Sony all-in-one PC offers Blu-Ray...

Computer manufacturers are taking aim at Apple's newest line of iMac desktops with a series of similar looking desktops--some call knockoffs--offering more advanced options such as Blu-Ray support or more features. Today at CEATEC, Sony Japan introduced an iMac-styled updated VAIO L series of desktops that challenges Apple's newest Core 2 Duo iMac models, according to Electronista: The new L is the first all-in-one PC to receive an optional Blu-Ray drive, giving it the ability to author and play next-generation movies as an alternative to watching TV using the included built-in tuner. Sony also upped the ante by offering build-to-order options--right now available in Japan only--for a 2.16GHz Core 2 Duo mobile processor and either GeForce Go 7400 or 7600 GPU, costing nearly $3060 (fully-equipped).

Excel updates software developer tools

Excel Software has updated its QuickCRC, QuickUML and QuickHelp tools for Windows and Mac OS X software developers. The updates enhance the user interface and productivity plus add free trial editions. QuickCRC for Mac OSX 1.0.1 is used for agile modeling of object-oriented software using CRC cards: it automates responsibility driven design with CRC cards and design scenarios QuickUML 2.0.1 for Mac OS X implements UML models with code generation: the UML design tool that supports a highly integrated, core set of UML models that can be applied to almost any object-oriented project. QuickHelp 2.0.5 provides help authoring and deployment of application help on Windows 95 to XP, Mac OS 9, Mac OS X and Linux: help information resides in a single XML file with royalty-free QuickHelp Viewers available for Windows, Macintosh and Linux. A single license of QuickCRC is $300, QuickUML is $300, and QuickHelp is $200. A free download is available to customers with the latest major release.

Apple expands refurb Mac mini offering

Apple has updated its refurbished listing with numerous Mac mini systems, and revealed additional refurbished iMac computers at discounted rates. Apple's refurbished Mac minis include the 1.42GHz PowerPC G4 model with an 80GB hard drive, 512MB of memory, and a Combo drive DVD/CD-RW for $519; 1.42GHz PowerPC G4 model with an 80GB hard drive, 512MB of memory, and a SuperDrive DVD±RW/CD-RW for $599; 1.5GHz Intel Core Solo system with a 60GB hard drive, 512MB of memory, and a Combo drive for $479; 1.66GHz Intel Core Duo system with an 80GB hard drive, 512MB of memory, and a double-layer SuperDrive for $649; and the 1.66GHz Intel Core Duo system with a 100GB hard drive, 1GB of memory, and a double-layer SuperDrive for $779. Refurbished iMacs include the 17-inch 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo with 512MB of memory and a 160GB hard drive for $949; the 20-inch 2.1GHz G5 with 512MB of memory and a 250GB hard drive for $1,299; and the 20-inch 2GHz Intel Core Duo with 512MB of memory and a 250GB hard drive for $1,199.

Poker Superstars II for Mac ships

Funkitron has released Poker Superstars II for Mac, its poker game that earned the best selling downloadable poker game title on the PC platform. Poker Superstars II for Mac challenges players with its unique poker artificial intelligence that learned how to play the game by playing millions of simulated tournaments. The game features music and graphics from the TV show with 15 poker masters including Johnny Chan, Barry Greenstein, Carlos Mortensen, and Cyndy Violette, among others. Poker Superstars II for Mac features game tips, poke AI opponents, game speed-up options for quick play, three game modes, and a unique player card system that tracks a player's best winnings, winning hands, flops see, and pots won. Poker Superstars II for Mac is available for $20 via Macgamestore.com, and requires Mac OS X 10.3 or later.

Apps: OnAirRecorder, GraphicConverter

• OnAirRecorder 1.1 ($15) is a visual digital timer and audio/video recording controller for Mac OS X. OnAirRecorder 1.2 runs natively on PowerPC and Intel-based Macs as a Universal Binary, playing more than 50 audio and video formats. The software can extract individual video/audio tracks into a few files, and offers a scene selection drawer for all video types. [Download - 3MB]


• Groupcal 3.62 ($60) updates the application allowing users to access and manage Microsoft Exchange calendars from Apple's iCal software. Version 3.62 adds a most-recent sync-status icon for each calendar, as well as the date and time of the most recent successful sync to the sync menus. The update also shows networking errors only via the Groupcal program. [Download - 3.7MB, form]


• DeskTunes (free, site not updated) displays what is happening in iTunes while staying stuck to the bottom left corner of the desktop. The utility -- which is designed as a simple, elegant tool for anyone who listens to music on a Mac -- stays in the lower left corner even when users attempt to hide all windows with Exposé. [Download - 49.4KB]


• GraphicConverter 5.9.2 ($30) introduces import capability for mos, lcd5, and pix file formats to the graphic conversion utility. The update adds an edge/frame effect, an option to add colored arrows for navigation inside HTML catalogs, and the ability to run via command-line for batch conversion. Version 5.9.2 also includes an option to add an exif preview instead of a resource preview, and adds a contextual menu item to count pixels of the current selection. [Download - 20MB]


• Tri-CATALOG 6.0.1 ($100) analyzes and catalogs any number of volumes -- external as well as internal hard drives, remote drives, CDs, DVDs, and cartridges -- and folders, saving the collected information via an internal database. Version 6.0.1 adds a timeout option for picture analysis, as well as the ability to display all pictures contained in a group of volumes. [Download - 1.8MB]

Jobs to keynote Macworld SF 2007

IDG World Expo today announced that Apple CEO Steve Jobs will deliver the opening keynote address for Macworld Conference & Expo on Tuesday, January 9th at 9:00 a.m. at Moscone West. The event will take place at San Francisco's Moscone Convention Center January 8-12th, 2007, and will host creative professionals from a cross-section of industries including design, print, online, photography, broadcast, videography, and music. "Steve's keynote is always a great way to kick off the biggest Mac event of the year," said David Korse, CEO of IDG World Expo. "We've added several new features to this year's event, and we're working hard to make this the most entertaining and informative Macworld ever." In addition to an exhibit floor featuring more than 350 companies, the event will offer a conference with over 120 educational sessions, and an innovative set of exhibit floor attractions including a free training series, an interactive Digital Photography area, and live Music as well as Sound product demonstrations.

IDF Report 2: WiMAX, the Crown Jewel...

In this special report I'll review most of the key slides and points that were presented in a keynote by David Perlmutter, Senior Vice President - General Manager, Mobility Group last week. The focus of Perlmutter's keynote was on Intel's new mobile Santa Rosa platform which will include new technologies such as a new chip set, graphics, wireless communications and NAND Flash disk caching technology. Yet at the end of the day, it's Intel's roadmap for mobile WiMAX that most want to read about and Intel's Perlmutter provided us with a glimpse at Intel's roadmap ahead.

Apple to join DigiWorld SF 2006...

Digidesign and Apple have announced DigiWorld San Francisco 2006, a free event offering visitors the opportunity to explore and experience Digidesign's products along with the latest offerings from M-Audio, Sibelius, and Apple. DigiWorld attendees will also have the opportunity to learn new techniques from pros, ask questions, and get hands-on experience to see how products perform and sound. Visitors will see Apple's latest Intel-based Macs alongside the company's software and accessories; and explore the Digidesign Development Partner Pavilion with plug-ins from McDSP, Sony Oxford, Native Instruments, SoundToys, TC Electronic, Antares, Eventide, Princeton Digital, Serato, Roger Nichols Digital, and Virtual Katy. The event is free and open to the public, taking place October 6-7th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. PDT.

InterGate Policy Manager v9.2 released...

Vicomsoft today released InterGate Policy Manager (PM) v9.2, the first internet Policy Management software to run natively on both PowerPC- and Intel-based Macs. Vicomsoft InterGate v9.2, which offers versatility, security and user access control, is designed for corporate networks of any size and protects systems by providing a set of network security and monitoring tools for a wide array of internet threats. Version 9.2 enables enforced ‘Safe Search’ on all of the main search engines, allowing inappropriate images to be excluded from image search engine results. It also features new time controls to provide the ability to create and apply Policies that manage internet access by time of day and/or day of the week. As with all InterGate Policy Manager filtering, these time-based filters can be applied on a per-user or per-group basis. InterGate Policy Manager starts at $138 for a 5-user license, while a 12-month support contract is $100.

"Package Deal" Aperture Book Design

Macmethod has released the third addition to its Signature Series of Aperture Book Designs, entitled "Package Deal." The software allows photographers to easily drop photos into pre-sized 2x3, 4x6, 5x7, and 8x10-inch photo boxes to print the pages using a standard desktop printer without leaving Apple's Aperture application. The book design features 25 page layouts with a variety of arrangements of each of the photo sizes in both portrait and landscape orientations. The "Package Deal" Aperture Book Design is available for $20, and requires a full license of Aperture. The company is also offering a 3-pack containing all of its Aperture Book Designs for $45.

Napster Japan takes on iTunes

Napster today announced it has launched in Japan, which will directly compete against Apple's iTunes Music Store and music-enabled cellular phones. Napster Japan, a joint venture between America's Napster and Tower Records Japan, is set to introduce a service that allows members to download any number of songs from its 1.5 million song collection for $16.80/month, according to Reuters. Napster Japan will also allow users to transfer that music onto compatible music players, and allows consumers to purchase songs without a monthly subscription. "It would have been very difficult for us to enter this market without a local partner," said Napster President Brad Duea. "Japan is a very unique market." Napster Japan's music offering currently consists of roughly 90 percent non-Japanese tracks, but the company hopes to expand the number of local songs available. The new service hopes to lure 1 million subscribers over a three year period with 1 million individual downloads per month by March of 2007.

PDFClerk 2.1 prints mirror image forms

SintraWorks has released PDFClerk 2.1, an update to the personal assistant for PDF documents. The application can join multiple PDF documents together, rearrange page order, delete individual pages, and impose multiple pages onto a sheet of paper as well as rotate pages on imposed sheets. Users can print manuals, reports, essays, articles, and more in multiple languages -- including Arabic, Chinese, and Hebrew. PDFClerk 2.1 supports printing pages in mirror image form, crop marks, registration marks, and color or grayscale bars. PDFClerk 2.1 runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel-based Macs a Universal Binary, requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later, and is priced at $32. The update is free to registered users.

PayPlay.FM offers unprotected MP3s

PayPlay.FM today revealed plans to offer unprotected MP3s of its 600,000 tracks at the cost of $0.88 cents per track, rivaling Apple's iTunes Music Store's price of $0.99 cents per individual track and reducing copy protection to expand user freedom. The company provides digital rights protection of media files for independent artists, and timed its announcement to coincide with "Day Against DRM." PayPlay.FM also announced that it is offering free music downloads for new users who register on October 3rd. "In our opinion, the anti-DRM movement is not about making the music free or eliminating DRM, but about giving customers the freedom of choice," said Elliot Goykhman, CEO of PayPlay. PayPlay's DRM-protected tracks are priced at $0.77 cents each, and are encoded at 192Kbps -- significantly higher quality than Apple's iTunes tracks, which are encoded at 128Kbps. Unprotected tracks ($0.88 cents each) and are supported by any portable media player capable of playing MP3 files.

Apple stock sees increase in targets

StockTargets today announced that is has measured a steady increase in investor targets over the past few days on Apple, following a new recommendation by TTS Zurich and despite the recent Citigroup downgrade. "Investor sentiment and forecast shows a substantial increase, and remains resolutely positive on the stock's prospects, following the latest news and a revaluation of the company by TTS Zurich. Investors now forecast the stock rising to $139 during the next 12 months. The StockTargets consensus 12 months target was US$ 131 recently." TTS Zurich has set its 12 month target for Apple shares to $116, representing an upside of 54 percent. This conflicts with a recent note issued by American Technology Research, suggesting that Apple shares could experience a pullback due to increased hype over the company's expected cellular handset.

Apple Q4 results expected on Oct 18

Apple is set to reveal its fourth quarter financial results on October 18th alongside its performance during the full year of 2006, which will likely reveal another positive year for sales. The Cupertino-based company also published a QuickTime audio webcast of its senior vice president of retail Ron Johnson's speech at ThinkEquity Partners fourth Annual Growth Conference on September 13th, where the executive discussed future plans to refresh Apple's retail stores with more dedicated iPod listening stations. Johnson also revealed further details of the company's high street success, informing analysts that Apple is currently the fastest-growing retail brand in the U.S., according to Macworld UK. Apple also published an audio webcast of company CFO Peter Oppenheimer's speech at Citigroup's 13th Annual Global Technology conference on September 6th. Apple has sold nearly 3.7 million Macs and more than 30.5 million iPods so far this year, moving toward Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer's prediction in July that fourth quarter revenue will amount to approximately $4.5 to $4.6 billion. [updated, corrected]

Intel praises Apple, touts Viiv...

While singing the praises of Apple, industry heavyweight Intel finds itself in the delicate position of touting open standards and calling for Japanese consumer-electronics makers to build around Intel's own Viiv platform for PCs running Microsoft's Windows operating system. The Viiv platform offers a set of specs that integrate PCs with digital home devices, such as TVs, music players, and other CE devices. Hoping to further development around the new platform, the company tried to encourage the industry to adopt open standards without threatening the turf of its new partner, Apple. Eric Kim, the senior vice president and general manager of Intel's Digital Home Group, praised Apple and its success in integrating computers and consumer electronics with its iPod/iTunes ecosystem, which use proprietary standards, but called for the industry to adopt open-standards around its own Viiv platform, according to IDG News Service.

ComChart EMR adds Web-based interface

ComChart Medical Software has release of ComChart EMR v9.2i, an upgrade to its comprehensive electronic medical record program. The new version includes a unique Physician Patient Web-based interface. The new UI now allows both patients and physicians to access various sections of the medical record, in a secure environment, using any browser. It also gives patients the ability to schedule their own appointments, send secure emails, complete an on-line history form and read various patient handouts. Users can take test-drive of the ComChart Physician Patient Web interface online. ComChart EMR v9.2i also includes an interface to MacPractice, a Mac OS X medical billing program.

Funkypixels ships PhotoComplete 1.2

Funkypixels Software has released PhotoComplete 1.2, an update to the easy-to-use photo editor for Mac OS X that features a single-window interface. The new version includes a new fully multithreaded photo editing engine that improves performance on dual-core and multiprocessor Macs as well as the ability to enable and disable actions to easily visualize effects on a photo. In addition, the update offers improved display quality, and a host of other minor enhancements and bug fixes. PhotoComplete 1.2 also has a new lower price of $30, a $10 reduction from the previous price. Current PhotoComplete owners can upgrade to version 1.2 at no cost. A free, fully-functional 30-day trial version is available for download. It requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later.

Briefly: review, patents, Apple Store

In Brief: MacNN has published a review of Photo Retouching with Adobe Photoshop Elements, a training DVD by Software Cinema.... Apple today announced the grand opening of its newest retail store in California: the Apple Store Topanga will open on Friday, October 6, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. PDT.... Apple has been granted two new patents which include ‘Method and apparatus for archiving and unarchiving objects’ and ‘Method and apparatus for determining font attributes.’... Iomega today announced that its new Iomega REV 70GB SATA Backup Drive is available now for stand-alone Windows PCs or as a backup kit for Microsoft Windows servers.... The third annual "Luxtoberfest" celebration features 17 different events including a number of "Tournament of Champions" (one for the "ladies"), team competitions, map nights, and a "Halloween Ball."

WD offers 1TB FireWire/USB storage...

Western Digital today announced its newest 1TB storage solution: the My Book Pro Edition II system can mirror data in real-time (RAID 1) or spread data (RAID 0) across both internal hard drives, offering improved performance. Designed for small-office environments, the new system features advanced backup software, unique My Book features that simplify operation and three interfaces: FireWire 800, FireWire 400 and USB 2.0. Consuming less than 26 square inches of desk space, WD says the drive has a smaller footprint than competitive systems using two internal hard drives for 1 TB of capacity and is comparable to some storage systems using only one internal hard drive with much less capacity. Additionally, the My Book Pro Edition II is user-serviceable, allowing users to open the enclosure to replace one or both of the hard drives by following the detailed instructions, without voiding the system's three-year warranty.