News Archive for 05/06/10

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Mac mini repair, upgrade program

06/10, 6:00pm

Mac mini program

PowerMacResQ today announced a new Mac mini repair and upgrade program. The new service offers Mac mini owners premier upgrade services nationwide. PowerMacResQ will receive the unit, install the upgrade within 24 hours, and return the mini back to the customer overnight. The upgrades are installed by an Apple Certified Technician, and all pulled parts are returned to the customer. Additionally, PowerMacResQ will purchase unwanted or otherwise upgraded parts if the customer does not opt to have them returned.

Brenthaven unveils updated PowerBook, iBook cases

06/10, 4:35pm

Brenthaven cases

Brenthaven yesterday announced new shoulder cases and backpacks for Apple laptops. The redesigned cases are available for Apple’s PowerBook and iBook range. The "Pro" 12/15 is adjustable to fit both the 12- and 15-inch PowerBooks and the "Pro 17" provides a custom fit for 17-inch PowerBooks. The new Brenthaven cases now feature "CORE" padding system to protect the computer from damage by conforming to its dimensions. All the cases feature a dedicated iPod pouch, as well as storage for a mouse, spare battery, and disks. Additionally, the cases feature storage space for paperwork and other items. Brenthaven "has been producing the finest shoulder cases and backpacks for Apple’s PowerBook and iBook range of notebooks. Now the line of cases has been redesigned to make a carrying case that is the best Apple case ever."

Apple Xsan 1.1 update adds 64-bit support

06/10, 4:00pm

Xsan 1.1 update

Apple has updated its Xsan enterprise server software to take advantage of the 64-bit file system in Mac OS X 10.4 “Tiger.” Xsan 1.1 does not add any new features, but improves performance and allows users to share files and volumes up to two petabytes (2PB) in size. Xsan is an enterprise-class storage area network (SAN) solution that lets multiple computers concurrently access storage on an Xserve RAID over high-speed Fibre Channel. By connecting users directly to a high-speed Fibre Channel network, Xsan eliminates the need to transfer files over slower Ethernet-based networks. Using Fibre Channel multipathing -- in which two Fibre Channel cables connect a computer to the SAN -- an Xsan client can theoretically achieve throughput of up to 400MBps. Xsan costs for $1000 per node.

Web Devil 6.0 supports Mac OS X, offers more tools

06/10, 2:35pm

Web Devil 6.0 for Mac OS X

Chaotic Software today released an update to its web downloading software, designed specifically for Mac OS X. Web Devil 6.0 is a tool for downloading web sites for offline browsing, extracting web sites, helping to maintain web sites for content authors, and more. It has filtering capabilities, offers a simple-to-use interface, can download an entire sites with a single click, and offers useful tools for viewing and sorting downloaded content. Version 6 is completely rewritten for Mac OS X, offers new Image Browser and Media Viewer/Sorter tools, a new Event Log with details of downloads, and more. Web Devil 6.0 is available for $35 ($10 upgrade from previous versions).

iWand Presenter Remote controls PowerPoint, Keynote

06/10, 12:55pm

iWand Presenter Remote

Mythix recently released the iWand Presenter Remote. The remote control is designed for use with presentation and slideshow software. The iWand is compatible with Microsoft PowerPoint and Apple Keynote. It can be used to control many aspects of the software, including mouse navigation. Major functions are accessible from dedicated buttons on the remote. The remote features an integrated laser pointer. It includes unique features such as Invert Page Up/Down and Laser Disable quick-switches, RF Signal Indicators LEDs, full function mouse navigation, and toggle function. It offers up to 75 feet of "reliable" range. Mythix also released the iChant, a small speaker that plugs in to the top of the iPod.

Mythix iChant: plug-in iPod speaker

06/10, 12:45pm

iChant speaker

Mythix has released a new mini speaker for the iPod that enables users to "finally free your ears and share your music." The iChant is a small speaker that plugs in to the top of the iPod. It is styled to mach the iPod, and is made of durable ABS plastic with a metal grille. The device offers "crystal clear quality sound" with up to 8 hours of playtime on one AA battery. The iChant features an On/Off switch to save battery life. "Eliminate the hassle of always being connected to your iPod.[...] Maximize your listening and sharing experience with the iChant Active Speaker."

Magic Bullet Editors 1.1 broadens compatibility

06/10, 12:35pm

Magic Bullet Editors

Red Giant Software today announced the availability of Magic Bullet Editors 1.1, a $300 plug-in for popular editing applications that enables moviemakers to add film treatments right on the timeline. Magic Bullet Editors now supports Avid Xpress systems or any AVX 1.5 application on Mac OS X 10.3 or later, in addition to the existing support for Apple Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Sony Vegas. Based on The Orphanage’s Magic Bullet technology, Magic Bullet Editors delivers film stock emulation, diffusion filter, and easy-to-use film-look presets inspired by popular productions, such as The Matrix, Saving Private Ryan, Traffic, and Amelié.

Podcasting growing at "incredible" rate

06/10, 12:20pm

Podcasting growing

Podcasting is growing at "incredible pace," says Dick Costolo, the CEO of FeedBurner. "Last September, I couldn't have told you what a podcast was. Now it's 10 percent of our feeds," he says. Podcasting, which takes its name from the iPod, is a method of publishing sound files to the Internet. It has enabled many to produce self-published, syndicated radio shows. FeedBurner works with 40,000 Web content publishers to make it easy to subscribe to audio and RSS feeds. The company's free services also provide statistics on circulation and advertising clickthroughs. Since November, when the content distribution company pointed to 505 podcasts, the number has grown to almost 6,000. Costolo said podcasting is, "Clearly something that's taking off," and eventually it will be turned into a money-making business.

Apple releases Desktop Video Update 1.2.1

06/10, 12:10pm

Desktop Video Update

Apple has released Desktop Video Update 1.2.1. Desktop Video Out Update addresses an issue with Final Cut Pro HD 4.5 and Final Cut Express HD 3.0 when using Digital Cinema Desktop Preview (Main). This update is recommended for Final Cut Pro HD 4.5 and Final Cut Express HD 3.0 customers. The update requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later, and is available for 15 different languages.

Xupport 3.0 to ship in July with Tiger support

06/10, 12:00pm

Xupport 3.0 in July

Xupport 3.0, the latest version of the "swiss army knife" for Mac OS X, will be available in July, the developer said today. Xupport is a multipurpose system utility for Mac OS X that provides many features to configure hidden options, to increase system security and performance, to maintain and backup Mac OS X, and to access Unix features. Xupport 3 will be fully compatible with Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) and Mac OS X 10.3 (Panther), and provides a brand new user interface with plenty of new features. Version 3.0 adds native authorization technology, more hidden Settings, extended file deletion functionality, improved virtual memory optimization, and more backup options. It will cost $20 for new users, or $10 to upgrade.

Extra gum iPod, iTunes giveaway in the U.K.

06/10, 10:30am

iPod, iTunes giveaway

Wrigley UK has launched an iPod and iTunes giveaway. Customers can win a prize by entering a contest code found in packages of Extra chewing gum. Prizes include iPods, iPod shuffles, iTunes vouchers, concert tickets, and more. There are a total of 100,000 £5 iTunes download vouchers, 5,000 20 GB iPods, and 5,000 iPod shuffles. There are also 100 pairs of front row seats to "any gig in the UK," and 1000 pairs of concert tickets. 10,000 £15 CD vouchers are also up for grabs. There are also "daily prize draws" that don't require the purchase of Extra gum.

FileMaker at HOW Design Conference

06/10, 9:25am

FileMaker exhibit

FileMaker will demonstrate FileMaker Pro 7 database solutions for creative professionals at the 2005 HOW Design Conference. FileMaker's exhibit is located at booth 711, June 11-14, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago in Chicago, IL. In addition, Robert MacKay, president of MacTutor, will lead a seminar entitled "FileMaker: Managing Your Entire Creative Business," Sunday, June 12, 3:45-5:00 p.m. which will provide tips on organizing a creative studio/ad agency and boosting employee productivity. Two additional classes providing hands-on FileMaker Pro 7 training for both beginners and advanced users will also be held on Sunday, June 12, at 9:00 a.m. and on Monday, June 13, at 3:00 p.m.

Apple quietly announces 2005 Apple Design Awards

06/10, 8:45am

Apple Design Awards 2005

Apple this week awarded its Apple Design Awards 2005 at WWDC. Although not officially announced, winners in each category won a 17-inch PowerBook G4, a Power Mac G5, a 30-inch Cinema HD Display, and a ADC Premier Membership. Macworld UK offers a list of winners: Panic's Transmit FTP (Best Mac OS X Tiger technology adoption); Delicious Monster's Delicious Library (Best Mac OS X User Experience); plasq's ComicLife (Best Product New to Mac OS X); Blizzard's World of Warcraft (Best Mac OS X Entertainment Product); Visual Data Tools' DataTank (Best Mac OS X Scientific Computing Solution); OsiriX (Best Use of Open Source) Small Tree's Quicksilver InfiniBand Software (Best Mac OS X Server Solution); and Simon Bovet's GraphClick (Best Mac OS X Student Product).

Apple to open two more retail stores in UK in 2005

06/10, 8:15am

Two more UK retail stores

Apple is planning on opening two more retail stores in the UK, bringing the total number of Apple retails stores in UK to give. According to Apple's UK jobs page, the company is hiring for two new stores, which it says are set to open in Sheffield and Manchester later this year. Apple is looking for Mac Geniuses, Mac Specialists, and Inventory Specialists for each store. Other stores in in the UK include London Regents Street, Birmingham's Bull Ring Centre, and Bluewater in Kent.

NI ships Reaktor 5 modular sound design studio

06/10, 8:00am

NI ships Reaktor 5

Native Instruments (NI) today announced that Reaktor 5 is now available in stores worldwide and said that it is offering a special limited-time upgrade for Reaktor Session customers. Reaktor 5 is the next-generation of the modular sound design studio that fuses synthesis, sampling and effects. The latest version introduces the new "Reaktor Core Technology" that broadens the scope of Reaktor-based instrument design. Version 5 features a "massive" instrument library, new routing options, expanded panel design options, a revised user interface and a host of other improvements. It is available now for $580; upgrades from Reaktor 3/4 are $170, while upgrades from Reaktor Session are available for $170 (through the end of August 2005). NI also said it would discontinue development of Reaktor Session.