New Mac Pro, Intel-based Mac firmware

Apple today released several firmware updates, including the Mac Pro SMC Firmware Update v1.7f8, which adjusts fan behavior in the Mac Pro and the Mac Pro (mid 2006) EFI Firmware Update 1.0, which fixes several Boot Camp and start up issues on Mac Pro computers. In addition, the company has posted Firmware Restoration CD 1.1, which restores the firmware of an Intel-based iMac (early & mid 2006), Mac mini (early 2006), MacBook Pro (early 2006), Mac Book (early 2006), or Mac Pro (mid 2006) to original factory condition. Apple says the CD-based firmware can only be used to restore the firmware after an interrupted or failed update.

Dual ships iPod-ready mobile theater...

Dual Electronics today began shipping the XDVD8182, a new mobile theater system that combines DVD-based entertainment options with full iPod control capability. The XDVD8182 features a 7-inch touch-screen motorized TFT LCD display in widescreen format. The unit is compatible with DVD, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, CD, CD-R/RW, MP3, and WMA media, featuring easy integration within the most modern mobile entertainment systems via 5.1-channel preamp outputs, as well as one set of audio/video inputs. The system also includes two dedicated video outputs to drive optional headrest monitors, and a rear view camera input. Information such as playlist, artist, album, and track are displayed on the unit's LCD screen once an iPod is connected with the supplied interface cable.

Callas debuts pdfaPilot ahead of DMS

Callas Software today debuted pdfaPilot (site not updated), a plug-in for Adobe Acrobat specifically designed for users who need to quickly check whether existing PDF documents can be archived as PDF/A. The plug-in, which comes just prior to Digital Management Solutions (DMS) 2006 in Cologne, allows users to save existing PDF files as PDF/A-compliant files with one click via the interface, and enables quick analysis of existing PDF files as well as the simple creation of ISO-compliant PDF/A files. PdfaPilot is expected to ship in December (pricing and system requirements were unavailable).

UK service supports printable postage

The UK's Royal Mail today unveiled a new service allowing Mac as well as Windows users to purchase and print postage stamps online. Customers can pay for postage online by selecting the amount for their parcel, then paying via credit card, debit card, or a pre-pay account, according to Macworld UK. A unique barcode is printed directly onto envelopes, labels, or paper before posting in the usual manner. The new service requires no subscription fee, and costs the same amount as normal postage. Online postal options are not limited in any way, allowing users to send mail First Class or internationally. The service also allows users to print numerous forms online, according to the report. "The service is perfect for busy people, but it is also aimed at home workers who post small quantities of mail on a regular basis as well as people who sell goods via auction websites," said Alex Batchelor, marketing director for Royal Mail.

Apple updates refurbished iMac offers

Apple has updated its listing of refurbished iMac flat panel computers, and is once again offering its educational eMac system as a refurbished purchase. Refurbished iMacs include the 17-inch G5 2GHz model (512MB, 160GB) with an ATI Radeon 9600 graphics card for $949; the 17-inch G5 1.9GHz model (512MB, 160GB) with an ATI Radeon X600 Pro graphics card for $999; the 17-inch 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo model (512MB, 160GB) with an ATI Radeon X1600 graphics card for $949; and the 20-inch 2GHz Intel Core Duo model (512MB, 250GB) with an ATI Radeon X1600 graphics card for $1,199. The Cupertino-based company's only available eMac is the 17-inch 1.42GHz model (512MB, 160GB) with an ATI Radeon 9600 graphics card for $799. The Apple Canada store is also offering a slew of refurbished MacBook Pro portables which include the 15-inch 1.83GHz ($1,749), 15-inch 2.0GHz ($1,899), 15-inch Glossy 2.0GHz ($1,899), 15-inch 2.0GHz ($2,249), 15-inch 2.16GHz ($2,399), 15-inch Glossy 2.16GHz ($2,399), 17-inch 2.16GHz ($2,699), and 17-inch Glossy 2.16GHz ($2,699) models.

Parallels Desktop adds Vista support

Parallels today released an update to its Parallels Desktop for Mac virtualization software that adds Windows Vista support and improves support for Apple's new Mac Pro systems with performance improvements and new tool help users with large RAM configurations. Build 1898 of Desktop for Mac substantially improves Mac Pro and 64-bit iMac performance; it also eliminates kernel panics and major bugs, according to the developer. "In this build, we've included a tool that will help you take this action without any command line coding. With a single click you can limit your RAM and make your Mac Pro fully compatible with this build. You can easily revert your memory back at any time to the full configuration with the same tool." The build also adds support for Windows Vista RC1 as a guest OS, and adds an improved Parallels Tools package for all of the Vista builds that improves mouse movement, and video resolutions, and networking performance. The full application is available for $80 or as a 15-day trial.

Briefly: 125K Disney movies from iTunes

In Brief: Walt Disney has sold 125,000 movie downloads worth $1 million in revenue through Apple's iTunes store and now says it expects the movie downloads to generate $50 million in added revenue during the first year.... Windows users are being warned of a circulating Zero-day Internet Explorer exploit that affects any Windows-based syste--even when fully patched and secured with a firewall.... DigitalLife 2006, a consumer technology, gaming & entertainment event, will take place October 12–15 at the Javits Center, New York (MacNN readers can get free passes by using 'INSIDER').... SendStation has kicked off the final days of its current iTunes promotion, offering 50 free iTunes songs with the purchase of a smartCharge iPod Car Charger for $25.... Crucial is offering a "barrel of swashbucklin" 2GB Gizmo! Overdrive flash drives, to users who visit their website and find the appropriate treasure (no purchase necessary).

Apps: Valentina, rooSwitch Lite

• Valentina 2.4.2 or all developer and business products ($50) is an update to the object-relational database model that builds on the traditional relational database model. The update includes 23 performance improvements to the Valentina 2.4.2 database kernel, and offers speed improvements for "update" and "where" SQL statements.


• rooSwitch Lite 1.0 (free) is a free version of roobasoft's rooSwitch software, enabling users to manage multiple profiles for nearly any application while focusing on a select set of common applications. Users can switch between profiles to activate the desired data, acting as a multi-user environment within one application. [Download - 1.7MB]


• Relaunch 1.0 ($5) is a Mac OS X menu bar utility that allows users to take a snapshot of all currently running applications, and later launch them automatically after the next login or reboot. Users can also launch a snapshot from the menu itself, rather than having relaunch automatically launch the snapshot after a logging in or restarting. [Download - 1.6MB]


• Tone Mapping Plug-In 1.1 ($70) is a free upgrade for registered users of the plug-in that reveals details in highlights and shadows of a 32-bit or 16-bit image. The latest iteration adds a "Micro-smoothing" setting that smoothes out local detail enhancements, makes settings "sticky," and extends the range of setting "Light Smoothing." [Download - 168KB]


• Shivering Kittens 2.0 ($9) enhances the panic-inducing puzzle game for Mac OS X, where players must rescue kittens from their icy imprisonment. The block-matching puzzle game charges players with forming lines of frozen kittens, and forming groups of those thawed kittens to rescue them. [Download - 2.2MB]


• Private Contact 1.0 ($25) stores contacts securely, allowing users to manage those contacts in an easy and intuitive manner. Actual contacts are listed on the left, while details are presented on the right. Private Contact saves data to disk using Blowfish encryption algorithms, making the job of a malicious user much more difficult should they attempt to access contact information. [Download - 240KB]

Forums: iTV, iMac vs. Mac Pro

Forums roundup: Members are discussing the recent sneak preview of the upcoming "iTV" media center from Apple, speculating on what might still be under wraps..... Other users discuss the speed difference between a quad 2.0GHz Mac Pro and an iMac and the advantages of each.... Another user brings a Dell PC and CAD work into the battle of power supremacy for a prospective workstation buyer, while one member looks into the possibility of replacing the aging screen of his 15-inch PowerBook G4 with a higher resolution version from a later model.... Meanwhile, one user wonders what features and specs an an updated MacBook Pro would bring and at what price.

Apple "roughly on track" for iPod sales...

Apple's new line of iPods is expected to help the company regain some lost marketshare in August and should help the company meet analysts estimates for September quarter iPod shipments. Calling Apple "roughly on track or perhaps slightly light," investment research firm Merill Lynch this morning told clients that while demand for music players in the US remained strong during the month of August with 26 percent year-over-year growth, US sales of the iPod slipped to 19 percent growth over the same period last year. In contrast, Apple saw 22 percent growth in July and 24 percent growth in June, according to NPD data. Apple may have large shoes to fill when comparing September numbers with same period last year, when the company first launched the iPod nano; however, both channel fill considerations and strong notebook sales could offset any potential weakness in iPod sales, Merill analyst Richard Farmer wrote in his research report.

M-BUZZ mobile music service unveiled

Sony-Ericsson today unveiled its M-BUZZ mobile music service, initially highlighting specific Sony artists and their music. The service is offering songs and other content from the musicians that users can download via supported phones. Compatible phones begin with the higher-end W850 and W950 models shipping before the end of this year, with more support planned as new phones arrive, according to Electronista. While Sony-Ericsson is one of the best-known music phone manufacturers, its Walkman phones have never had a compatible music service designed to work with them because their format support is limited to AAC and MP3 files.

EU pros expect to spend with Apple...

Apple is among the highest profile companies in the post-production markets, according to a new survey from an investment research firm. Analyst firm Piper Jaffray said that Apple had one of the busier booths and packed customer sessions at last week's Amsterdam-based tradeshow IBC focused on creation, management and delivery of content for the entertainment industry. The firm said that Apple is, by far, the favorite solution provider for the European post production market, as professionals look to Apple for video editing solutions, such as Final Cut Pro Studio and the newly released Mac Pro. A survey of 35 European post production professionals on their spending habits and trends found that 83 percent are expecting to spend the same amount or more (compared with 2006) on post production tools -- a signficant increase from 53 percent who expected to see 2006 budgets stay flat or increase (as compared with 2005). More importantly for Apple, among those who expect to spend more, Apple's solutions are among the top of their list.

Brother debuts "wireless" MFC-845cw...

Brother today announced a new low-profile color inkjet Multi-Function Center line: the MFC-845cw offers a combination of built-in Ethernet, wireless 802.11b/g connectivity and 5.8GHz digital cordless handset technology. The MFC-845cw shares the same base features as the recently announced MFC-240c, MFC-440cn and MFC-665cw, which include color printing, color copying, color scanning, color faxing, PC Fax send (Windows only) and PhotoCapture Center technology (media card slots and Pict-Bridge interface). The device offers offers up to 27ppm black and up to 22ppm color printing; up to 6000 x 1200 dpi print resolution with droplet sizes as small as 1.5 picoliters; a 5.8GHz cordless telephone handset (expandable up to total of 4 handsets), and a 2.5-inch flip-up color LCD display; a photo bypass tray that holds up to 20 sheets of 4" x 6" glossy paper; up to a 10-page auto document feeder; and a built-in digital answering machine (stores up to 29 minutes) and full duplex speakerphone. The MFC-845cw will be available in late October for $250.

QuickerTek ships marine Wi-Fi system

QuickerTek has unveiled the QuickerTek Marine System (QMS), a wireless network specifically designed for marine and RV applications. The QMS allows boaters to use the internet at any marina with any number of on-board computers. QMS includes all of the necessary marine-related products, such as mounting hardware and software required to install as well as operate a high-speed wireless network. A universal repeater supplies an RF signal boost for computers on-board, while a wireless connection is established to the marina via 802.22b and/or 802.11g access point or Apple Base Station. QuickerTek's QMS is available for $1,000.

Sony unveils 18X external DVD burners

Sony today unveiled the DRX-830U and DRX-830UL/T, two external DVD writers capable of burning single-layer DVDs at an 18X rate. The drives can record a full 4.7GB disc at top speed on standard 16X media within five minutes, according to Electronista, and the new drives write to dual-layer media at 8X. The USB 2.0-based DRX-830U is designed primarily for Windows users, and includes the full Nero 7 suite for authoring DVDs and videos. The more advanced DRX-830UL/T, however, includes both FireWire and USB 2.0 ports to improve Mac support, and ships with both Nero 7 and a Mac-only version of Roxio 6 Lite to author DVDs. Sony said it will ship the 830U in early October for $140, while the 830UL/T drives are due to arrive in mid-December for $150.

Briefly: Apple media info UI patent

In brief: The U.S. Patent & Trademark Office today published Apple's newly granted patent describing a 'user interface for presenting media information,' which refers to a "Media Channel Drawer" usable on a Web TV system, networked computer, or mobile phone.... Cisco security CTO Bob Gleichauf has said that certain aspects of Windows Vista have him "scared" from a security standpoint, and that such a major change in architecture will likely introduce its own share of security problems.... The new DigiMate III Touch Screen edition ($50) has begun shipping, allowing users to store photos or other data directly onto Compact Flash, Memory Stick, and SD cards as well as an optional 2.5-inch notebook hard drive.... Shirt Pocket is offering a 10 percent discount on its SuperDuper 2.1.3 backup software via the coupon code "getsmart" for the rest of Tuesday, September 19th in honor of Apple Evangelist Guy Kawasaki's recent data loss experience.... P.I. Engineering and Script Software today released iKey for X-Keys and X-Keys hardware for Mac OS X, automating repetitive tasks and triggering macros with the touch of a button.

Mac OS share stagnates, Google gains...

Apple may be losing its shine, according a new report that shows a slight decline in Mac OS usage on the internet. Despite a growing market-share of Intel-based Macs, Net Applications released August data that shows that Mac OS marketshare was down ever-so slightly to 4.33 percent. In December 2005, total Mac OS usage market share was 4.35 percent. The difference may be near-neglible (and within the margin of error, which was not provided), but the company says that the new data reverses a previous trend that showed consistent increases. "While this slight dip may not seem to be a cause for concern to most observers, the fact that Mac usage was steadily growing until this year's stagnation may be indicative of larger Apple problems," the company said. "Does this spell disaster for Apple? Only time will tell. They do have a history of bouncing back from tough times. Apple also have several new initiatives coming, including a new feature movie site comparable to iTunes and the iPhone which will combine the iPod with a cell phone."

Intel's "Core 2 Quadro" due in mid-Nov....

Intel is expected by the end of this month to officially name its "Kentsfield" quad-core desktop processor as the "Core 2 Quadro," according to a new report. Confirming earlier reports, the new quad-core chips are expected to arrive in November, ahead of the holiday season and ahead of the expected 2007 rollout. Digitimes reports that the first quad-core processor will be an "Extreme version" designed for high-end gamers and computer enthusiasts: the Core 2 Extreme QX6700 will be available starting in mid-November, according to sources at leading Taiwan motherboard makers. The QX6700, which will be clocked at 2.66GHz, will target the high-end gaming market as well as to counter AMD's fourth quarter introduction of its Socket-AM2 Athlon 64 FX-64 CPU, which will feature speeds of up to 3.0GHz and sport a 2x1MB L2 cache.

Xnet debuts Megafon VOIP Mac software

Xnet Communications this week introduced new Mac telephony software, which it describes as a "pure Mac implementation for Mac users only." The VOIP Megafon solution is an easy-to-use internet phone for Mac OS X providing "crystal clear voice quality in an attractively sleek GUI interface. The quick one-step configuration will allow you to get talking to other Megafon users in seconds. Simply dial the number of the person you wish to talk with or select them from the Phonebook to dial their number. Create private telephone networks by using the option to add multiple SIP providers." Users can store contacts in the phone book, log missed calls, configure up to five VoIP providers in the configuration menu, setup a closed private telephone network, and select an appropriate codec (PCMU, PCMA, GSM, G276-32, etc.) as well as connect to more than one server simultaneously. The company is offering Megafon for free (as a beta download) through June of 2007, when it will charge $80 for a single-user license. Users can also buy a prepaid subscription good through the end of 2007 for $50.

Lower prices on Sonnet PodFreq Nano, mini

Sonnet Technologies has announced price cuts on its PodFreq nano and PodFreq mini premium FM transmitters for iPod mini and first generation iPod nano models, respectively. Both PodFreq models' have been reduced to $30, a savings of between 40% and 70% off previous prices. PodFreq nano and PodFreq mini are each a premium FM transmitter, integrated dock and protective case. They improve upon all the features and functionality of the original PodFreq and include a car charger, car cradle, USB 2.0 cable, and soft carrying pouch. Sonnet notes that PodFreq nano (Part No. FMT-IPOD-NANO) is only compatible with first generation iPod nano models (and not the new, second generation iPod nano models) and that PodFreq mini (Part No. FMT-IPOD-MINI) is compatible with all iPod mini models.

Digidesign ships X-Form plugin

Digidesign is now shipping X-Form, a new high-quality AudioSuite plug-in that delivers time compression/expansion and pitch-shifting technology. X-Form adds time-stretching and formant-correct pitch shifting to Pro Tools and Avid DNA systems to produce natural-sounding results; the plugin can be used for music production, sound design, post production, or any other application that requires time-stretch and pitch-shift processing. "The secret to X-Form's natural-sounding, polyphonic, time-stretching algorithm is frequency domain processing, a technology proven more effective than the 'frame overlap' algorithms used in most time-stretching products," reveals Digidesign Senior Product Manager Bobby Lombardi. He also added that the goal is to "provide Pro Tools users with the highest quality time-stretching and pitch-shifting processing available in the market." X-Form features minimal controls to simplify the workflow: it can process audio 1/8 to eight times its original length, or shifted up or down three octaves. X-Form is available now for $600.

Adobe updates Camera Raw 3.5, DNG...

Adobe today announced an update to the Camera Raw plug-in for Adobe Photoshop CS2, extending raw file support to five additional camera models as well as offered an Intel-native version of its DNG Converter. The Camera Raw 3.5 plug-in builds on the raw file support integrated in Photoshop CS2 for digital cameras from leading manufacturers, while its DNG Converter is now available as a Universal Binary, allowing it to perform natively on Intel-based Mac (as well as PowerPC-based Macs). The free Adobe DNG Converter, which translates all Photoshop-supported raw photo formats into the universal .DNG file format, offers photographers a single unified file format for archiving raw files. New cameras supported by Adobe Camera Raw 3.5 plug-in and DNG Converter include Nikon D2Xs, Kodak EasyShare P712, Panasonic DMC-FZ50 and DMC-L1, and Sony A100. With this update, Camera Raw 3.5 and the DNG Converter now support more than 125 different cameras, according to Adobe.

Apple: three retail stores on Sept 23

Apple today officially announced it will open three new retail stores on Saturday, September 23, including two which will feature an updated retail designed based on its Fifth Avenue Store in New York City. Opening its first store in Nebraska, the company announced Apple Store Village Pointe, which will open at 10:00 a.m. CDT and will be located at 17255 Davenport St., Suite #0- 127, in Omaha. The company also announced that it will open its first store in Rhode Island: the Apple Store Providence will open at 10:00 a.m. EDT on September 23 at 20 Providence Place in Providence. Finally, Apple will open its fifth store in Maryland at 10 a.m. EDT in Columbia: the Apple Store Columbia will be located at 10300 Little Patuxent Parkway, Space #2025. Earlier this month, the company said it was the fastest growing US retailer and that it expects to open about 40 new retail stores per year for the foreseeable future.

VeriFinger fingerprint SDK supports Macs

Neurotechnologija today announced the availability of VeriFinger 5.0 Software Development Kit (SDK), the first major fingerprint identification SDK to add support for the Mac OSX platform (in addition to cross-platform support for Microsoft Windows and Linux). VeriFinger 5.0 provides both 1:1 verification and 1:many matching modes with significantly enhanced fingerprint recognition reliability and fast identification speeds of up to 40,000 fingerprints per second. The company says that VeriFinger algorithm is currently used by more than 1000 biometric system developers, integrators and hardware manufacturers in more than 60 countries worldwide, and it can be integrated with any scanner, database or user interface, providing easy integration with existing security systems. VeriFinger 5.0 also offers improved automatic fingerprint quality detection and enhanced reliability as well as full compatibility with Neurotechnologija's FingerCell embedded solution algorithm.