Apple launches iTunes for Australia...

Apple today finally launched its iTunes Music Store in Australia, offering Australian music fans Apple's innovative features, breakthrough pricing and seamless integration with iPod. Now available in 21 countries, iTunes features the most music of any digital music store in Australia with over one million songs from major and independent record labels and over 1,000 music videos. Songs are priced at just $1.69 per song and $3.39 per video, while most albums are priced at $16.99 including GST. "We're thrilled to bring the revolutionary iTunes Music Store to Australia," said Eddy Cue, Apple's vice president of iTunes. "iTunes features the largest catalogue of local and international music in Australia with over one million songs, enabling music fans to purchase their favourites with one click and have them automatically sync to their iPod."

Briefly: Apple ships iMacs, iTunes for Australia

In Brief: Apple has created an iTunes download link for Australian users, ahead of a special event planned for Tueday, October 25th.... Apple has begun shipping its new Front-Row enabled iMacs with builtin iSight, according to one reader (following our note about new HiRes PowerBook G4 shipment earlier today).... In response to customer frustration, Autobytel.com has launched an "iPod Center" featuring tips on the various iPod integration options on the market, a step-by-step installation video, and more.... Splasm has released Podner 1.0, a new application devoted to creating/converting media into an iPod-compatible format, while Digigami today released MovieToGo, a simple (and free) batch processing application for converting QuickTime movies into iPod-compatible 320 x 240 H.264 movie files.... A recent customer behavior study by Intelliseek found that consumers who own iPods are significantly more likely to create and spread consumer-generated media (CGM) on the internet. [updated]

MySQL 5.0 offers features for enterprise

MySQL AB today announced the general availability of MySQL 5.0, the most significant product upgrade in the company's ten-year history. The new MySQL 5.0 combines enterprise-grade reliability and performance with advanced SQL 2003 standard-compliant features. MySQL 5.0 features support for stored procedures, triggers, views, cursors, XA distributed transactions, new federated and archive storage options, SQL mode for server-enforced data integrity, instance manager for remote options, and a new migration toolkit. "We are quite proud to deliver this new version of MySQL -- as it includes the most-requested features from our users, customers and partners," said Marten Mickos, CEO of MySQL AB. "With their feedback, we have been able to provide important enterprise-class features while staying true to MySQL's renowned heritage of high-performance, reliability and ease-of-use." The production version of MySQL 5.0 is available now under either open source (GPL) or commercial MySQL licenses.

Nano lawsuit to damage Apple's reputation?

The recent lawsuit filed against Apple regarding iPod nano's allegedly fragile screen has some analysts questioning whether the negative publicity will affect Apple's iPod sales. This couples with earlier reports of Nano screens cracking easily, and Apple's acknowledgement that less than one-tenth of one percent of iPod nanos did ship with a problem. Ars Technica, however, put the Nano through a brutal stress test by throwing it from a speeding vehicle at highway speeds, and some Apple fans believe that the latest court case is "a good example of another frivolous lawsuit in a society where many such lawsuits exist." The iPod is "still the name" in MP3 players according to an article from Motley Fool, but despite Apple's reputation for producing elegant products, the Apple brand could receive "a few scratches" as a result, according to the article.

Apple dominates Amazon's top sellers list...

Apple currently dominates Amazon's list of top-selling computers, with the top three positions held by its iBook and iMac offerings. The number one computer on the list is Apple's 12" iBook G4, which sells for $1000. Second is Apple's 20" iMac G5, which was unveiled last week by Apple. The new iMac is not shipping yet, but pre-orders have already made it a top seller. Third is Apple's 14" iBook G4, which sells for $1300 and offers more storage and memory than its 12" counterpart.

ATEN rolls out new DVI video switches

ATEN Technology today rolled out two audio-enabled DVI video switches designed specifically for the SOHO and SMB environment. The VS-261/461 DVI video switch solutions, available as two- and four-port devices, combine DVI video functionality with audio support. The devices switch among two and four DVI or analog media sources for output on a single display and set of speakers. Both models boast high resolution levels of 1600 x 1200 and include front panel switches, as well as an infrared remote control for video source selection. Both models are fully compliant with DVI specifications, feature Plug-n-Play installation, are designed to be stackable, and provide an LED display for easy status monitoring. The VS-261 and VS-461 are available for $200 and $300, respectively.

OpenOffice.org 2.0 offers database module, XML...

OpenOffice.org has released the latest version of its open-source/free productivity suite, OpenOffice.org 2.0. Interoperable with every major office suite, including Microsoft Office, version 2 adds a new database module and advanced XML capabilities as well as native support for the internationally standardized OpenDocument format, which several countries, as well as the state of Massachusetts, have established as the default for office documents. The new database module, Base, complements the word processor (Writer), spreadsheet manager (Calc), presentation manager (Impress) and drawing tool (Draw) modules. In addition, version 2 features a redesigned user interface, improved PDF support, an improved spreadsheet module, enhanced desktop integration and the ability to easily create, edit and use XForms. Version 2 is currrently only available for Mac OS X via the X11 window system.

NRG releases Package Toolkit for UPS

NRG Software today announced an update to its parcel shipment solution for Mac OS X, UPS OnLine Tools Shipping Solution. The Package Toolkit integrates UPS OnLine Tools directly into a FileMaker Pro 7/8 compatible database. Customers can access critical shipping information without having to leave FileMaker Pro or go to the UPS web site to re-key data, import/export, use UPS WorldShip on a PC, or setup complex ODBC data exchange. Shipping weights can be captured via Mettler-Toledo PS 60 or Fairbanks Ultegra digital scales, and labels can be output to Zebra/Eltron thermal printers or any laser printer. The Package Toolkit provides UPS tracking, rates and services selection, time-in-transit, address validation, and greater control over shipping processes throughout multiple offices, branches, dealers, or retail stores. The NRG Package Toolkit is priced at $300 (system requirements were unavailable).

OpenOffice.org 2.0 offers database module, XML

OpenOffice.org announced the arrival of its open-source productivity suite, OpenOffice.org 2.0. The bundle is easy to use and is fluidly interoperable with every major office suite, including Microsoft Office. OpenOffice.org 2.0 offers a powerful new database module and advanced XML capabilities, as well as support for the internationally standardized OpenDocument format, which several countries, as well as the U.S. state of Massachusetts, have established as the default for office documents. OpenOffice.org runs natively on Windows, GNU/Linux, Sun Solaris, Mac OS X (X11) and several other platforms, and is available in 36 languages. The OASIS Standard OpenDocument format is supported, and version 2.0 adds improved PDF support, a superior spreadsheet module, enhanced desktop integration and several other features that take advantage of its advanced XML capabilities, such as the ability to easily create, edit and use XForms. OpenOffice is free, and requires Mac OS X 10.2 or later.

FileMaker Education Starter Kit at School exhibition...

FileMaker today announced that it will feature its FileMaker Education Starter Kit, offering free K-12 database solutions for educators at the 2005 New Jersey School Boards Association Workshop and Exhibition on October 26-28 at the Atlantic City Convention Center in Atlantic City, NJ. Free trial copies of the kit will be distributed to booth attendees during the show. A case study presentation on information management will be presented by Anthony Dragona, Business Administrator of the Union City Board of Education on Thursday, October 27, at 11:15 a.m. Dragona will outline how the Union City Board of Education deploys FileMaker to create electronic efficiency, meet the challenges of empowering 11 schools to complete individual budgets, and enable the Human Resources department to migrate to a "paperless" environment.

Black and White 2 in development for the Mac

Feral interactive today announced that Lionhead's latest game, Black and White 2, is in development for the Macintosh. Black and White 2 is the sequel to the original -- and highly successful -- Black and White game. The game mixes up strategy and sim genres as "you play a young god in search of followers, returning to the once innocent world of Eden. This land, however, has changed. The inhabitants have lost their innocence and have developed new technology, as well as weapons. Every decision you make -- whether harsh or benevolent -- has an impact. Each action or inaction prompts changes to buildings, the environment and wildlife, all altering to reflect your choices. With the help of a gigantic Creature that you raise from infancy, you must earn the respect and devotion of the natives. How you choose to do that, whether through nurturing them or terrorizing them, is up to you. Will your deity herald peaceful coexistence, or domination, war and conques?" (Availability, system requirements and pricing were unavailable.)

Microsoft open to further iPod integration with XBox

Microsoft vice president and XNA chief architect J Allard expressed in an interview with ign.com his hopes to be more cooperative with other companies, such as Apple, when speaking about the XBox 360, and the ability to plug an iPod into the device. Allen said: "I'm pro consumer on this one to the end. Anybody in my company who thought this was a bad idea to plug in Sony or Apple devices into this thing, I ended that conversation pretty quickly. This is the right thing to do for consumers. Once they invest $500 in their digital media library, you can't ask them to go buy a 360 music player and a 360 digital camera, and a 360... NO! They got their stuff. They're going to want to plug it in. We're going to be open here, guys. And if anything, I wish we could be more cooperative with the other companies that are doing those things. And if Sony or Apple were to call me up and say, "hey, we want to [do] some special things with the 360," i'm on it. I think it would not be in anybody's interest to say, we're not going to work with 360. It's good for them, it's good for us, and it's good for consumers."

Apps: MiNews, Screen Calipers, Sleep Monitor

• MiNews 1.0 (free) is an RSS news aggregator application with an easy-to-use graphical interface. Features include built-in web browsing of news items, news item bookmarks, a share feature that integrates with your address book to notify contacts of interesting news items, and more. [Download - 2.5MB]


• Screen Calipers 3.2 ($20) provides an on-screen measurement tool which resemble real life vernier calipers in both form and function. Screen Calipers float over other applications allowing quick and easy measurements. [Download - 395KB]


• Sleep Monitor 2.1 (€20) monitors and profiles the system's energy use, and can help identify power management problems. Sleep Monitor can build an energy profile spanning days, weeks, and months which contains a record of all the power events, battery changes, and energy state information. [Download - 1MB]


• Alarm Clock Pro 7.5 ($16) is a fully customizable time management system that can read an inspirational quote every hour, time events, set appointment reminders, calculate time differences, and perform various system functions. Alarm Clock Pro integrates with QuickTime and iTunes to play internet radio stations, MP3s, movies, web broadcasts, and CDs. [Download - 4.6MB]


• Stockpile 1.0 ($25) is an easy to use home inventory management application for Mac OS X, designed to keep track of belongings collected over the years. Basic item information includes item name, make, model, serial number, the insurance coverage category it falls under, its location in your home, the condition of the item, the date the item was purchased, the purchase price, and the current value of the item. [Download - 1.9MB]


• Baywatch 1.0 (free) adds eBay auctions to iCal and sets an alarm for the auction ending. Baywatch is compatible with Safari, Firefox, OmniWeb, and internet Explorer. Features include worldwide usage with a time zone setting, full iCal alarm type control with message, sound and mail-alarm, and more. [Download - 411KB]

LecShare builds Web, MS Word docs from PowerPoint

LecShare has released LecShare 1.0, a new application that converts Microsoft PowerPoint presentations into web pages that meet Federal disability requirements and into Microsoft Word documents for easy distribution. Made with REALbasic, LecShare allows users to easily enter accessibility information necessary to create web pages that meet Section 508 standards and WAI’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). LecShare creates standards compliant XHTML and CSS which is compatible with virtually any web browser. LecShare also creates Microsoft Word documents containing images of all the slides from a PowerPoint presentation. The Word document can be used by the audience to take notes directly on their laptops. Individual licenses may be purchased online for $40, while Higher Education Site Licenses, which allow an unlimited number of installations, cost $0.10 per full time enrolled student (with a $400 minimum).

Briefly: New PowerBooks ship, former Apple exec

In Brief: One MacNN reader forwarded a shipment confirmation his new 17-inch HiRes PowerBook.... WiebeTech has launched an updated and enhanced website.... A former Apple executive has been named CEO of ReQuest, a company that makes high-end digital jukebox-like servers.... Jack Campbell, who designed and manufactured the DVBase Ltd. CNC machined Aluminum DVBase iPod stand in 2002, is offering 90 of the original units for sale for $50 (plus $6 shipping).... A Yahoo! email list is designed for persons interested in creating video and multimedia for the "not-a-video iPod".... ... Central Park Media (CPM) says it is the first anime company to provide anime content for Apple's new video-capable iPod.... Difusi unveiled its videoFlip and videoValet (shown at right), two leather cases designed to protect fifth-generation iPods. [updated]

Mac OS X inherently secure, hackers not interested

Successful assaults by viruses and other malware on the Mac operating system are rare as it has better security and attackers are less keen, says Stephen Wildstrom of BusinessWeek. "There is endless debate among security experts about whether the paucity of successful assaults on Apple's OS X is attributable to better security or attackers' lack of interest in an operating system whose share of the market is in single digits. I think it's some of both." Wildstrom says one reason Mac OS X offers inherently better security is that it was designed with relatively little concern for compatibility with earlier versions, while Windows is full of compromises so that it works with older and less secure operating systems. Wildstrom also points out that "the ablest writers of viruses, spyware, and worms, are motivated more by profit than glory, and Windows, with 90%-plus of the market, is where the money is."

Motorola iTunes ROKR phone called a "flop"

Motorola's iTunes ROKR phone is being called flop by one analyst based on its high-return rate and slow sales. A survey of distributors, call center workers, and retailers, found the phones have a much higher return rate than other new phones. "As many as six times more customers are returning the Rokr phones than is normal for new handsets, according to American Technology Research analyst Albert Lin." Motorola Executive Officer Ed Zander blames the high return rate and customer dissatisfaction on poor marketing says he plans to fix it, according to Bloomberg. "We got off to a little bit of a rough start," Zander said in an interview after Motorola reported on Oct. 18 that third- quarter profit tripled, driven by more-popular phones such as the Razr. "People were looking for an iPod and that's not what it is. We may have missed the marketing message there."

Speck debuts new cases for video iPods

Speck Products has announced six new cases for the new 30GB and 60GB iPod video. Similar to Speck's nano cases, the new line-up for the fifth generation iPods has been streamlined and tailored towards the new video iPods: the SkinTight skins and SeeThru hard cases are available in two sizes (30GB and 60GB). SkinTight rubberized skins provide protection against dust, knocks, and scratches; it includes removable screen protectors and will be available for $30 in a pack of three colors (clear, black, and blue). See-Thru is hard case made of translucent plastic" that delivers "a hint of color and a massive dose of shine." It offers full access to contols, headphone jack and hold switch and will be available in a pack of three colors (clear, black, and red) for $30. Both cases are expected to begn shipping in mid-November.