Apps: Diet Sleuth, Easy Barcode Creator

• Pedia suite update ($18 individually, $40 for bundle) upgrades all "Pedia" applications designed to inventory media on Mac OS X systems. The update brings DVDpedia to version 3.2.1, Bookpedia to version 3.2.1, CDpedia to version 3.2.1, and Gamepedia to version 2.2.1. Each update includes improvements to the iSight scanning feature -- which now supports built-in iSights --, IMDb searching, and help files. [Download - [form]]


• Diet Sleuth 4.6.0 ($35) adds a quick "Find Food" button to the nutritional database software, as well as improvements to the user interface. Diet Sleuth serves as a personal logbook for users to track what foods are eaten each day, along with their nutritional values. [Download - 2.7MB]


• Downfall 2.6.2 ($20) enhances the falling-blocks game, fixing several minor bugs affecting high scores import/export. Downfall is an arcade puzzle challenging players to drop stacks of colored blocks to form lines that react and disappear. The game includes more than 30 different play boards, and features smooth 3D animations. [Download - 1.1MB]


• Easy Barcode Creator 2.1 ($130) allows users to make ready-to-print barcode graphics without knowing anything about barcodes. The latest version adds an improved "QuickSave" feature, an enhanced ISBN Check Digit Calculator, updated icons, and transfer graphics for Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop integration. [Download - 1.6MB]


• xTime Project 4.0.1 ($100) facilitates project management by allowing users to follow the step-by-step evolution of projects in real-time. XTime Project 4.0.1 offers human or material resources, the ability to sort reports by resources or tasks, and fixes several bugs affecting the New Group Button, task names, and the calendar. [Download - 11.8MB]


• Disc Cover 1.2 ($35) updates the CD/DVD label design software, adding new Collage functionality along with 30 artistic collages. The update also features "auto-replacement" from iPhoto, and includes adjustments to Direct-on-CD printing. The update is free for all Disc Cover users. [Download - 27.2MB]

MS to offer Vista incentives in fall

A new report supports previous rumors that Microsoft will offer incentives to customers looking to purchase PCs moving into the holiday shopping season. Retailers recently voiced fears that sales of systems loaded with Windows XP would slip in the fourth quarter of this year, just ahead of Microsoft's planned 2007 launch of its new Windows Vista operating system. Starting in October, vendors of laptops are expected to partner with Microsoft to offer coupons for Vista upgrades until the official launch, which is slated for January of next year. The primary focus, according to Electronista, will be to spur sales of Media Center-equipped laptops by offering a free upgrade to Vista Home Premium to buyers of systems with XP Media Center Edition. Those who buy less expensive portables using Windows XP Home Edition will receive a 50 percent discount on the Home Premium update.

MOTU ships Universal Binary drivers

MOTU is now shipping Universal Binary drivers for its high-speed PCIe (PCI Express) audio interface products, including 2408mk3, HD192 and 24io core systems. This driver update allows users to install their PCIe-424 core system in Apple's new Intel-based Xeon Quad Core Mac Pro systems. "Users who own a legacy MOTU PCI-324 or -424 system can upgrade their PCI card directly from the MOTU store to take full advantage of Apple's latest-generation Intel Mac towers. Other recent Universal Binary updates from MOTU include: MX4 Version 2.1 (MAS, AU and RTAS), Ethno Instrument Version 1.0.1 (MAS, AU, RTAS and VST), and Symphonic Instrument 1.1.3 (MAS, AU, RTAS and VST). These releases allow users to run all three of these MOTU virtual instruments natively on an Intel Mac with Digital Performer 5.1, Pro Tools LE 7.1.x, Logic 7.2.x, Live 5.2.x and other compatible software hosts. All MOTU Universal Binary updates are now available to registered users.

Wal-Mart threatens studios over iTunes...

A dark tide appears to be looming over digital movie downloads, as word came today that retailer colossus Wal-Mart has issued warnings of retaliation to some of Hollywood's key players, should they elect to sell movies through Apple's iTunes service. Wal-Mart last year sent back "cases and cases" of DVDs to Disney after the animation company announced it would offer episodes of its hit shows "Lost" and "Desperate Housewives" on iTunes, according to a report from the New York Post. Hollywood studio executives say Wal-Mart has threatened to strike back if they go into business with Apple, and though the Cupertino-based company is currently offering movies exclusively from Disney studios, other players in the movie industry want to follow in Disney's footsteps. "We all want to be in the Apple business," a high-level executive at a major movie studio said.

iTV to enable easy video chat?

Apple's recently announced iTV wireless media device leaves unanswered questions as to its touted features and their uses, such as the mysterious inclusion of a USB port mentioned only briefly in CEO Steve Jobs' keynote address on September 12th. Robert Cringely of PBS believes practical reasoning would dictate that the port is for simplified video chat through a USB camera. Noting that the iTV does not need extra hard drive space because of its dependence on networked computers, Cringely observes that Apple's new media hub is ideally suited as a simple, low-cost alternative to using a full-fledged computer for video conferencing. "It's iChat for Grandma," Cringely wrote. Apple could also replicate the enhanced iChat features of Mac OS X Leopard by allowing iTV owners to display photos and videos when speaking with others, according to Electronista. Cringely further speculates that video chat functions could be used to extend and sell more of Apple's peripherals, including .Mac memberships and future iSight cameras.

PCmover supports Intel-based Macs

Laplink Software has released PCmover, a new application designed to painlessly migrate existing applications and settings over to a new computer -- be it an Intel-based Mac running Windows XP via Parallels software or a true Windows system. Users install PCmover on both the old and new computers, after which the software determines what files and settings must be moved to personalize the new system. Applications supported for relocation by PCmover include Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, PC games, Messenger programs, and more. The application can relocate documents, spreadsheets, photos, videos, and music files as well as numerous settings such as desktop backgrounds, Internet Explorer settings, and bookmarks. PCmover is available via download for $50, and requires Microsoft Windows 95 or later.

MediaCentral adds custom Flickr streams

Equinux Software today released MediaCentral 2.3, adding custom Flickr streams and .Mac Photocasts to the media solution for Mac OS X. MediaCentral is designed to turn a Mac into a home theater system with support for numerous audio, video, IP TV, TV, IP radio, games, and multimedia formats. The update adds support for three additional DVB-T TV tuner devices -- namely Miglia TVMini, Freecom DVB-T USB Stick, and Digitus DVB-T Digital USB 2.0 Receiver Stick. MediaCentral 2.3 ($30) also adds a "DV port" that allows users to connect FireWire devices, or Apple's iSight camera. The update is free to all existing MediaCentral 2.x users, and requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later.

Calgary University Media Lab uses Macs

The Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Calgary today is opening its new, state-of-the-art multimedia laboratory using some of Apple's fastest Intel-based Macs. The new Multimedia Lab -- which is located on the sixth floor of the Art Building -- is equipped with 11 Mac Pro Quad Core systems connected to 23-inch displays, 88-key music keyboards, high resolution scanners, a large format color printer, a portable 8-channel audio system, and numerous software tools that allow artists to create digital media. Serving as a research lab for undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and a secondary teaching space, the new lab also features a full-spectrum lighting environment allowing for round-the-clock use.

Amazon, TiVo may ink online movie deal

Online retailer giant Amazon is in talks with TiVo about allowing consumers to automatically transfer online movie purchases to their TiVo boxes, which would place the companies in direct competition with Apple's recently announced iTV digital relay device, according to a report from the New York Post. The deal would help to bridge the gap between the home computer and the TV, and would complement Amazon's recently-launched Unbox service -- which offers TV shows, other videos, and full-length movies from all the major studios except Disney. Disney recently announced that it had sold 125,000 movie downloads worth $1 million in revenue through Apple's iTunes Music Store, and said it expects to generate $50 million in added revenue during its first year of selling movies online.

Apple responds to Music Week claims

Apple has responded to claims by online publication Music Week, which reported that the Cupertino-based company has entered a partnership to help with live-event streaming to bands over the internet. An Apple representative told Macworld UK that "there is no partnership." Music Week claimed that Apple had joined forces with See Tickets and Creative Tank -- a UK marketing firm -- to offer the service, which would allegedly make live shows available to fans on a pay-per-view basis.

FastMac ships 8x DL SuperDrive upgrade

FastMac today began shipping a new internal slot-loading slimline 8x Dual Layer SuperDrive upgrade for numerous PowerPC and Intel-based Mac models. The drive adds Dual Layer DVD-R (4x) support, faster DVD-RW (6x) as well as DVD+RW (8x), and Dual Layer DVD+R (4x) write speeds. FastMac claims the new drive is up to two times faster than Apple's top-of-the-line slimline SuperDrives, and offers previously unavailable support for Dual Layer DVD-R functionality. The upgrade ($120) works with PowerBook G4, Intel and G5 iMacs, Intel Mac Mini, iBook G4, Power Mac G4 Cube, PowerBook G3, and iMac G3 slot-loading models.

Envive debuts Mac mini-style theater PC...

Envive today unveiled the E-Center Micro X, a compact theater system styled after Apple's Mac mini desktop computer. Designed for relatively basic home theater needs, the Micro X features a 1.66GHz mobile Core 2 Duo chip, DVD-RW drive, 80GB hard disk, DVI as well as S-Video connectivity, and a built-in IR receiver that interfaces with an included Media Center remote. The company also unveiled its E-Center Pro for more advanced users, which adopts the shame of a home audio receiver and offers an impressive range of features, according to Electronista. The Pro model will ship with two ATSC as well as two NTSC tuners, allowing owners to record at least two shows simultaneously regardless of whether they are over-the-air HDTV or analog signals. The system includes a standard 500GB hard drive, offering support for a total of six drives. Options include Blu-Ray or HD DVD drives, as well as HDMI output. The Micro X is available for $1,000, while the Pro is expected to ship in late 2006 for an estimated $2,500. [images]

Firewave sound adapter debuts...

Focal Japan has begun distributing Griffin's Firewave 5.1-channel sound adapter for Mac systems featuring FireWire connectivity. The device supports Dolby Pro Logic II movie as well as music modes without the need for an external power adapter, measuring just 77 x 132 x 25mm and weighing 210 grams. The adapter includes three mini stereo outputs for connecting 5.1-channel speakers, as well as two FireWire ports and volume control, according to Newlaunches.com. The Firewave requires Mac OS X 10.4.6 or later, and is slated for shipment in Japan in October for $130. [images]

Bibble 4.9 adds clone/spot healing tool

Bibble Labs has released Version 4.9 of Bibble Pro/Lite. This upgrade to the Bibble 4 product line includes the frequently requested Clone / Spot Healing tool, sensor defect correction, image rating and support for the latest cameras. "Digital photographers have been asking for a single tool to perform all their image adjustments - not several tools for specific jobs. Adding Noise Ninja technology and one-touch image optimization with Perfectly Clear in releases 4.6 and 4.7 went a long way to building a single tool for all digital darkroom needs; and with the Cloning & Healing tool in 4.9, Bibble Pro and Bibble Lite now offer the most complete and self contained workflow." Bibble is available in both “Pro” ($130) and “Lite” ($70) versions for PPC- and Intel-based Macs as a Universal Binary for native performance on each platform. It requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later.

Intel adds Apple developer sessions

Intel has placed two Apple sessions at the head of its "Featured Sessions" list for the upcoming Intel Developer Forum. Columnist Tom Yager of InfoWorld believes that at least a little endorsement is overdue. "After all, among first tier OEMs in the U.S., Apple is the only one remaining that buys CPUs exclusively from Intel. That deserves more than a cupcake. Intel should greet Steve Jobs' visits to the Intel campus by scattering rose petals before him." Apple CEO Steve Jobs and the company's marketing team have repeatedly compared PowerPC systems to the new Intel-based Macs, showing obvious speed differences even between six-month-old G5 systems. Jobs also "brought Apple to the brink of meltdown" to ship its Intel Macs ahead of schedule, incorporated the Core Duo CPU into new Macs following its debut, and created a broad market with Intel notebook OEMs for the Core Duo chip. Apple's Featured Sessions at the Intel Developer Forum are Intel's way of saying "thanks," according to Yager.

PCalc 3.2 updates scientific calculator

TLA Systems today released PCalc 3.2, an update to its calculator application. PCalc is a fully featured scientific calculator for Mac OS X with support for hexadecimal, octal and binary calculations, as well as an RPN mode, parentheses, programmable functions, and an extensive set of unit conversions. This release adds full speech support to the application, allowing it to read your actions and results back to you, as well as speak the current number being displayed. It also creates two new extra large calculator styles with big buttons and displays and improves the support for VoiceOver and other accessibility software. Version 3.2 also improves support for international users, especially those who use a comma as decimal separator rather than a dot and adds support for an unlimited number of constants: it ships with around 30 new scientific constants built-in and more can be added by via its plug-in system. It is available for $20 (requires Mac OS X 10.4) or for $24 in a bundle with DragThing.

Details on Apple's new store design

Apple is expected to open three new retail stores this weekend, a few of which will feature a new store design. Announced earlier this month, Apple said the new store designs would be modeled after its flagship 24-7 Fifth Avenue retail store in New Yor City. Bloomberg says the new retail store design will add more show room for iPod music players and Macs and stations where shoppers can get technical help for their products. In addition, the new stores will have an "iPod Bar" and Studio where artists and musicians will offer advice on creative projects, Apple retail VP Ron Johnson said. Apple stores already have "Genius Bars" for repairs and questions on Macs. The new design puts twice as many Macs and iPods on display and should speed customer service, Johnson said. In addition, it allows Apple to display 50 percent more products from other companies that sell Mac software and iPod accessories.

Apple "scraped the surface" in Europe...

More than half of Europe's loyal Apple customers are biding their time before purchasing new Intel-based Macs, according to a recent survey conducted by analyst firm Piper Jaffray. The firm attended Apple's Paris Expo last week, speaking with 50 European Apple customers about Intel Mac buying intentions, iPod purchase habits, and price sensitivity for Apple's anticipated 'iPhone.' More than half of those customers -- 56 percent -- said they have yet to upgrade to an Intel-based Mac, but half of those users said they expect to upgrade within the next six months. Several respondents mentioned waiting for Adobe's Intel-native Creative Suite before upgrading to the Intel architecture. "We had expected that a higher percentage of these loyal customers would have already made the move to an Intel Mac and we see this as a sign that Apple has so far just scraped the surface of the Mac transition opportunity," wrote Piper Jaffray senior analyst Gene Munster. The firm maintains its 'outperform' rating on Apple shares with a price target of $99.