85.

LANsurveyor 8.5 offers NetBIOS, SIP, Tiger support

Neon Software today announced announced LANsurveyor 8.5, an update to its application that helps network administrators and IT managers diagram their networks, monitor key network components, remotely manage systems, solve network problems, and create network and desktop asset reports. LANsurveyor now discovers and diagrams SIP-based Voice-over-IP devices, including telephones, video conferencing systems and other SIP devices. It also brings Mac OS X Tiger support, expanded AppleScript support, SMTP authentication support, new application launch triggers, improved syslog integration, and more. It is available for $500 (20 responders), $1000 (100 responders), and $12,500 (unlimited). Upgrades start at $200.

iPod shuffle share jumps to 58 percent...

Apple's share of the US flash-player MP3 market grew from 43 percent in February to 58 percent in March, according to research firm NPD. Apple's share of the US hard-disk player market was also at 90 percent, while the iTunes Music Store marketshare was above 70 percent in April. The data were reported by Merill Lynch analyst Steven Milunovich in a research note to clients. The analyst also discussed future iPod enhancements expected by the end of the year, the (non-existent) mobile phone threat, and more. The firm reiterated its 'Buy' rating on Apple stock with a price target of of $51 per share.

Automator actions for Tiger available for purchase

Automated Workflows has released new Automator actions for use with Mac OS X Tiger and third-party applications, including FileMaker, InDesign, Photoshop, and iPhoto. Automator helps users perform repetitive tasks within Mac OS X Tiger. In addition to the free actions provided by Apple, Automated Workflows now provides users with new actions that interact directly with third-party applications. Examples including adding IPTC captions or applying Unsharp Mask or watermarks to Photoshop documents. Many The actions are available individually starting at $5 each or in two separate 'Combination Action Packs": Desktop Publishing InDesign Action Pack 1 ($35) or Photographer Action Pack 1 ($15).

Synk 5.1 improves Tiger support, performance, more

Ben Rister has released Synk 5.1, an update to its advanced synchronization tool for the Macintosh. Version 5.1 combines the extensive capabilities of past versions with an enhanced synchronization process, including reduced memory usage and improved performance. Version 5.1 brings better support for Mac OS X Tiger, improved symbolic link and alias handling, and an updated scheduler. In addition, it features improved conflict detection and resolution. Synk also offers an informative preview window; rule-based inclusion and exclusion; intelligent sync functions; archival functions to preserve modified documents; integrated scheduling; and more. Registration is free for students, $20 for personal use, and $40 for commercial use.