Intel launches new "Tulsa" Xeon CPU...

Intel is trying to regain marketshare from rival AMD with higher-performance Xeon chips, although the new chips are not quite as power-efficient as its AMD rival's Opteron or as its previous-generation "Woodcrest" chips used in Apple's recently announced Mac Pro workstations. Introduced last week, the eight new dual-core Intel Xeon 7100 series processors are specifically designed for performance-oriented multi-processor servers, although the line does include a lower-power, 95 watt options that can reduce associated energy costs. Intel says the Dual-Core Intel Xeon 7100 processor series offers up to twice (2x) the performance and nearly three times (3x) better performance per watt over previous Intel Xeon MP processors--in part because of its large 16MB Level-3 cache. Intel said that servers based on the Dual-Core Xeon 7100 series processors are expected to be available from more than 40 system manufacturers worldwide now; however, Apple previously announced that its new Intel-based Xserve server platform, due in October, will use the 64-bit "Woodcrest" Xeon processor.

Korean Air restricts Apple, Dell laptops

Korean Air has forbidden the use of Dell and Apple laptops during flight due to the risk of battery explosion, according to The Korean Times. The Korean national flag carrier said yesterday that the ban was put in place on Aug. 30, after the both U.S. computer manufacturers announced the recall of Sony-manufactured batteries used in some of the companies' laptop models. "Due to the risk of onboard fire, we are not allowing passengers to use certain brands of laptops on the plane. Safety always comes first for us," a Korean Air spokesperson told the publication; the airline said it was unsure when the ban would be lifted; however, a similar ban was instituted last month by Australia’s Quantas. While both airlines prohibit all models of Dell laptops and Apple’s Powerbook and iBook series, users can still carry-on laptops if they separate the batteries into checked baggage, according to the report.

New "Get a Mac" ads surface in stores

Apple is still producing new "Get a Mac" TV commercials as part of a concerted effort to take advantage of its resurgent influence in technology. One blogger notes that Apple has begun showing new ads in the campaign at its stores ahead of potential internet or TV appearances as the three new segments continue the company's earlier approach. One new commercial is said to feature model Gisele Blumchen and likely focuses on Apple's computer design, while a second sees the main actors in business suits and a third presents them in psychotherapy, according to Electronista. The commercials' introduction may be timed to coincide with Apple's special event later this month.

RadTech's Portectorz for MacBook/Pro

RadTech today released Portectorz for Apple's Intel-based based notebooks. RadTech Portectorz provide positive protection for an electronic device’s power, audio, video and data ports. Constructed from high-polymer Silicone to eliminate tackiness and uni-die molded for a smooth, mold-line free appearance that can endure thousands of insertion and removal cycles. Portectorz are molded to exacting specifications to ensure a perfectly sealed and secure fit, and now features MagSeal for positively sealing Apple Computer’s innovative break-away magnetic power port. Portectorz low-profile design ensures compatibility with all sleeves, bags, cases and packs; however, users have the option to use the entire Portectorz panel or easily custom cut the strip to create protection for any of the ports or combinations desired. In addition, MacBook Portectorz are now available in black to match the notebook’s case color. Portectorz start at $6.

Sprint EVDO for PowerBook users

EVDOinfo.com today announced that it has released free directions to allow Sprint's newly-announced Merlin S720 EVDO Revision A PCMCIA Card to work with 15- or 17-inch PowerBooks. Last week Sprint was the first carrier to deliver EVDO Revision A Cards; however, these cards are not currently supported by Apple's Mac OS 10.4.7, nor does Sprint provide software or drivers for Mac OS X. The site has posted free directions to allow any 15- or 17-inch PowerBook running Mac OS X 10.4.7 to use the new Merlin S720 EVDO Rev A card. The directions require some technical knowledge and familiarity with the Terminal application; however, a detailed, step-by-step keystroke-by-keystroke eBook is included when ordering the Merlin S720 EVDO card and Sprint service from EVDOinfo's sister site, Booster-Antenna.com.

MAMPStack 5.5 offers Apache, MySQL, PHP

BitRock today released MAMPStack 5.5, a distribution of the Apache Web server designed for easy installation that features PostgreSQL, PHP, Python, and supporting libraries for Mac OS X. The installer allows users to quickly install and configure MAMPStack on Mac OS X systems. MAMPStack is licensed under the terms of the Apache License 2.0, and available for free via download. MAMPStack 5.5 features an integrated package usable by both commercial and open-source projects for rapid deployments in both development and production environments (system requirements were unavailable).

MySpace to open online music store

The popular social networking site MySpace says it will be the latest to open a direct-download music store which will compete with Apple's iTunes Music Store. The web-based service, an offshoot of MySpace Music, hopes that its access to 106 million existing MySpace users will give it an early advantage and offer a serious challenge to Apple, according to Electronista. "Everyone we've spoken to definitely wants an alternative to iTunes and the iPod. MySpace could be that alternative," said MySpace's Chris DeWolfe. Unlike most other services' attempts to compete in the digital music arena, MySpace promises flexibility by selling songs either through the main portal or on the user pages of artists and fans alike. MySpace will not dictate pricing but rather charge a distribution fee and leave the remaining pricing up to artists on MySpace, most of whom are independents currently unsigned to labels. Songs will be available in an unrestricted MP3 format that ensures compatibility with the iPod and other music players.

Mystery Case Files: Prime Suspects ships

One of the best-selling casual game on the PC market is now available for the Macintosh: Big Fish Games' Mystery Case Files: Prime Suspects is the long-awaited sequel to Mystery Case Files: Huntsville: "The Queen¹s Hope Diamond has been stolen! It¹s up to you to search for clues throughout 22 levels, find the offending culprit, and recover the stolen gem. Expand your investigations through the game¹s 29 unique locations by finding items that will unlock subsequent levels. Thousands of clues are cleverly hidden within the beautiful illustrations, creating a new game experience each time you step into this masterpiece of visual indulgences!" Mystery Case Files: Prime Suspects is available for $20.

Sony unveils LocationFree Base Stations...

Sony today unveiled two LocationFree Base Stations -- the LF-B10 as well as the LF-B20 -- and its LocationFree TV Box designed to easily enable wireless streaming of TV programs and movies to a variety of devices such as Mac notebooks or PlayStation Portable units. Featuring a black paneled slim design which users can position either vertically or horizontally, the LocationFree Base Stations are designed to integrate into any home entertainment center while working with a variety of compatible viewing devices. The new Base Station units also incorporate an Advanced Video Coding codec, enabling consumers to experience smoother video at less then optimal bit rates. Sony's LF-B10 and LF-B20 LocataionFree Base Stations are expected to ship in October for $200 and $250, respectively. The LocationFree TV Box will also ship in October for about $230.

"Random" MacBook shutdowns explained?

An IT engineer in Munich, Germany claims to have solved the problem of random shutdowns experienced by some MacBook owners. The issue apparently stems from the cable between the heat sensor and the CPU's heat sink, which is reportedly too short. The notebook's heat sink expands during operation, according to the engineer, and comes in contact with the sensor cable melting through the cable's insulation. Once the protective outer layers of the cable melt away, the cable touches the heat sink which causes a short circuit, resulting in an immediate shutdown. As the heat sink cools it contracts and loses contact with the cable, allowing users to once again boot their MacBooks until the processor heats up again. MacBook owners may not have to exchange the motherboard or memory if the discovered phenomenon proves to be the issue causing the random shutdowns.

Apple confirms Sept. 12th event

Apple today confirmed that it will hold a special event on September 12th to introduce new products and services. The company issued an invitation with the words "It's Showtime" with Hollywood movie premiere spotlights crisscrossing over and around the white Apple logo on a dark blue background. The event is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. local time at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Francisco, California. Apple is expected to launch its new digital media strategy at the special event with a new 23-inch iMac, a widescreen video iPod, an iTunes Movie offering, and "one more thing," according to AppleInsider.

Apple cell phone is a reality...

Apple has worked the kinks out of its new cellular handset, according to American Technology Research senior analyst Shaw Wu, and the phone is ready for production. "Handsets are a tricky and competitive business, but an enormous opportunity for Apple," the analyst wrote in a research note obtained by MacNN. "We believe the new Apple handset will be a major player and competitor set to disrupt yet another industry." Wu admits that Apple's "go to market" strategy for the new phone is yet unknown, but is confident the company will time its launch opportunistically and that the new handset is positioned to gain significant traction. "This new market could easily represent an incremental $2 billion annual revenue run-rate revenue opportunity in 2007."

xTime Project 4 released

App4Mac has released xTime Project 4, an update to the application designed to facilitate project management via the realization of production planning. Users can follow project evolution step by step in time by creating one or several projects, and allows users to organize time while consulting projects. xTime Project 4 boasts more than 100 new features, as well as a new user interface. The software promotes viewing as well as understanding resource utilization, and includes drag-and-drop functionality. xTime Project 4 is priced at $100, requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later, and is available as a free upgrade to registered users of xTime Project 3.x.

Apple to broaden movie strategy?

Rumors that Apple will introduce a 23-inch iMac on September 12th may be part of a larger strategy for the company to create a movie-friendly product ecosystem. The introduction of a 23-inch iMac will almost certainly be accompanied by iPod and iTunes updates, in keeping with historical Apple introductions. The Cupertino-based company rolled out the iMac with its built-in iSight camera in 2005 as a companion to the first video-capable iPod and video purchases through iTunes 6. Industry watchers suspect Apple will launch an iTunes Movie Store at the same time as a new 23-inch iMac, which would allow consumers to view full-length movies purchased from the new store at home or on-the-go via a new widescreen video iPod. Confirmation of this lineup is still far from definite, but is becoming increasingly likely ahead of the Apple press event, according to Electronista.

Miglia's Dialog Phone for Skype, iChat

Miglia today announced the release of the Dialog Phone, a wire-free phone that offers Skype and iChat AV integration: “Dialog Phone takes internet telephony on your Mac to the next level thanks to its fully featured software application. The wire-free aspect of the phone finally breaks free of all USB cables to complete the true 'telephone experience,'" the company said. "Dialog does away with traditional and redundant gimmicks, such as unnecessary LCD screens and number buttons. The beauty of Dialog is that it leverages all the advantages of your computer to take phone communication to the next level." Dialog features a call button and a volume control key, which can also be used to scroll through the list of contacts. The $80 device requires Mac OS X 10.4 and a USB 2.0 port (and a G4/G5- or Intel-based Mac running Mac OS X 10.4).

Apple pays woman not to use 'Pod'

Apple will reportedly pay a New Jersey woman to stop using the word "pod" in the name of a protective case she designed for laptop computers, according to The China Post. Terry Wilson, 53, who sells the "TightPod" over the Internet, said Apple contacted her after the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office said she would soon receive a trademark for the product. The woman wouldn't say how much Apple agreed to pay toward costs of the name change; however, Apple was seeking to keep her trademark from diluting the iPod brand and also protect its own trademarks: "I'm going to be changing the name," Wilson, of Medford Lakes, New Jersey, said yesterday in a phone interview with the publication. "I know that sounds like I'm a sell-out, but I don't have the resources to litigate a trademark case." Apple spokesman Steve Dowling wouldn't comment, according to the report.

Apple to kick-start broadband video

Apple's expected entry into broadband video distribution will likely bring new life to the business, and could serve as a catalyst for broadband-enabled home movie delivery. Online movie services such as CinemaNow and Movielink continue to wither due to a narrow customer base and overly restrictive usage policies, even as Hollywood expresses interest in downloadable full-length movies, according to Electronic News. "Given Apple's success in music and video downloads, extending this model to include full-length movies makes sense," said Michael Greeson, founder of The Diffusion Group. "However, simply including full-length movie downloads for PC viewing is not the primary goal of this service. While it may very well start out that way, there is no doubt that Apple is aiming for the living room - the promised land of video consumption and the epicenter of home entertainment."

Briefly: Apple Store down, iTunes songs

In Brief: The Apple Store is off-line this morning with the message "We are busy updating and will be back within the hour.".... AppleCore Solutions has released The Complete Book of Mac OS X shortcuts: Desktop Reference Guide ($25), an eBook contains over 1,500 Mac OS X keyboard shortcuts for 16 Mac OS X applications and has a comprehensive list of operating system shortcuts and a table that fully clarifies Mac keyboard symbols and their meaning.... In an attempt to change the idea that Macs are expensive to run in schools, a MacNN reader has put together a site to help teachers introduce Macs as cheaply as possible--including a free textbook.... shadowClipboard 3, the next update to the clipboard management utiliyt, is now available for pre-oder for $5, more than 60 percent off the anticipated price of $15.... SendStation is giving away 20,000 songs on the iTunes Music Store: customers who purchase a smartCharge car charger for iPod ($25) or a PocketDock Combo USB/FireWire adapter for iPod ($23) will receive 20 free songs on iTunes for each of these items bought.

Apps: Image Tricks, AppZapper, Synergy

• Image Tricks 2.3 (free) updates the company's image-editing and image-generating tool. The new version features four new image filters and interface changes that allow users to hide filter effect while working with an image. The filter Shaded Materials allows users to make photos look as if imprinted on a chocolate, stone, water and other surfaces. Other tools such as Flip image vertically or horizontally options were added (Edit menu) were added. A Pro version is $15. It requires Mac OS X 10.4. [Download - 2.8MB]


• AppZapper 1.7 ($13) allows you to uninstall virtually any application, widget, preference pane and plugin as easily as it was installed: the utility intelligently finds leftover support files and allows users to put them in the trash with a single click. Version 1.7 can export apps and their related files, for storage and transport on USB keys and other portable devices. It also brings iPod updater support in QuickZap, PDF Service finding, an updated Polish localization, and numerous other tweaks and fixes. [Download - 1.6MB]


• Synergy Classic 3.0 (5€) updates the powerful iTunes accessory that puts three buttons to control iTunes in the menubar: previous track, next track, and play/pause. It also provides visual feedback about the currently playing tune and can automatically download and display the cover of the currently playing album. Version 3.0 offers a new icon, better visual feedback, and dozens of bug fixes. The company is working on Synergy Advance, a complete rewrite of the iTunes accessory as well. [Download - 1.4MB]


• FTPKit v1.4 ($30/$75) updates the set of REALBasic classes that implement the FTP protocol. FTPKit adds a full-featured FTP socket class to REALBasic. The package automatically parses FTP listings, allows for directory downloads and uploads, changing file permissions, custom commands, and features a powerful queue system. This version adds the ability to automatically choose between binary and text transfer modes, features more robust file listing parsing routines, and includes many important bug fixes. [Download - 348KB]


• PhotoReviewer 2.1 ($15) is a photo management tool for Mac OS X that can quickly flip though photos, choosing which ones are "keepers" and which aren't, sorting them into different folders, and renaming them. Users can compare images side-by-side, use a histogram tool to analyze the exposure and contrast, and examine them with the magnifier tool to check their sharpness and focus. Version 2.1 is largely a maintenance release, fixing bugs and improving the user interface. It requires Mac OS X 10.4. [Download - 1.1MB]

LaCie ships desktop SAFE Hard Drives

LaCie today announced it has expanded its range of LaCie SAFE Hard Drives to include a desktop edition with enhanced security features. The new secure desktop range complements its mobile hard drives with biometric access control designed to protect confidential data from unauthorized use. The new LaCie SAFE Hard Drive comes in capacities of 160GB ($180), 320GB ($220) or 500GB ($370) with a universal Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface for use on PC and/or Mac. Enhanced security features include an internal drive lock and an external port for attaching an optional chain lock. In addition to biometric access control via a simple fingerprint swipe, LaCie SAFE Desktop & Mobile Hard Drives now come with internal firmware called “Drive Lock” that prevents data from being accessed if removed from the case and plugged in to another machine. In addition, the drives ship with LaCie 1-Click Backup Software for PC/Mac and full-featured LaCie SilverKeeper Backup Software for Mac OS X. The drives are now available.

Two new Apple Stores: Virgina, New York

Apple today announced it will open two new retail stores this week: the Apple Store MacArthur Center will open in Norfolk, VA on Saturday, September 9, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. EDT. The fifth retail store in Virgina is located at 300 Monticello Ave (Space #276). The company also announced the grand opening of its 12th store in New York: the Apple Store Smith Haven will open to the public on Saturday, September 9, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. EDT in Lake Grove, New York. It is located at 313 Smith Haven Mall (Space #E084), which offers more than 140 stores.

Epson launches four XGA projectors...

Epson on Tuesday launched four XGA resolution ultraportable projectors: the Epson PowerLite 1700c and 1710c feature the company's most advanced and ideal combinations of weight and brightness at 3.5 pounds with up to 2,200 and 2,700 ANSI lumens of brightness (respectively), while the new Epson PowerLite 1705c and PowerLite 1715c (3.7 pounds each) are step-up models that offer the same respective brightness ratings but also feature a larger variety of connectivity options. The PowerLite 1705c and 1715c allow users to take full advantage of 802.11a/b/g wireless technology, offering the projection of full-screen, full-motion (30fps) MPEG2 video with audio. The Epson PowerLite 1700c and 1710c are priced respectively at $1,300 and $1,800 and the PowerLite 1705c and 1715c are respectively priced at $1,500 and $1,600.