Apps: Jahshaka, Ulysses, SyncupX, CoverBuddy

• Jahshaka 2.0 (free) is the world's first open-source realtime editing and effects system. Harnessing the power of OpenGL and OpenML to enhance performance, Jahshaka enables painting and design capability on moving video with music creation tools used by professionals. Version 2.0 is declared "stable" and will work in any format at any resolution. [Download - 14.1MB]


• Ulysses 1.2 (€100) is an editor for writers who work with large volumes of text. Texts are organized in a project, allowing the writer to focus less on piecing documents together and more on writing the content. Included in version 1.2 is a Spotlight plug-in for Tiger, a completely rewritten editor to work around a redraw bug, and more. [Download - 3.9MB]


• SyncupX 1.3 ($18) is a free update available as a universal binary. SyncupX performs an incremental backup on a set of source files and folders to a target volume or folder. This is the only application of its kind capable of backing up smart folders in Tiger. New features available in version 1.3 include new added presets, an automator action for improved scheduling and a bugfix concerning the scope of smart folders. [Download - 194KB]


• CoverBuddy 1.2 ($20) manages iTunes music collections based on cover art. CoverBuddy uses drag-and-drop support to simplify the process of adding artwork or album covers, and a built-in Amazon search feature automatically brings up cover art for specific albums. Display performance, improvements in compilation handling and detection of cover changes are included in version 1.2. [Download - 3.9MB]


• TinyBooks 3.0.1 ($50) is an ultra-simple accounting and bookkeeping program designed for home and small businesses. Designed with home businesses in mind, Tinybooks is a flexible, non-bloated single-entry application suitable for home use as well. New features include the ability to duplicate an existing item in the monthly expense/income windows, and an improved ability to personalize printed invoices. [Download - 225K]

A different take on the Mircosoft, Apple Patent issue

A patent filed by Microsoft's John Platt, an expert in machine learning, which "relates generally to systems and methodologies that facilitate generation of playlists," has been the cause of much speculation this week because Apple's patent for a rotational user input was recently rejected. Various reports suggest that some component of the iPod interface could be infringing upon Microsoft's patent, and that Apple might be forced to pay royalties to Microsoft on millions of iPods sold. News articles suggested that Microsoft's patent surrounds the iPod clickwheel, however its patent has more to do with the organization and delivery of digital media items, according to a report from Forbes. "In truth, the patents in question might not even be directly related."

Phelios releases new game title, "Rock And Roll"

Phelios today released its latest title created with its own game engine (PTK), Rock And Roll. "As the smartest prehistoric caveman ever, Stan the Caveman has actually invented the wheel! Yes, the next time someone calls him a 'Neanderthal' he’ll be proud. Your mission is to guide Stan and his wheel to the Prehistoric Society's Annual Scientists Congress, a prestigious convention. There, he’ll be able to show off his discovery and influence and impact the future of mankind with it." Rock And Roll boasts 24 levels with three mini-games, three worlds and five original sound tracks. Rock And Roll is available for $20.

Apple defies market selloff, stock up 4 percent

Shares of Apple defied a sharp technology-sector selloff on Friday to post a 4.3% rise, gaining $1.96 to $45.96, according to MarketWatch. "Other technology stocks were under pressure after both Cisco Systems and Dell Inc. this week issued disappointing earnings and predictions for the third quarter. Art Hogan, chief market strategist at Jefferies & Co., said Dell's most recent quarterly sales disappointed investors because although unit sales were strong, prices were weak. By contrast, Apple has been enjoying both strong unit sales and aggressive pricing, helping the stock look good in contrast to fellow computer maker Dell, he said."

Apps: QT for Win, KTA Tennis, EazyDraw, Site Soap,...

• QuickTime Pro 7PR3 (free) is the third preview version for Windows users. It is also the industry's first mainstream H.264 solution for streaming and playback of High Definition (HD) video on Windows. Quicktime Pro 7 is compatible with Windows 2000 and Windows XP. The Pro version is $30. [Download - 24MB]


• KTA Tennis 1.1 ($18) is a fast action tennis game for Mac OS 7/8/9 and Mac X, and Windows. Inspired by Nintendo's original Game Boy and Super NES tennis games, KTA Tennis features four unique players, more intelligent computer play, and more. Version 1.1 includes greatly improved game fluidity, new court graphics, and an improved computer player. [Download - 6MB]


• EazyDraw 1.8.1 ($100) offers correction for users who import ClarisDraw drawings in this free update for most EazyDraw users. EazyDraw is a vector drawing application and is now optimized for Tiger, providing significant performance improvements for large/complex drawings. An important bugfix, a new "tape cursor" and more are included in version 1.8.1 as well. [Download - 10MB]


• Site Soap 1.2 ($13) allows quick and easy optimization of websites including images, html pages and style-sheets with no reduction in quality. Benefits include less bandwidth usage, faster page loads and improved code readability/compliance. This update adds new GIF optimization and grayscale options, and provides numerous bugfixes. [Download - 641KB]


• Kids GoGoGo 9.5 ($30) prohibits the browsing of adult-only content on the Internet. A new built-in surveillance server makes it harder to disable filtering and multiple user support restricts sites for all users automatically. Version 9.5 blocks RSS feeds, implements compulsory safe searches and prevents explicit podcasts loading in the browser and iTunes. [Download - 4.4MB]


• Doc Merge 1.0 ($35) provides a quick, easy method for merging Microsoft Word documents. Simple drag-and-drop support enables quick concatenation of Word files. Doc Merge requires Mac OS 10.2 or higher and is compatible with Windows XP (SP2). [Download - 1.4MB]

Intel to unveil new processor architechture

Intel is expected to expose the first details of a new processor architecture at the Next-Gen conference on August 23rd. Analysts expect the architecture will draw heavily from Intel's recent experiences with notebook processors, according to a report from eWeek. The last time Intel added a new architecture (NetBurst) in 2000, the Pentium 4 spawned shortly afterwards. Intel declined to share details about the new architecture prior to the conference, however Rob Chapman, general manager for the Intel Developer Forum stated that Intel will offer detailed information which will include its product and product platform plans at the IDF (Intel Development Forums). High-performance, power-efficient processors would change the game for desktop design, making desktops as they are known today obsolete, according to Roger Kay, president of Endpoint Technologies Associates.

Xupport 3 adds options, new UI to system utility

Xupport 3 is the latest version of the multipurpose system utility for Mac OS X. It provides many features to configure hidden Mac OS X and Unix options, to increase system security and performance, to maintain and backup Mac OS X, and to dig deeper into the world of Unix. Xupport 3 is fully compatible with Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) and Mac OS X 10.3 (Panther) and provides a new user interface with plenty of new and improved features. Version 3 also offers more access to hidden settings, several new privacy options, improved/more detailed optimizer, more backup options, and more. Single-user licenses are $20; registered users will receive a special upgrade offer via email, according to the company.

New Copyright Office service IE only?

The U.S. Copyright Office has solicited opinions on a planned Internet Explorer-only zone. The office invited comments through Aug. 22 on an upcoming Web service for prospective copyright owners that may launch with support for only limited browsers. "At this point in the process of developing the Copyright Office's system for online preregistration, it is not entirely clear whether the system will be compatible with Web browsers other than Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 5.1 and higher," the office said in its notice. "In order to ensure that preregistration can be implemented in a smoothly functioning and timely manner, the office now seeks comments that will assist it in determining whether any eligible parties will be prevented from preregistering a claim due to browser requirements of the preregistration system."

New video shows Mac OS X running on Sony laptop

[UPDATED 1:00 p.m - new URL] Another website is claiming success with hacking Mac OS X for Intel to allow it to run on a regular PC. Justin Nolan reportedly managed to crack the code in less then twelve hours. Nolan is the winner of the unofficial "OSX Intel challenge by UNEASYsilence. Several photos of the software running on a Sony laptop are available, as well as two AVI videos showing Mac OS X running on the Vaio. Nolan is offering full instructions for other users to recreate his hack. Video of a hacked version of Mac OS X for Intel also surfaced Wednesday, via MacBidouille.

Griffin debuts PowerJolt Auto Charger

Griffin Technology today announced the PowerJolt Auto Charger for most recent iPods including the iPod shuffle, iPod mini, iPod photo, and other iPod with a dock connector. "The PowerJolt auto adapter allows users to take your iPod on the road and listen to great music while keeping your iPod fully charged. The PowerJolt charges your iPod whether it's playing music or in standby mode, ensuring that you'll arrive at your destination with a fully charged iPod." The PowerJolt comes with a charger module with a built-in status LED and a separate 4-ft, high-quality Dock Connector-to-USB Cable. It is available for $25.

MaxUpgrades lowers price on iMove display stand

MaxUpgrades today lowered the prices on iMove, a display positioning table that enables the user to change the position of their Apple Cinema Display for optimum viewing angle and position. The iMove is available for Apple Cinema Displays (30 inch, 23 inch, and 20 inch models). "iMove's unique design enables Apple's new flat panel (Aluminum) displays to glide on your desktop surface at any distance or position the user desires." Users can quickly change the position of the display to the desired distance and angle for optimum image viewing relative to his/her posture. In addition, users can articulate the motion for precise positioning of the display by the movement of his/her hand. Pricing is $100 (30-inch display) or $90 (20- or 23-inch display).