News Archive for 05/11/09

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QuickBooks '06: payroll, transactions options

11/09, 8:15pm

More QuickBooks: Pro 2006

Intuit's forthcoming QuickBooks Pro 2006 for Mac adds several new features to the popular business accounting software. In this report, we take a look at some of the highlights and new feautres, including the ability to import bank and credit card transactions, easily manage payroll, automatically synchronize business contact information, and more. The new version also makes customization easier, and includes the company's first-ever QuickBooks Pro for Mac training CD-ROM: Learning QuickBooks for Mac. QuickBooks: Pro 2006 will be available later this month for $200.

Apps: Airport update, iGet, browseback

11/09, 7:25pm

Airport update, iGet

AirPort Extreme Driver Update 2005-001 (free) resolves AirPort compatibility issues with certain third party 802.11 cards and access points for Mac OS X 10.3.3 through 10.3.9. [Download - 564KB]
iGet 2.0.1 ($50) is a file transfer tool for Mac OS X that is network-oriented and designed to be fast over real-world internet connections. iGet features a custom-designed network protocol that supports remote Spotlight searching and true Mac icons, and connections are always encrypted. iGet understands packages, Finder labels, HFS metadata, and resource forks. [Download - 1.5MB]
Browseback 1.0b2 ($30) views, searches, saves, and shares previously-visited web pages. Browseback surfs through thumbnails of browser history, searches history with keywords, exports web pages as PDFs to save or share via email, and will be available in English, Japanese, German, French, and Italian (update changes were unavailable). [Download - 1.2MB]
Virtual TimeClock 5.1 ($70) is a software based time and attendance program that tracks employee hours and overtime. The update offers export integration for CheckMark payroll, timecard exporting, task and leave exporting, worker profile exporting, simplified administration security, and enhanced printing support. [Download - 3.9MB]
teleport pr3.6 (0.9.6) (free) is a simple utility designed to control several Macs with one keyboard and mouse. Moving the mouse to the edge of one screen will "teleport" the mouse to the other Mac, and the pasteboard can be synchronized between the computers. Version pr3.6 fixes the "Share this Mac" checkbox, which failed to work in the previous version. [Download - 333KB]
iTunesCool 3.6 (pricing was unavailable) is an AppleScript plug-in for iTunes. iTunesCool can search/import artwork and lyrics for selected tracks or the whole library, import lyrics to iPod Notes with iPod Note Reader Tag support, and export artwork in JPEG, PNG, TIFF formats for selected tracks or the whole library. [Download - 532KB]

Gluon debuts HyperPublish 2.0 for QuarkDDS

11/09, 6:35pm

HyperPublish for QuarkDDS

Gluon today announced HyperPublish 2.0 for QuarkDDS (Quark Dynamic Document Server), an extensible, server-based version of QuarkXPress used to create customized documents--using only a web browser--with the same typographic features made possible by the QuarkXPress engine. HyperPublish includes two main components: HyperRender--Gluon's server XTension--translates information sent from web browsers into instructions on how to create the requested document: HyperRender selects or creates a template, fills it in with appropriate content, adjusts it (fitting, balancing and alignment), resizes it (if needed) and renders it in a number of formats including, native QXP, PDF, PNG, JPEG, EPS and Postscript files.

Ricochet Lost Worlds, Big Kahuna Reef debut

11/09, 6:10pm

Ricochet Lost Worlds

Reflexive Entertainment today introduced Ricochet Lost Worlds and Big Kahuna Reef for the Macintosh, two games designed to bring a new level of casual game play to Mac users. "Ricochet Lost Worlds has stunning visuals and sound effects, a gripping soundtrack, and compelling level design. Throw into the mix a slew of innovative power-ups, a new "Ring Game," and a level editor where you can make your own levels, and you have an unbeatable combination." "Big Kahuna Reef is a gorgeous underwater adventure! Discover Sea Turtles and other aquatic life as you break open boxes in this classic style matching game, questing for the Mask of the Tiki. Using the revolutionary Mouse Party, you can play with multiple players on the same computer through an almost infinite number of levels, thanks to the included level editor. As you play, you will uncover greater challenges...." Both Ricochet Lost Worlds and Big Kahuna Reef require Mac OS X 10.2 (pricing was unavailable).

Briefly: GETC; HealthWare; NJ garage sale

11/09, 5:30pm

GETC, HealthWare, NJ sale

In brief: A student performance solution for educators based on the popular FileMaker Pro database software will be featured at the 2005 Georgia Educational Technology Conference (GETC).... HealthWare today announced agreements for web-based EClaims for DentalMac, MediMac, ChiroMac, iDental, and the forthcoming iMedical.... Odyssey Tek New Jersey is holding a large garage sale on November 11-12th, offering Apple service parts, used systems (G3 to G5), video projectors, etc.... Macally has announced the mTUNE-N cordless stereo headset (shown at right), designed specifically for iPod nano.... John Lennon's record company, EMI, and Yoko Ono--his widow have placed a ban on iTunes because of pending litigation with Apple.... DLO today introduced the PodFolio for iPod nano, a new soft leather case with a padded flip cover and a leather-covered sewn-in belt clip.

Steinberg debuts Hypersonic 2 music software

11/09, 5:10pm

Steinberg Hypersonic 2

Steinberg Media today announced Hypersonic 2, an update to its music workstation software application, designed for musicians, producers, sound designers and composers looking for a range of sounds for most every music genre--from pop to classical. Combining the best of Steinberg’s sound generation technology with premium sample content, Hypersonic 2 features an improved graphical interface, 1.7GB sound library and four specially engineered synthesizer engines. It offers over 1800 factory presets for a wide range of premium sounds that cover the full range of modern and classical instruments and sound sources, including pianos and keyboards, strings and wind instruments, drums and percussion, guitars and basses, drum loops, sound FX and more. Hypersonic 2 supports Mac OS X 10.4 only (as a standalone application) as well as supports VST, DXi, ReWire (for Pro Tools integration), and AU standards. It is due later this month (pricing not available).

iDoom 1.1 supports iPod nano

11/09, 5:10pm

iDoom 1.1 supports Nano

An iPodNN reader let us know that iDoom 1.1, a port of the classic ID game Doom to the iPodlinux platform, now offers support for the iPod nano. iDoom is based on the source code from the original Doom released by John Carmac in 1997, and currently supports all iPod-versions that can run iPodlinux. Version 1.1 provides configurable controls in addition to Nano compatibility. The goal for the iDoom project is to make a fast and "nice looking" Doom port for iPodlinux, while providing the maximum possible "Doom experience". iDoom 1.1 is scaled to the iPod's native resolution, works in full-color as did the original Doom (256 colors), and offers dithered graphics for the grayscale iPod. The software operates at 10-20 frames-per-second (FPS), and has the ability to use various WAD (map) files. iDoom 1.1 is free, and requires a supported iPod with iPodlinux installed.

New medieval expansion pack for Cosmic Blobs

11/09, 4:40pm

Cosmic Blobs expansion

Dassault Systemes today announced a new expansion pack that enhances the "out-of-box Cosmic Blobs experience" and helps children create mysterious medieval-themed worlds. 'Castles & Kingdoms' is the first full-fledged expansion pack for Cosmic Blobs, the company's powerful 3D graphics software for kids that offers offers tools for bending, stretching, pulling and flattening basic shapes like digital modeling clay. Castles consists of more than 50 new medieval-themed 3D character models, decals and textures that offer children "everything they need to create their own medieval scenes." The new elements include: a dragon, knight, king, queen, and princess; castles, armor, weapons, shields, and catapults; and new character animations such as wing-flapping and back flips. The expansion pack is available now for $5, while Cosmic Blobs v1.2 is $40.

Appligent's APSplit splits PDF files

11/09, 4:35pm

APSplit splits PDF files

Appligent today introduced APSplit Desktop Edition (DE), a standalone application for preparing PDF files to meet the size requirements for electronic documents imposed by the courts and other government institutions. Based on Appligent's high performance SPDF libraries, APSplit DE runs independently as an easy-to use desktop application rather than as a plug-in for Adobe Acrobat. The software provides both file-size- and page-based options for reducing, cutting, or splitting PDF documents through a simple drag-and-drop interface. Users can specify the maximum size in the number of pages or kiloBytes or split files as individual pages, by page ranges or by bookmarks. APSplit DE also supports linearized PDF output, which enables a user to view the first pages of a PDF document while it is still being downloaded from the Internet. It is available for $200 for a single-user license.

Apple preparing for "full assault" on MS?

11/09, 4:20pm

Apple assault on MS?

Apple may be gearing up for a "full assault on Microsoft," according to Architosh. A recently discovered patent to Mac OS X and Intel Macs seems to describe a system whereby users would be able to load one operating system as their "primary OS" and then load another operating system as their "secondary OS." Apple has already said it will not prevent other operating systems from being installed on future MacTels. However, this patent suggests Apple will actually offer some mechanism through which users can manage and run multiple operating systems: "the patent describes a process whereby users would be able to load one of three operating systems as their primary OS and then load a secondary operating system as their secondary OS. In the patent application, titled, System and method for creating tamper-resistant code, they describe the process as thus: (22) The method of claim 20, wherein the first operating system is selected from the set consisting of Mac OS X, Linux, and Microsoft Windows. (23) The method of claim 20, wherein the second operating system is selected from the set consisting of Mac OS X, Linux, and Microsoft Windows."

Creative Manager Pro 8.1 gains new features

11/09, 3:35pm

Creative Manager Pro 8.1

Creative Manager today released Creative Manager Pro 8.1, its web-based ad agency software and project management groupware ahead of schedule. The update includes metrics from David Baker of ReCourses, a QuickBooks conversion tool, automatic overhead allocations in the general ledger income statements, and improvements for retainer billing, cash projections, and Mac OS X 10.4.2. The new retainer billing function can setup client retainers, track jobs that are part of a retainer, automatically bill out those jobs against the retainer, and view the status/balance of the retainer at any time. Cash projections offer one simple cash analysis view that projects cash in and out on a weekly basis. The update is free to all users of Creative Manager Pro and Creative Project Manager (pricing was unavailable).

AudioFinder 3.9 includes over 50 features

11/09, 2:55pm

AudioFinder 3.9 launched

Icedaudio.com has released AudioFinder 3.9, its digital audio asset management system and music production hub designed to accelerate workflow for digital musicians. AudioFinder works like an audio file browser, searching through the hard drive to find sound (and playback) files (AIFF, AIFC, SDII, WAV, ReCycle, MID, and SYX). Sound files in the favorite's directory can be flagged and then imported to an audio sequencer of choice. A BPM (beats-per-minute) feature either guesses the beats-per-minute in a drum loop/song sample, or accepts a manual "tapping out". Other features include a Meta editor for fine-tuning sounds, a loop editor, an Apple loop browser, crossfade looper for seamless looping, and more. AudioFinder 3.9 is donationware priced at $70.

MoRU 1.1 searches by overlapping categories

11/09, 2:30pm

MoRU 1.1 released

Windstorm software has released MoRU 1.1, its file searching software designed around the way humans mentally organize information. The application locates files based on broad, overlapping categories as well as by time. MoRU uses Spotlight to sort recently used documents and applications into different "Smart Groups", ordering by when they were last modified, created, or used. Features include a filter mode that hides unmatched files during searches, a maximum age search criteria, "Smart Group" shortcut keys, and more. "Smart Groups" can be quickly defined to keep track of files by name, file type, and location. The groups also allow sorting by most recently used, most recently modified, or most recently created. MoRU 1.1 is available for $10 and requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later.

Iomega ships StorCenter network hard drive

11/09, 1:55pm

StorCenter network drive

Iomega has begun shipping the StorCenter network hard drive, its multimedia hub with built-in UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) A/V network media server. The StorCenter supports Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows, and Linux systems. It features gigabit Ethernet networking and offers an automated "Discovery Tool wizard" to provide a secure setup with password-protected network storage for up to 25 users. The network media server can stream movies, music and slide shows directly to home audio systems and televisions via an attached UPnP-compliant digital media adapter (not included) with no need for a computer. The StorCenter Network hard drive is available in 160GB ($200) and 250GB ($290) capacities, with a 1TB (terabyte) model expected early next year.

Olympus pulls out of MP3 player market

11/09, 1:55pm

Olympus nixes MP3 players

Olympus today said it would pull out of the MP3 player market, ending production and sales of its portable digital music players. The company said that it was unable to keep up with stronger players such as Sony and Apple in the fast-growing market and is the latest victim of the continued dominance of Apple's iPod, according to the report. Olympus, who made the announcement following disappointing quarterly earnings, is the second major player to drop out of the music device market: D&M Holdings, which marketed the Rio brand of music players, earlier this year announced it would exit the mass-market portable digital audio player business.

Briefly: MacNN review; Flash vulnerability

11/09, 1:05pm

MacNN review, Extensis

In brief: MacNN has reviewed the AVB Cassette Adapter from American Anko.... A vulnerability in Macromedia Flash Player 7 has been identified that could allow the execution of arbitrary code.... OnlyMac Software today released Video2Pod 1.0, a movie conversion utility to optimize playback on Apple's fifth-generation iPod.... Extensis is offering its Suitcase and Font Reserve for 25 percent off until November 21st.... MacMonkies has released three New Desktops.... Noreve has unveiled its Traditional leather case for Apple's fifth-generation iPod (€40, shown at right).

DLO introduces PodFolio deluxe for iPod nano

11/09, 12:35pm

PodFolio deluxe for Nano

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) today introduced the PodFolio for iPod nano. The soft leather case features a padded flip cover and a leather-covered sewn-in belt clip. A clear front window preserves the Nano's screen, clickwheel and front glass finish while providing access to the controls of the device. The PodFolio deluxe leather case for iPod nano is available for $30.

EMI bans Lennon classics on iTunes

11/09, 12:10pm

EMI bans Lennon on iTunes

John Lennon's record company, EMI, and Yoko Ono--his widow have placed a ban on iTunes because the Beatles' copyright management firm says Apple is in breach of a trademark agreement, which is unlikely to see an out-of-court settlement according to the latest reports. The on-going legal dispute between the two sides, which dates back to 1981, will leave iTunes users out in the cold: Lennon's greatest hits album "Working Class Hero"--to be released on December 5th--will not be available to iTunes shoppers this holiday season, according to a report from the Digital Bulletin. EMI said that a number of tracks will also be available for mobile download over the coming weeks. Earlier this year, iTunes users were able to download two Beatles songs, following Paul McCartney's participation in the London Live 8 concert.

Macally debuts cordless headset for Nano

11/09, 11:20am

Cordless headset for Nano

Macally has announced the mTUNE-N cordless stereo headset, designed specifically for iPod nano. The Nano plugs directly into a built-in slot, offering a direct connection to the music player and requiring no batteries. Features include a collapsible design for easy storage, leather hygienic ear pads, and full access to the Nano's clickwheel and display. The mTUNE-N boasts a 40mm Mylar cone speaker with a frequency response of 20Hz-23KHz and sensitivity of 105dB. The mTUNE-N cordless stereo headset measures 2.2 x 1.3 x 3-inches, weigh 6.1 ounces, and will ship for $50 with a one-year warranty (release date was unavailable).

Noreve unveils leather case for 5G iPod

11/09, 11:05am

5G iPod leather case

Noreve has unveiled its Tradition leather case for Apple's fifth-generation iPod. Made from soft leather, the case provides access to the clickwheel, the headphone jack and the dock connector. A snap button closure keeps the device securely positioned, and a removable belt clip offers access on demand. The case harbors two business card slots, as well as a leather and velvet interior lining. The Traditional leather case is expected to be available on November 20th for €40 in black, white, pink, and baby blue.

QuickBooks: Pro 2006 coming in late Nov

11/09, 10:45am

QuickBooks: Pro 2006

Intuit has posted information on the forthcoming release of the next version of its business management software for the Mac, although the company has not made any official announcement on the product. QuickBooks: Pro 2006 for Mac offers new features including Mac OS X Tiger support, the ability to download and import bank/credit card transactions, and realtime synchronization of contacts with Tiger's Address Book or other applications that support Tiger sync--such as cell phones and PDAs. The upgrade offers improvements to running payroll integrated with QuickBooks, sharing data between Mac and Windows installations, and toolbar customization. QuickBooks: Pro 2006 for Mac can instantly create over 100 reports and features a new integrated online payroll service. It is expected to be available in late November for $200, which includes 30 days of support. (The company will not be offering upgrade pricing, according to the FAQ.)

OnlyMac releases Video2Pod conversion utility

11/09, 9:55am

Video2Pod 1.0 released

OnlyMac Software today released Video2Pod 1.0, its utility designed to convert movies to 320 x 240 pixels, suitable for playback on Apple's fifth-generation iPod. Video2Pod supports all formats that are supported by QuickTime 7: AVI, Muxed MPEG-1, MPEG-4, MPEG-4 H.264, and M4V (iTunes video), among others. The application supports DivX movies as well, using a free plug-in available for QuickTime. Video2Pod 1.0 is available for $10, requiring Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later, QuickTime 7.0.3, and iTunes 6.0.1.

Strong iTunes/Pixar sales; Jobs on movie sale

11/09, 8:45am

Jobs on movie sales

Pixar Animation Studios sold 125,000 short movie clips through iTunes in just under one month, according to Macworld UK. The report says that Pixar (and Apple) CEO Steve Jobs was speaking to analysts to discuss his animation company's third quarter results, noting that Apple-watchers may be interested in some of Jobs' comments as regards iTunes and film piracy. "The biggest problem with downloading feature-length films through iTunes is bandwidth, it takes too long in US," he explained. He confirmed his belief that illegal digital sharing of movies is taking place, but stressed: "There is some evidence that shows people downloading movies illegally wouldn't have bought them anyway."

Widgetarium makes widget creation easier

11/09, 8:35am

Widgetarium editor

Widgetarium is an IDE for creating Dashboard widgets that makes it the development process quicker and easier. It includes several tools to help with the creation of widgets, including "project management," which keeps track of all sources, images, and other files associated with the project. To make test projects easier, Widgetarium provides a built in Dashboard simulator right inside the project. Besides running the widget users can also inspect it by directly accessing the Document Object Model (DOM). Widgetarium also includes some basic graphics for panels, buttons, and icons. The software also provides a number of features to make syntax editing easier, including coloring, split panes, search & replace, and more.

SysInfo 6.0: asset management software

11/09, 8:15am

SysInfo 6.0 released

MagniComp has released SysInfo 6.0, a new release of its system and storage solution for asset inventory and configuration reporting. It supports most major Linux/Unix, Mac OS, and Windows platforms as well as NAS and SAN storage systems and provides detailed system hardware, software, OS configuration, and storage asset management and configuration data using (via both CLI or GUI). Version 6 improves software discovery for third-party applications (Apache, BEA WebLogic, IBM WebSphere, Oracle DB/App Server, Sybase ASE, Tibco Rendezvous, etc.); implements I18N Internalization; delivers runtime performance improvements; and more. SysInfo also recognizes multiple installed versions of the same software, uptime of each system, and more PCI devices (more than 14,000). Pricing starts at $12 per a system with up to 4 CPUs.

Digidesign ships Pro Tools 7 for HD, LE

11/09, 3:45am

Digidesign ships Pro Tools

Digidesign today announced that Pro Tools 7 software is now shipping for Pro Tools|HD and Pro Tools LE systems and said that Pro Tools 7 M-Powered will follow soon. The highly anticipated updates deliver a wealth of new features and enhancements such as significantly expanded recording and editing capabilities for audio and MIDI, greater mixing power and flexibility, enhanced efficiency, and improved ease of use. Pro Tools 7, which supports Mac OS X Tiger, adds new music creation tools such as Instrument Tracks for integration of virtual instruments, non-destructive real-time MIDI processing, and the ability to work with industry-standard REX and ACID files. It is also optimized to boost RTAS plug-in counts by as much as 150 percent on multi-processor computers, according to the company. Upgrades are free to purchases after Sept. 1, 2005 or start at $75.