DEVON updates think, agent, note

DEVONtechnologies today released updates to DEVONthink Professional and Personal information management software, as well its DEVONagent intelligent internet research assistant and DEVONnote intelligent notepad. DEVONthink Professional 1.2.1 features full screen editing of rich text files with customizable background and foreground colors, allowing users to manually rearrange items in the Three Panes view, and recognizes more plain text file types. DEVONagent 2.0.3 ships with the improved advertisement filter -- used by the built-in Web browser to block inline advertisements of RSS feeds -- while the Plugins & Scanners panel highlights groups with special plug-ins for clarity. DEVONthink Personal 1.9.8 "inherits" many improvements from its Pro sibling such as "bookmarklets," the improved advertisement filter, enhanced full screen mode, and support for third-party QuickTime file types. DEVONthink Professional ($80), DEVONthink Personal (40), DEVONagent ($50), and DEVONnote ($20) all require Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later.

Universal Valentina for REALbasic ships...

Paradigma has released Valentina Technology Release 2.4.3 for all of its developer and business products. The release provides numerous minor productivity improvements in addition to new, advanced SQL features and Universal Binary support for the REALbasic development system. Valentina business products include Valentina Office Server for Windows and Mac OS X (PPC and Intel) and Valentina Studio, a fast and easy to use visual tool for creating, browsing, querying and administering both local and server-side Valentina databases. The Valentina 2 Application Developer Kits offers royalty-free incorporation into desktop applications, while Valentina Developer Network allows royalty-free distribution of Valentina Embedded Server. Valentina technology includes support for Valentina XML import/export, Valentina SQL (SQL 92 + extensions), native Unicode UTF-16 support, simultaneous data exchange, transparent file formats, and more.

Briefly: free 2GB nanos; Wi-Fi printing

In brief: Difusi is giving away a free 2GB iPod nano for every 200 cases it sells, and set no expiration date on the promotion.... USBGear has unveiled its new Combo Bluetooth printer adapter that converts almost any printer into a Bluetooth wireless model that computers can recognize using the original driver software.... Monotype Imaging today announced that it has passed the 100,000 milestone, offering as many font products via its Fonts.com online store.... Digital Video Expo today announced that its 10th annual conference and exhibition will return to the Los Angeles Convention Center, where it will run from November 12-17th focusing on HD, traditional video infrastructures, and the emergence of non-traditional distribution channels.... One user has posted a video of a PC controlling a Mac system remotely -- reportedly via an ADSL connection -- at high speed, resulting in only a slight delay between systems.

MOTU ships 8pre FireWire audio interface

MOTU is now shipping the 8pre, a 1U rack-space FireWire-based 24-bit, 96kHz audio interface. It offers eight mic inputs, 8-channel ADAT optical digital I/O and MIDI I/O can function as an 8-channel analog-to-digital converter when not connected to a PC. Designed for convenient desktop or rack-mount operation, it offers a variety of controls and status LEDs on the front panel for easy access and connectors on the rear panel for efficient studio installation. The device features eight 24-bit 96kHz analog inputs equipped with TRS/XLR combo jacks as well as front panel controls for each individual input. It also offers 24-bit 96kHz analog main outs, two banks of ADAT optical digital I/O connectors (in and out), MIDI in and out jacks, and two 400Mbit FireWire jacks. The 8pre front panel offers an individual set (eight sets total) of three front panel controls: a trim knob, 48V phantom power switch and a 20 dB pad switch for each of the 8pre's eight mic inputs, headphone connection with volume knob, and eight 5-segment ladder LEDs. It is available now for $600.

Apple scandal implicates former execs...

Former Apple chief financial officer Fred Anderson -- who resigned from the company's board of directors -- and former Apple legal chief Nancy Heinen -- who independently sought legal counsel in May of this year -- could be the two unnamed former executives mentioned in Apple's recent statement, according to one industry analyst. "Apple mentioned it has 'serious concerns' regarding two unnamed former executives who may be responsible for the counting, recording, and reporting of questionable stock options grants," said American Technology Research senior analyst Shaw Wu. "From our assessment, we believe the executives could be former CFO Fred Anderson, who resigned from the Board of Directors, and former general counsel Nancy Heinen."

Apple CEO clear of stock scandal?...

Several industry analysts today agreed that Apple CEO Steve Jobs is very unlikely to lose his executive role at the Cupertino-based company, following reports that Jobs knew of the options backdating but was unaware of possible accounting implications. "Regardless of the outcome and as we have mentioned before, we continue to believe that even in the worst case scenario where Apple is guilty of improper options grants, we do not believe Steve Jobs is liable, the reason being the compensation committee at Apple is run by an independent board that is not comprised of employees of Apple," said American Technology Research senior analyst Shaw Wu. Gene Munster of Piper Jaffray discounts any possibility of Jobs being forced out of Apple: "The findings concluded no legal wrong-doing for Jobs, thereby eliminating the remote risk to Jobs' position at Apple."

Jumsoft releases Keynote Themes 5.0

Jumsoft today released Keynote Themes 5.0, featuring 30 professional-grade themes and up to 24 layout masters specifically designed for each theme. Jumsoft more than doubles the number of themes standard in Apple’s Keynote, thus "giving users double the assurance that they will find the perfect theme for their presentation—whether it be commercial or scientific, technical or legal, educational or simply entertational," the company said. "This new version also instills users with a whole lot of confidence that not everyone else will be using the same theme." Keynote Themes 5.0 was designed to be compatible with all versions of Apple Keynote. It retains 27 versatile themes from an earlier version and adds 3 new ones: Art, Chameleon and Wild. After purchase, all 30 Jumsoft themes are conveniently displayed in the Themes menu of Apple’s Keynote. Keynote Themes 5.0 requires Apple Keynote 1.1 or later. Apple iWork '06 is recommended. The package is available for $45 and is $20 for registered v3.0 users.

iTunes adds Starbucks Hear Music...

Apple and Starbucks today announced the availability of the Starbucks Hear Music catalog on the iTunes Music Store, allowing iTunes users to preview, purchase, and download a variety of Starbucks popular Hear Music titles. Hear Music produces a wide range of albums showcasing new and classic artists including the well-known Artist Choice series, Opus Collections, Debut Series releases by emerging artists, as well as new works from major artists. Starbucks Hear Music offerings will be available in a special new Starbucks Entertainment area within the iTunes Music Store, and will include a wide variety of popular content as well as playlists created specifically for iTunes.

New Apple patents surface

The U.S. Patent & Trademark Office today published Apple's patent application titled "Efficient techniques for modifying audio playback rates," which relates to audio playback and efficient playback rate adjustment on a portable media device. Apple filed for its "iPod" trademark in Europe, and listed its Hong Kong application as the Priority date in the filing. The European application mirrors the Hong Kong application's International Classes which are noted as 9, 16, 28, 35, 38, 40, 41 and 42. The U.S. Patent & Trademark Office today also published Apple's patent application for a "Method and apparatus for detecting a router that improperly responds to ARP requests," which was originally filed in April of 2005.

Best Buy, Real, SanDisk take on Apple...

Retail giant Best Buy today announced that it will join forces with RealNetworks and SanDisk to launch a new online music store, increasing competition with Apple and threatening Microsoft's recent move into the digital music market. The new music store will take advantage of Sansa music players, which offer support for Real's Rhapsody DNA subscription method to automatically download recommended music as a listener's music habits develop over time. Best Buy, RealNetworks, and SanDisk are hoping that the integration of a retail store, an online store, and a music player will mimic Apple, according to Electronista. Subscriptions will cost $15 per month, and the new online music service will launch alongside the players on October 15th.

PC Pro crowns Mac Pro fastest PC in UK...

Apple's quad-core Xeon-based Mac Pro set new records in the UK's first independent speed test of Apple's high-end system, according to PC Pro. Tests revealed that CPU-intensive tasks are "fabulously fast" as long as the running application can use all four cores. Testers immediately abandoned Mac OS X to install Microsoft Windows XP via Apple's Boot Camp beta software. "The results, in terms of pure performance, [speak] volumes for the ability of Intel's new processors - and Apple's ability to build systems around them." The Mac achieved record-breaking speeds in the multiple-applications test -- where testers run demanding software such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, and a music decoder simultaneously -- keeping all four cores constantly busy. "The result was almost three times faster than the reference Pentium D-based computer that PC Pro's [lab] test scores are based on."

Briefly: MacBook mod kits; BodyPaint 3D

In brief: iToppers.com has unveiled an easy way to customize Apple's MacBook with some color ($17, shown at right).... In addition to the launch of Cinema 4D R10 (announced yesterday), Maxon has announced a "landmark" update to BodyPaint 3D with new 16 and 32-bit image manipulation capabilities.... Bla.st is aiming to create the worlds largest visual online Mac directory where anyone can advertise their business, products, or website to an international audience for free.... Fast Icon has released "Finder Emoticons," a set of 10 freeware icons inspired by Apple's Finder icon designed for use with desktops, instant messengers, blogs, and websites.... Digidesign has announced that ABC's hit TV series Lost has begun an entire season making use of the company's ICON integrated console environment, as well as Pro Tools HD 7.2 for all facets of audio post production.... Microsoft has unveiled its new Software Protection Platform, which makes use of the controversial Windows Genuine Advantage technology first introduced with later Windows XP updates.

Artist's canvas MacBook sleeve ships

Wrappers has launched "My Sleeve Not Yours," a laptop sleeve made from artist's canvas that allows users to paint, print, stencil, draw on, or otherwise decorate the sleeve in any fashion. The waterproof, quilted black microfiber lining makes a practical protective sleeve to guard the notebook against minor scrapes or bumps, and the inner lining is removable to ease the process of applying a custom design. "My Sleeve Not Yours" is tailored for Apple's 13-inch MacBook, featuring untreated heavy duty artist's canvas made from 100 percent cotton, according to Wrappers. The company suggests priming the canvas sleeve before painting it, and sealing it with a waterproof coating. The customizable canvas sleeves for 13-inch MacBooks are available for £16.

Connect extends MacBook wireless range

QuickerTek today announced MacBook Connect, its wireless booster for MacBooks. The Connect product boosts the signal between the internal AirPort card and the AirPort and AirPort Extreme Base Station or other 802.11 wireless access point from vendors such as Belkin, dLink, Linksys and others. Nearly doubling the wireless range of the MacBook, Connect is a 200 milliwatt repeater that delivers nearly four times the RF power of the internal MacBook wireless networking. Powered by a USB connection or AC adapter, the device can be attached to the MacBook case or kept on the desktop. MacBook Connect also features a powerful 2dBi external antenna and also accepts a variety of external antennas through the included antenna connector. The company also noted that the Connect generates four to five times more RF output and has a more sensitive receiver than the AirPort Express. Connect works with any version of Mac OS X and only requires a browser for setup; it is available now for $200 and backed by a 1-yr warranty.

Daylite 3.1.3 adds OpenBase 10 support

Marketcircle today released Daylite 3.1.3, adding OpenBase 10 as well as stability improvements to its productivity management software. Daylite is designed to help users manage projects and day-to-day scheduling with projects, mail, labels as well as envelopes, and more. The application enables users to create calendars, offers support for Palm as well as BlackBerry devices, and provides easy contact management. The software features Mac OS X Services menu support, allowing users to create and attach notes from Apple Mail or from any Services-aware application. Daylite requires Mac OS X 10.4.7 or later running on a 1GHz G4-, G5-, or Intel-based Mac with at least 768MB of memory. Each user license costs $150, and a free trial is available online. Registered users can upgrade for $80.

Convert Google gadgets to Dashboard

Mesa Dynamics today announced the public beta release of Amnesty Generator, a free utility for Mac OS X that converts any Google webpage gadget into a Dashboard widget. Earlier this week, Google announced that it was opening its Google Desktop Gadgets framework to web developers allowing “Universal” gadgets to be embedded into web pages without the need for additional software. Amnesty Generator automates the process of embedding this gadget code into locally hosted web pages that are implemented inside Dashboard widgets. Widgets created with Amensty Generator can be installed in Apple’s Dashboard environment, Mesa Dynamics’ desktop widget environment, Amnesty Widget Browser or even converted into standalone Mac OS X applications using Mesa Dynamics’ Amnesty Singles. The 0.5 beta release of Amnesty Generator requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later. Amnesty Generator is a Universal Mac OS X application and is free of charge.

Macware releases PowerSlides

Macware today released PowerSlides for Keynote and PowerPoint, offering fresh presentation backgrounds coupled with guidance to deliver clearer messages through the use of slide design templates. PowerSlides feature more than 200 designer backgrounds, over 300 textured backgrounds, 15 progressive backgrounds, and more than 100 pre-formatted slide templates. PowerSlides also comes with 50 template sets that include title, text, and print variations. "Progressive Backgrounds visually show the passage of time or dynamic action as each slide helps guide an audience through your message. This can show the phases of the moon, a human in action, the cycle of a single day, and much more." PowerSlides are available for $40 from Apple Stores and other major retailers.

Intuit's "Universal" QuickBooks 2007...

Intuit today announced a Universal version of QuickBooks program for Mac, its flagship business application. Developed to run natively on both PowerPC- and Intel-based Macs, QuickBooks Pro 2007 for Mac also includes a new Layout Designer feature that allows users to easily create customized, professional templates for invoices, estimates, purchase orders, statements, sales receipts and credit memos: users have full control over placement of logos and text on the form, and can format borders, colors and background colors any way they like on a variety of business forms. The company said that templates customized in prior versions of QuickBooks for Mac can be used with the program but cannot be edited (and that QuickBooks for Windows templates are not transferable). Other new features including the ability to create and print deposit slips, streamlined application of single payments to multiple jobs, a customizable toolbar, improved help, and a new, interactive Tutorial Center.

Adobe Contribute 4 gains blogging tools...

Adobe Systems today released Adobe Contribute 4 software, a new version of the web publishing solution designed for business, education and government workers to easily and safely contribute content to the Web without having to learn HTML. Version 4 offers new blog publishing capabilities, unified web publishing, enhanced Microsoft Office integration for Windows users, and Adobe Flash video support. The new unified web publishing feature enables users to post and publish content to multiple Web sites and blogs using its visually intuitive authoring tools (and can work offline). Contribute 4 works seamlessly with Macromedia Dreamweaver from Adobe, site administrators give authoring permission and can maintain Web site integrity, and look-and-feel even when multiple authors update content across the site. It is available for Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later for $150. Upgrades from earlier versions are $80.