"Apple takes back the copycat title"...

A new blog entry "Apple takes back the copycat title" looks at Apple's newly introduced CoverFlow technology in iTunes and its iTV media hub/center project due early next year, which it says have been around in Microsoft products for sometime. Referring to the forthcoming iTV media center, blogger Ed Bott writes: "So, let me get this straight. I can pay $300 for a device that allows me to play content from a computer located elsewhere in the house. Cool! It's about time someone invented a "media extender" like this. Oh. Wait. Microsoft already did. I have three Media Center extenders in this house, two first-generation models and an Xbox 360. On any of these extenders, I can play my entire music collection (browsing it by album cover) through my home theater system using a wired or wireless connection to my Media Center computer. But unlike Apple's device (which won't be available until January 2007) the Xbox 360 also streams live or recorded TV and downloaded high-definition content. It plays games and DVDs in full 5.1 surround sound."

80GB iPod: TIME's 'Gadget of the Week'

Apple's new 80GB video iPod, introduced earlier this month, is TIME magazine's "Gadget of the Week." The review notes the improved earphones as well as the improved iTunes video resolution for both TV shows and movies, which reduces battery life and are twice the file size--adversely affecting storage and download times--but can be useful for playback on a television: "But the larger-size video is still welcome news. The 80GB iPod can play six and a half hours of it (or more); the 30GB iPod has three and a half hours, up from around two. I connected the 80GB iPod to a dock with an S-Video output, and connected that to a 42-in. high-definition Panasonic plasma. I didn't expect a miracle picture, but I was happy to see that it was as good or better than standard-definition broadcast TV, if not as good as DVDs or HD broadcasts. I would not mind watching iPod-based movies on my TV, provided they weren't movies whose visual effects and subtleties were crucial."

Briefly: Nanos in Wal-Mart; Zune price

In brief: Wal-Mart stores in Canada will soon stock Apple's new iPod nano, according to an advertisement fond on the company's Canadian homepage entrance.... Microsoft has denied claims that its new Zune portable media player will be priced higher than Apple's video iPod when it debuts, despite its built-in Wi-Fi capability and larger screen.... Dell has begun a company-wide effort to repair its tainted reputation which it calls "Dell 2.0," pledging to offer customers more of what they want.... Pearson Technology Group today launched Short Cuts, concise PDF documents about a cutting edge technology that shows "great promise," or existing technologies that have reached a "tipping point" and are about to take off.... InDesignSecrets.com today announced that it is hosting Michael Murphy's "The InDesigner" videocasts, designed as a compliment to the InDesignSecrets audio podcasts.... MacSpeech has extended its free upgrade offer through September 30th, accommodating customers who purchased iListen on or after April 1st of 2006.

Kensington debuts four notebook mice...

Kensington has introduced four new notebook mice, and announced that all of the company's iPod accessories are compatible with Apple's new revamped video iPod and iPod nano. The Si750m Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse is one of the smallest full-featured notebook mice available, according to Kensington, combining a sculpted micro size and rubber grips with high-resolution laser technology that works on most surfaces. The Si750m also includes interference-resistant 2.4Ghz wireless technology, a smart mini receiver that tucks inside the mouse and long battery life on a single AA battery. Accompanying the Si750m is the Si650m, featuring a mid-sized shape with sculpted grips that offers 2.4GHz wireless capability alongside a 4-way tilt-scroll wheel. Kensington's Si750m ($50), Si650m ($40), Ci65m ($30), and Ci25m ($20) mice are slated for shipment in October.

Difusi unveils Medius, Maxim cases...

Difusi has unveiled the Medius and Maxim, its new MacBook and MacBook Pro leather carrying cases featuring exteriors made from top-grain leather with Jacquard-nylon or full body top-grain leather. Both cases support optional add-ons such as an interior illumination device ($33), and include zone-based organization with exterior adjustable padding to offer a five-foot drop test rating, according to Difusi. Additional features include padded leather handles, carrying straps, and padded leather pulls attached to zippers. The cases boast Jacquard nylon interiors, and are built using nine panel construction with six main compartments. Medius cases are priced from $90, while Maxim cases are priced from $100. Each of the new cases comes with a limited lifetime warranty. The company also announced a redesign to its nanoValet iPod nano leather case ($25), and that it will include ClearGuard film as a free add-on in all nanoValet packages. [images]

GlobeSurfer ICON offers mobile internet...

nova media today introduced GlobeSurfer ICON, a USB-based modem that is designed to establish mobile internet connections with any Mac running Mac OS X 10.3.9 or higher. The ICON supports HSDPA and 3G UTMS speeds in Europe and Asia as well as EDGE and GPRS connections around the globe. "Using HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) you can use mobile Internet connections with up to 1.8 Mbit/s download speeds and up to 384 kbit/s upload speeds. Attention: HSDPA and 3G UMTS connections are not supported by this card in America. If no HSDPA or 3G UMTS is available you can still use worldwide EDGE or GPRS connections with download speeds up to 220 kbit/s and upload speeds up to 80 kbit/s." GlobeSurfer ICON includes the internet connect wizard launch2net which offers a one-click connection to the Internet without the need to enter cryptic connection details and includes more than 300 connection settings for mobile network operators around the world. GlobeSurfer ICON is available today for €340 (plus VAT).

FireWire Depot ships SATA hub

FireWire Depot today began shipping its SATA 1-in/5-out hub, a portable USB-powered device allowing users to add more SATA I and SATA II devices to a system without an external AC adapter. The hub automatically connects and transfers with either 3.0GB (SATA II) or 1.5GB (SATA I) bandwidth, providing simultaneous data transfer rates of 3.0Gbps. FireWire Depot's new hub uses the Silicon Image 3726 chipset, supporting five SATA I or SATA II devices with auto-negotiation features over a single eSATA connector. The device is designed to take full advantage of the 3Gbps host link bandwidth and FIS-based switching host controllers by combining and sending data from all devices over the 3Gbps host link, effectively overcoming the sequential data transfer technique that can easily degrade performance when multiple devices are operating simultaneously. The SATA hub requires an available USB port to provide power, and is priced at $100.

Xbox 360 to support 1080p HD

Microsoft has announced that its Xbox 360 will support 1080p via an update, which will allow users to play games and view movies at a higher resolution. The update is scheduled for the fall of this year and should not require an HDMI cable, according to gamer scan. Shane Kim of Microsoft said the company will upscale current 720p applications, while native 1080 products should work without problems. Microsoft may consider a hardware solution over a software update, if movie studios insist on HDMI input for copy protection. Kim noted, however, that most third-party and all Microsoft Game Studios products will continue to use 720p.

iSuppli analyzes new iPod nano...

iSuppli has taken apart Apple's new 4GB iPod nano, revealing an estimated materials cost of $72.24. The teardown revealed that Samsung Electronics now provides the main microprocessor (SOC), replacing the previous processor from PortalPlayer. Apple has done away with the "flash disk controller" chip manufactured by Silicon Storage Technologies, building the functionality of that chip into Samsung's SOC. Other 4GB iPod nano components include an audio chip from Wolfson Microelectronics, chips from Cypress Semiconductor to drive the clickwheel, and a power-management chip from Philips Electronics, according to BusinessWeek. Despite those changes, only the outer enclosure proved more expensive than the previous generation, costing Apple about $2 over the older $1 enclosure.

Nike+iPod runners log 1 million miles

Nike today announced that runners have logged more than 1 million miles -- which is equivalent to circling the globe more than 40 times -- with Nike+iPod since its debut just 10 weeks ago. Nike+iPod is a running system incorporating the Nike+iPod Sport Kit, a wireless system that allows Nike+ enabled footwear to communicate with an iPod nano. Data on time, distance, calories burned, and pace is stored on the Nano, which is easily accessible through iTunes to nikeplus.com. Nikeplus.com is a personal service site allowing runners to track their own progress and challenge other runners. Nike currently offers 12 styles of Nike+ enabled footwear, and promises to debut more in the future. The company is also planning new functionality for nikeplus.com, such as a route finder that will enable runners to easily map and share favorite running routes. The good news from Nike comes on the heels of Apple CEO Steve Jobs recent announcement during Apple's special event in San Francisco, when the executive revealed that the Cupertino-based company sold more than 450,000 Nike+iPod Sport Kits in less than 90 days.

Apps: Posterino, Media Indexer

• Posterino 1.0b4 ($20) updates the "life poster" composing application. Posterino allows users to easily create postcards, greeting cards, and contact sheets from pictures in iPhoto. The software supports auto-placement of photos, export of posters or postcards, custom template creation, and various image manipulation routines such as cropping and rotation. [Download - 3.3MB]


• Media Indexer 1.1 ($12) indexes numerous types of media such as CDs, DVDs, and hard drives. The application features a search engine, ID3 support, and Spotlight integration. The update brings an enhanced index corruption detection system, as well as Traditional Chinese localization. [Download - 724KB]


• Lux Delux 5.5 ($25) adds a map preview area in the "new game" window of the "Risk" style challenge of world domination. Lux Delux 5.5 also includes improvements for network hosting, playing games with large numbers of armies, and more. The update is free for registered users. [Download - 9.3MB]


• Graph Paper Maker 1.2.1 ($20) enables users to create custom sheets of printable graph paper. Users can set independent X and Y axis for linear or log scale, as well as scaling. Version 1.2.1 adds a graphing wizard to easily create graphs, as well as an option to automatically open a generated graph paper file. [Download - 1.4MB]


• PhotoProto 1.0 ($500) is a user interface design tool created specifically for designers who build interactive devices and custom GUIs. Artists can arrange and name the layers in their Adobe Photoshop artwork in a way that allows PhotoProto to determine their intent. PhotoProto automatically turns that artwork into a working, interactive prototype that users can package, email, and run on a Mac or Windows system. [Download - [form]]


• iDefrag 1.5.0 ($30) is a free update for existing owners of the disk defragmentation software, offering native support for Intel-based Macs as a Universal Binary. iDefrag offers full support for the HFS filesystem, including Hot Zone. Owners of iDefrag also have access to a free utility that can create a bootable CD containing the application. [Download - 4.9MB]

Flash Optimizer 1.8 supports Flash 8

Eltima Software has released Flash Optimizer for Mac 1.8, adding full support for Flash 8. Flash Optimizer for Mac is an advanced SWF (Shockwave File) compression utility that significantly reduces the size of most SWF files, saving load time and internet traffic. Flash Optimizer is based on algorithms of shapes, morphing, vectors, fonts, Z-buffer and other optimizations to reduce the size of flash files with curves, zero-objects, ZLib, and more. The update improves overall stability, and includes several minor bug fixes. Additionally, users can optimize all movies created without the help of Flash MX. Flash Optimizer for Mac 1.8 is available for $100 (system requirements were unavailable).

USBCELL rechargeable battery ships

Moixa Energy has launched the USBCELL, a rechargeable battery that can charge from any USB port without the need for recharging devices, cradles, or cables. Users can open the lid to reveal a build-in USB connector, which charges the battery when plugged into any USB port. The USBCELL functions like a normal AA battery, and is recyclable to reduce wasteful consumption. A full charge requires five hours, and the device can charge on most USB hubs that make use an external power supply. Moixa's USBCELL is available for £13 in a package containing two AA batteries.

Sonic unveils EyeTV 250 TV tuner

Sonic today unveiled the EyeTV 250, a TV tuner for Mac systems that resembles Apple's Mac mini. The device features a built-in analog tuner, connecting to its host via USB 2.0 to support TV viewing as well as recording on a Mac. The EyeTV 250 features Internet Electronic Program Guide capability, allowing users to program recording sessions with additional support for hardware encoding to record content real-time in MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 format without additional load on the Mac, according to Newlaunches.com. Users can also convert recorded programs to MPEG-4 in one click for playback on Apple's video iPod, and the device ships with Toast 7 Titanium CD/DVD burning software. The EyeTV 250 is slated for shipment in Japan on October 6th for $260.

Disney CEO: iTV has small hard drive

Disney's CEO Robert Iger yesterday revealed more details about Apple's forthcoming iTV media hub, which is expected to ship in early 2007 for $299. At the Goldman Sachs conference, Iger not only discussed movie sales during the first week, but also said that the set-top device has a small hard drive so "it can download what you put on the device [from] your computer," which alleviated worries that the iTV would retain its price without having the option of a local cache to reduce load times. Electronista also notes that iTV users choose a particular computer to "feed" their hub, rather than aggregating the content from every connected system automatically. The Disney CEO was impressed with the simplicity and functionality, calling Apple's project a "game changer" that could make Disney and similar media outlets rethink their existing strategies.

WiebeTech's ToughTech mini drive case

WiebeTech has added a new pocket drive to its lineup of portable enclosures. The ToughTech mini, which accepts any SATA drive, utilizes the Oxford 924 chipset for dual FireWire 800, single FireWire 400 and USB2 connectivity. "Not much bigger than a pack of playing cards, ToughTech mini fits easily in a shirt pocket, purse or briefcase," according to the company. "We're pleased to add this small, portable drive to our product lineup," said James Wiebe, president/CEO of WiebeTech LLC. "It gives users the fast SATA speed, multiple connections and a small portable size." WiebeTech includes three different cables (FireWire 800, FireWire 400 and USB 2) and an AC adapter. ToughTech mini is bootable in FireWire mode on any Mac or PC and also provides protection for the drive with ToughMount strips which are mounted between the drive and the enclosure to protect the drive from shock and reduce enclosure noise. It is available for $120 (case-only), $230 (80GB), $343 (100GB), and $310 (120GB).

Glossy Screen Upgrades for laptops...

TechRestore has begun offering an overnight Glossy Screen Upgrade for PowerBook G4 Systems. PowerBook G4 owners can schedule an overnight screen replacement with an option of selecting from the standard matte finish LCD screen or upgrading to a glossy display. According to the company, TechRestore's Overnight LCD Screen Replacement service provides a fast and hassle-free repair method for Mac laptop owners that experience a screen failure due to mechanical issues or accidental damage. The LCD screen repair program has a 24-hour turnaround time and flat-rate pricing that includes parts and installation at prices starting at $450 for PowerBooks and $350 for iBooks.

mira supports Apple Remote on USB Macs

Twisted Melon has released an update to its software that enables every USB-enabled Mac running Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger to use the Apple Remote. mira 1.2 now includes support for Apple's built-in IR receiver and other third-party IR receivers. mira, designed exclusively for the Apple Remote, offers functions for more applications than Apple's bundled Front Row software. The software now supports external USB IR Receivers, offers default profiles/settings for over 40 applications, and offers import/export profiles to share with others on the internet. Version 1.2 also supports the company's new Manta TR1 Transceiver (available from the Twisted Melon online shop) as well as all eHome 2005 (Media Center Edition) receivers and transceivers, which are found with many Windows MCE systems and available online as well as in local computer shops. The software is available for $16 (along with optional USB-based IR hardware receivers).

Briefly: Disney on Jobs, Fetch Art news

In Brief: Following news of over 125,000 Disney movie downloads--worth about $1 million--within the first week of its launch, Disney CEO Robert Iger said that Apple CEO and Disney Board member Steve Jobs has become a "sounding board" for Disney's rapidly expanding digital content delivery options and said that Disney stands to benefit from further content sales through its Apple partnership when the company releases its iTV project in the first quarter of 2007.... Sony has announced the HVR-V1U video camera, an entry-level pro model that records 1080p video at 24fps as well as offers audio controls, a shotgun microphone, and an optional 60GB hard drive for longer video shoots.... The developer of Fetch Art is seeking feedback on continued development of the application, following similar (but limited) functionality in the recently released iTunes 7 software; in addition, he is seeking donations to help fund the purchase of an Intel-based Mac for developing a Universal version of his software.

Meshbox's Haunted Loops for Garageband

Meshbox Music has released its first themed music loops for use with Apple Garageband: Haunted Loops Volume 1. Each loop consists of a high quality 2 channel 16-bit stereo AIFF file and is between 4-5 seconds long and distributed in AIFF format, tagged for use with Garageband and Apple Soundtrack Pro. The loops work with a broad range of loop music creation software, including Sony Acid. Meshbox Music, the sole provider of royalty free audio content to Content Paradise, has previously released five royalty-free soundtrack collections for use in podcasts, games, animation, music creation and film. Indie Versions of soundtracks can be licensed for as little as $5. The soundtracks can also be licensed together with 3D model content from sister division Meshbox Design. The 205MB download is available for $20.