Apple posts latest iPod shuffle firmware

Apple today posted iPod Update 2005-11-17, which includes new software for the iPod shuffle as well as software for all other iPods. Apple says the update iPod shuffle v1.1.3 software includes bug fixes, but does not provide any specifics. The computer maker does say that it requires iTunes 4.7.1 or later and that Mac OS X 10.3 through Mac OS X 10.3.3 are not supported. In addition, the notes say that Mac OS X v10.3.6 or later is recommended for connecting iPod shuffle to a low power USB port, like on certain keyboards and non-powered hubs. Apple also said that some computers require either the optional iPod shuffle dock or a USB cable extender--without providing any details on models affected. Earlier this month, we noted that iPod shuffle owners were complaining of problems after updating to iTunes 6.01 that would render their MP3 players useless; it is not yet known if the update resolves the issue.

5G iPod: quality playback, lacks accessories

Jeremy Mahadevan of the The Straits Times has reviewed the 5th generation video-capable iPod. Mahadevan criticizes Apple for removing most of the accessories bundled with the iPod, stating, "contrary to past tradition, Apple has decided to send the iPod the way of its smaller siblings and reduce bundled accessories to the nudest of minimums." The iPod can only be charged via a computer out of the box, "which may be acceptable for some users but still scrapes the bottom of the cost-cutting barrel." When it comes to video playback, Mahadevan was mostly impressed: "thanks to the quality of the screen, videos are remarkably nice to watch." He does, however, point to the fact that "you can’t fast-forward or rewind through a video." He also notes "battery life suffers greatly during video playback, particularly for the 30GB model."

Apple pushes Codewarror to Xcode migration

Apple has published a tutorial on migrating projects from CodeWarrior to Xcode, its own integrated development environment. Apple covers the similarities and differences between the two environments, noting that the new Intel-based Mac systems, which will cause compatibility issues with Metrowerks projects, are expected to arrive early next year--maybe as early as January, according to some reports. Topics include access/search paths, source trees, build configurations, and Apple's own "Fix and Continue" feature. Another section describes the preparation necessary before importing CodeWarrior projects into Xcode, as well as the act of importing itself. Apple touches on application-specific issues, such as the need to manually add include files. Apple is encouraging developers to get ready now, touting the fact that Xcode includes many of the same features that CodeWarrior programmers are familiar with.

MP3tunes debuts Oboe online music locker...

MP3tunes today released Oboe, a music locker that stores an entire personal music library online--making it accessible from anywhere via the internet--and is integrated with iTunes. Music fans can stream music from any machine with an internet connection, as well as sync songs to any computer or device, including Apple's iPod digital music player. A website accompanies each Oboe account that displays artists, albums, tracks and playlists that can be streamed for online listening at 192kbps--near CD quality. Oboe accounts are available for a $40 annual subscription, and include unlimited storage with no extra bandwidth charges.

NewsMac Pro 1.2 offers tabbed Web browser

ThinkMac today released NewsMac Pro 1.2, a major update to its RSS reader for Mac OS X. Version 1.2 employs a built-in tabbed web browser with built-in Google search capability, as well as headline searching which produces its own tab for results. The "Channel Directory" keeps all channels neatly grouped, and channels can easily be added from the main directory to the main library for quick access. The update offers an improved user interface, bundling a number of new updated headline themes. NewsMac Pro is priced at $25, and requires Mac OS X 10.3 or later.

New thermal printer drivers for Mac OS X

Peninsula Group today announced "the world's first" first thermal printer drivers for Mac OS X, which bring support to thermal transfer labelling printers from Datamax, Eltron, Zebra, Tharo, TEC, Brady, Intermec and Peninsula. Users can print using controls for speed, temperature, and other printer options via the standard print dialogs. It adds new options, such as support for cutters and black mark sensors. Users can print any size label directly from applications to most USB printers (as well as those connected via an optional USB->Parallel cable). it is available for $260 for an intial license and $86 for additional licenses. It is compatible with all versions of Mac OS X, including Panther and Tiger.

Apps: CDFinder, Audiocorder, Audiomation

• CDFinder 4.5.1 ($30) updates the media disk cataloging software to read the new iTunes Lyrics of MP3 and AAC files. The software directly imports Disk Tracker 2.x catalog files, offers full support for Apple's Mighty Mouse, and contains various other tweaks and fixes. [Download - 2.9MB]


• Audiocorder 4.6.0 ($20) allows a Macintosh to act as a audio recorder that can use a recording schedule. The software can be used as a normal, manually operated recorder or as a volume operated (VOX) audio recorder. [Download - 651KB]


• Audiomation 1.6 ($25) automates many common digital audio processing tasks. The software builds "file lists" and processes files, folders, or disks one at a time after they are dropped onto the application's icon according to the chosen settings. [Download - 3.1MB]


• iTunesJoin 1.1 ($10) is a set of applications that reside in the scripts menu of iTunes that can join multiple tracks together, creating a new track. AAC tracks are joined without loss of quality. [Download - 313KB]


• Toki TC 1.0 ($30) displays a time code over movies that can place the time code anywhere in the picture. Features include the ability to set the start offset and frame rate, choose the font and size of the text, and choose the colors of the text and the background. [Download - 4.1MB]


• Studiometry 3.1.2 ($130) is a free update to the organizational tool, offering the ability to include non-live items in the Summaries window export. Version 3.1.2 offers numerous speed enhancements to certain areas of Studiometry, as well as a host of bug fixes. [Download - 11.5MB]

Guitar Rig 2 available in U.S. stores

Native Instruments today announced that Guitar Rig 2, its digital guitar studio software is now available in U.S. stores. The update adds emulated classic amps and cabinets, a full setup of bass gear, an extended selection of distortion pedals and effects units, numerous modulation features, a live looping module, and more. Guitar Rig 2 ships with the new Rig Kontrol 2, a rugged foot pedal unit that offers many practical control and connectivity features, including an integrated USB 2.0 audio interface. Guitar Rig 2 is available for $580, with various updates and upgrades available for the software. Guitar Rig 2 is set to ship in Europe, Australia, Japan and other non-U.S. countries on December 20th.

AnandTech reviews Yonah dual-core CPU

AnandTech today published a review of Intel's Yonah dual-core CPU, the most likely candidate for Apple's new line of Intel-based PowerBooks to be released next year. The chips run surprisingly cool, and are said to be equal to, if not slightly slower than an Athlon 64 X2 running at the same clock speed without an on-die memory controller. The Yonah and Athlon 64 X2 systems consume relatively similar power at idle, however Yonah uses only slightly more power under full load. A 2GHz Yonah under 100 percent load consumes less power than an Athlon 64 X2 3800-plus that is idling, according to the review. Intel has the advantage of using a much lower power 65nm process, and Yonah will be running at very similar frequencies to what Dothan is running at today, which means users won't be giving up single threaded performance in favor of multi-threaded performance. [updated link]

Citigroup: Intel-PowerBooks coming in January...

Apple may introduce its first Intel-based PowerBooks as early as January, which, together with robust sales of video iPods, should drive earnings higher, according to Citigroup. Analyst Richard Gardner's comments appear to corroborate reports by AppleInsider earlier this month, which reported that an Intel-based 15-inch PowerBook with a built-in iSight camera--much like the one in the newly redesigned iMac G5--is expected at Macworld Expo in January. Reuters reports that Gardner raised his target on Apple stock to $71 from $51 and boosted his earnings forecasts for the next two years, lifting AAPL by 10 cents to $68.20 in active morning trading.

Briefly: MacNN review; Podgear; Gefen

In brief: MacNN has reviewed the Sonnet's PodFreq mini, an FM transmitter for iPod mini.... PodGear today announced the redesign of podgear.net, as well as the introduction of podgearstore.com--an online store stocking the entire product catalog.... One individual has set up a gallery with photos of the new Apple Store in Sendai Japan that will open on December 10th.... Gefen today announced improvements to its 4x1 HDMI Switcher, improving the HD video integration solution.... Veoh Networks today made available more than 3,000 free videos for easy download and transfer to Apple’s video iPod.... Griffin Technology today announced TuneBuds ($20, shown at right), a combination earbud and lanyard for Apple's iPod shuffle.

Wal-Mart changes tune, sells Nanos

Apple's iPod was one of the hottest items this year during the Thanksgiving holidays thanks in part to Wal-Mart. The company, which did not carry the iPod last year, said that the company had a "philosophical argument" with Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs over whether the iPod player should play music from more varied sources: "He won, we lost. Now we have Nanos in the stores," Fitzsimmons said, referring to the latest, smallest version of the iPod. Wal-Mart said Saturday its Black Friday sales were good, with strong sales of computers, dolls, portable DVD players and video games, although it didn't provide precise sales figures. Wal-Mart estimated that its sales at stores open at least a year - or same-store sales, a closely watched measure of retail performance - rose 4.3% in November, compared with its original forecast for a 3% to 5% increase.

Iomega MiniMax drive/hub combo for Mac mini

Iomega today launched a new companion drive for Apple's Mac Mini: the new Iomega MiniMax Desktop Hard Drive is available in 160GB and 250GB capacities and mirrors the look of the Mac Mini. The stackable Iomega MiniMax Drive comes with integrated dual 3-port hubs for both USB 2.0 and FireWire peripherals, offering increased data capacity as well as improved connectivity. The MiniMax Drive is 6.5" square and 2" tall. A smart power switch allows the drive to power up and down in concert with the Mac Mini, and a specially designed active/passive cooling system keeps the desktop virtually noiseless, according to the company. Dantz Retrospect backup software is included for backups and data recovery for Mac users. The new Iomega MiniMax USB 2.0/FireWire Desktop Hard Drive is now shipping for $200 (160GB) and $250 (250GB).

Mozilla posts final Firefox 1.5 release

Mozilla has released the final version of the Firefox 1.5 Web browser with improved Mac OS X support is now available for download from GetFirefox.com for most major operating systems or from the mirrors. According to the MozillaZine, users of the release candidates should receive the update soon. Firefox 1.5 introduces several new features, including an improved software update system, faster Back/Forward page navigation, a new options to clear private browsing data, drag-and-drop reordering of browser tabs, a redesigned Options/Preferences window and more robust popup blocking. The release also improves security, accessibility and standards support, adding support for Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG), JavaScript 1.6, and CSS2/CSS3. It also includes a better RSS discovery, a Broken Site Wizard, and better migration from Safari and Internet Explorer for Mac users.

Management buyout of US MYOB operations

MYOB today announced the sale of its US operations to Acclivity LLC, an entity owned by previous members of the MYOB US management team. Under the agreement, Acclivity will act as the exclusive US republisher for MYOB products and services as of December 5, 2005. Acclivity will "provide the same level of superior service and support that MYOB customers have come to expect, while aggressively seeking to grow its user base." MYOB Ltd. will continue to develop its small business accounting and management software for the US market, following the recent introduction of AccountEdge 2006. Acclivity says it anticipates expanding its existing products and services portfolio through development efforts and strategic partnerships, and will "actively listen to its customers for confirmation that its direction remains in alignment with the pivotal needs of small businesses."

Apple offers Safari, Apache2 security updates

Apple today released Security Update 2005-009, which delivers a number of security enhancements for its Safari web browser and Apache 2 webserver; it is recommended for all Macintosh users. The update includes the following components: apache_mod_ssl, CoreFoundation, CoreTypes curl, iodbcadmin, OpenSSL, Safari, sudo, and syslog. Apple says the update now displays the originating site name in JavaScript dialog boxes to prevent users from being mislead into unintentionally disclosing information to a malicious web site masquerading as another. The update is available via the Software Update or the Web for both Panther (Client, Server) and Tiger (Client, Server).