Apps: iTaf, SEEdit, DreamFeeder

• iTaf 2.0 (free) allows users to to set reminders, countdowns, and alarms within iTunes with a simple one-purpose interface. Version 2.0 features a complete application rewrite adding the ability to create countdowns, wake or start the computer upon alarm, enhanced alarm options, iTunes specific options such as repeat and shuffle settings integration, and improved International localizations. iTaf 2.0 is a Universal Binary and requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later -- an older version for Mac OS X 10.2 or 10.3 is available on the iTaf project site. [Download - 1.2MB]


• DFG/1394-1 Driver 3.0 ($50) is a device driver to add QuickTime support in Mac OS X for the DFG/1394-1 uncompressed analog to digital video converter hardware. This driver features low CPU utilization and multi threading allows Video conferencing and Video Broadcast applications, embedded Time Code information, based on initial start time of digitization, and pre digitalization access to image controls for adjusting the Hue, Saturation, Brightness, Contrast and Sharpness. Version 3.0 adds native support for Intel-based Macs as a Universal Binary and fixes several minor bugs. Mac OS X 10.4 or later with QuickTime 7.0 or newer and an Imaging Source DFG/1394-1 Video to Firewire adapter. [Download - 514KB]


• SEEdit 4.9.1 ($30) is an editor for HTML, RSS, CSS, and XHTML featuring syntax checking, link checker, RSS 2.0 new feed integration, syntax coloring, and live preview. Version 4.9.1 adds support for a easier to use customizable desktop layout, an enhanced CCS 'quick insert' windows, improved default window layouts, a CSS classes list box, and several minor bug fixes. SEEdit 4.9.1 is available now and requires Mac OS X 10.3 or later. Documentation is available for download on the SEEdit site. [Download - 3.9MB]


• RSS DreamFeeder 1.5 ($50) allows users of Adobe's Dreamweaver to publish RSS Feed into a Dreamweaver created site through integration directly into the application. The tool allows users of Adobe's (Macromedia) Dreamweaver to publish RSS feeds without any XML or RSS knowledge or need to edit such documents. RSS DreamFeeder is capable of directly integrating into Dreamweaver MX, MX 2004, and 8 providing users with services helping to get their content republished on large portal sites. Mac OS X 10.2 or later and compatible version of Dreamweaver is required. [Download - size]


• 24U SimpleTalk 1.1 ($50) allows FileMaker Pro to communicate with user, another FileMaker Pro, and other applications via TCP/IP to triggers scripts or evaluate calculations in remote FileMaker Pro clients. Version 1.1 adds native support for Intel-based Macs as a Universal Binary; support for FileMaker 7.0, 8.0, and 8.5; opening/closing of a connection and data arrival is handled separately; improved behaviour of default values; connection and server identifiers are now unique; now handlers are not triggered unexpectedly; and several more enhancements, bug fixes, and new features. 24U SimpleTalk 1.1 requires Mac OS X 10.2.8 or later running on a PowerMac G3 or later with FileMaker 7.0, 8.0, and 8.5. [Download - 2.8MB]

Intel-Xserve cluster node due in Oct.

Apple plans on shipping a Xeon-based Xserve cluster node variation of its Xserve server line along with the previously announced Xeon-based Xserve, according to a new report. It is expected to ship in October--alongside the Intel-based Xserve, which was introduced earlier this month at Apple's developer conference. The cluster node variation of the Xserve, which has been used in variety of top 500 supercomputer projects, does not have all of the standard computing parts such as an optical drive and video ports to conserve costs. CNET News.com reports that "the 1.75-inch-thick cluster system is designed to be used in high-performance computing applications that are farmed out across a group of computers. They therefore lack features such as video ports and DVD drives that business server customers prefer and that are in regular Xserve models." All of the Xserve's will use the "Woodcrest" Xeon chip, which was introduced by Intel in June and ships in Apple's professional Mac Pro systems.

Apple invention combines input/output...

A new patent filing reveals that Apple is working to streamline the interface on its products and make them more intuitive for users, while shrinking the device itself and maximizing the space available for visual output. The invention allows the company display visual information on the surface of a device, while using the same area or visual out display to act as an input device. On August 16, the European Patent Office published Apple's patent applications titled "Display actuator" under application number EP 1691263 - 05255454.0 and "A Movable Display for Generating Input Signals," under application GB2423135 – 0518098.9. The two patent applications share a common set of patent illustrations yet cover differing aspects of the same invention that combines the input and output of devices. The company says such an invention could be used within virtually any electronic device such as a mobile phone, laptop, or other electronic device.

Briefly: Apple CEO among top 49 men

In brief: Apple CEO Steve Jobs and Dell CEO Michael Dell are both listed among the top 49 men of 2006, with Jobs currently holding an average of nine out of a possible 10.... Developers are working to release an Arabic version of Mac OS X, according posts in a forum on EmiratesMac.com.... Lynda.com has released Motion 2 Essential Training, a guide for digital video editors that explains "secrets and shortcuts" of Motion 2.... Big Nerd Ranch today announced Python Bootcamp scheduled for November 13-17th, a five-day class providing comprehensive instruction to Python coding.... Zykloid Software today announced the start of a semi-public beta program for its new and upcoming 'Life Poster' composing application, Posterino.... Architosh met with NewTek to talk about the new LightWave 3D version 9, which debuted at the show and supports both Windows and Mac 32/64-bit systems.

Avid promises Mac Pro, Leopard support...

Avid Technology today announced its plans to expand the wide range of video and audio content creation solutions that will be available for Intel-based Mac systems, including the new Mac Pro workstation introduced last week at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference. The Avid Video division expects to deliver new versions of its Avid Xpress Pro and Media Composer systems for all Intel-based Macs by December. As noted previously, Avid's Audio Division, Digidesign, expects to release a Mac Pro compatible update to its Pro Tools│HD 7.2 software in September. Full qualification for the existing Intel-based Mac versions of Pro Tools LE and Pro Tools M-Powered on the new Mac Pro workstation is also expected in December--although the company said that preliminary testing indicates that both applications will run without problems.

Universal power management surfaces...

MGE UPS Systems today released Network Shutdown Module 2.5, the first Universal power management software for Mac OS X, offering native support to both PowerPC and Intel-based Macs. The software observes an entire system including battery level and the UPS connection via USB, and activates an orderly shutdown sequence when UPS levels are low. The software complements the built-in power management driver in Mac OS X, adding capabilities as well as user control, according to the company. A "Personal Solution Pac" consisting of a power control module and a simple system preference panel is designed to achieve local power management. The software is available for free, and requires Mac OS X 10.2 or later.

Apple granted patent for Mac mini, more...

Apple this week was granted three new patents from the US Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) for its sub-desktop Mac mini computer, fluid cooling, and improved image compression techniques. The patent could help provide Apple with an advantage in diminutive desktop computing market, where competitors have traditionally looked to Apple for case designs. On August 15th, 2006, the USPTO published the titles of multiple patents which were granted to Apple, including a design patent for "Computing device [Mac mini]," "Cooling system for electronic devices utilizing fluid flow and agitation," and "System and method using edge processing to remove blocking artifacts from decompressed images." Apple was granted Patent Design No. D526,648 for a computing device that resembles the company's Mac mini. The patent, originally filed in December 2005, was for the the "ornamental design for a computing device, substantially as shown and described," while Patent no. 7,092,254 was for a cooling system. [updated]

Destineer offers Universal Halo

Destineer's MacSoft unit on Wednesday announced that the Universal version of Halo for Macintosh has been released, running natively on both PowerPC and Intel-based Macs. Halo for Macintosh, originally released in 2003, is an extensive rewrite of the original Halo code, according to the company. MacSoft said that will not be releasing a patch; however, owners of the original Mac version of Halo can either obtain the full Universal version on CD or via the internet: MacSoft will send out a new Halo disc to registered owners for $10 (shipping & handling, registration number required). The game is available for free on CD to those who purchased Halo for Macintosh after January 1st, 2006. A digital download is also available online from the MacGameStore. The download, which contains an entire CD worth of data, requires users to burn the image to CD media in order to play. Owners must supply their registration number and pay $5 for the download. The Universal version requires an 800MHz or faster G4/G5/Intel processor, Mac OS X 10.3.9 or higher, and a 32MB AGP video card (GeForce 2MX/ATI 7500 or better).

Dual-dual 3.0GHz Mac Pro benchmarks...

Following recent earlier benchmarks comparing the new dual-dual (4 processing cores) 2.66GHz Mac Pro to the previous-generation Power Mac G5 Quad 2.5GHz, Barefeats has received a new dual-dual 3.0GHz Mac Pro system and began testing it against the dual-dual 2.66GHz Mac Pro and PowerMac Quad G5. The new 3.0GHz Mac Pro (when shipped with the same 1GB of RAM as the G5 had) costs the same $3,299 --or $800 more than the dual-dual 2.66GHz Mac Pro. For the tests, Barefeats added 2GB more RAM. The results show that performacne for non-universal apps was surprisingly close between the dual-dual 3.0GHz Mac Pro and the Power Mac Quad G5--separated only by a seconds. In one test, the Mac Pro outperformed the Power Mac G5, despite running non-native software. When running native Intel-based software, the Mac Pro took a decisive lead, completing some benchmarks in just over half the time it the Power Mac G5. "The 3.0GHz Mac Pro's 20 percent faster clock speed, larger L2 cache, and faster system bus enables it to muscle through these two non-optimized apps," according to the website. [sample graph included]

Mac Pro to compete with home PCs?

Recent comparisons from industry watchers as well as Apple have demonstrated that Mac Pro pricing beats out workstations from competing manufacturers such as Dell, and even fares well against home-built PCs with identical hardware. In addition to a detailed comparison of the new system compared to its G5-based predecessor, a custom-assembled system (which avoids assembly and software costs) using equivalent parts is more expensive than Apple's systems. The Cupertino-based company's primary challenge moving forward is to offer a system beneath the Mac Pro which includes high-end features without the added cost of quad Xeons or expensive memory, according to Electronista.

Apogee Symphony driver goes Universal

Apogee Electronics has released a new PCI-Express driver for its "Symphony" 32-channel PCI-Express card. The Universal Binary driver is designed to take special advantage of the power and technology in Apple's new Intel-based Mac Pro to achieve performance levels previously unattainable in native audio. The driver, in combination with Intel processors in the Mac Pro, lowers the latency of the Symphony PCI-Express card by over 50 percent into the 2ms range, according to the company. Apple's new Mac Pro supports up to 192 simultaneous channels of audio using the Symphony PCI Express card.

Refurbished MacBook Pros, PowerBooks

Apple has updated its refurbished product offerings, adding MacBook Pro laptops to its listing while removing some PowerBook G4 notebooks. Remaining refurbished PowerBook G4s include the 15-inch 1.67GHz model with 512MB of RAM and an 80GB hard drive for $1,349; the 17-inch 1.67GHz model with 512MB of RAM and a 100GB hard drive for $1,799; and the 17-inch 1.67GHz with 512MB of RAM and a 120GB hard drive for $1,899. Apple's refurbished MacBook Pro notebooks include the 15-inch 1.83GHz model with 512MB of RAM and an 80GB hard drive for $1,549; the 15-inch 2.0GHz model with 512MB of RAM and an 80GB hard drive for $1,699; the 15-inch Glossy 2.0GHz model with 512MB of RAM and an 80GB hard drive for $1,699; the 15-inch 2.0GHz model with 1GB of RAM and a 100GB hard drive for $1,949. Canadian readers can find refurb products at the Apple Store Canada, which offers refurb MacBook Pros for $1749 (1.83GHz/512MB/80GB), $1,899 (2.0GHz/512MB/80GB -- either glossy or standard LCD), $2,249 (2GHz/1GB/100GB), or $2,399 (2.16GHz/1GB/100GB).

Elgato unveils EyeTV Hybrid

Elgato today unveiled its EyeTV Hybrid, delivering free over-the-air digital TV to a Mac via antenna as well as analog TV via antenna and standard cable. The analog/digital TV receiver supports browsing EyeTV menus in full screen mode; rewind, fast forward, and pause functionality for digital TV; the ability to record hours of TV shows directly onto the hard drive and edit out unwanted content; locate TV shows using the built-in program guide; export clips as well as entire episodes to a fifth-generation iPod with video; and connect game consoles to experience zero-latency game play. EyeTV Hybrid is priced at $150, and includes a break-out cable for composite video as well as S-Video.

Rumors of Wi-Fi iPod make rounds

A new report suggests that Apple will soon launch an iPod boasting wireless capabilities to compete with Microsoft's Zune player, which is expected to launch by years' end. The Cupertino-based company has begun dispatching its staff to its major markets in Asia in an effort to teach local sales employees how to demonstrate the new product, according to DigiTimes. Apple Taiwan denied the claims, however. The report follows suggestions by industry observers that the iPod-maker should debut a Wi-Fi-capable portable media player with increased storage capacity and further platform compatibility to compete with rival players. Earlier this year, Microsoft was rumored to be contemplating wireless connectivity for its forthcoming Zune player; however, a recent report suggests it will have limited WiFi functionality and require a PC for music purchase.

Apps: Call Recorder for Skype, Desklamp

• Call Recorder for Skype 1.0.4 ($15) is a utility allowing users to record calls or podcasts over Skype with support for MP3, MOV, and AAC formats. Version 1.0.4 adds support for uncompressed encoding, improved support for voicemail recording, more International language localizations, improved USB support, better multi-channel audio capability, and several minor bug fixes. Call Recorder requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later and Skype for Mac 1.4 or newer. [Download - 892KB]


• Export Address Book 1.3 ($20) exports Address Book data to a file usable as a data source for a Microsoft Word Merge, or to synchronize a FileMaker database. Users can also export files in TSV, CSV, HTML table and vCard formats. Version 1.3 adds the ability to export selected parts of the vCard to maintain privacy, as well as the ability to export address groups. Export Address Book is a Universal Binary and requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later. [Download - 298KB]


• DeskLamp 0.1 ($20) allows users to search a system with Spotlight technology while searching Web history with a customizable view layout. Release 0.10 features a new address book style info view integrated into the search window; adds the ability to choose any attributes to display in the list and outline view; offers improved editing of keywords directly in the list or outline view; boasts a simplified user interface; and features full previews for jpeg, text, emlx, xml and folders in the info view. The pre-release requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later. [Download - 400KB]


• wiPod 1.0 (free) uses the "notes" functionality of the iPod operating system to store a database of free hotspots that includes more than 10,000 locations in over 2,400 cities across the U.S. and around the globe. Users can visit the AnchorFree website to download a full list of local or destination hotspots, enabling the application to then sort and place them onto the iPod for access via the notes feature. System requirements were unavailable. [Download - Register]


• 24U SimpleFile 1.0.1 ($50) is a file management plug-in for FileMaker Pro enabling users to create, delete, copy, move, rename, read, and edit files and folders directly from databases. The update is designed to run natively on both PowerPC as well as Intel based Macs with FileMaker 7.0, 8.0 and 8.5. 24U SimpleFile 1.0.1 is free to all registered users of version 2.0 or later, requiring Mac OS X with FileMaker Pro 5.5 or newer. [Download - 2.2MB]

Briefly: VirtualPC's end; OWC

In brief: Questions remain about why Microsoft ceased development of its VirtualPC software for Mac amidst the turf war between Parallels and Apple.... Other World Computing (OWC) has reached an agreement to be the sole provider of Digital Technology Storage Solutions for the feature film "Yesterday Was a Lie...." Font Diner has launched the Font Bros Typography Supply Company, offering hand-picked works by independent font designers from around the globe.... Sony has begun shipping the first dual-layer 50GB Blu-Ray discs in the U.S. as write-once media that burn at a maximum speed of 2X.... Iconkits.com has released Office Button Kit, a new free stock icon set with 32 button icons for use with application and website development.

Apple restatement, delisting risks...

Analyst firm Merrill Lynch has concluded that Apple's restatement and delisting risks appear contained, following an assessment of risks related to stock option irregularities at Apple as well as Pixar. The firm further suggests that there are not yet enough facts to form a conclusion as to whether key executives may have been involved in creating options irregularities at Apple or Pixar, and assumes that Apple CEO Steve Jobs is not likely to have been involved. Analyst Richard Farmer warns, however, that a review of Pixar disclosures does not rule out the possibility that Jobs was involved in options backdating for that company during his role as CEO. "Jobs was a member of the board that made options decisions, and our analysis suggests these may contain irregularities," Farmer said. Merrill Lynch maintains its "buy" rating for Apple shares with a price target of $72.

Free aged film plug-in for FCP released...

Cgm-online.com has released CGM Aged Film LE, a free Final Cut Pro/Express (FCP) plug-in designed to make video look more like film. CGM Aged Film LE simulates 35mm film as well as aged film with shaking, jumping, scratches, dirt, hair, gamma, brightness flickering, and more. The plug-in features a "Variation" slider which selects various default settings for the filter, while "Stripes" allows users to define the frequency and amount of striping inherent to damaged film. "Grain" changes the size and visibility of film grain with two modes to simulate duplicated, converted film as well as video scanned directly from film. A "Trapped Hair" slider simulates old, dirty film while a "Tint" option allows users to simulate the age or mood of film. CGM Aged Film LE is available for free, and requires Final Cut Pro or Final Cut Express.

Razer launches iPod docking keyboard...

Razer has ventured into a new market reportedly in an effort to break out of their gaming and mice niche and into the professional end market. Today, the company has debuted a new keyboard that will be both Mac and PC compatible featuring an iPod dock. Electronista reports that, "Though its functionality is similar to other high-end keyboards, including dedicated media buttons and 10 programmable keys, what distinguishes this model is its centerpiece iPod dock." The dock will be capable of sync and charging the iPod while playing music through the line out jack. Electronista believes that the new "Pro|Solutions" brand will be boosted by this product and more like it in the future. Pricing and availability has not been released. [image included]

Apps: Type2Tracker, Cocktail, DotDefender

• Path Finder 4.5 ($35) is a file browser and manager with powerful tools to make users more productive in Mac OS X. Version 4.5 adds numerous features including undo support, multiple shelves, a label editor, a reload button, improved compression features, a new "Superuser" mode, enhanced slideshow support, improved email account support, the ability to change permissions, an improved 'streamlined' user interface, and more. Path Finder 4.5 requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later. [Download - 19.5MB]


• Type2Tracker 1.2 ($15) helps users with Type 2 Diabetes track and graph their blood glucose tests as well as weight on a day-to-day basis. Version 1.2 adds target zone highlighting on graphs, consistent blood glucose scale on graphs, support forum link to Help menu, export menu item to the File menu enabling exporting of data in comma or tab delimited format, a fix for printing problems, buttons to allow the ability to 'Select All' or 'Deselect All', and better handing of day column view. Any version of Mac OS X is capable of running Type2Tracker. [Download - 2.2MB]


• Cocktail 3.6 [Panther Ed.] ($15) helps users maintain their Macs by taking advantage of complex UNIX features through a simple user interface which ensures that most users are capable of performing the tasks. Version 3.6 [Panther] adds better support for Launch Services database, improves communication between Cocktail and the system during Virtual Memory deletion, improvements to 'Pilot', and fixes several minor bugs. This version is only for Mac OS X 10.3 to 10.3.9 (Panther); there are also versions for Tiger and Jaguar. [Download - 1.4MB]


• dotDefender 2.1-8 (Undisclosed) is a software-based firewall activated as a webserver plug-in to identify and stop attacks that attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in web applications (to commit crimes such as fraud or possibly gain access to confidential information). DotDefender features protection from attacks such as denial of service, SQL injection, session hijacking, spammer bots, proxy takeovers, and cross-site scripting. The update adds support for Intel-based Macs as a Universal Binary and Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger, alongside minor bug fixes and improvements. DotDefender requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later , Apache 1.3x or 2.0x, and Perl interpreter. [Download - Form]


• 24U SimpleDialog 2.8.1 ($50) is a plug-in for FileMaker Pro 7/8/8.5, which allows users to display progress bars and dialog boxes combining items such as text, passwords, check boxes, radio buttons, and pop-up menus. Version 2.8.1 improves compatibility by adding support for Intel-based Macs natively along wit the latest versions of FileMaker. Simple Dialog requires a Power Mac G3 or better with Mac OS X, and FileMaker Pro 5.5 or newer. [Download - 3.2MB]

WiebeTech's portable UltraSCSI RAID...

WiebeTech has introduced the ProSATA SS8, a portable UltraSCSI RAID with large storage capacity. The ProSATA SS8 has eight drive trays filled with high-performance SATA II drives and holds up to 6TB of data (unformatted). It features a built-in RAID controller that supports every kind of RAID and an UltraSCSI 320 interface which boasts sustained data transfer rates of more than 250MB/sec. Featuring Intel-based RAID management hardware and firmware, it offers a Web-based graphical user interface that allows users to deploy and manage the disk array from virtually anywhere. A "Quick Install" wizard allows administrators to get the system up and running in minutes: the system can be used as JBOD or RAID for email archives, data protection, disk to disk backup (D2D), digital video recording (DVR), digital surveillance (security), digital audio recording, desktop publishing, video editing (DV, SD, HD), SCSI SAN or virtual tape. It is available for $2,700 (case-only) or for $3763 (2TB), $5,400 (4TB), and $8,020 (6TB). [images included]

Clean Text 4.0 helps format text

Apimac has released Clean Text 4.0, an update to its text editing tool for webmasters, graphic designers, and magazine editors. Clean Text has the ability to eliminate all text formatting, remove empty lines, delete unwanted spaces, erase tab characters, and covert items such as quotes, tabs, and returns. The new version includes a variety of code and user interface improvements as well as adds new features, such as a new way for performing actions on the 'text to' process using a convenient sidebar, a new "Quick Clean" action allowing single-click cleaning of most problems in email messages, and improvements to document and webpage creation. Also included in this update are several bug fixes and performance enhancements. Clean Text is available now for $25 and requires Mac OS X 10.2. [Download - 3.6MB]

Apple files for 'Multi-Pass' trademark...

Yet another Apple trademark filing has surfaced, but this time related to its iTunes digital music service. The company has filed a new 'multi-pass' trademark, which apparently references the ability to easily purchase a bundle of television shows or other content at a discount. Earlier this year, Apple launched and subsequently expanded its multi-pass options at its iTunes Music Store. The company filed for the "Multi-Pass" trademark in Europe, following its original filing of application 36949 originated in Trinidad and Tobago earlier in February 2006. The formal list of Classifications the trademark applies to include advertising and business services (No. 35), Communication services/telecom (No. 38) and Education and entertainment services (No. 41).

Apple quietly updates MBP logic boards...

Apple is quietly replacing logic boards in MacBook Pros that have undergone repair by Apple Authorized Service Providers (AASP) and has told its providers that the new logic board require an upgradeded version of Mac OS X. Users who have experienced problems and have had their MacBook Pros repaired may receive MacBook Pros with an upgraded logic board, according to MacNN sources. Apple told its sevice partners that some MacBook Pro computers may require Mac OS X 10.4.6 after having the main logic board replaced: "When a MacBook Pro goes in for repair, some computers may receive a different version of the main logic board (MLB) than others. The alternate MLB provides equal functionality to the one it replaces. It does not add any new functionality. It is important to note, however, that the new MLB requires a later version of the Mac OS X operating system to be installed."