RemotePoint Navigator Powerpoint Pointer

Interlink Electronics today announced the sucessor to its Navigator presentation remote control. The latest edition, known as the Champagne Edition includes numerous new features including dedicated 'forward' and 'previous' slide buttons, an integrated laser pointer and an extended wireless operating range of over 50 feet. The Navigator easily works with Mac or Windows platforms to allow users to control their Powerpoint or Keynote presentation without the need for additional software. The Champagne Edition Navigator retails for $150 and is available now.

Canon unveils four digital cameras

Canon today launched new PowerShot A-Series (site not updated) digital cameras, as well as its EOS Digital Rebel XT digital camera. The company's new PowerShot A710 IS, A640, and A630 compact digital cameras feature a compact form factor that fits snugly in the hand. The 7.1, 10.0 and 8.0 megapixel cameras offer high resolution and are expected to ship this October for $400, $400, and $300, respectively. Canon's new 10.1 megapixel EOS Digital Rebel XT camera is expected to ship in mid-September for under $1,000, and will be offered in both sleek brushed silver patina and "pro" matte black finishes. Users can purchase the device in two kit configurations: with and without Canon's EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens.

Canon debuts seven new printers...

Canon today unveiled four new all-in-one printers (site not updated) and two compact printers, expanding its offering of printing solutions for students, home users and small business owners. New models include the PIXMA iP4300 Photo printer, MP510 Photo all-in-one multi-function, PIXMA MP810 all-in-one multi-function, PIXMA MP600 all-in-one multi-function, PIXMA mini260 inkjet photo printer, SELPHY CP730 compact dye sublimation photo printer, and SELPHY CP720 compact dye sublimation photo printer. Canon's new lineup of printers are expected to ship for $150 (PIXMA MP510) $100 (PIXMA iP4300), $300 (PIXMA MP810 Photo), $200 (PIXMA MP600), $200 (PIXMA mini260), $150 (SELPHY CP730), and $100 (SELPHY CP720).

Bulk order of Mac minis denied

Apple may be planning to release a newer, faster version of its Intel-based Mac mini system in the near future. One blogger who works for a colocation company says he was denied a bulk order of Mac minis, and was told by an Apple representative that the store was not allowed to place new bulk orders until after Labor Day, according to Electronista. That same blogger in late February reported the same behavior, with Apple denying his bulk order of Mac minis. Days later, the Cupertino-based company updated the Mac mini with Intel processors. The report coincides with an expected broader availability of Core 2 Duo mobile chips from Intel, which are likely to form the basis of a Mac mini update, were Apple to released faster versions of its sub-desktop system.

SuperCard 4.6 comes to Intel Macs

Solutions Etcetera today released SuperCard 4.6 as a Universal Binary, offering native compatibility to Intel Mac owners. SuperCard allows users to create games, teaching aids, utilities, personal productivity tools, automation tools, kiosks, and multimedia-rich projects. Users who purchased or upgraded to SuperCard 4.5 on or after January 25th, 2006 are entitled to a free upgrade via download from Solutions Etcetera, while users who purchased version 4.5 prior to the afore-mentioned date can upgrade to the standard edition for $50 or the developer edition for $100. Upgrades for users of all previous versions are priced at $130 and $180 for standard and developer versions, respectively.

Logitech ships Revolution wireless mice...

Logitech has launched Revolution, a new line of cordless mice designed for users who work with large documents. The wireless Logitech MX Revolution ($100) and Logitech VX Revolution ($80) mice feature laser tracking and built-in lithium-ion batteries. Both devices include a new type of scroll wheel technology that supports normal click scrolling with extra precision, as well as "free scroll" which allows users to flick the wheel resulting in continued spinning up to seven seconds, instantly stopping wherever desired. Both mice also feature a one-touch searching button as well as a battery status indicator. The MX Revolution features a document quick-flip wheel on the side of the mouse, while the VX includes a storable USB mini-receiver and zoom control. Both mice are available for Mac OS X as well as Microsoft Windows. [images included]

Apple recalls 1.8m notebook batteries...

Apple today in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall of its rechargeable lithium-ion batteries with cells manufactured by Sony for certain iBook G4 and PowerBook G4 notebooks. The recalled batteries can overheat, according to Apple, posing a fire hazard to consumers. Apple said it has received nine reports of batteries overheating, including two reports of minor burns from handling overheated computers and other reports of minor property damage. Affected models include the 12-inch iBook G4, 12-inch PowerBook G4, and 15-inch PowerBook G4. Apple is instructing owners of these notebooks to remove the battery from the computer to view the model and serial numbers labeled on the bottom of the unit.

Creative misses a ripe opportunity...

Creative Technology CEO Sim Wong Hoo is reportedly happy about the outcome of his settlement with Apple for $100 million, but industry watchers say Creative could have fared much better. "Creative thought they were going to get a piece of all iPods sold for the foreseeable future-that would cross the multi-billion dollar mark," Rob Enderle said, principal analyst at the Enderle Group. "And had they been successful, even temporarily, the decline in Apple's stock would have been catastrophic." Apple will continue to produce and profit from its market leading iPod digital media players, rather than receiving an injunction barring the sale of iPods in the U.S., according to Forbes.com.

NuPower upgraded battery for 14" iBook...

NewerTech has introduced a new NuPower replacement battery for Apple's 14-inch G3 and G4 iBooks. The battery boasts 34 percent higher capacity in comparison to the original Apple battery and features a 74 watt-hour capacity delivering up to eight hours of battery life (compared with the 6-hour life offered by Apple's original battery). The NuPower replacement will work with all 14- and 14.1-inch iBook models between the G3 600MHz model and the most recent 1.42GHz G4-based model. The company is also offering a 59 watt-hour battery for the 14-inch iBook with approximately 7 percent more power than the original Apple battery. The new 74 watt-hour replacement battery is priced at $130, while the older 59 watt-hour model is available for $100. All batteries sold by NewerTech contain no mercury to remain environmentally friendly when disposed of or recycled, and a free recycle pass is included for the old iBook battery. [image included]

Nikon reveals fall camera line up...

Nikon has announced five new cameras for the fall season as part of its point-and-shoot Coolpix line. The new entry-level camera, the 6.0 Megapixel L6, completes the L-series fall line up alongside the new 7.2 Megapixel L5. The L6 ($200) features 3x optical zoom versus the L5's ($300) 5x optical zoom; both feature red-eye reduction, face priority focus, light adjustment, and USB/Pictbridge connectivity. The new L6 uses one lithium AA battery for 1000 shots, while the L5 uses two AA conventional batteries for 150 shots. Nikon is also launching the 7.1 Megalpixel 'ultra compact' S7c ($350); the 6.0 Megapixel S10 ($400); and the 6.0 Megapixel S9 ($250). The S7c features low-light operation, 3x optical zoom, wireless internet connectivity, and a 3.0-inch screen. The S9 and S10 both feature 2.5-inch screens, Nikon "in-camera" innovations, and metal designs. The S9 has 3x optical zoom, while the S10 (swivel design) features a 10x optical zoom. All cameras will be shipping during September in time for the Photokina expo, according to Electronista.

Apple files for Safari RSS trademark

The U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) today published Apple's latest trademark/service mark application (#78954417) representing the company's Safari RSS technology. The publication follows four additional patents also published by the USPTO on Tuesday which solidified Apple's right to use its DC connector assembly, a self aligning foot assembly, a method and apparatus for accelerating detection of serial bus device speed signals, and an electronic device holder. Apple in mid-August was granted three patents for its sub-desktop Mac mini system, fluid cooling, and improved image compression techniques. Apple, like other tech companies, is struggling to secure proprietary technologies before competitors patent the technology. Creative was recently awarded a patent on technology used in Apple's iPod line, resulting in a payment of $100 million from Apple to Creative for use of the technology.

Apple shares trading at discount?...

Wall Street's current perception suggests that Apple shares are trading at a premium value, but analyst firm Piper Jaffray believes the stock is actually trading at a discount. "We believe many investors generally feel that Apple shares have a high relative valuation and, therefore, the Street remains split between those that believe shares deserve to continue to trade at a premium and those that believe shares should trade lower due to declining momentum," wrote Piper Jaffray senior analyst Gene Munster in a research report obtained by MacNN. "Apple is a unique company in that its business stretches into both hardware and software. As such, we believe a comparative valuation group should consist of Apple's competitors in both hardware and software." The analyst believes Apple will continue to outpace the growth of its competitors in the coming years, and that Apple shares should trade at a premium relative multiple based on profits, earnings, and growth (excluding cash).

Feds OK MacBook Pro batteries

Apple's defective MacBook Pro batteries which had swelling problems (and were part of an Apple-sponsored exchange program) were not a safety risk, according to InformationWeek. The batteries--included with some MacBook Pro that shipped bew February and May--exhibited a "high-pitched buzzing sound", and although the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission found that the batteries were not a safety risk, it said that the batteries didn't meet the "high standards for battery performance." The U.S. CPSC did not reveal the manufacturer of the batteries, but when questioned if they were Sony and related to the Dell recall, the CPSC spokesperson replied: "We are looking at Sony batteries outside the scope of the Dell recall." The CPSC, however, reiterated, that unlike the Dell recall which has resulted in fires and claimed explosions, the recalled Apple batteries were not a safety hazard. Following the recent spate of battery-related issues, both Apple and Dell have joined a new battery standards conference, which will take place in San Jose, California later this year.

ABC on iTunes, movies to follow?...

The transition to feature length films is in full swing according RedHerring.com. The most recent important move to signify this change is the recent announcement by ABC-Disney Television Group in which it announced that it will place content on iTunes from ABC news which will feature celebrity profiles, news events through history, and moments such as "OJ Simpson Car Chase" and "The Fall of the Berlin Wall". The new ABC content will sell for $1.99 as usual from the iTunes Music store, but according to RedHerring.com, "The move is yet another appetizer before Apple unveils the main course: full-length movies." Recently, Lions Gate's president Steve Beeks revealed a feature-length film deal with Apple was in the works: "In terms of iTunes movie downloads, I think most likely some time before the end of the year."