Apricorn debuts new storage devices

Apricorn today announced two external storage devices aimed at Mac users. The Ageis Mini, a device aimed at notebook users, includes an integrated FireWire cable and is avaliable in 30GB and 60GB sizes, while the Aegis Portable is designed as an external backup solution--bundled with an integrated FireWire cable--and offers extensive shock proofing; it weighs just 5.5 ounces. This device comes in sizes from 40GB to 160GB. Included with both products is the Apricorn Data Protection Suite, which includes the backup solution SuperDuper!, Synchronize! X and the Apricorn Encryption Utility. The Aegis Mini and Aegis Portable retail from $170 and $120, respectively and are now available.

Refurbished Power Macs, video iPods

Apple is selling refurbished Power Mac G5 systems as well as video iPods with its standard one-year warranty and free shipping. Refurbished Power Macs include the Dual 2GHz with 512MB of memory and a 160GB hard drive for $1,899; the Dual 2.3GHz with 512MB of memory and a 250GB hard drive for $2,399; and the Quad 2.5GHz with 512MB of memory and a 250GB hard drive for $3,199. All Power Mac G5 systems 1MB of L2 cache per processor core and a 16X double-layer SuperDrive DVD/CD burner. Refurbished video iPods include the 30GB model available in either black or white which stores up to 7,500 songs for $229; and the 60GB model available in either black or white which stores up to 15,000 songs for $345. Apple's video iPods feature a 2.5-inch color display and ship with APple earphones as well as a USB 2.0 cable. Apple's Canada Store is offering 20-inch Cinema displays for $799, 23-inch Cinema HD displays for $1,099, and 30-inch Cinema HD displays for $2,299.

Spinnn 3D strategy game released

An independent software developer has released Spinnn 1.0, a 3D strategy game challenging players to create horizontal lines. Players move and spin falling pieces in any of 30 different sub-games, each of which is divided into four sets with its own style and special rules. Classic games focus on the basic puzzle, while "Disposable Things" games feature objects such as trees or pyramids that form part of a line. "Built To Last" games contain objects that can form part of a line, but are not removed by any other means than special tools such as drills and bombs. Spinnn is priced at $20, and requires Mac OS X 10.2 or later.

Microsoft to offer iDisk-like storage

Microsoft announced an online storage service as part of its recent Windows Live focus during the Australian Tech.Ed 2006 conference. Displaying a strong resemblance to Apple's iDisk included with its .Mac service, Microsoft's Live Drive will offer 2GB of storage accessible to any computer via a Web browser or as a virtual drive in Windows Vista, according to Electronista. Microsoft also plans to offer subscribers the option of extra storage at an additional price. Whether or not auto-synchronization or application-specific integration will also be features has not yet been revealed.

FW Depot unveils three SATA subsystems

FireWire Depot today unveiled three new SATA subsystem modules featuring aluminum cooling bodies and removable, hot swappable fans. The MB453 is constructed to fit three SATA I or II drives within a two 5.25-inch bay fitting, while the MB454 fits four SATA I or II drives within a three 5.25-inch bay fitting. FireWire Depot's MB455 fits four SATA I or II drives within a five 5.25-inch bay fitting. All subsystems require no tools or special wiring to remove the replaceable hot swappable fan. The MB453, MB454, and MB455 SATA subsystems are available for $120, $150, and $180, respectively.

Smallest external DVD burner debuts

Plextor has unveiled its PX-608CU, the world's smallest external DVD burner, measuring just 0.6-inches thick and weighting 8.8 ounces. The new writer is compact enough stow alongside a notebook without consuming much more space. The burner is powered entirely through the USB 2 interface, making it ideal for laptop owners on-the-go without access to power outlets. Plextor's PX-608CU drive can burn dual-layer DVDs, and boasts a maximum single-layer recording speed of 8X, according to Electronista. The new drive is slated for shipment in October, though pricing is still undetermined.

IK ships three bundle collections...

IK Multimedia today began shipping three new bundle collections of its music production tools. "Total Studio Bundle," "Total Effects Bundle," and "Total Workstation Bundle" are designed to offer a comprehensive collection of instruments, samples, and effects suitable for musicians at any level of expertise. The Total Workstation Bundle offers all of IK's software virtual instrument workstations in one complete package, designed to provide sounds for every genre and style of music. The Total Effects Bundle includes four different plug-in signal processing suites, constituting a complete signal processing package. IK's Total Studio Bundle features IK's entire collection of effects and instruments plug-ins. Registered users can upgrade to the Total Studio Bundle for $1,000.

FCC filings shed light on Zune rumors

Recent FCC filings have revealed previously rumored features of Microsoft's upcoming Zune player. The Zune player will use a 30GB hard drive as rumored, support 802.11g wireless as well as FM radio, and will stream music to nearby Zune players in addition to letting users bookmark songs they would like to purchase later. Microsoft has not assumed responsibility for manufacturing the Zune as it has for its Xbox consoles, however: the FCC documentation describes the Zune as the "Toshiba 1089 Portable Media Player," indicating that Microsoft sought the expertise of the Gigabeat series creator for the final product, rather than control the entire process itself, according to Electronista.

Pioneer: Bluetooth iPod adapter coming

Apple is due to release a Bluetooth adapter for its iPod portable media player, according to a representative of stereo manufacturer Pioneer. Pioneer's new DEH head unit, which includes a Bluetooth transmitter, is reported as not only connecting to cellphones for hands-free calling but also as supporting audio streaming from iPods. Apple will in turn release a Bluetooth adapter of its own to make this possible, according to Pioneer's Michael Broadhurst. Such pre-announcements, however, have been historically inaccurate. In February 2005, a Motorola project manager incorrectly told Radio France about a Bluetooth-enabled iPod that never materialized, according to Electronista.

NetRestore clones NTFS volumes

Bombich Software has released NetRestore 3.3, offering support for cloning NTFS volumes while natively supporting Intel-based Macs as a Universal Binary. NetRestore can restore a disk image to a hard drive via block-level or file-level copying, supports Mac OS X as well as Windows XP deployment, works locally or over a network, and offers pre- as well as post-restore customization tools to set computer specific information. The application offers full automation, easy configuration, customization, and a helper tool for easily creating master disk images as well as NetInstall-Restore image sets for use with a NetBoot server. NetRestore 3.3 is free open-source software, requiring Mac OS X 10.4 or later.

FastMac offers new DL Superdrive...

FastMac today began shipping a new internal 16X Dual Layer SuperDrive upgrade compatible with Mac Pro as well as G3, G4, and G5 Power Macs, eMacs, and iMacs. The new drive offers read and write support for DVD-RAM and 48x CD-R burning -- two times faster than Apple's top-of-the-line Mac Pro. The burner is the fastest dual-layer SuperDrive currently available for the Mac, capable of writing CDs at up to 48X and able to burn single layer as well as dual-layer DVDs at 16X. The drive writes DVD-RAM at 12X, and is available for an introductory price of $80 (regularly $90) including a one-year warranty and 30-day money back guarantee. [image included]

Apple scores low in Greenpeace report...

Greenpeace has released a new environmental report card for technology companies, detailing the use of toxic chemicals, recycling, and quality of take-back programs. Nokia, Dell, HP, Sony Ericsson, and Samsung were the only companies to pass the 50 percent or greater mark, while Apple, Sony, LGE, Panasonic, Toshiba, Fujitsu-Siemens, Acer, Motorola, and Lenovo all failed. Apple earned only 27 percent (2.7 out of 10) with low scores in almost all criteria, finishing ahead of Acer, Motorola, and Lenovo. Greenpeace also took into account the companies potential to move forward and their timeline for cleanup as well as product safety. [chart, details included]

Apps: Pandora, starQuiz, RSS Replay

• Pandora 2.0 ($20) gathers images and other Web content via URL "spidering" or by keyword searches. The update features an entirely new search engine that bolsters performance and improves user control. Version 2.0 offers support for finding and fetching any file type; the ability to work with any website or search engine, as well as support for authentication; hundreds of minor bug fixes; feature improvements; and performance tweaks. Pandora 2.0 is a Universal Binary requiring Mac OS 10.4 or later. [Download - 2.3MB]


• starQuiz 3.2 ($40) allows users to run computerized tests for Mac systems, enabling teachers to create online tests that are automatically graded by the computer. Version 3.2 introduces a survey question type, the ability to connect to LDAP servers for student authentication, and fixes several minor bugs. All tests created with starQuiz are securely graded, cheat-proof, and easy to set up allowing teachers to spend more time elsewhere, according to the company. Star Quiz 3.2 requires Mac OS X 10.2 or later. [Download - 9.6MB]


• RSS Replay 1.1 ($30) places content from RSS feeds into webpage layouts using AJAX, ASP or PHP. Version 1.1 includes improvements to proxy implementation, enhancements to browser compatibility, better content control, improved RSS format support (RSS 0.9-2.0, Atom 0.3-1.0), customizable presentation control, and several minor bug fixes as well as numerous performance tweaks. The extension works on any Mac running Dreamweaver MX, Dreamweaver MX2004 or Dreamweaver Version 8. [Download - 286KB]


• FileXaminer 2.5.7 ($10) enables users to get info on items in Mac OS X, and modify file/folder attributes that the Finder cannot. The software supports Path Finder, Mac OS X labels, and Image Buddy. Version 2.5.7 adds more application support and tie-ins alongside an improved Image Buddy interface, enhanced image previewing capability, removal of textures from some windows, and added support for 'Copy Path CM for the HFS' command. The update also fixes a batch get info command crash, and improves size calculations for packaged applications. FileXaminer is a Universal Binary and requires Mac OS X 10.2 or later. [Download - 2.4MB]


• Troi URL Plug-in 2.0.1 ($60) helps fill in forms on the internet, and retrieves data from any URL such as stock quotes or weather reports. The update adds compatibility with FileMaker 8.5 alongside native support for Intel-based Macs as a Universal Binary. Troi URL Plug-in 2.0.1 also offers improved data return checking, enhanced image properties checks, better error recovery, additional sanity checks to the TURL_Get and TURL_Post functions, and several minor bug fixes. Troi URL Plug-in requires FileMaker 7, 8, or 8.5 running on Mac OS X 10.3.9 or higher. [Download - 1.7MB]

Briefly: Best Buy; Jedi Academy

In brief: Retail giant Best Buy has sold out of all its iMac and Mac mini systems.... Aspyr Media has released a free Universal patch for Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy, adding Universal Binary support to run natively on Intel Macs.... Luxology's modo -- the company's 3D content creation software -- was used by Massive Entertainment to create most of the models for its "World in Conflict" strategy game.... MacProVideo.com today released iMovie 101: Mastering iMovie ($30), a program designed to provide tips and tricks for capturing, editing, and outputting video using Apple's iMovie software.... Microsoft has released Internet Explorer 7 RC1, a new test build of its Web browser available as a public download.... OmniPilot Software has wrapped up the FileMaker Developer Conference with an extension to its FileMaker Developer Conference special offer until the end of August.

Qantas may restrict Apple notebooks

Qantas Airways is considering placing restrictions on the use of Mac laptops in its aircraft following Apple's recall of 1.8 million lithium-ion batteries. The airline is speaking with Apple, requesting further information on the actual risks that recalled batteries pose and whether those risks are similar to Dell's recently recalled notebook batteries. "We have put limitations on Dell computers and at this stage we are awaiting further information from Apple," said a Quantas spokesman. Owners of Dell notebooks can currently use their laptops in Qantas aircraft on battery power only, or with the battery removed and the unit plugged into the power outlet in first or business class, according to apc. Apple announced its own recall yesterday following Dell's recall of 4.1 million portable batteries. The faulty cells were manufactured by Sony, which pose a risk of overheating and, one at least two separate occasions, actually burst into flame.

BAH! Duplicate story

Humble Daisy has introduced ProfCast 2.0, the latest upgrade to it's flagship lecture recording and podcast creation software. ProfCast is a customizable, powerful, while being designed to remain easy to use to use. The tool is used for recording lectures including PowerPoint or Keynote slides for creating enhanced podcasts. ProfCast 2.0 features a streamlined interface, a new podcast manger, import already publish podcasts, drag and drop support, new podcast media preview mode, support for iTunes U class meta data, improved support for ID3 tags, WebDAV integration, compatibility with AppleScript, and several minor bug fixes and performance enhancements. ProfCast 2.0 is free to users of version 1.5 or later and costs $30 for new users. Mac OS X 10.4.x and later running on a PowerPC G4/G5 (667MHz or Better) or Intel Core Duo processor or better. For use with presentation software, Keynote 2.0 or new and/or Microsoft PowerPoint 2004 and higher is required. [Download - Trial]

Humble Daisy ships ProfCast 2.0

Humble Daisy has released ProfCast 2.0, the latest upgrade to its flagship lecture recording and podcast creation software. ProfCast is a versatile, powerful, yet very simple to use tool for recording lectures including PowerPoint and/or Keynote slides for creating enhanced podcasts. ProfCast provides a low-cost solution for recording and distributing lectures, special events, and presentations as podcasts. ProfCast offers an integrated workflow that makes creating, recording, and publishing podcasts easy. It features a new Podcast Mangaer completely rearchitected as offers the ability to import already published podcasts and rss feeds from internet, drag and drop files to add episodes to podcast in Podcast Manager, and new podcast media file preview functionality. In addition, it adss support for iTunes U Class meta data, saves a local copy of all podcasts (ProfCast Vault), supports ID3 Tags on files, supports Creative Commons Licensing, and more. It is available for a lower price of $30 and upgrades are free.

xmCHART 3.1 comes to Intel Macs

X2max Software has released xmCHART 3.1 for FileMaker Pro 8.5, bringing native compatibility for Intel-based Macs to the charting and drawing plug-in that supports all basic chart types as a Universal Binary. The plug-in handles bars, lines, areas, scatters, pies, bubbles, high-lows, radar, and Gantt charts. xmCHART 3.1 includes a set of more than 150 functions allowing users to customize nearly every part of charts such as scalings, axes, and grids. The update offers improves date/time support, relative file path support, a new AddPath() function, an enhanced AreaChart2D() function, and pie charts with vertical explode offsets. X2max 3.1 also features notched Box&Whisker plots, Get-Mouse support, completely updated documentation, several new chart examples, and numerous bug fixes. The software is available for $130 and requires Mac OS X 10.3 or later.

GoldenRAM releases UpgradeDetect

GoldenRAM has announced its UpgradeDetect service for Mac, scanning the computer and matching it with potential upgrades from an expanding database. Running the application launches the profile to the GoldenRAM site, where users are presented with a list of recommended and compatible upgrades. The new Mac version is compatible with Mac OS 8, 9, and X. Purchases are available at 30-40 percent off when compared to retail prices, according to the company, and users can request on-site installation by qualified technicians. [Download - Free]

Transintl.com debuts Mac Pro memory...

Another memory supplier has begun offering RAM designed for Apple's Mac Pro. Transintl.com announced that it is taking orders for 667Mhz DDR2 ECC fully-buffered DIMMs to match the demanding requirements of the new Xeon-based system from Apple. The new RAM chips ship with heat sinks designed to dissipate enough heat to keep the Mac Pro's fans running slow to maintain the quiet noise-level. The heat sinks meet Apple's requirements which, Transintl.com notes, many manufacturers of Mac Pro 'compatible' RAM do not. The new RAM is priced between 2GB (2 x 1GB FB-DIMMs) for $500 and 16GB (8 x 2GB FB-DIMMs) for $4,000 and will begin shipping on August 28th. [image included]

Briefly: review; Vista Blu-Ray support

In brief: MacNN has reviewed PDF Shrink from Apago ($35), an application designed to reduce the size of PDF files created by Mac OS X, iWork, iLife, and Adobe products.... Microsoft -- in its rush to complete Windows Vista in time for its scheduled October release to enterprise customers -- has removed full Blu-Ray and HD DVD movie playback support in the 32-bit version of Vista.... The Iconfactory has released three new icon sets based on its Satin, Harmony, and Radiant Basic families.... CS Odessa has announced that its ConceptDraw applications will begin natively supporting Intel Macs as Universal Binaries starting this fall.... Extensis announced that it is launching a new online forum discussion site on all things related to font and digital asset management.... Barefeats.com has posted several reviews of Apple's Mac Pro desktop systems, offering incite and opinions on the latest Intel-based hardware.

AudioSwitch for Skype released

Nhandz has released AudioSwitch for Skype, a freeware application that enables users to switch Skype audio settings with keyboard shortcuts. The software is designed to free users from their Macs while using the Skype Voice over IP (VoIP) service, as Skype users must ordinarily undergo a slow multi-step manual process to switch from a speakerphone to a wireless headset. AudioSwitch for Skype enables users to switch between headset, speakerphone, or any other audio device using either hotkeys or voice command. AudioSwitch for Skype requires Mac OS X 10.3 or later, and is available for free.