New Leopard features for developers...

Apple this week revealed new interface and security enhancements expected with the next version of its Mac OS X 10.5 "Leopard" operating system, including a new realtime debugging tool for developers, code-signing, updated Objective C environment, and resolution independence for higher density screen. The company outlined its new Xray application, which will allow developers to "track UI events in real-time and see how they affect I/O activity and CPU load at the same time," eWEEK writes. "This application will be based on the open-source DTrace, but provide a graphical interface to that utility's command-line monitoring of kernel and user code.... At the other end of the spectrum—affecting users more than developers—is resolution independence. This will allow the operating system to present user interface elements at various scales."

Briefly: Apple No. 11 in Web traffic

Briefly: Apple ranked No. 11 among all global web properties during the month of September with just under 95 million unique users--ahead of its No. 14 US ranking during the same month--according to comScore Networks (Microsoft, Yahoo, and Google were in the top three with 727m, 505m, and 480m, respectively).... FreeMacBlog has released the sixth video in a series on how to use your Mac as a server: "How To Host Multiple Web Sites On A Single Mac" explains "everything in simple terms so even beginners should feel comfortable.".... Jumsoft today released Money 2.0 Beta ($40), a new and completely rewritten version of its personal and small business financial management application for Mac OS X, ofering a simplified user interface, smart accounts, improved reports, bills management, budgets management, and more.... At least one consulting firm recommends that Mac small business owners users run the PC version of QuickBooks to run their business rather than the Mac version, noting that PC version has a larger feature set.

Apple posts DVD Studio Pro 4.1.1

Apple has released DVD Studio Pro 4.1.1, an update to its professional DVD authoring application. The update addresses an issue with disc layout for DDP and CMF images on Intel-based Macintosh computers. It is a 2.3MB download and requires Mac OS X 10.4.4 or later. Separately, the company also released a firmware update for its MacBook shutdown problems and a new iPod utility to address iPod shuffle reset problems as well as Final Cut Pro Express HD 3.5.1 to fix a few other known issues.

Apple revamps .Mac webmail UI...

Apple today launched its revamped webmail user interface on .Mac, its suite of paid internet services. The company previewed the interface several weeks ago, but did not provide a release date. On Thursday, the company quietly launched the new UI, which is akin to its Mail.app desktop email client. Mail.app ships free with its operating systems, including both Panther and Tiger. Dot-Mac (.Mac), which costs $99/year, offers a plethora of services, including file sharing with 1GB of combined storage, photo sharing, email, backup, group collaboration, computer-to-computer sync services, and integration with iWeb, Apple's webpage creation application, and Mac OS X. The new interface brings drag & drop support, a message pane, smart refreshes, quick reply, an integrated Address Book, message previews, message flagging, and keyboard shortcuts.

Apple update fixes MacBook shutdowns?

Apple today released new firmware that it claims resolves the MacBook shutdown problems plaguing many users. The company has released MacBook SMC Firmware Update 1.1, which it said improves the MacBook’s internal monitoring system and addresses issues with unexpected shutdowns. Apple recommends the update for all MacBook systems, including those that received warranty repair, but said that the update requires the installation of Mac OS X 10.4.7 or Mac OS X 10.4.8. In early September, the company acknowledged the MacBook problems by posting a note to its support website and asking affected users to contact AppleCare, while other users suspected other faulty components as the root cause. Users continue to report unexplained, random shutdown problems with the new (and popular) Intel-based consumer laptop and even went as far as creating a website to rally those affected. Recent reports also indicate that some US-based lawfirms were exploring the possibility of a class action lawsuit as well.

Apps: RSS Replay, File Sleuth, iWisdom

• RSS Replay 1.2.2 ($30) updates the Dreamweaver extension for placing content from RSS feeds in Web page layouts. The latest revision simplifies placing multiple Replays on one layout by enabling auto-renaming, improves linking as well as maintaining links when moving RSS Replay files within a website, and removes the requirement of fopen access for PHP Proxy. [Download - 257KB]


• File Sleuth 1.0 ($10) updates the file management utility that offers advanced editing options, generates icons, renames audio tracks, and applies file attributes in batches. Version 1.0 runs natively on Intel-based Macs as a Universal Binary, features a new icon, adds a presets popup menu, and applies a different set of rules for batch operations. [Download - 6.2MB]


• Radiotastic 0.9 beta (free) allows users to listen to as well as record internet radio via Apple's dashboard. The widget supports RealAudio, Windows Media, QuickTime, and MP3 formats. Radiotastic runs natively on Intel-based Macs as a Universal Binary, requiring Mac OS X 10.4 or later. [Download - 200KB]


• iWisdom ($price) manage a collection of quotations or other brief notes, tracking a set of fields concerning each item. iWisdom stores data in XML format, optionally publishing collections in HTML using a series of included XSL templates and cascading style sheets. [Download - 3.1MB]


• Birthday Buzzer 1.0.1 ($9) reminds users of upcoming and already-missed birthdays by integrating with Apple's Address Book. The software offers a variety of reminder options, and includes Growl support. The update fixes problems running in the WWDC 2006 version of Mac OS X 10.5 "Leopard," and repairs other minor bugs. [Download - 640KB]


• Subliminal Message 1.0 (free) is designed to help users experience subliminal messages. A slider changes the on-screen display time of random messages from 1-50 milliseconds, and a button enables users to display the same message for 500 milliseconds when messages are missed. Subliminal Message 1.0 requires Mac OS X 10.2 or later. [Download - 1.3MB]

Wacom debuts children's tablet

Wacom has introduced Colorelli, a combination computer tablet and game designed for children ages five and up. Through a series of artistic and design-oriented games, players are encouraged to develop creative expression and learn practical drawing skills; the system was created in tandem with educators and child psychologists, according to Electronista. The tablet boasts many of the same features as the company's professional models, including a 5 x 3.6-inch active drawing area, a 512-level pressure-sensitive pen, and a 1000dpi effective tablet resolution. The game requires a 1.2GHz Windows XP system with a DVD drive, but the tablet itself connects via USB and should offer compatibility with both Mac OS X and Windows systems. Wacom is due to ship Colorelli in Europe on November 6th for $75 US.

Vista upgrade promo to cause confusion...

Microsoft's recently announced plan to offer Vista upgrade coupons as a means of shoring up computer sales during the holiday is "another Microsoft stumble," according to one report. ZDNet's Adrian Kingsley criticizes the coupon system -- which offers different upgrade paths from Windows XP systems purchased between October and March, depending on the XP edition -- for allowing widely varying discounts that may only serve to confuse buyers. Kingsley condemns the frequent ineligibility and contrasting prices for the upgrades, with many entry-level PCs being excluded entirely from free upgrades by system builders while owners of other systems face significant expenses, according to Electronista.

Briefly: C2D MPB photos, 802.11n?

In brief: One user has posted photos of a new MacBook Pro featuring Intel's Core 2 Duo processor as the device is unpacked from its box.... The new C2D MacBook Pro apparently features an updated wireless card manufactured by Atheros with a device ID of 0024, and is reportedly compatible with 802.11n draft specification.... The U.S. Patent & Trademark Office today published Apple's patent application titled "Security methods and systems," which generally relates to methods of improving security when accessing applications.... The Kewei Digital Jianwai SOHO Apple Store is set to open on October 31st in Beijing, making it Beijing's largest Apple-related store to date.... Apple is preparing to launch a new version of its Mac Pro computer that will offer almost double the processing power of existing models with eight cores, according to one report.... PC Publishing has released "PC Music - The Easy Guide" ($18) designed to introduce users to making music with computers.

BMG adds Japanese artists to iTunes...

BMG Japan and Apple today announced the availability of Japanese and international artists on iTunes in Japan. The addition of the BMG Japan catalog brings top J-POP and international artists to the iTunes Store, including Alicia Keys, Avril Lavigne, Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Foo Fighters, Justin Timberlake, Kasabian, Outkast, Pink, Seamo, Suga Shikao, Sukima Switch, Usher, and more. "BMG Japan is delighted to join forces with Apple to make the wealth of our catalogue available through the iTunes Store in Japan." said Daniel DiCicco, executive vice president of BMG Japan. "We look forward to continuing to drive BMG Japan's digital development through this very important relationship by connecting the iTunes community to top J-Pop and international artists from BMG Japan."

Mac Expo: Photos from show floor...

With the ongoing Mac Expo in London, companies such as Quark and Miglia made product announcements. Despite a large Apple presence at the London tradeshow, no specific product announcements were made after its new Core 2 Duo-enabled laptops for professionals were introduced earlier this week, but the company showcased its new 24-inch iMac. Earlier in the day, Greenpeace's 'Green my Apple' stall was shut down at the start of Mac Expo in London by event organizers due to "complaints from unnamed sources." Other companies attending the show include Adobe, Canon, Filemaker, Griffin, Logitech, Pinnacle, and Quark, among others. We have posted our second showfloor gallery.

Greenpeace forced out of Mac Expo...

Greenpeace's 'Green my Apple' stall today was shut down at the start of MacExpo in London by event organizers who claim they received complaints from unnamed sources. Greenpeace set up the stall in an attempt to raise awareness about concerns over the use of toxic chemicals in Apple's products. The Greenpeace volunteers manning the stall were signing up Mac fans to challenge Apple to 'go green,' according to the organization. Flyers explaining the Green my Apple campaign were handed out to members of the public along with organic green apples. The volunteers have vowed to return to the expo tomorrow to continue the campaign.

Mac Expo: Photos from Apple Booth...

The Mac Expo tradeshow today kicked off in London with announcements of new products from Quark, including QuarkXpress Interactive Designer, the company's new Flash tool as well as QuarkXpress 7.02, an update to the only Universal professional desktop publishing solution. Other announcements included Miglia's TVDuo, which the company claims is the world's first dual digital TV tuner for Mac systems. While Apple did not have any announcements, we have posted a photo gallery of Apple's booth from the London show.

Final Cut Express HD 3.5.1 released...

Apple has released Final Cut Express HD 3.5.1, addressing compatibility issues on specific hardware. Final Cut Express HD features flexible movie editing with the ability to insert, overwrite, replace, or fit to fill clips into sequences by dragging them directly onto a canvas or timeline. Users can layer video clips, photos, or graphics files -- such as multilayered Adobe Photoshop files to produce side-by-side video, picture-in-picture effects, or multi-layered collages. The software supports real-time effects and transitions, as well as up to 99 audio tracks and voiceover capability. The update requires Mac OS X 10.4.4 or later and Final Cut express 3.5. Final Cut Express HD is available for $300.

Quark releases QuarkXpress 7.02...

Alongside the introduction of its new Flash creation tool, Quark today released QuarkXPress 7.02, an update to the Universal application for creating print and Web-ready layouts. The update offers license transfer functionality, enabling users to move an activated license of QuarkXPress 7.02 or QuarkXPress Passport 7.02 to a new computer. In addition, the latest revision of QuarkXPress includes supplemental language support for QuarkXPress 7 Passport customers that provides hyphenation support for additional languages; it also offers support for special characters in object and file names when the operating system is set to that language. Finally, the update resolves a number of display, printing, output, graphics, language, and other issues. The company notes that Mac OS customers must install QuarkXPress 7.01 before installing version 7.02.

Miglia debuts TVDuo dual TV tuner...

Miglia Technology today debuted TVDuo, the world's first dual digital TV tuner for Mac systems. The device is designed to bring a complete DVR experience to Mac desktops by integrating two digital terrestrial tuners, allowing users to watch and record programs without having to decide which to miss and which to watch. TVDuo is compatible with the DVT-T standard, and works in most European and Asian countries, according to Miglia. The company plans to demonstrate TVDuo on stand 458 at Mac Expo in the UK. The device requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later, and will ship with a 2-year warranty (pricing was unavailable).

Quark debuts new Flash tool...

Quark today announced Quark Interactive Designer, its new Flash development application that enables creative professionals to create rich, interactive content such as interactive tours, online ads, and design-driven presentations using QuarkXPress 7. Quark Interactive Designer allows users to design compelling Flash layouts for the Web without any programming skills. The new software enables easy creation of interactive buttons, animations, movies, and dozens of predefined actions for transitioning pages, playing sounds, sliding objects, and creating interactive menus. QID creates SWF files using a "timeline-free" environment--instead allowing users to select from a variety of animation, interactive, and other design options.

Apple's iPod updater for Shuffle issues...

Apple has released iPod shuffle Reset Utility 1.0 for Mac, an application designed to restore its first-generation iPod shuffle by completely erasing all data on the device and reinstalling software version 1.1.4. The utility fixes several issues related to first-generation (512MB and 1GB) models, such as the flashing "lights of death" typical of unresponsive Shuffles. In late June iPod shuffle owners banded together after discussing the widespread issue on Apple's own support forums, hoping the company would recognize the problem and address the issue. Affected iPods flash amber and green LEDs when the play button is pressed, and the units will not play any music or sync music from iTunes. The iPod shuffle Reset Utility only works with first-generation 512MB and 1GB iPod shuffles, requires Mac OS X 10.2.8 or later, and is available for free from Apple's website.

Briefly: Apple's chameleon iPod patent

Briefly: A new US patent application reveals Apple's possible plans for a new iPod; the filing describes the chameleonic nature of a next-generation touch-screen iPod that will be able to transform itself from being a music player to PDA to photo album and a cellular phone. Apple also filed two other continuation patents titled 'Method and apparatus for configuring a computer' and 'Presenting compatible components and system conditions for computer devices.' A related patent was additionally filed under 'Method and apparatus for providing compatible components for purchase.'... The BMG Japan Catalog is now available on the iTunes Store in Japan.... Apple announced it will open a new retail store, ABQ Uptown, in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Wednesday, November 1, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. MDT; the store is located at 2240 Q Street NE, Suite D.... DVcreators.net has released its After Effects 7 PowerStart DVD ($80), a next-generation training tool for mastering Adobe’s sophisticated motion graphics software.... Omnipilot has launched a new Agency Users Group and is celebrating its 10-year Lasso anniversary with specials that expire at the end of the month.

Adobe releases Soundbooth beta...

Adobe has posted a beta of Soundbooth, a new sound editing application with visual tools for creating and editing audio and fixing common audio flaws using visually-oriented tools. The application, built in the "spirit of Sound Edit 16 and Cool Edit," provides the tools video editors, designers, and others who do not specialize in audio need to accomplish their everyday. Users can clean up noisy audio, edit audio files/tracks, visually identifying and removing unwanted sounds, record and polish voiceovers, add effects/filters, and easily create customized music without much musical expertise. The company is offering the solution for Intel-based Macs only, saying that "Apple is quickly moving its focus towards Intel Macs, and no longer sells Power PC systems in many places. By focusing on Apple's future, we have been able to bring this powerful application to the Mac platform much more rapidly, and with a stronger feature set."