News Archive for 06/05/05

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Apple offers refurbished MacBook Pros

05/05, 6:20pm

Refurb MacBook Pros

Apple is offering refurbished models of the MacBook Pro 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo for $1,699, a $300 discount off the original price and the MacBook Pro 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo for $2,199, also a $300 discount off the normal price, as well as the MacBook Pro 2.16GHz Intel Core Duo for $2,399, a $400 discount off Apple's retail price. As with all Apple-refurbished Macs, the MacBook Pros carry a full 1-year warranty and are available with free shipping. Apple has lowered the prices on many of its refurbished PowerBook G4 notebooks, offering five 15-inch models consisting of the Aluminum 1.33GHz Combo for $1,299, the 1.5GHz Combo for $1,399 and Aluminum 1.5GHz SuperDrive for $1,499, as well as the 1.67GHz SuperDrive 64MB DDR Radeon and 1.67GHz SuperDrive 128MB DDR Radeon models for $1,499 and $1,599, respectively. [corrected]

WeatherBug Widget offers live views

05/05, 5:20pm

WeatherBug Widget updated

WeatherBug today announced that it has enhanced the live, neighborhood-level weather reporting of its WeatherBug Widget for Mac OS X. The widget is designed to place detailed forecasts, radar, news and severe weather alerts from WeatherBug's proprietary network on users' desktops. The latest version of WeatherBug Widget features live camera views from more than 1,000 WeatherBug cameras across the U.S., international weather reports, and Web search functionality. WeatherBug Widget is available for free, and requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later. The company also announced that the WeatherBug Widget for Mac has graduated from its labs, and is the most recent lab initiative to be integrated into WeatherBug's product portfolio.

SynthEyes comes to Intel Macs

05/05, 5:00pm

SynthEyes comes to Mactels

Andersson Technologies today released SynthEyes 2006.5 for Intel Macs, an update to the 3D tracking application that runs natively on Apple's latest hardware. SynthEyes features camera tracking, motion capture, object building, object tracking, camera + object tracking, and multiple-shot tracking. The software also offers tripod (nodal) tracking, zooms, lens distortion, light solving, RAM playback, image preprocessing, rotoscoped object separation, and more. SynthEyes can handle shots of any resolution -- DV, HD, film, or IMAX -- and is usable on long shots with thousands of frames. The application exports to around 25 common animation and compositing packages, and scripting lets users customize the standard exports or add custom imports, exports, or tools. SynthEyes for Intel-based Macs is priced at $400 per seat, and existing holders of PowerMac or Windows XP SynthEyes 2006 licenses can upgrade to the Intel Mac version for $50. Upgrades from SynthEyes 2004 to 2006 are $150 (system requirements were unavailable).

Apps: Wordsmith, Downfall, GarageSale

05/05, 3:50pm

Wordsmith, Downfall

Wordsmith 1.3 ($10) is a word-forming game challenging users to form words up to seven letters long before the time expires. Alternatively, users can enjoy more relaxing play in practice mode. The update brings native compatibility to Intel Macs as a Universal Binary, and offers enhanced screen resolutions to support wide-screen monitors. [Download - 1.9MB]
Physics Cheat Sheet 1.1 ($10) is the latest iteration of the interactive graphing calculator designed to help students solve and visualize numerous physics equations. Version 1.1 adds several new equations covering force, Newton's laws of motion, gravity, work, energy, and power. [Download - 2.6MB]
Alarm Clock Pro 7.6.9 ($20) updates the iTunes and Web-enabled computer alarm clock, allowing users to send text messages to a cell phone as an alarm type. The software supports over 100 cell phone carriers internationally, and includes various minor bug fixes/enhancements. [Download - 6.3MB]
Downfall 2.5.9 ($20) brings a new text message displaying the registration status of the 3D falling-blocks game, as well as a minor bug fix. Downfall takes the falling blocks genre "one step further" with its real-time 3D graphics. Downfall 2.5.9 requires Mac OS X 10.2 or later. [Download - 1.1MB]
FontLab Studio 5.0.2 ($650) is a free update to the font editor, offering various bug fixes, stability improvements, and new features. Version 5.0.2 includes support for Sassafras KeyServer, and uses the genuine Adobe Type 1 rasterizer by default to produce bitmaps from PostScript outlines, rather than the Apple ATSUI rasterizer. [Download - [not updated]]
GarageSale 2.2 ($25) is a free update for registered users of the eBay client application. GarageSale 2.2 can utilize an Apple iSight camera to scan barcodes for an eBay catalog search and batch creation auction, and can automatically delete uploaded auction images from image servers. The Dashboard widget also updates even when GarageSale is not running. [Download - 7.8MB]

Briefly: new iPod ad; MBP owner rally

05/05, 3:20pm

New iPod TV ad

In brief: Apple has begun airing a new iPod + iTunes TV commercial featuring the same silhouetted dancers as in its previous ads, this time with psychedelic background colors and a 60's-style influence.... The OSx86 Project has put out a call to rally MacBook Pro owners experiencing whining and heat issues, asking them to call Apple Support on May 20th, 2006 and tell them about the problems in an effort to hold the company accountable.... Apple may be planning to unveil a replacement for its 12-inch PowerBook as early as May 9th.... Development of a 13-inch widescreen Apple notebook was completed last month, according to AppleInsider, and the company is awaiting a signal from its marketing division to begin manufacturing ramp and rollout procedures.... Warner Music Group has posted a less-than-expected loss due to rising U.S. CD sales and digital music revenues.

Briefly: new iPod ad; MBP owner rally

05/05, 3:15pm

New iPod TV ad

In brief: Apple has begun airing a new iPod + iTunes TV commercial featuring the same silhouetted dancers as in its previous ads, this time with psychedelic background colors and a 60's-style influence.... The OSx86 Project has put out a call to rally MacBook Pro owners experiencing whining and heat issues, asking them to call Apple Support on May 20th, 2006 and tell them about the problems in an effort to hold the company accountable.... Apple may be planning to unveil a replacement for its 12-inch PowerBook as early as May 9th.... Development of a 13-inch widescreen Apple notebook was completed last month, according to AppleInsider, and the company is awaiting a signal from its marketing division to begin manufacturing ramp and rollout procedures.... Warner Music Group has posted a less-than-expected loss due to rising U.S. CD sales and digital music revenues.

Daystar CPU upgrade for 12" PowerBook

05/05, 2:45pm

CPU upgrade for 12\" PB

Daystar Technology has expanded its new line of PowerBook G4 Aluminum CPU upgrades to include the popular 12-inch PowerBook G4 and has added new low-power choices as well as re-structured pricing and bundled free shipping. The new MAChSpeed G4 Upgrade allows any 12-inch Aluminum PowerBook (1.0GHz or faster) to be upgraded to the latest 1.67GHz speeds. The $450 upgrade doubles the size of the internal cache on the early PowerBooks and also delivers up to 60 percent more speed. Like other XLR8 PowerBook CPU upgrades, it is factory-installed by Daystar's Apple Certified Technicians. In addition, the PowerBook Aluminum upgrades are now available in a variety of speed options. The lower speed 1.67/1.75GHz options allow users to make substantial jumps in performance without sacrificing a longer battery life or heat issues, while the 1.92/2.0GHz options deliver "extreme desktop-alternative performance;" they require AC power to achieve maximum speed with heavy workloads and "easily surpass" the Intel-based Macs in applications, such as Photoshop, XPress, Flash and Premiere, according to Daystar. All pricing now includes free ground shipping.

zsCompare 3.0 sync utility released

05/05, 1:40pm

zsCompare 3.0 released

Zizasoft has released zsCompare 3.0, which includes several new enhancements and is now available in three editions. ZsCompare allows users to synchronize computers, backup data, compare different versions of files, verify that CDs have been copied correctly, manage Zip files, review changes to source code, and more. Users can easily run comparisons on local directories, networked computers, or removable media, such as CDs, DVDs, and flash drives. ZsCompare 3.0 adds many new file and freeform text comparison features, including the ability to compare text from Microsoft Word documents and PDF documents. Also, zsCompare provides additional control over how the comparison is performed with predefined options for common comparisons. Finally, the new version of zsCompare permits direct editing of the contents of a file from the results. The Java-based application is available n three editions: Professional ($200), Standard ($100), and Lite ($35).

FastMac TruePower Titanium battery

05/05, 1:30pm

TruePower battery ships

FastMac today began shipping its TruePower laptop battery for the PowerBook G4 Titanium. The TruePower Titanium battery offers up to 48 percent more capacity than the original Apple battery, and is engineered using the highest capacity Lithium cells available, according to FastMac. The company utilizes custom form factors and materials, matching the original battery while increasing capacity. Each battery is individually tested and includes safety features to protect against overcharge, short circuit, and power surges. All TruePower laptop batteries come with a one-year warranty and 30 day money back guarantee. The TruePower battery for PowerBook G4 Titanium models is priced at $100.

Two-port FW800 Express Card Adapter

05/05, 1:05pm

NitroAV ExpressWay Series

NitroAV.com, a developer and manufacturer of FireWire800/1394 hardware peripherals, storage and RAID subsystems, today announced the ExpressWay Series 34mm FireWire800 Express Card Adapters. As the first in an upcoming line of 34mm Express Card adapters, the "ExpressWay" series brings its two FireWire 800/1394b ports.It offers 2x 9-pin connectors for an easy and affordable way to add FireWire800 storage and devices to the MacBookPro. It will be available for $90 to registered partners and resellers. End users can purchase the cards from a variety of resellers, including FireWireDirect.

Briefly: Programming PHP; iClear

05/05, 11:40am

Programming PHP, iClear

In brief: O'Reilly Press today released "Programming PHP, Second Edition" ($40) by Kevin Tatroe, Rasmus Lesdorf, and Peter Macintyre.... Caravel Games announced that it is no longer the primary source of new content for its own game -- the DROD series -- although the company is still active in its development.... Griffin today launched the iClear for fifth-generation iPod ($20), a clear shell enclosure designed to protect the digital media player from harm.... Klipsch has introduced its iGroove HG ($250, shown at right), a docking speaker system for iPod owners featuring a high-gloss black finish with a unique curved shape.... Tai Chiun Developing has unveiled the iPod nano FMTX in the U.S., an FM transmitter featuring a charging cradle designed as a companion to dockable iPods.

Griffin launches iClear for 5G iPod

05/05, 11:20am

iClear for 5G iPod

Griffin today launched the iClear for fifth-generation iPod, a clear shell enclosure designed to protect the digital media player from harm. iClear features a transparent and unobtrusive design that protects the iPod with a polycarbonate two-piece shell. The iClear case delivers full screen protection without adding bulk or weight, and installation consists of snapping the two sections together around the media player. iClear is compatible with both 30GB and 60GB fifth-generation iPod models, and is available for $20. Griffin also introduced its iClear for iPod nano in January, providing similar protection to the smaller flash-based player.

Apple posts Call of Duty 2 trailer

05/05, 11:10am

Call of Duty 2 trailer

Apple has posted a Mac trailer for Call of Duty 2 on its website, depicting Activision's World War II first-person action game. Call of Duty 2 attempts to redefine the cinematic intensity and chaos of battle as seen through the eyes of ordinary soldiers fighting together in epic World War II conflicts. Multiplayer support offers online Axis versus Allies team-based play, while solo players experience new conflicts and enemies to face, as well as a wider range of locales/environments across the European Theater. Choice-based game play enables players to order missions as desired, while dozens of Allied soldiers remain fully aware of the changing situations around them. Call of Duty 2 is available for pre-order for $50, and requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later.

iPod nano FMTX unveiled

05/05, 10:50am

iPod nano FMTX unveiled

Tai Chiun Developing has unveiled the iPod nano FMTX in the U.S., an FM transmitter featuring a charging cradle designed as a companion to Apple's iPods. The TE1007 iPod nano Car Charger Cradle is a sleek, functional car charging cradle, while the TE2007 iPod nano FMTX without a cradle works with any dockable iPod. Each device draws power from the 12V cigarette lighter, and offers four station pre-sets. The iPod nano FMTX touts an operating range of 10-30 feet, broadcasting from 76MHz to 90MHz (pricing and availability information were unavailable).

Civilization IV available for pre-order

05/05, 10:20am

Civ IV pre-orders

Aspyr Media today announced that Sid Meier's Civilization IV is available for preorder. The game features multiplayer support over LAN, the internet, and "Play-By-Email" for competing or cooperating with live players. A 3D world brings dozens of fully animated units and customizable armies, as well as cities and wonders. Key features of Civilization IV include fast-paced game play for a more streamlined experience, greater accessibility via an easy-to-use interface, a flexible tech tree allowing players more strategic choices for developing civilizations through unique paths, and more. Designed from the ground up for modability, the game includes a powerful map editor with XML and Python support. Civilization IV is slated for shipment in June for $50 (system requirements were unavailable).

Klipsch introduces iGroove HG

05/05, 10:00am

iGroove HG unveiled

Klipsch has introduced its new iGroove HG, a docking speaker system for iPod owners featuring a high-gloss black finish with a unique curved shape. iGroove works with most MP3 player brands, as well as devices that have audio out or headphone jacks utilizing standard minijack plugs. The device is a true two-way system that employs dual 2.5-inch woofers, crossovers and dual 1-inch MicroTractrix Horn-loaded tweeters. iGroove HG plays louder and reproduces more deep bass frequencies with its low-turbulence tuned port, located on the rear of the cabinet. The system is compatible with all third- and fourth-generation dockable iPods, iPod mini and iPod nano with adaptors for secure docking, and iPod shuffle via an included J-cup adaptor. The iGroove HG is expected to ship in June for $250 with an included remote handles full system control.