Forums: MacMini update, Spyware, Pricing

Forums roundup: Members are discussing what they hope will be included in the next MacMini.... Other users are discussing what the best way to remove scratches on a MacBook is as well as how to protect from further damage.... One user is looking answers as to whether or not Macs get spyware, after receiving and opening several spam emails.... Other members are discussing what computer is faster in real work performance today, a PowerBook G4 or a MacBook.... Meanwhile, other members are discussing the question posed by one user asking, why are Macs so expensive?

MS unveils 100 'computing innovations' at TechFest...

Microsoft today opened the doors to the TechFest 2007, an annual showcase of research projects held at the company corporate headquarters in Redmond, Washington. The company claims that this year's event, hosted by Microsoft Research, showcases more than 100 computing innovations, including telescope technology for the desktop PC, integrating content from several sources into a single, shareable document, and using the Xbox as a teaching tool. The company's annual showcase of research projects, where "researchers and product teams form close and lasting ties to jointly advance the frontiers of computing for the industry and customers," included an audience of customers, industry and government leaders and independent software vendors.

BBC preps alternative to Apple's iTunes...

As Apple's iTunes faces growing pressures from Europe, the BBC this week began planning its own alternative to the iPod-maker's dominance in the music and media industries. According to The Financial Times the BBC's commercial arm yesterday invited other UK broadcasters to put their programming on its new online media player in an effort to create an alternative to Apple's iTunes jukebox and media player software that could available this year. Hoping that the new service will provide "free" alternative the closed iPod/iTunes ecosystem, the BBC hopes to build a suitable alternative to customers. Called iPlayer, BBC Worldwide's chief executive likened the software to Freeview, a free digital terrestrial television service.

eMedia unveils multi-volume guitar tutorials

eMedia Music today added two new multi-volume CD sets to its series of guitar tutorial CDs. eMedia Guitar Method Deluxe features eMedia Guitar Method and Intermediate Guitar Method in a 2 volume CD-ROM set, teaching users to play with 340 audio- and video-enhanced lessons as well as more than 150 songs. The tutorial set includes an automatic tuner, metronome, recorder, 250-chord dictionary, and a scale-directory. "eMedia Guitar Collection is a complete course for the aspiring guitar player and includes eMedia Guitar Method and Intermediate Guitar Method to get you playing quickly with the addition of eMedia Blues Guitar Legends and eMedia Guitar Songs to master over 30 additional songs." eMedia Blues Guitar Legends includes 10 popular blues songs and recordings by artists such as Stevie Ray Vaughn, B.B. King, and Muddy Waters; eMedia Guitar Songs includes 21 classic guitar songs from Eric Clapton, The Who, Santana and more. Both eMedia Guitar Method Deluxe ($100) and the eMedia Guitar Collection ($150) are due to ship this month.

SeeFile 3.0 shares files, offers Web annotations

SeeFile Software today introduced the third-generation of SeeFile, its Web-based creative collaboration tool that allows instant Web sharing, annotation, and online sales. SeeFile runs locally allowing users to save large JPEG, RAW, and other media files to the local hard drive. The software automatically creates and displays thumbnails as well as watermarked previews in a simple HTTP Web interface. Users can remotely access files from anywhere on the internet via a standard Web browser, and the update introduces a range of advanced functions such as side-by-side image comparisons and onscreen annotations. The latest release is a free upgrade for owners of earlier versions with an annual upgrade contract, with new SeeFile Entry contracts priced at $500 with support for $100 per year.

Canvastic introduces children to publishing

K-8 has released Canvastic 3, adding various features such as an eyedropper, smart spell check, and four different brush shapes. Unlike other K-8 publishing programs such as Kid Pix, Canvastic eliminates frivolous options such as clever erasers, aiming to gradually bring children into the world of professional publishing programs such as Illustrator and Photoshop. As students advance in Canvastic, teachers can gradually increase options, tailoring tool windows to particular users or grade levels. The program requires Mac OS X 10.2.8 or later, and is available for $60 per license; group packages start at $230 for five computers.

iCoustic guitars work with iPods

iCoustic is offering its iCoustic guitar line designed to work as both a replacement for more than one instrument and as part of a larger digital collection. The guitars each feature a built-in amplifier and speaker placed in the soundhole to avoid distortion, and play the sound of any device connected via a standard minijack input. The company recommends iPods and includes a side holster to grip the Apple-branded music player while strumming. Users can also share the music with any pro audio recording equipment through a quarter-inch jack, and can use the audio between two iCoustic models to play sound from one through the other. Pricing varies with each model, but nearly any existing design can be converted upon request.

Fujitsu's high-speed 160GB notebook drive

Fujitsu today introduced what it claims is the highest capacity, full speed notebook drive ever released, Reports electronista. The MHW2160BJ spins its twin 80GB platters at 7200RPM, surpassing the capacity of previous 7200 RPM notebook drives by 60 percent, and the spindle speed of previous 160GB notebook drives by 33 percent. The drive and its smaller 80GB and 120GB variants are also some of the first to ship with Serial ATA II support for burst transfers of up to 300MB per second, while power consumption is low, peaking at 2.3 watts under high demand, the company claims. All three capacities should be available worldwide by May; pricing is not yet available.

TrueDisc burns damage-resistant discs

TrueDisc today introduced its self-titled software, which promises to burn discs which are far easier to recover than standard media. According to the company, as much as 90 percent of a disc can be damaged before the program is unable to read it. The key is the creation of "master copy" files on each disc -- if the data cannot be read through normal means, TrueDisc can be used to reconstruct the information using proprietary algorithms. Notably, the program does not support rewritable discs, only CD-R, DVD-R, or DVD+R/DVD+R DL. The software is on sale now for $52 and requires Mac OS X 10.2.8 or later.

Apple's iPhone draws Intel praise...

Apple's much anticipated iPhone consumer device is not only the darling of the media industry, but continues to spur discussion by industry executives. At the Morgan Stanley Technology Conference in San Francisco, the iPhone drew praise from Intel execs as a Windows alternative, while Motorola execs said it was no more than a niche device because of its high price. Intel's CEO Paul Otellini said that the iPhone is forcing a new wave of mobile device innovation, while validating the superiority of Unix-like systems on mobile devices over Windows. "Virtually every computer and handset manufacturer on the planet is struggling to figure out how to compete with Apple," Otellini said.

iTunes 7.1 runs on Vista, not perfect...

Apple has posted an update on the compatibility of its iTunes software with Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system, noting that a new version of iTunes addresses numerous compatibility issues with Vista but that the Cupertino-based company is actively working with Microsoft to resolve a few remaining known issues. Apple recommends using iTunes 7.1 with most editions of Windows Vista, and suggests that users who are upgrading from Windows XP or Windows 2000 to Windows Vista prior to the next release of iTunes take several steps to improve the experience when syncing an iPod or playing iTunes Store purchases. Apple encourages upgrading users to deauthorize all iTunes Store accounts, perform a clean install of Windows Vista, upgrade to iTunes 7.1 or repair iTunes 7.1 if version 7.1 is already installed, open iTunes, and choose "Authorize Computer" from the "Store" menu. [updated]

Adobe CS3 to ship "later this spring"

Adobe today confirmed that it will officially announce its Creative Suite 3 on March 27th, but said the product will not ship until some time "later this spring." The development company is celebrating the launch at an event in New York City that will be webcast live at 3:30 p.m. ET, and said it will reveal the features as well as suite configurations that make the latest version the largest software release in Adobe's 25-year history. The company was careful to note, however, that while it will announce Creative Suite 3 on March 27th, the product will not actually ship until later in the spring of 2007. Apple advocates are eagerly awaiting the new software suite from Adobe, which runs natively on Intel-based Macs and is credited for much of the pent up demand behind Apple's Pro workstations and notebooks.

Briefly: DST fix for Panther; ad mashup...

In brief: Developers at the University of New Hampshire have released a software fix for older Macs running Mac OS X 10.3.9 and earlier that fixes the Daylight Savings Time issue on those systems, an Obama fan has created a mashup of Apple's 1984 ad against U.S. senator Hilary Clinton, and Apple revealed a series of new banners in its latest newsletter to Apple Store Affiliates that encourage consumers to "go beyond Vista". Pictopia today announced the launch of the National Geographic Photo Store at the official website of National Geographic magazine, Linotype announced its upcoming TypoTechnica conference, and MacsDesign Studio released an update to its technical support software. The University of New Hampshire's support for older Macs reveals three options for users of the aging hardware to properly handle DST.

Apps: Xupport; SQLiteManager; SVN Client

• Xupport 3.3.1 ($20) is multipurpose utility that configures Mac OS X and Unix options, increasing security and performance, or allowing the maintenance and backup of the OS. Users can also clean up temporary files and access hidden server settings. Version 3.3.1 improves compatibility with current web browsers, and allows saving Unix manual pages as HTML documents. Some security enhancements have been implemented as well. [Download - 2.7MB]


• SQLiteManager 2.6 ($50) is a GUI manager for SQLite databases, with support for SQLite 2.x, 3.x, REALSQL and in-memory databases. The v2.6 update fixes a number of bugs, but also updates DoD ListBox and the SQLiteProfessional plug-ins, and puts the very latest databases at the top of the recent database pop-up. SQLiteManager is a Universal Binary for Mac OS X 10.3.9. [Download - 8.4MB]


• Syncro SVN Client 2.2 ($60) facilitates using Subversion to collaborate on development projects, sharing the latest notes and file versions. Version 2.2 adds the Annotations view, which lets users quickly find the author and revision number for a particular piece of changed code. Groups running bug-tracking systems can now link changes to a specific ID, which is added to every commit message. SVN Client requires Mac OS X 10.3 and Java 1.4.2. [Download - 11.3MB]


• File Synchronization 1.4.1 ($15) can synchronize multiple pairs of files and folders automatically, copying only when a newer modification date is detected. The new release fixes a problem with the open dialog in list mode, and enables toggling of the background loading of remote volumes. Users must have Mac OS X 10.2 or later, though v10.4 is recommended. [Download - 2.8MB]


• GrassPro 6.2.1 ($50) collects OpenOSX's Grass, MapServer, GMT and GIS Utilities packages, which allow owners to create and publish professional 3D maps, using sources such as aerial and satellite imagery. Changes to v6.2.1 include fixes to the user interface, such as zooming, and a new r.to.rast3elev module, which creates a 3D volume map based on 2D elevation and value raster maps. Grass requires Mac OS 10.4, and for some features, Apple X11. [Download - Size Unknown]


• Armado 1.2.8 ($20) sends gamers on a 3D action-adventure, where the goal is to rescue the Queen, the last of the Great Eagles, from an army of giant ants. The latest patch fixes collision bugs, as well as a scoreboard synching crash. The game is a Universal Binary for Mac OS X 10.2 and demands a PowerMac G4 or better. [Download - 110.8MB]

LicenseKeeper license manager released

Outer Level has released LicenseKeeper, a new software license manager for Mac OS X that stores both serial numbers and license files along with receipts and other related files. The application enables users to auto-scan email to capture serial numbers, and organizes important software licensing information into one library. LicenseKeeper supports drag-and-drop archiving of emails that contain licensing information, automatically detecting serial numbers within those email messages. The software also stores documents, zip files, and disk images with software records with the ability to export to XML for backup purposes. LicenseKeeper is priced at $20, and requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later.

Jobs set "canary trap" with Asteroid?

An Apple programmer who asked to remain anonymous has speculated that company CEO Steve Jobs set up a classic "canary trap" when he issued information about the product codenamed "Asteroid." That product, which has yet to surface from the Cupertino-based company, fueled a lawsuit against two websites which reported on leaked information. Apple sought the source of the information leak in the suit, and claimed that bloggers do not hold the same rights as the press with regard to maintaining the confidentiality of news sources. That argument didn't sit well with the judge presiding over the suit, who ordered Apple to pay the legal fees of both sites totaling $700,000. The programmer suspects Jobs fed each person at Apple a slightly different piece of information, and waited to see which canary sang, according to Wired.

Pinnacle debuts three USB TV tuner devices...

Avid Technology today announced that its consumer division, Pinnacle Systems, is entering the market for Mac peripherals with three new USB TV tuner devices: two for the European market and one for the US market. The new portable Pinnacle TV for Mac Sticks are designed to turn any Mac into a full-featured TV receiver/recorder with a remote control. The Pinnacle TV for Mac DVB-T Stick enables European users to watch, "TimeShift," and record digital TV and radio (DVB-T) programs, while the Pinnacle TV for Mac Hybrid Stick delivers the same functionality along with analog TV reception and the ability to act as a video capture device. The Pinnacle TV for Mac HD Stick offers U.S. users access to ATSC HDTV directly on Mac systems while also supporting standard analog TV. The Pinnacle TV for Mac HD Stick is due to ship in March in the U.S. for $130 (pricing and availability of the European models was unavailable).

MacDrive 7 repairs, analyzes Mac disks

Mediafour today launched MacDrive 7, an update to its Windows cross-platform file-sharing software that brings Windows Vista compatibility alongside the ability to analyze and repair Mac disks. The application enables Windows users to access all types of Mac disks as if they were windows drives, including external USB and FireWire drives. Apple disks are displayed with a small Apple logo to keep things clear, but are usable just as any Windows disk. MacDrive also supports partitioning and formatting Mac disks, burning Mac CDs and DVDs, and works with Boot Camp to provide access to Mac OS X system drives. MacDrive 7 requires Windows XP, Server 2003, or Vista. The software is priced at $50 for a new license, with upgrades available for $20.

Digital Foci debuts Photo Safe storage device

Digital Foci today announced that it will introduce Photo Safe, a low cost portable digital photo storage device with 40GB, 80GB or 120GB of storage and a built-in memory card reader. Photo Safe features one-touch copying from a memory card to the device, a user-replaceable Li-Ion battery that is rechargeable via USB or an external power adaptor and a backlit LED screen displaying battery status, free space remaining and transfer progress. Photo Safe also functions as a USB harddisk and has the fastest copy speed from flash media in its class, the company claims. Photo Safe supports CF, MD, MMC, SD/HC, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, xD-picture card formats. Photo Safe will be available in April priced at $140 for the 40GB model; pricing for the 80GB and 120GB models has not yet been announced.

(Product) RED shows meager returns...

A new report is challenging the effectiveness and return on Bono's PRODUCT RED campaign, although spokespersons for the charity deny some of those reports. It has been one year since the beginning of the Red campaign, which has recruited high profile U.S. companies such as Apple, GAP, and Motorola. In addition to the hype and buzz, a slew of publicity and marketing has included celebrity endorsements on billboards, magazine advertisements, and television -- with estimates of total marketing dollars projected as high as $100 million. That has resulted in only $18 million in donations to the charity, leaving many to question the effectiveness of the campaign and fundraising project. The results threaten to spur a backlash not just against the Red campaign -- which ambitiously set out to change the cause-marketing model by allowing partners to profit from charity -- but also for the brands involved.

Chronos ships SOHO Labels & Envelopes 2

Chronos has revealed SOHO Labels & Envelopes 2, an update to its popular software for creating labels and envelopes on the Mac. New features in this version include a completely redesigned interface, a project wizard, object grouping (to move them as one), locking of objects (to prevent users from accidentally moving them), layers, an alignment grid, photo cropping and numerous special effects. Additionally, Chronos has added "bins" to store commonly used text and favorites, including titles, headings and design elements. SOHO Labels & Envelopes 2 is available now for $40; upgrades from SOHO Labels & Envelopes 1.x are priced at $20.

Apple ranks No. 11 among global websites...

Apple for the month of January was No. 11 on the list of most popular global Web properties, mimicking its No. 11 ranking among US properties during the same month according to the latest data from comScore. The research company noted that internet traffic in January 2007 increased 10 percent from the same period in 2006 with internet audiences in India, the Russian Federation and China increasing the most in 2006--growing 33, 21 and 20 percent, respectively.

Nikon debuts D40x SLR upgrade

Nikon today introduced the D40x, a surprise upgrade to the D40 beginner SLR introduced late last year that increases the resolution sharply from 6 to 10.2 megapixels along with improved processing for better image quality and speed. Electronista reports that light sensitivity now reaches as low as ISO 100 for cleaner images in bright areas and that capture speed is improves to 3fps, which will last the entire capacity of an SD card when shooting in JPEG mode, according to the report. The complete D40x kit ships with a newer version of the 18-55mm, 3X zoom lens that improves sharpness and contrast; as an option for any of Nikon's DSLRs, a new 55-200mm VVR lens adds image stabilization for sharper images without the use of a tripod. The D40x will be available in body-only form in April for $730, or as a full kit with the 18-55mm lens for $800. The VR lens will also be available at the same time for $250.

More Apple retail stores: Naples, Austin

Apple today announced that it will open two new retail stores in the US this weekend. Following news of new international flagship stores in Munich (Germany) and Sydney (Australia), the Cupertino-based company will open its 11th store, Apple Store The Domain, in the state of Texas. Austin's second store, which will be lcoated at 11410 Century Oaks Terrace (Suite 120), will open to the public on Friday, March 9, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. CST. Apple also announced that its 12th store in the state of Florida will open this weekend in Naples: the Apple Store Waterside Shops will be located at 5555 Tamiami Trail North (Suite 6) and will open to the public on Saturday, March 10, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. EST.