Apps: ArtRage, R, WiLMa, Transmit

• Atomic Mac 6.6.0 ($25) updates the periodic table of the elements and nuclear database for Mac users, running natively on Intel-based Macs as a Universal Binary. The Atomic Mac contains a wealth of nuclear information on each isotope, including half life, decay mode, and daughter products. X-ray data (fluorescence and binding energies) is also available, and a molecular weight calculator makes it easy to find the molecular weight of compounds. [Download - 3MB]


• WiLMa 1.2 ($20) is a wireless network location management utility that can open as well as close applications, change the desktop background, set iChat status, and more based on location. The update allows users to "opt in" for features or install and upgrade, and the trial version is fully featured. The latest version also offers network location switching, and includes various "behind the scenes" fixes. [Download - 900KB]


• Transmit 3.5.5 ($18) update the FTP software, fixing potential crashes when failing SFTP logins or listing files on a VMS server. Transmit 3.5.5 improves reliability of queue's duplicate behavior, and repairs and issue in which the "Collections" list was not always scrollable. The update also adds "htaccess" to the default ASCII mode extensions list. [Download - 5.8MB]


• ArtRage 2.2 ($20) adds significant new features to the painting package that allows users to paint with oils, sketch with pencils, sprinkle glitter, and more. The update runs natively on Intel-based Macs as a Universal Binary, and offers improved memory management as well as Photoshop layer blend modes. Additional new features include automatic update capability, oil thinners, metallic value control, and more. [Download - 3.5MB]


• R 2.4.0 (free) is a software environment for statistical computing and graphics. R provides an integrated editor for managing R code, and features the ability to execute code directly from the editor. Additional features include syntax highlighting, brace-matching, code completion, and function indexing. The application update offers native compatibility for PowerPC as well as Intel-based Macs as a Universal Binary. [Download - 93MB]


• Contactizer Pro 3.0.2 ($120) updates the solution for managing, sharing, and organizing personal as well as business information. The latest revision includes speed enhancements to the event browser, and provides better Spotlight support in Mac OS X 10.4. The update is free for all current users, and includes numerous bug fixes to all levels of the application. [Download - 19MB]

Briefly: iTV remote patent follow-up...

In brief: MacNN blogger Neo has posted a follow-up report on our initial coverage of Apple's new iTV universal remote control patent, discussing the possibilities of one unique cross marketing method that the remote will implement along with a peek of at least one of the possible embodiments of the forthcoming device.... Quark today announced that it is sponsoring the AIGA Business and Design Conference in New York City taking place October 26-28th at the Roosevelt Hotel Grand Ballroom.... Apple is preparing to release another iWork '07 component code-named Lasso, which will compete against Microsoft's Excel software for consumer and small office customers.... Slim Devices and Ruckus Wireless today announced a marketing partnership under which the companies will offer the first in-home wireless digital music system that eliminates audio artifacts, extends range, and increases reliability of digital music distribution within the home.

Faronics debuts User Refresh Mac 1.0

Faronics has released User Refresh Mac 1.0, a utility that safeguards standard user accounts from any and all tampering and changes while offering a non-restrictive environment for users. The software provides a simple method of maintaining the consistency of standard user accounts, thus reducing software technical support. It limits changes to a standard user’s Home directory, including installation of new software, removal of programs, renaming or deleting files and folders, downloads, and desktop changes. It automatically restores each account to its original configuration either after log out, after a selected time interval, or at a selected time. User Refresh can also restore user accounts to a Mac OS X baseline user account and integrates with Apple Remote Desktop (ARD), allowing administrators to deploy a customized User Refresh configuration package to a single or multiple computers. A single-user license is $30 with volume discounts available (as well as government and education discounts).

External OWC FireWire/USB "SuperDrive"

Other World Computing has released its OWC Mercury Pro Pioneer Dual DVR-111 DL DVD-/+R/RW external optical drive solution that comes packaged with the professional software and media necessary for "Plug-and-Play" use with either Apple or PC desktops The OWC Mercury Pro is equipped with both FireWire 400 and USB 2.0 ports, providing compatibility with virtually any Mac authoring application including Apple iLife suite, Roxio Taost, Apple iTunes, Apple iDVD, CharisMac Discribe, and NTI DragonBurn. The drive features BURN-proof buffer underrun technology and includes NTI DragonBurn, EMC Retrospect Express, FireWire and USB cables, 25 pieces of 52x-rated CD-R media, and 5 pieces of 8x DVD-R general-use media. It is available for $125. (OWC offers internal upgrade models capable of high speed 16x DVD burning, 40x CD burning, and 8.5GB dual layer burning for prices starting at $33.)

Transmeta sues Intel over chip patents...

Transmeta has filed a lawsuit against Intel, threatening to prevent shipments of its Core and Core 2 processors, both of which currently power Apple's various Mac systems. Apple is expected to roll out refreshed versions of its portable notebooks by early 2007 featuring Intel's faster Core 2 Duo processors, gradually phasing out the previous generation of Core chips from its Mac systems. The suit -- which was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware on Wednesday, October 11th -- alleges that Intel is violating 10 separate patents covering processor design as well as power efficiency techniques, according to IDG News. Transmeta is demanding damages, royalty payments, and an injunction to prevent Intel from selling its "infringing" products which include the Pentium III, Pentium 4, Pentium M, Core, and Core 2 central processing units. [headline updated]

Muslims respond to "Cube" store report...

A recent report from the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) claiming that some Muslims dubbed Apple's Fifth Avenue Store in New York blasphemous has angered numerous Muslims, who are actively criticizing the media firm for selectively publishing the most extreme statements from the Muslim world. An unnamed, anonymous website allegedly posted an entry stating that Apple's NYC store is a "blatant insult to Islam" because it resembles the Ka'ba -- a sacred building in Mecca open 24 hours with a cube-like shape -- and urged Muslims to spread the word and "stop the project," according to MEMRI. Apple responded to the claims, saying that the entrance to the Apple Store is not meant to resemble the holy structure and that the company has never referred to the store as "Mecca," as some bloggers recently had, according to TechWeb Technology News.

Jobs should return $85m to stockholders...

Apple CEO Steve Jobs should return about $85 million he earned from stock option grant to stockholders, because it was an indirect benefit of option backdating, according to one columnist. The company, which said that Jobs knew of some favorable stock grants but did not know the implications, has closed its internal investigation regarding the stock option backdating by simply implicating two former execs, despite a recent report that indicated that some of the special committee members may have conflicts and other industry reports that say Jobs may still be involved. Bloomberg's Graef Crystal believes that Apple's statement about the stock "irregularities" from Jobs--who apologized for the accounting scandal, but said he did not benefit--is a bit disingenuous and that Apple should require that Jobs give back the money he indirectly earned because of favorable stock option backdating.

iSlayer releases 7 widgets, iStat 2.0...

iSlayer today released seven new mini widgets, as well as iStat 2.0. The new widgets include iStat cpu to monitor CPU usage; iStat memory to monitor memory usage; iStat disks to monitor disk usage; iStat network to monitor bandwidth, data totals, IP addresses, and the user's public IP address; iStat battery to monitor battery usage on laptops; iStat wireless to monitor a wireless connection's signal strength; and iStat sensors to monitor a Mac's temperatures and fan speeds. iStat cpu, iStat memory, iStat disks, and iStat battery feature two different skins. Each widget features a side tray with more details that animates open when the dial's center is clicked, and all are available as free downloads. iStat 2.0 is also available for free via download, requiring Mac OS X 10.4 or later. [images]

Bono, Oprah to debut Red iPod on Friday...

On Friday, Rockstar Bono and celebrity Oprah Winfrey are expected to launch the long-rumored red-colored iPod as part of the Product Red AIDS charity initiative. Project Red, founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver, Chairman of DATA, is designed to raise awareness and money for The Global Fund by teaming up with the world's most iconic brands to produce (PRODUCT) RED branded products. AppleInsider reports that Friday's edition of the "The Oprah Winfrey Show" will publicly unveil the iPod nano Red, a special edition of Apple's popular flash player. It will be available in a single 4GB model for $199--the same price as the other 4GB models--and will be sold by Apple alongside its other iPod models. Like all participating merchants, Apple will reportedly donate a portion of its sales--about $10, according to the report--from each sale directly to The Global Fund, which helps women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa. [photo credit: Chicago Tribune]

RealCADD 4.0: 2D CAD goes Universal

RealCADD 4.0 is a major update to the 2D Computer Assisted Drawing program, bringing native support for Intel-based Macs and dozens of other fixes. The vector-based application works like the traditional "MacDraw" application, but offers advanced functions such as import/export of DXF files, image import a higher degree of accuracy, tools for quotation, the ability to create your own tools, layer management and configuration of layers, PostScript export, and much more. In addition to Universal Binary support, it offers rulers with a movable origin and a grid, a new option to have a large reticle with drawing tools, a new tool for quotation of the angles, a library of drawings, improved "Find and replace text" functions, and more. The Standard version is $95, while the Professional version is $135.

Bare Bones offers BBEdit 8.5.1 update

Bare Bones Software today released BBEdit 8.5.1, a free maintenance release that fixes reported issues and adds minor refinements to its HTML and text editor for the Macintosh. Specifically designed for Web authors and software developers, the text editor provides features for editing, searching, and manipulation of text, including grep pattern matching, search and replace across multiple files, function navigation and syntax coloring for numerous source code languages, FTP and SFTP open and save, AppleScript and Unix scripting support, glossary support, intra-application automation, and a complete set of HTML tools. Version 8.5 brought a major interface overhaul, streamlined navigation, and an intelligent Clippings system. BBEdit 8.5 is a Universal application that runs on Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later. The full version is $125; upgrades from previous versions are $30.

Dell unveils low-cost 20" widescreen

Dell today unveiled a low-cost 20-inch widescreen LCD for budget-oriented consumers. Dell's E207WFP is a stripped-down version of the existing 2007WFP that sacrifices the USB hub and all but a single DVI input (with HDCP encryption support) for a lower absolute price. The company is already shipping the E207 for $290 versus the $400 official price of the higher-end model, according to Electronista. The company also showcased its 3207C and 3707C 32- and 37-inch LCD televisions with improved image quality designed to help with fast-action scenes in movies as well as games. The company is shipping both models for $1,200 (32-inch) and $1,700 (37-inch) respectively.

Analyst sees upside on strong Mac sales...

Senior analyst Gene Munster of Piper Jaffray today told investors to expect a slight upside on Apple shares for the September quarter as a result of strong Mac sales offsetting light iPod numbers. Munster's beliefs coincide with UBS analyst Ben Reitzes, who also sees a possible rise in Apple shares due to strong Mac sales. Munster believes Apple will report slightly above Wall Street's consensus of $0.50 on $4.67 billion, with iPod units likely shy of the 8.6 million expected by investors. "We believe continued Mac market share gains in the September and December quarters will be positive for Apple shares," Munster said. Apple is due to report its quarterly earnings on Wednesday, October 18th after the market closes. "Based on our checks with Apple specialist stores and our dissection of NPD iPod data, we expect the company will report slight upside for September." Wall Street consensus for September is $0.50 on $4.67 billion, and Apple's September guidance is $0.49-$0.51 on $4.50 billion to $4.60 billion. Munster also expects Apple to guide in line for December, with Street consensus amounting to $0.77 on $6.46 billion.

Briefly: Bluetooth headset; Altec

In brief: Jabra today launched its Jabra BT125 lightweight Bluetooth headset ($40), enabling cellular phone owners to use the devices hands-free.... MacPractice has agreed to collaborate with MedAvant Healthcare Solutions to tightly integrate their solutions in an effort to provide MacPractice customers with a seamless user experience.... MacSpeech has released a new ScriptPak for Montage ($15), Mariner Software's screenwriting program that adds more than 150 commands to iListen, allowing users to do virtually anything normally possible with keyboard shortcuts or menus.... Iomega today announced the global availability of its new Iomega REV Loader 560 ($1,800), its second-generation desktop autoloader based on hard drive technology that delivers 560GB of automated and removable backup storage.... Altec Lansing is preparing to launch a speaker dock for Zune -- Microsoft's new portable media player -- which is largely a reworking of the company's existing iPod dock, according to Electronista.... Novatel has begun shipping its new Merlin XU870 ExpressCard/34 adapter to carriers, supporting both the 3.6Mbps maximum speed of HSDPA and earlier, less common connections such as UMTS.

Briefly: new Apple patent; review

In brief: The U.S. Patent & Trademark Office has published Apple's patent application titled "Apparatus and method to facilitate universal remote control," which relates to an apparatus and a method to facilitate a just-in-time universal remote control for controlling multiple appliances.... MacNN has reviewed the Macessity BookCase Pro 15 ($25), a laptop case designed to protect all sizes of Apple's MacBook and MacBook Pro laptops.... Apple Expo Paris this year saw a decline in attendance this year, attracting 46,210 visitors compared to 56,545 visitors in 2005.... eMailman.com has added a Eudora-Penelope newsgroup, offering users a place to discuss the Penelope project.... Markzware and Gradual Software have announced a partnership allowing Markzware pre-flight tools to integrate with Gradual's SWITCH product line.... Kingston has unveiled two new DataTraveler USB flash drives, offering password protection with 256-bit AES encryption and the ability to lock information outright.

Mac demand may bump Apple's 4Q...

Consumers continue to show strong demand for Mac systems which could bump Apple's fourth quarter earnings, offsetting a deceleration in iPod sales, according to research firm UBS. "We believe Mac momentum should continue into year-end given new products and helped in part by the delay of [Windows] Vista," said UBS analyst Ben Reitzes. The firm lowered its sales estimates for Apple, but maintained earnings-per-share expectations due to high margins. The analyst holds fourth quarter estimates of $0.50 -- in line with Wall Street expectations -- reflecting 26 percent year-over-year revenue growth (six percent quarter-over-quarter) to $4.62 billion (previously $4.65 billion) vs. consensus estimates of $4.67 billion due to lower iPod units (8.12 million vs. 8.52 million). UBS holds a price target of $92 on Apple shares, reiterating its "buy" rating.

PFTrack, PFMatch, PFClean go Universal...

The Pixel Farm has released Universal updates to its applications, including PFTrack 3.5 for advanced camera tracking and motion analysis software, PFClean 2.1 for automatic image clean-up, and PFMatch 2.1 for embedding tracking in Apple's Shake digital compositing system. PDFTrack 3.5 features a new, more sophisticated camera solver, segmented shot solving, improved geometry tracking and extensive UI and workflow improvements as well as Universal Binary support for native operation on Intel-based Macs and full 64-bit implementation. The company said that the new camera solver in version 3.5 can now produce better results, with greater speed and on a wider range of shots--up to 400 percent faster than the current version.

Sophos Security Suite for SMBs debuts...

Sophos today announced its new integrated security solution for small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): Sophos Security Suite provides an all-in-one defense against threats on Windows and Mac computers, laptops and servers. The software has been designed specifically for smaller organizations that lack technical expertise, combining protection against viruses, spyware, adware, spam and unauthorized intrusion — in one easy to install package. In addition, it requires no user intervention to keep up-to-date as frequently as every ten minutes, and for the first time it integrates the benefits of an host intrusion prevention system (HIPS) and also provides a centralized dashboard, offering an at-a-glance view of the security status. Pricing starts at $362 for a five-user license and 1-year of support/updates.