Apple debuts Bob Dylan iTunes+iPod ad...

Apple has created (and now posted) a new silhouette-style television ad touting iTunes and iPod. The new commercial features silhouetted Bob Dylan wearing an iPod while performing a song from his new album, Modern Times, which is available for pre-order from the iTunes Music Store and is expected to be released on Tuesday. iProng reports that the ad differs from any of Apple's previous silhouette ads "in that the ad features mostly black and white coloring as opposed to the traditional pink, yellow, blue, and green," but did not provide any details on where the ad was first sighted. The commercial is not yet available online at Apple's website. However, users can pre-order the album with four bonus videos and and special fifth video along with pre-sale Ticketmaster access for tickets to Dylan's upcoming tour for all pre-orders. (Yesterday, Apple also debuted three new "Get A Mac" commercials.) [updated: images after the jump]

Intel ships "Merom" Core 2 Duo chips...

Intel today announced that systems based on Intel Centrino Duo mobile technology are now shipping with Intel Core 2 Duo mobile processors, although systems are note expected to ship from manufacturers until late September. The company said that more than 200 Intel Centrino Duo mobile technology-based designs from PC manufacturers, resellers and integrators around the world will incorporate the new Intel Core 2 Duo processor (formerly codenamed “Merom”) this year. Apple already uses Intel's Core Duo in its consumer MacBook and professional MacBook Pro laptops, but is expected to use the new chips in a revision to its higher-end laptops. The new Core 2 Duo processors consume less power, allowing manufacturers build cooler, sleeker and smaller systems, Intel said in its announcement. Intel also said the new processors deliver improved performance for videos, gaming and multimedia activities--especially when running multiple applications simultaneously.

Epson's new Ultra Hi-Def photo printers...

Epson today introduced three Ultra Hi-Definition photo printers, which "deliver the ultimate professional-level prints to the home photo enthusiast at amazing print speeds." Using new ink technology, the new product line includes the Epson Stylus Photo R260 and R380 photo printers, along with the Epson Stylus Photo RX580 photo all-in-one. Epson's Claria technology uses a newly designed print head to help the the company offer the fastest photo print speeds of any previous Epson model and print longevity, which it claims is superior to lab photos. In addition the new line utilizes DX5 technology to allow the company's MicroPiezo print head to deliver five sizes of ink droplets--as small as 1.5 picoliters--to create grain-free photos. Epson touts borderless 4"x 6" photo prints in as fast as 13 seconds (draft mode), a better-than-lab quality borderless 4"x 6" photo in as fast as 30 seconds (default mode) and everyday black and color text documents in up to 30 ppm.

Mellel 2.1 now uses XML file formats

RedleX today released Mellel 2.1, a major update to its leading word processor for Mac OS X. Version 2.1 adds several key changes and new features including switching the file format to XML, enhanced Find and Replace capabilities (full Regular Expressions support), improved Full screen mode, better paragraph and character style palettes, and several minor bug fixes an performance tweaks. "The move to XML is important for many of our users because it frees them from any future worries," said CTO Eyal Redler. "The XML-based file format is becoming the standard in word processing." Mellel 2.1 is available for download now, priced at $50 for a single-user license. Version 2.1 requires Mac OS X 10.2 or later. [Trial Version - 8.3MB]

EndNote X compresses, searches

Thomson ResearchSoft software has released EndNote X, a tool for organizing references and creating bibliographies using simple input and structural methods. Version "X" features a new method of PDF organization making use of the EndNote library compression to make easy back up files. Also featured in EndNote X is a new library view, file type support for Apple's Spotlight technology, new alphabetical reference sorting, support for more reference types, enhanced support for electronic sources, single file compressed libraries, improved search fields, and a customizable toolbar alongside new quick access commands. This release of EndNote costs $90 to previous buyers and $240 to new customers. EndNote X is a Universal Binary and requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later. [Download - 51.1MB]

Briefly: Vista on Boot Camp, Merom ships

In brief: Apple's Boot Camp is compatible with the latest beta of Windows Vista RC1-5536.... Merom is now shipping and showing up "in the wild" after being introduced alongside the desktop Core 2 Duo, code-named Conroe.... In an interesting note, the world's largest high-definition TV is now working in the Royal-Memorial Stadium in Texas, reports Electronista.... PangeaSoft has released a teaser site for an upcoming game referred to as Pangea Arcade; which it says is "Coming this fall".... ExtremeZ-IP has been contracted by the largest privately held printer in North America, Quad/Graphics to simplify sharing between 50 Windows servers and 600 Macs used by customers and employees.

Logitech Control Center 2.1 for Intel-Macs

Logitech has released an updated version of Logitech Control Center for Mac OS X. This new solution offers native support for Intel-based Macs as a Universal Binary and adds support for Logitech's new MicroGear Precision scroll wheels. Also included in this update is support for search buttons now included on new mouse models allowing users to select text and press the search button to instantly search for the item. Howevr, the updated software does not bring any Mac compatibility to previously unsupported mice, keyboards, or other peripherals. Version 2.1 is available immediately at no cost to users. This version requires Mac OS X 10.2.8 or later running on any Mac using either built-in USB or PCI adapters. [Download - 11.6MB]

Aspyr offers update for Intel-Mac users

Aspyr Media on Monday released its August newsletter detailing its progress on Universal updates for its game titles and other details on upcoming games. To date, Aspyr has released four Universal out-of-the-box games and Universal patches for six additional titles. Today, Aspyr confirmed plans to release Universal patches for Civilization III Complete, Command and Conquer Generals (and expansion packs), Rollercoaster Tycoon 3, SimCity 4 (and expansion packs), and all releases of Star Wars Jedi Knights. There are other unannounced titles which are going to take longer to transition, according to the company newsletter. Aspyr released The Sims 2 Open for Business earlier today, and announced in this newsletter plans for two unannounced games in time for the holiday or start of next year; however, no details were offered about the games. "One of our goals for Mac development in the new world of Intel Macs is to ship more of our Mac games close to the release of the Windows versions, and we hope to have a couple good examples of this in the coming months," the company wrote in its monthly newsletter.

Aspyr's Sims 2 Open for Business ships

Aspyr Media today announced that The Sims 2 Open for Business for Mac is now shipping, ahead of the original plan to ship the expansion pack in September. The Sims 2 Open for Business allows Sims to create their own businesses. Sims can design clothing boutiques, beauty salons, florists, high-end electronics shops, bustling restaurant chains, or virtually any other type of business. Players can hire staff as the business grows while putting talented Sims to work making toys, running the register, crafting floral bouquets, giving sales pitches, or manufacturing robots. The game allows players to pick a business theme, set prices, and treat customers as desired. Players can turn talents into cash by learning the tricks of the trade, training good employees, and firing slackers. The new game is available now fore $40 and requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later and The Sims 2 (full version) as well as a PowerPC G4-, G5-, or Intel-based Mac running at 1.2GHz or faster.

Forms To Go 3.0 released

Bebosoft has released a new version of Forms To Go, a utility which generators email scripts with PHP, Perl, and ASP. It allows users to create scripts to process HTML forms and send the field values through email. The utility also can store the emails in MySQL, PostgreSQL, MS Access databases or text files and also features the ability to validate field data and filter script execution with security features to avoid spammers and form hijackers. Version 3.0 adds form validation by access code, support for PostgreSQL databases, different email address support based on field values, and support for multiple file attachments in confirmation emails. Forms To Go 3.0 ($60) requires Mac OS X 10.2 or later, and no longer will run on Mac OS 9 systems. [Download - Trial]

Briefly: Samsung catches Apple in Taiwan

In brief: Samsung is catching up to Apple's iPod market-share in Taiwan as the company achieved 7.8 percent--just behind Apple's 8.0 percent. .... New reports indicate that Intel may launch Merom as soon as today-- Merom is rumored to be the CPU used in the next version of Apple's laptops.... Crucial, a leading memory upgrade supplier, has released new Mac Pro compatible RAM upgrades starting at $200.... Apple has released a new playlist for iTunes Music Store customers featuring upcoming albums from top selling artists including Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, and the Barenaked Ladies.... The Mac Attack, a weekly podcast covering Mac hints, tips, and tricks, is celebrating its first anniversary.

Apple takes hit, while HP surges forward

Apple has had a golden aura about it for many years that has been unmatched by other computers makers, but BusinessWeek believes that the image may be in a slight hit. Apple has faced recent hardships such as recent stock option controversy, poor iPod plant worker conditions, and large battery recalls. In contrast, BusinessWeek says Hewlett Packard has been gaining a large amount of momentum with recent earnings reports, environmental initiatives, and never making use of the Sony batteries which plagued both Dell and Apple -- HP had called these batteries "unreliable and unqualified" beforehand. Despite these strides towards 'corporate excellence', BusinessWeek says that, "Try as it might, HP's products come nowhere close to Apple's in terms of style, elegance, or newsworthiness." The company may never capture the power and market grip of Apple, but it has the potential to become a market leader.

QuickerTek's wireless 17" MBP antenna...

QuickerTek has launched a new 5.5dBi antenna for the 17-inch MacBook Pro. The antenna boasts more than double the wireless range and signal strength of the integrated AirPort Extreme card, according to the company. The new WiFi extending antenna offers 5.5dbi of RF gain, which will allow users to use signals from greater distances. The antenna attaches to the top of the monitor area and features the ability to fold or swivel in the direction of the base station or completely fold-over for easy travel. QuickerTek recommends professional installation if users have not installed a similar device in the past. This new product announcement comes after a similar version was released for the 15-inch MacBook Pro and a earlier removable transceiver was released for the 17-inch MacBook Pro. The new 5.5dBi antenna is available now for the 17-inch MacBook Pro for $100 and requires any version of Mac OS X. [image included]

Music Challenge tests knowledge

Ohana Games has released a new game for Mac which makes use of the Apple Remote. The new game, Music Challenge, allows players to test their music knowledge in a game show-format. The game features a host named Gina and claims to be the first game released to make use of Apple's new multimedia remote (bundled with the majority of its Mac line--with the exception of the Mac Pro). The game takes place on the Hawaiian island of Kauai where users must answer questions about their music library, directly integrating into iTunes. Up to three additional players can join in the game in a hot-seat format. The game's iTunes integration allows album art use and the resuming of previous music when the game is over. It requires Mac OS X 10.3 or later and iTunes 4 (QuickTime 6) or later running on a 800MHz PowerPC G4/G5 processor or faster. Music Challenge is available now for $10 from Ohana Games' online store.

Keyspan debuts VoIP phone...

Keyspan has launched a new Mac compatible voice over IP phone. The Cordless VoIP Phone allows users of Skype to send or receive both computer-to-computer calls and computer-to-phone calls. Mike Ridenhour, president of Keyspan, touted the phone's portability: "Finally, there is no need to sit at your PC when using Skype. The Keyspan Cordless VoIP Phone lets you use Skype anywhere in your home or office." The phone offers support for features such as Caller ID and Speed Dial for both Skype and Skype Out numbers displayed on the built-in LCD. The display also allows users to view their contact list, status information, the time, and their signal strength. The phone also features a single button top launch/quit the Skype application running on the connected computer. Rechargeable batteries (through the included cradle) deliver 120 hours of standby and talk time of up to 15 hours. Keyspan's Cordless VoIP Phone ($80) connects to the user's PC or Mac with a USB receiver for and requires Mac OS X 10.3 or higher, and a Skype account. (Availability currently not known) [image included]