Free MacBook to all Ringling Freshmen

The Ringling School Of Art And Design in Florida is loaning MacBooks to all incoming freshmen who are enrolled in the first year of their Core Studio Program. The laptops are free of charge, but must be returned upon graduation (or dropping out); each MacBook includes a host of pre-installed software, including Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office. The MacBook was chosen for its ability to run both Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows and its portability, according to the school. The new MacBooks will help the school integrate technology with learning and ensure that its Student to Computer ratio of 2:1 continues. Meanwhile, the Australian education departments seems to have declared war on Macs, according to a new report. The report claims dwindling support for Macs and that some Macs are being replaced by lower cost desktop PCs.

Apple, Creative settle legal disputes...

Apple and Creative Technology today announced a broad settlement ending all legal disputes between the two companies. Apple will pay Creative $100 million for a paid-up license to use Creative's recently awarded patent in all Apple products. Apple can recoup a portion of its payment if Creative is successful in licensing this patent to others, however. Additionally, the Creative has joined Apple's "Made for iPod" program and will be announcing its own iPod accessory products later this year. "Creative is very fortunate to have been granted this early patent," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "This settlement resolves all of our differences with Creative, including the five lawsuits currently pending between the companies, and removes the uncertainty and distraction of prolonged litigation."

Apple staff fired for Leopard leak

Apple has fired at least five retail store employees following an incident involving the download of illegitimate copies of Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard. The pre-release edition of the operating system was released to developers at Apple's World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC) in San Francisco earlier this month, after which beta copies began leaking to the public. The employees were overheard discussing the beta software, which reached Apple's headquarters and ultimately resulted in termination of those staff members after they admitted to illegally acquiring the operating system, according to Macworld UK. "All of us know that we violated our NDA and ethics policy. Therefore, because we had the character to tell the truth and to face the consequences of our actions, we were terminated," said one of the dismissed employees.

Iomega launches 320GB eSATA drive

Iomega today began shipping its new Desktop Hard Drive eSATA/USB 2.0 320GB (site not updated) that boasts triple the transfer rate of USB 2.0. The new drive ships with an included eSATA PCI card, as well as a cable that upgrades most PC motherboards to eSATA functionality. The drive supports the addition of multiple eSATA drives, each of which exceeds the performance of a FireWire 800 drive. Drives are stackable, and users can mount multiple drives vertically with a built-in stand. Each 320GB Desktop Hard Drive ships with EMC Retrospect Express software for automated backups for Mac OS as well as Microsoft Windows systems, as well as a USB 2.0 cable and a quick start guide. The Iomega Desktop Hard Drive is available for $240.

Apple, Dell to discuss battery standard

Apple, Dell, Hewlett-Packard, and Lenovo are scheduled to hold a summit meeting in San Jose, California to discuss manufacturing standards for lithium-ion batteries made for portable and handheld electronics. The decision follows reports of laptop batteries bursting into flame, ultimately resulting in a massive recall by Dell last week of 4.1 million notebook batteries. Both Dell and Sony on Monday admitted in a statement that a design flaw in certain lithium-ion batteries could potentially ignite or cause an explosion. The companies to hold the summit meeting are part of the OEM Critical Components Committee of the IPC-Association Connecting Electronics Industries. The organization boasts roughly 2,400 members involved in making, designing or using electronic components, according to the E-Commerce Times.

Apps: Typinator, Groupcal, netTunes

• Typinator 1.4 ($20) allows users to create shorthand typing sets that dynamically change into longer words, phrases, or images. Version 1.4 includes maintenance fixes to several user-reported issues, minor refinements to the boilerplate utility, and fixes a problem when running on Mac OS X 10.3.9 that was introduced with Typinator 1.3. Typinator 1.4 requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or newer. [Download - 800KB]


• Groupcal 3.5.4 ($60) supports viewing and sharing calendar schedules from Microsoft Entourage and Outlook using Apple's iCal software without the need for an Exchange server. The update includes fixes to the calendar invite system, corrects authentication problems with some calendars, enhances syncing stability as well as performance, lowers the connection timeout time to 15 seconds, fixes a problem with settings for advanced URLs, and corrects time zone mapping to include more areas. Groupcal 3.5.4 requires Mac OS X 10.4 or newer. [Download - 3.7MB]


• netTunes 2.3 ($20) controls iTunes running on one Mac from another with iTunes' native interface -- the same window, the same playlists, the same capabilities. Version 2.3 adds support for Intel-based Macs as a Universal Binary, improves overall performance, offers enhanced iTunes support, and improves eSellerate built-in store. netTunes client and server require OS X 10.3 or later. [Download - 1.3MB]


• Sudoku 1.1 ($10) is a challenging number-puzzle game with logical solutions and analytical answers based on the popular Japanese number game. The game includes "classic" number-puzzles, a "random" mode for amorphic puzzles, and "Chaos" mode for completely "wild" challenges. Version 1.1 includes minor bug fixes, newer system requirements and slight graphic changes. Dracosoft's Sudoku requires Mac OS X 10.3 or later. [Download - 2.1MB]


• launchTunes 1.1 ($10) addresses the problem which surfaced since Bonjour-based music library sharing arrived in iTunes; offering up shared music even when iTunes isn't running. LaunchTunes uses a client and server solution that allows client computers to connect to the server computer and start iTunes, enabling users to access music despite locked rooms or other obstacles. Version 1.1 is a Universal Binary and features several minor bug fixes, as well as performance improvements. LaunchTunes requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later and iTunes 4.0 or later. [Download - 822KB]

MacBook demand exceeds production...

Apple is struggling to fulfill orders for its 13-inch widescreen MacBook laptop systems in the heat of the back-to-school shopping rush. The MacBook is in high demand this year, according to a report from AppleInsider, but the company or one of its suppliers has underestimated demand for the notebook. Customers hoping to receive their newly-ordered MacBook this week instead opened an apology letter from the Cupertino-based company, informing them that it would be unable to fill orders within its promised timeframe. "I ordered a MacBook over the weekend," said one Apple customer. "The order was to be processed in 5-8 days. I just got an apology letter from Apple saying they would not be able to meet that order fulfillment deadline."

Sony buys Grouper.com for $65m

Sony has agreed to pay $65 million for Grouper.com, a Web video site similar to user-generated video giant YouTube that allows visitors to download and play content on iPods or other portable media devices. A top Sony executive said the acquisition is designed to infuse the studios with new ideas and talent for movies, TV shows, and games, according to Reuters. "I think user-generated content and the sites around [them] are businesses or platforms unto themselves in the same way that television networks [are]," said Michael Lynton, Sony Pictures chairman and CEO. "There is a big piece of the entertainment/media business this touches."

Olympus announces nine new cameras...

In advance of the Photokina expo taking place September 25th, Olympus has announced a full nine camera models across three different lineups. The new FE line is Olympus' entry-level camera, which shares a common platform of a 6 megapixel sensor, a 2.5-inch LCD, and a simplified one-button/one-function interface; the FE-200 adds 5X optical zoom. More advanced is the Stylus series (known as µ [mju:] in Europe) that emphasizes a compact shape and weatherproofing. All five new Stylus models feature a 3-inch LCD and Bright Capture technology, which allows for high ISO settings not normally found in point-and-shoot cameras. Source: Electronista. [images included]

Advanced Link Manager 3.0 released

Caphyon today released Advanced Link Manager 3.0, a tool to help manage and monitor incoming website links. The software keeps users informed as to where incoming links come from and what their content is, tracking link evolution in time. Advanced Link Manager 3.0 adds the ability to gather as well as manage contact information providing link exchange assistance, and enables users to gather reciprocal link information. The application creates updateable reports and graphical charts to help track as well as maintain important, high-traffic links from other domains. Advanced Link Manager 3.0 is priced at $150, while a standard edition without printable reports is available for $60. The software requires Mac OS X 10.3 or later.

Microsoft introduces two gaming mice...

Microsoft hosted a press conference today at the Leipzig Gaming Convention where the software giant announced two new Mice. The first to be demonstrated is the Habu; a collaborated effort by Razer and Microsoft. The new mouse has sensitivity between 400 and 2000 DPI with on-board sensitivity controls, reports Electronista. The mouse also features adjustable side panels to best fit the user's hand alongside seven programmable buttons. The second mouse is not new, but the reintroduction of the Micrsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3 -- according to Microsoft, it's a gamer favorite. The new version maintains optical technology of it's predecessor but adds up to 9000 frames-per-second tracking and enhanced precision modes. The new mice will support both Windows and Macs. The Habu ($70) will ship in October, while the Intellimouse Explorer 3 ($40) will ship in September. [images included]

Apple tops PC Mag reader satisfaction...

Apple today topped PC Magazine's 19th Annual Reader Satisfaction Survey with the most reliable PCs, offering the best support when things go wrong. "Look no further than Apple, the leader of the pack, whose overall score holds steady at 9.1." Apple also managed to cut repair rates this year, scoring 8 percent on units needing repair down from 11 percent last year. "Among first-year systems, it's only 5 percent. That's nothing less than astonishing." Apple also took first place with regard to notebooks, scoring 9.1 out of 10. "This year, yet again, the Mac is a Readers' Choice for notebooks as well as desktops."

Microphone, speaker combo ships...

Shinza has launched a USB microphone and speaker combo designed for multi-tasking users who need to simultaneous speak and talk without audio 'chopping.' The device measures 2.5 x 2.5 x 1.77-inches and weighs 2.5 grams, supporting easy travel with slim storage requirements. The product is well suited for use with VoIP such as Skype and Gimzo, according to Shinza, as well as conference Web applications -- including AIM, MSN, or iChat. The USB Audio Conference also targets gamers who wish to converse in a hands free environment unhindered by "cumbersome" headsets. The USB Audio Conference Speaker/Microphone ships for $50. [image included]

Griffin 5.1 audio solution for Mac...

Griffin Technology announced that it is shipping FireWave, its affordable 5.1 Surround Sound solution for Mac. FireWave extends to Mac users the ability to affordably and effectively upgrade their sound systems using their FireWire ports. The compact FireWave is easy to incorporate into most computer setups, and portable enough for use with laptops. The bus-powered FireWave receives power from the FireWire port (and thus requires no extra connections.) There are 3 minijack (3.5mm) outputs 6 channels for Left and Right, Center and Subwoofer, and Surround Left and Right speakers. FireWave supports Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, and additional audio configurations through Mac OS X's Audio MIDI Setup utility. Available immediately, the Griffin FireWave costs $100 from the Griffin online store or retail partners. [images included]

Forums: Battery exchange, Leopard report

Forums roundup: Members are discussing Apple's new battery exchange program for the MacBook Pro which addresses 'swelling' batteries found in some early models.... Other users discuss reports from one poster on an experience using the Leopard beta released to developers at WWDC.... One user discusses trouble with a MacBook's screen hinge which caused creaking and misalignment.... Others confer on the practical applications of the NVIDIA Quadro 4500FX graphics card and its performance in gaming against the X1900XT.... Meanwhile, another user looks for help with a MacBook Pro that refuses to go to sleep by closing the lid or usual methods.

New sleeve for 17-inch MacBook Pro...

Shinza has launched a new carrying case for Apple's MacBook Pro 17-inch model. The new sleeves, dubbed ZeroShock, are now available for generic 15-inch widescreen notebooks and the 17-inch MacBook Pro in addition to the the 15-inch MacBook Pro version released in May. ZeroShock sleeves feature high-resistance polyurethane which does not give in to external pressure as easily as conventional sleeve materials. The sleeves add further protection by providing impact absorption on all sides and 'high-quality' zippers to seal out damaging dust and grit. The sleeve is available in grey and black for $35. As previiously mentioned, a 15-inch MacBook Pro model will available by the end of August for $30. [image included]

SubRosaSoft updates MacForensicsLab

SubRosaSoft has released a new version of MacForensicsLab, its software developed for law enforcement and forensic professionals. The software is designed to work with Windows, Macintosh, and Linux storage devices -- the first all-in-one forensics software suite for Mac OS X (as well as Windows and Linux platforms). New in this version is an Auto Report Generation function, giving the investigator the ability to export a report in HTML format. Also new in this version is a new file browser, file preview, bookmarking, salvage pause and resume controls, and several minor bug fixes. This new release is distributed as a dual-bootable DVD allowing for booting on both PowerPC- and Intel-based Macs. MacForensicsLab costs $1000 and requires Mac OS X 10.3 or later.

OpenOSX GrassPro now Universal

OpenOSX has began shipping a major update to its GRASS geographic information system, OpenOSX GrassPro. The new update features new native support for Intel-based Macs as a Universal Binary. The GRASS (Geographic Resources Analysis Support System) geographic information system is an open-source project combines powerful raster, vector, and geospatial processing engines into a single integrated software suite. Open OSX GrassPro 6.1 also features the ability to create GRASS "Locations" automatically from existing geo-spatial datasets -- previously considered a major obstacle for many would-be GRASS adopters. Grass Pro costs $60 (CD) or $50 (Download) with this update price at $30 (CD) and $20 (Download) to previous customers. Also now available is a bundle including free updates for 6 months and a detailed manual for $220. Detailed system requirements were not available.

Pop-up LAN messenger now Universal

Kanex Group software has released QuickPopup 4.5, an update to its utility which allow users to securely exchange pop-up messages over corporate, school and home networks without needing to connect to the Internet. This update features the completion of QuickPopup's transition to native Intel-based Mac support. Now released as a Universal Binary, the messenger expanded its compatibility to Mac OS X 10.x (PowerPC and Intel), Mac OS 7.x-9.x (68k and PowerPC), Windows 95/98/ME/2000/2003/XP and Linux. Also added in version 4.5 is LAN messaging only, cross-platform management, pure business IM, no server is required any longer, improved peer-to-peer messaging, message encryption, guaranteed message delivery, enhanced workgroup support, more options with incoming messages, and clickable URLs in messages. The Mac OS X system requirements need a G3/G4/G5 or Intel-based Mac running Mac OS X 10.0 or later on a TCP/IP LAN with AppleTalk enabled. QuickPopup 4.5 is available now for free to current licensees, while new users must page $25. [Download Trial - 2.01MB]