Briefly: Apple RFID patent; Adium needs help...

In brief: A new patent application filed by Apple has surfaced describing a system allowing a router and a wireless device to communicate network settings via RFID without requiring third-party intervention, one MacNN reader has posted photos of the new Apple Store that is scheduled to open this Friday in Austin, and Adium has put out a call to developers and support helpers. Apple's new patent application, which relates to a wireless router using an RFID transceiver, depicts a system designed to ease the process of wireless communication between two devices. The new invention will prove particularly useful in products with no visual feedback or methods of input, according to Apple, because it enables both the Base Station and the wireless device to negotiate network settings without requiring user input.

Apple's WiFi update patches previous patch

Apple today posted a new update to its AirPort Extreme wireless networking software to fix a problem introduced in its previous WiFi update. Apple says the update includes a security fix for a wireless security flaw that could be used by attackers to crash a system--the same flaw fixed in the previous update, but that the new patch contains an additional non-security fix for a compatibility issue when using certain third-party access points configured to use WEP. Apple says that systems which installed AirPort Extreme Update 2007-001 are correctly patched for CVE-2006-6292, but that installing AirPort Extreme Update 2007-002 is recommended to obtain the additional compatibility fix. Sytems that have not yet applied AirPort Extreme Update 2007-001 should apply AirPort Extreme Update 2007-002, the company noted on website.

Intel, flash memory suggest new Mac features...

Despite Apple's historical secrecy surrounding new product releases, industry watchers are looking to Intel's roadmap as well as the flash memory market for clues to what the future may hold for the Cupertino-based company. Intel, which produces all of the processors found in Apple's new Mac models, recently introduced its Santa Rosa platform officially known as Centrino Pro. The new chips combine a 64-bit Core 2 Duo processor with a new Intel 965 graphics chip and an 800MHz front-side bus (FSB) alongside 4MB of level 2 cache, which could find its way into a later revision of Apple's MacBook family of portable notebooks. What's more, Intel's new integrated graphics chip would offer a boost to MacBook graphics capability, which currently underperform -- especially for 3D games -- according to eWeek.com.

GE officially announces cameras, printer...

General Electric today confirmed its earlier intentions to enter the digital camera realm, Electronista writes, by unveiling a full eight inaugural models. The X1 targets the bridge between home users and professionals with a 12X optical-zoom fixed lens, optical image stabilization, and ISO 1600 assisting serious photographers; at the same time, the 8-megapixel camera also helps novices with face detection, a 2.5-inch live LCD, and a consciously simplified interface. It should be available for $399 in May along with the rest of the line.

More cameras from Sony, HP, Leica, Vivitar...

Following early announcements from the likes of Canon, Nikon and Kodak, several other manufacturers are using the official start of the PMA expo to debut new cameras. Sony's entry is the Cyber-shot G1; while relatively modest at 6 megapixels, the design emphasizes features rarely seen in other models. The camera uses a 3.5-inch LCD with 921,000-pixel resolution, which makes it one of the largest ever for a camera, according to its creator. Another first for the Cyber-shot range is integrated Wi-Fi, allowing sharing between cameras and other devices that fit the Digital Living Network Alliance standard. To this end, the camera also contains 2GB of internal memory as well as support for Memory Stick Duo cards as large as 8GB, ensuring that the camera can keep files well after a photo session. Sony plans to launch the camera in April at a price of $600.

Fortune: Apple is best retailer in US...

Apple's retail efforts have paid off in spades, despite serious doubts and criticism from prominent industry figures in the past. BusinessWeek challenged the Cupertino-based company's retail strategy in 2001, writing "Sorry Steve, here's why Apple stores won't work." TheStreet.com said "It's desperation time in Cupertino," and retail consultant David Goldstein chimed in with "I give [Apple] two years before they're turning out the lights on a very painful and expensive mistake." Five years later Apple opened its flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York, and generates $4,032 in sales per square foot per year. In 2004 Apple reached $1 billion in annual sales faster than any other retailer in history, according to Fortune, and last year the company saw sales reach $1 billion in a single quarter. "Our stores were conceived and built for this moment in time - to roll out iPhone," said Apple CEO Steve Jobs, who recalled the decision to move into retail.

DEVONagent 2.1 adds search engine plug-ins

DEVONtechnologies today released DEVONagent 2.1, an update to its intelligent Web research tool and alternative Web browser, as well as updates to all three members of the DEVONthink product family. DEVONagent 2.1 includes new search engine plug-ins, and updates all plug-ins as well as scanners. Users can access bookmarks through the dock menu, tabs show a thumbnail preview of the displayed Web page in a tooltip, and the new 'next' operator helps when entering more complex queries using parenthesis. Users can assign almost all plug-ins a keyword for entering quick queries in the Web browser's address field, and the 'see also' function returns improved results alongside a more accurate advertisement filter. DEVONagent is priced at $50, while DEVOnthink Personal is available for $40. DEVONthink Professional is priced at $80, and DEVONthink Professional Office sells for $150. All of the applications require Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later.

Mac Pro multiple drive sled ships...

Trans International today began shipping its Pro Sled Mac Pro hard disk drive sled, offering users the ability to swap out hard drives for a Mac Pro system. Users can assign and label drives for different clients, projects, or backup purposes to avoid misplacing data or overwriting files. Once mounted on the Pro Sled, drives are cold-swappable and plug directly into the Mac Pro main logic board. "Power users need drives ready for easy exchange and replacement," said Trans International. "The Pro Sled gives you the capability of unlimited swappable drives for your Mac Pro." The device requires no power cables, and is priced at $30.

Web search surge points to iPhone success

Apple's iPhone is likely to prove a hit with consumers if the number of searches for its forthcoming cellular handset has anything to do with the product's popularity. One blogger recently compared search trends for Apple's iPhone with Microsoft's Windows Vista, taking into account the demographic profiles of traffic to the Apple and Microsoft websites to assess the differences in the two company's marketing strategies. One report speculated that "based on a massive surge in searches, the iPhone will be a hit," adding that "the week that Steve Jobs demonstrated the iPhone at Macworld, the volume of searches for 'iphone' soared to rank as the 55th highest volume search term overall for the week ending January 13, 2007." At least one industry analyst has displayed mixed feelings about the new device, however, questioning the economics of the Cingular/Apple partnership as well as the addressable market of the iPhone.

Blast Miner coming to Mac, wins award at IGF...

Independent game development firm Cryptic Sea yesterday at the 9th annual Independent Games Festival took home $5,000 along with the Gametap award for its latest game, Blast Miner, which challenges players to extract chunks of gold from mine shafts using TNT, gasoline, acid, and other means. The physics-based title features two modes: players can steadily extract gold in a fast-paced Tetris-like environment or use deep strategy to solve complicated puzzles. Cryptic Sea's programmer and designer, Alex Austin, spoke with MacNN about porting the new title to the Mac platform. "We plan to release a Mac version as soon as possible," Austin said. "The porting process shouldn't take long once we obtain the proper hardware." The artist behind Blast Miner, Edmund McMillen, added that Gish 2 is under development and could also find its way into the hands of Mac gamers. The original hit game Gish was awarded the Seamus McNally Award at the 2005 Independent Games Festival, and is still available for Mac, Linux, and Windows users. [corrected]

Sony Cyber-shot G1 digital camera unveiled...

Sony today revealed its Cyber-shot G1, a digital camera with a 6-megapixel sensor with a 3.5-inch LCD boasting 921,000-pixel resolution. The extra detail improves the camera's software features -- such as photo slideshows with musical soundtracks and a user-friendly interface with a dynamic search system that discovers photos by color, face, or framing. The camera is the first Cyber-shot model to integrate Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing users to share between cameras and other devices that fit the Digital Living Network Alliance standard. The device also features 2GB of internal memory and support for Memory Stick Duo cards as large as 8GB, according to Electronista. The camera offers image stabilization to correct shots from the 3X optical zoom lens, and users can take shots at u p to ISO 1000 native sensitivity or record 640x480 MPEG-4 videos with sound. The camera is scheduled to ship in April for $600.

Sonic Studio releases PreMaster CD 2.0

Sonic Studio has released PreMaster CD 2.0, an update to its low cost premastering application that adds more background processing with more control and functionality. The latest release consolidates all of the maintenance changes incorporated into the code base, and adds the ability to support options such as Manual DeClick II and DDP File Open for both split and consolidated DDP file sets. The software boasts centralized command and control via a new Master Section with adjustable metering, a master fader with dim capability, and improved management of redithering parameters. Further additions include export to BWF and AIFF file formats, as well as optimized processing of waveform metadata. PreMaster CD 2.0 is available for $500 in CD format, and is available via digital download for a sale price of $475. PreMaster CD 2.0 requires mac OS X 10.4.3 or later to utilize its host-based functionality.

Apple patent may bring telephony to iPods

Apple has filed for a patent describing lanyards that incorporate electronic circuitry, potentially adding telephony to any iPod or lighting effects that relate to the heart rates of joggers. The lanyards could also offer additional input mechanisms such as buttons, touch pads, or sliders, according to the patent filing. Apple's documentation notes that the connector unit may include additional ports, jacks, or connectors to couple additional peripheral devices with the handheld device. In some cases, the connector unit may even include a wireless interface so that the accompanying gadget can remotely communicate with other devices. In the case of a music player, the connector unit could allow users to broadcast music to other music players. The connector unit might also include a battery for providing additional power to the handheld electronic device, extending its life when used remotely as when worn around the neck.

MS unveils HD Photo photo file format...

Microsoft today formally announced HD Photo, a new file format for end-to-end digital photography, which it claims offers higher image quality, greater preservation of data, and advanced features for today's digital-imaging applications. Previously known as Windows Media Photo, the Redmond-based company says that the digital image format is designed for digital photography on devices, applications and services; it offers compression with up to twice the efficiency of JPEG, with fewer damaging artifacts, resulting in higher-quality images that are one-half the file size, Microsoft claims. The announcement was made at the Photo Marketing Association (PMA) '07 International Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas.

Adobe debuts Photoshop CS3 Extended...

Adobe today announced that it will expand its digital imaging product line, offering two editions of Adobe Photoshop CS3. In addition to Photoshop CS3 software for designers and professional photographers, Adobe will also offer Photoshop CS3 Extended, a new edition of Photoshop which adds a new set of capabilities for integration of 3-D and motion graphics, image measurement and analysis. Photoshop CS3 Extended also simplifies the workflow for professionals in architecture, engineering, medical and science. Both Photoshop CS3 and Photoshop CS3 Extended software, which will be the first versions of the software to run natively on Intel-based Macs, will be formally introduced on March 27, 2007 at Adobe's launch of Creative Suite 3 (CS3); the company promised to disclose further details at the event. Confirming earlier reports, the company clarified that Photoshop CS3 is expected to ship in Spring 2007, countering previous reports that indicated it would be available at the end of March. A public beta is available now.