Apps: CutX Content Filter, Isadora

• CutX Content Filter 3 ($50) is an extended site blocking plug-in designed for Apple's Safari Web browser. The update offers better performance via a new engine, a new user interface, and an option to use the app4mac online list. CutX Content Filter 3 also allows users to disable downloading, includes new password management, and is compatible with all user accounts. [Download - 3.5MB]


• Isadora 1.2 ($350) updates the interactive graphical programming environment designed to offer users control over digital media. The software places special emphasis on the real-time manipulation of digital video, creating an Isadora program by linking graphically represented building blocks together. [Download - 14.4MB]


• Meander 1.3 ($20) helps users plot points, plan routes, measure distances, and use maps. The update includes waypoints in routes, route statistics, and text labels on maps. Users can also save, load, export, and print routes. Version 1.3 is a free upgrade for existing license-holders, requiring Mac OS X 10.2 or later. [Download - 1.1MB]


• YemuZip 2.0 ($40) is a simple application for making zip files. Users can drag-and-drop files onto the window to produce a zipped version of the file. The latest revision runs natively on Intel-based Macs as a Universal Binary, and features an improved user-interface. [Download - 850KB]


• MBS plug-in 6.4 (€40) updates the collection of REALbasic plug-ins that extend REALbasic's built-in functionality, adding more than 500 classes and three controls featuring over 11,000 documented functions. MBS plug-in 5.4 improves compatibility with REALbasic 2006r4, adds PNG save functions, includes a Mac HID class for USB communication, and enhances Cocoa classes with spellchecking, colorpanel, and status items.

Apple slashes refurb MacBook Pro prices

Apple has slashed its refurbished MacBook Pro prices following a refresh of the entire notebook line on Tuesday, offering the professional laptops for as little as $1,399 and free shipping. The refurbished 15-inch 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo MacBook Pro with 512MB of memory and an 80GB hard drive is priced at just $1,399, while the company's 15-inch 2.0GHz model with 512MB of memory and an 80GB hard drive is available for $1,449 with a standard or glossy display. Refurbished 15-inch 2.0GHz MacBook Pros boasting 1GB of memory and a 100GB hard drive are available for $1,499, while 15-inch 2.16GHz notebooks featuring 1GB of memory and a 100GB hard drive are priced at $1,599 with standard as well as glossy displays. Apple's reconditioned 17-inch models include the 2.16GHz version with 1GB of memory and a 120GB hard drive for $2,199 with a standard or glossy display; as well as the 2.16GHz model with 1GB of memory and a slightly smaller (100GB) hard drive spinning at a higher rpm for $2,199. The Apple Store Canada also lowered its refurbished MacBook Pro pricing, offering similar models with free shipping.

FairGame strips iTunes DRM with iMovie

Seidai Software has released FairGame, an application designed to convert songs purchased from Apple's iTunes Music Store to an unprotected format. FairGame uses iTunes' default encoder, keeping all the original metadata, lyrics, and artwork intact. The process takes 2 minutes and 42 seconds to convert a 4-minute song to AAC on a MacBook Pro 2.16GHz, according to Seidai. Users must enable "Access for assistive devices" in the "Universal Access" system preference and select "Place clip in Movie Timeline" in the "Import" preference of iMovie HD. Following those two steps users can select songs in iTunes, click on the "Process songs" button, and wait for FairGame to complete its tasks. FairGame is available for free as a digital download, and is known to work on Mac OS X 10.4.8 with iMovie HD 6.0.3, and iTunes 7.0.1 installed.

Acer: Home Premium is the real Vista

Acer senior corporate vice president Jim Wong has openly challenged Microsoft's pricing for the Home editions of Windows Vista, noting that many of the most frequently promoted features of Vista, such as the Aero Glass 3D-accelerated interface and Media Center software, are absent from the Home Basic edition, pushing buyers towards the more expensive Home Premium version. "Right at the beginning they started talking about the experience of [Vista Home] Premium. Premium is the real Vista," said Wong. Critics have already attacked Microsoft for raising the effective price, but Wong says there will be a tangible impact for system builders who have to absorb the cost into their system prices, according to Electronista. "We have to pay more but users are not going to pay more," Wong said, citing a 10 percent increase in the license price which translates to a 1-2 percent rise in the system price. British PC maker Evesham and others have echoed these remarks and don't plan to ship any systems with Vista Home Basic.

Forums: MacBook firmware, Product Red

Forums roundup: Members are discussing the recent fix released by Apple for MacBooks that randomly shutting down, which received mixed reviews from onlookers.... MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo buyers are taking part in a continuing thread by sharing stories of 'new arrivals' while offering reviews of the new laptop.... Another user asks for opinions on whether Apple should extend Product Red branding and support to its MacBook line of computers.... Another member looks for help in deciding between a 128MB or 256MB MacBook Pro graphics card, asking users of both models for their opinions.... Meanwhile, other users are taking part in an ongoing debate pitting core numbers against core frequency in processor advancement.

Day two at MacExpo in London...

The second day of MacExpo in London brought many more visitors to the show, and retailers appeared much busier as new Mac users shared their increased enthusiasm with the crowd. The Nike + iPod stand has trainers on-hand, with plenty of iPod nanos and Nike Sport Kits on display as energetic music played for attendees. The Intego stand is easily spotted by its lime green color, showcasing the company's full suite of software with hands-on booths and a chance to ask the programmer questions. While Intego does not have any new releases for MacExpo, it did reveal that new versions of VirusBarrier and Mail Gateway are due to ship in mid-November. Greenpeace returned to the Expo as promised after being forced out on the first day, keeping a low profile as activists offered free organic green apples to visitors.

Harvard Mac sales surge 30 percent...

Macs are continuing to see a resurgence on college campuses, solidifying the company's foothold in the education section. In the September, Apple executives told investors that the company experienced its most successful back-to-school quarter ever for its higher education business, noting that shipments of Mac portables increased 49 percent year over year due the popularity of the MacBook a successful free iPod nano back-to-school promotion. According to The Harvard Crimson, personal purchases of Macs at Harvard are up 30 percent from last year, while sales of IBM Lenovo machines have more or less flat-lined. Harvard, one of Apple’s largest educational re-sellers, has seen a rebound in Mac sales from several years ago. The same trend was seen at another Ivy league university Princeton, where Mac purchases have tripled in the past three years.

Apple to stay listed on Nasdaq...

The Nasdaq will continue to list Apple despite the company's failure to file its financial statements for the June quarter of 2006 on time. A report from TheStreet.com details Apple's filing of an 8-K form with the Securities and Exchange Commission today disclosing that the Nasdaq listings qualification panel has granted the company's request to remain listed. Apple must file its 10-Q form for the June quarter along with any restatements by December 29th of this year as part of the extension, however. Apple has said it will restate some past financial statements due to its stock option backdating issues, but said that it will file for an extension if it cannot file the quarterly report by the late December deadline.

Briefly: review; 15.4-inch MacBook?

In brief: MacNN has reviewed Pinnacle Podcast Factory UK edition ($180, shown at right), a podcast creation device with controls for input level, mix control, and output volume.... Foxconn Electronics -- a well known manufacturer of Apple products -- is planning to produce a 15.4-inch MacBook for Apple that will ship in May of 2007, according to one report.... Widgetop.com today announced the launch of its website, a free online Web desktop that runs Apple dashboard widgets on any computer without the need for Mac OS X.... The CD is 'dead' according EMI Music chairman and chief executive Alain, who added that music companies will no longer able to sell CDs without offering "value-added" material.... Mungai Mirrors, the creators of the "Huckleberry" MacBook gadget, have signed up UK TV celebrity Robert Llewellyn to promote their product.

MediaCentral 2.4 improves TV module...

Equinux today released MediaCentral 2.4, an update to its theater application offering customizable user interface themes, an improved TV Module, and enhanced .Mac integration. MediaCentral is designed to turn a Mac into a home theater system with support for numerous audio, video, TV, and multimedia formats. The new customizable interface themes allow users to personalize the look of MediaCentral by choosing from a list of color schemes or, alternatively, creating a custom scheme. The update simplifies usability via a new Onscreen Display menu included in the TV Module, combining a set of TV feature controls and configuration options such as a concise channel list and additional information about running programs.

Fabrix offers new laptop sleeve designs...

Fabrix has launched three new designs to compliment its current laptop sleeve collection. Known for its fashionable and contemporary cases, the company today debuted Black Angus and Red Fury--new red and black inspired design--as well as Black Flora, a limited printed design. Each fabrix laptop sleeve is internally cushioned with soft paddings so as to provide optimum protection for laptops. Each sleeve comes with a velcro flap so as to secure the laptop in place within the sleeve and can be purchased in either horizontal or vertical orientations (for loading the laptop into the sleeve). Add-on options for handles are available for $10 (short fabric) or $12 (long fabric or short leather). The new cases are shipping immediately for with prices starting at $33.

High-capacity PowerBook "Pismo" battery

Fastmac today announced the highest capacity, extended life battery upgrade for Apple's PowerBook "Pismo" laptpos. The new 84Whr TruePower battery uses Lithium-Ion cells (with integrated charge indicator LEDs) that are manufactured to the highest quality standards and utilizes TruePower technology to provide upto 68 percent more capacity than the original Apple battery. Fastmac's TruePower line utilizes TruePower technology, which incorporates sensors in the integrated circuit inside the battery that detect undesirable levels of swelling or a short circuit that will power off the battery in certain extreme conditions. TruePower batteries do not contain or use any Sony cells that are subject to the recent series of recalls issued by major computer manufacturers. The battery is scheduled to ship within 10 days and is available for pre-order for $140. Each battery carries a 1 year warranty and a 30 day money back guarantee.

Mac Expo officials on Greenpeace...

Mac Expo management and security staff who forced the Greenpeace organization out of the Expo on the first day have explained the decision. Greenpeace activists reportedly gathered outside the show entrance to hand out flyers depicting Apple as one of the worst computer manufacturers for including harmful materials in its products to attendees entering the event. "We want people to be cool and calm as they enter the show," said Bob Denton, the event director. Denton explained that two activists could stand by the stairs inside the show to hand out flyers, but that the management would not allow gathering outside the main door, according to a report from Macworld UK. Following the initial gathering at the doors, four visitors and five exhibitors reportedly complained that Greenpeace attendees were 'invading' other stands for mock photo shoots and replacing other exhibitors' promotional material with their own. One woman even complained that activists were taking photographs of her child without her permission.

MGM adds more shows to iTunes

MGM today added more programming to Apple's iTunes Music Store, including 22 half-hour episodes from the first season of "The Addams Family." Other popular classics include 32 one-hour episodes from the first season of the original science fiction series "The Outer Limits," while 32 half-hour episodes of the animated "Pink Panther" TV series are scheduled for addition to Apple's store in the coming days. "We are excited to launch more of MGM's premium and classic television programming through the iTunes Store," said Doug Lee, MGM's executive vice president of its new media division. "We have over 10,000 hours of television programming so making MGM hit series available to the iTunes community is a great way for us to continue our expansion in the new media world."

Navicast adds Windows Media support

Barsark today released Navicast 3.3, an update to the internet video and Web-TV system for Mac users. The revision adds Windows Media support, allowing users to automatically compress, publish, distribute, and present movies in QuickTime, MPEG-4, 3gp, and Windows Media formats. The software is usable for Web-TV services, mobile phone video services, in-shop TV solutions, and podcast/vodcast services. Navicast 3.3 adds pay-per-view and subscription functionality for both Web and mobile phones, as well as categorization functionality within channels. The new feature allows users to easily organize Movies within a channel into categories, according to Barsark. The update also offers an improved user interface, and fixes numerous bugs alongside some interface quirks (pricing available by quote only, system requirements were unavailable).

eOrdering 3.5.0 comes to Intel Macs

LAJ Design today released eOrdering 3.5.0, bringing native compatibility for Intel-based Macs to the CompleteGold, and Professional editions of its cross-platform applications that create eCommerce websites. The Complete edition is designed for products with single cost options, while Gold adds support for several cost options per product. The Professional edition enables users to split a site into categories, offering other pro options designed for small businesses and event photographers. eOrdering Complete is priced at $65, while eOrdering Gold and eOrdering Professional are available for $75 and $450, respectively. All versions of the software require Mac OS X 10.0 or later, and QuickTime is required for use of less common image formats.

My Dream App contest declares winners...

My Dream App -- Phill Ryu's contest searching for 'the next killer app' announced its three winners after a close race to the finish. Three ideas won the most support from the public: Atmostphere, a dynamic desktop representing the weather by Cameron Westland; Portal, a file synchronization utility with wormhole visualizations by Farzad Sadjadi; and Cookbook, a full featured recipe and meal management application by Michael Yuan. The three winners will have their ideas realized as Macintosh shareware applications, receive a free MacBook, and earn royalties on future sales. The My Dream App team is set to begin development on the winning ideas. Contest judges included Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, New York Times tech columnist David Pogue, This Week in Tech host Leo Laporte, and Microsoft executive J Allard.

Day one at MacExpo in London...

MacExpo in London yesterday kicked off with major product announcements from Quark in the Apex Suite, followed by a flood of enthusiastic visitors onto the show floor itself. Apple revealed a strong presence at the event as expected, presenting visitors with a row of MacBooks, MacBook Pros, and 24-inch iMacs. The Cupertino-based company also offered Mac Pros running various professional applications alongside a theater showcasing numerous Apple products -- such as Apple Cinema displays -- throughout the day. Many attendees looking at MacBooks said they were new to the Mac and came to the show specifically to ask questions, adding that they were impressed as they revealed plans to purchase Apple hardware either at the show or when they returned home.

MacForensicsLab 1.6 goes Universal

SubRosaSoft.com today released MacForensicsLab 1.6, a new Universal version of the suite of forensics and analysis tools. The all-in-one forensics software suite sports better performance, a much-requested user audit feature, and a dual-bootable CD which supports the latest machines. Version 1.6 of MacForensicsLab represents SubRosaSoft’s first fully Universal Binary application, allowing it to run natively on either PowerPC- or Intel-based Macs. "Combined with code optimization on the user interface module of the software, MacForensicsLab 1.6 runs a lot faster than its predecessors, the company said. Version 1.6 offers new tool for auditing user-specific information, enabling discovery of information regarding user preferences, internet browsing habits, and most of the user-inputted information such as addresses, caches and various log information. The software features auto report generation, detailed logs, disk imaging for analysis, keyword searches, file salvage/recovery, and more. The full version is available for $1000 and requires Mac OS X 10.3 or later.

FxFactory offers custom FCP plugins

Noise Industries has released FxFactory, an expandable effects package for Final Cut Studio. The visual effects package includes over 100 GPU-accelerated plug-ins based on the FxPlug architecture for the highest performance inside Apple's Final Cut Pro and Motion applications for video editing. The effects, based on OpenGL, Core Image and Quartz Composer, offer unlimited expandability. The Pro version enables "zero-coding plug-in development" so users can their own FxPlug effects for Final Cut Studio without writing any code using Apple's FxPlug architecture. FxFactory Motion Pack, which includes 34 plugins designed for compositing tasks, is $100, while FxFactory Editing Pack offers 33 plugins for editing tasks for $100. FxFactory Pro Pack bundles both as well as 46 additional customizable plugins and is available for $400. The software requires Mac OS X 10.4.7, Final Cut Pro 5.1.2 (or later), Motion 2.1.2 (or later), and either a PowerPC- or Intel-based Mac.