KeyStation Eclipse themes for Keynote...

KeynotePro today released KeyStation and KeyStation HD, a presenter/kiosk-mode hybrid theme for Apple's Keynote software designed to make creating interactive presentations and Keynote-powered kiosks fast and easy. The KeyStation Eclipse themes are built using a multi-layered, semi-translucent framework that reveals anything layered underneath. The themes include photo mask overlays--bordered and shadowed elements that show exactly where to mask imagery that allow the placement of photos over custom backgrounds without modifying the overall design. The overlay provides the flexibility to use the exclusive Quartz Composer motion backgrounds included with KeyStation Eclipse on any layout in a presentation, including photo masters. KeyStation Eclipse Pro edition is available for $30, while the standard edition is priced at $30.

Google Earth for Mac OS X in the works...

Google--the world's largest search engine--is developing a beta version of its Google Earth geographical satellite imagery and mapping application for Mac OS X. The application accepts addresses, famous locations, and search terms such as "pizza parlor," and will then "fly" from space to the designated address or location via satellite imagery. Users can then zoom in on the aerial satellite view of the search location, view buildings and landscapes, or tilt and rotate the view to see 3D terrain and buildings. Google Earth also offers driving directions and lets users search for schools, parks, restaurants, and hotels. The application includes multiple layer support, allowing users to annotate satellite views and combine multiple layers of information such as restaurant locations, driving directions and service stations.

FireWire 12-bay rack-mount storage

FireWireDirect.com today unveiled the HSB12-RM, its FireWire 12-bay rack-mount system offering up to six terabytes of storage with support for paired RAID level zero. The HSB12-RM utilizes cost-effective 3.5-inch IDE/PATA hot-swappable hard disk drives, and takes advantage of standard partitions, mirroring, striping, or any combination thereof. The system offers support for up to 12 3.5-inch IDE/PATA drives contained within a 3U rack height for space conservation. The device is 48Bit LBA compliant, supporting up to 500GB hard disks with a cooling system to improve drive reliability. The rack-mount system is intended for use with servers delivering large amounts of storage and applications that require enhanced accessibility and serviceability. The HSB12-RM is available starting at $750 from FirewireDirect.com

Low chip yield causing Xbox 360 shortage...

Microsoft today said that the Xbox 360 shortages are now being caused strictly by a lack of chips, reminiscent of IBM's G5 processor shortage earlier last year and the same problems that delayed the launch of the iMac G5. Microsoft's CEO Steve Ballmer said "in these new consumer electronics devices based on new chips, there's always the question of what yield will you get out of the manufacturing process of the new chip. We're getting a little less, but not much less than the yields we expected, and we know that the yields we expected will probably outrun supply. [...] We decided to go ahead and launch rather than wait until post-Christmas and get a few million units out into the hands of users. We're doing our best," according to Next Generation.

LANrev 1.5 integrates with Microsoft SMS

Pole Position Software today released LANrev 1.5, an update to its enterprise management software that adds integration with Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS), as well as significant performance gains. The application can transfer data from a Macintosh to an SMS database, allowing management of the data from within the SMS framework to further leverage previous costs, increased efficiency, and add functionality to existing tools. LANrev also eases software deployment, asset management, remote configuration, patch management, and software license monitoring. The software is built from the ground up on a modular architectural base, supports both Macintosh and Microsoft Windows, and is scalable to support large corporate networks. LANrev 1.5 requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later (pricing was unavailable).

Video iPod demand nearly exceeding Nano

A Bear Stearns retail survey found that demand for Apple's video iPod is matching demand for the company's iPod nano, and may be proving even more popular in some retail locations. Current demand for iPods is so great that tight supplies are driving customers to seek out other MP3 players from Apple's competitors. Bear Stearns found that iPods and laptops are still the most sought after technology categories for the second week of its retail holiday survey, according to a report from Reuters. Bear Stearns interviewed 36 randomly selected stores from 20 states regarding sales relative to expectations, inventory, and pricing trends for its survey--which excluded direct selling channels and Apple Stores.

Apple, Sirius talk possible partnership...

Sirius Satellite Radio's CEO Mel Karmazin recently spoke with Apple's CEO Steve Jobs about working together [subscription required], though such an agreement is "unlikely" according to one Sirius executive. Sirius chief financial officer David Frear yesterday at a media conference in New York said that Sirius's technology duplicates some of the functions of Apple's iPod music player, which may make any partnership unlikely, according to the New York Post. The S50 portable satellite radio from Sirius that was introduced earlier this year allows customers to download media, and provides fast-forward and rewind capabilities. The device also stores music files, posing a key threat to Apple's digital-music dominance and would lower profits for music labels. "The combination of MP3 functionality and satellite is complementary," Frear said at the conference.

Hoodman debuts flat panel display hood

Hoodman has announced a new flat panel display hood, the E-1323. Crafted with graphic designers in mind, the hood features a neutral gray interior to promote optimum eye performance when viewing color, and offers glare-free viewing for color calibration. The E-1323 hood universally fits 13-23 inch flat panel monitors, mounting to the top and back of the display with Velcro tabs while resting on the front bezel. The E-1323 hood is available for $50 from hoodmanusa.com.

Midori offers 'Smack Solitaire' games...

Independent game and software company Midori has announced "Smack Solitaire," a set of 30 solitaire games developed for Mac OS X. "In the set, players have a vast variety of Solitaire games from which to choose and will be able to enjoy and play through the the whole collection over a long, long period of time. Smack Solitaire players will get a taste of the most popular Solitaire card games known including the ever popular Klondike, as well as other Solitaire games that are as stimulating and entertaining but also that have entirely different types of game play." A free demo is available for download. The full version is $20 (€20).