Forums: OS X 10.4.9, 8-core Mac Pro

Forums roundup: Members are discussing the latest update to Tiger, Mac OS X 10.4.9, which is potentially the last release of Tiger.... Other users are discussing the recent leak by the online Apple Store UK that listed 8-core Mac Pros, but quickly removed references to the expected update.... One user is wondering whether or not a flip or slide iPhone is coming following the launch of the line this June.... Other members are offering solutions to a left-handed Mac user looking to flip the cursor to make it more suited to their needs.... Meanwhile, other members are discussing the lack of SLI support in Mac OS X, as well as the potential to boot a Mac Pro into Windows for SLI.

"World's smallest" iPod shuffle dock ships

A UK-based iPod accessory maker today announced it is shipping "the world's smallest iPod shuffle dock." The iUSB allows users to easily connect an iPod shuffle to any USB port without having to use the relatively large Shuffle 2G-dock (included with the iPod shuffle). Supporting full speed USB transfer rates, the company says it supports music transfer with iTunes as well as charging. "The iUSB is the perfect travel companion, taking up virtually no space in a bag or pocket," the company wrote. "No need to haul around the Dock and cables that came with your iPod Shuffle, just pack the iUSB and a user all set." The iUSB also comes with a convenient lanyard loop on the side so users can attach it to backpack or laptop case. The tiny adapter weighs 5.6 grams and measures 47mm X 16mm!. It is available for £6.

SendStation offers thumb-sized iPod adapter...

SendStation today announced a new product in its PocketDock line of iPod adaptors: the PocketDock AV is an ultra-compact, thumb-sized iPod adapter that provides connections for USB, line out audio, as well a both composite and S-Video, allowing users to sync and charge, attach the iPod to a home stereo and output iPod videos in supreme quality on TVs or projectors. “The PocketDock AV is the most affordable, yet most versatile all-in-one connectivity solution for your iPod,” says André Klein, SendStation Systems’s founder. “No other option delivers the iPod’s promise on mobility as well as the PocketDocks do. The new PocketDock AV is another great example for this.” The package includes a 4-in-1 cable for USB and AV connections for reducing cable clutter. The PocketDock AV comes in black and is designed to work with most iPod cases and carries Apple’s official “Made for iPod” badge. SendStation’s PocketDock AV is scheduled for release in early April 2007 for $37.

Quicky Jr. extends wireless range, speed

QuickerTek this week introduced Quicky Jr., a new device that extends the wireless connectivity of Macs with built in wireless. The company says that Quicky Jr solves the two eternal problems of wireless - range and speed, without disassembling the computer for installation. Quicky Jr, like the original Quicky, uses the USB port for wireless amplification and as a power source and requires no drivers or other extra steps to "get in the way of enjoying wireless at speeds normally only available to 802.11a network connections -- 54Mbps. Quicktek also includes two different antennas for specific types of wireless environments: A 2dBi antenna offer the wide wireless dispersal area coverage while the 5dBi antenna extends out vertically "to beat the multi-floor wireless blues." The antennas screw onto the Quicky Jr. Quicky Jr. works with all 802.11/b/g/n WiFi equipment including Apple AirPort, AirPort Extreme and the latest 802.11n version of AirPort Extreme introduced at Macworld Expo. It is available for $100.

Mac OS X 10.4.9 fixes 30 security flaws...

Apple's latest update to Mac OS X 10.4.9 (PPC, Intel) contains 30 security fixes to repair vulnerabilities related to numerous portions of the operating system. Security Update 2007-003 includes fixes for ColorSync, CoreGraphics, Crash Reporter, CUPS, disk images, DS plug-ins, flash player, GNU Tar, HFS, HID family, ImageIO, the kernel, MySQL Server, general networking, OpenSSH, printing, QuickDraw Manager, servermgrd, SMB file server, Software Update, sudo, and WebLog. The security update installs on systems running Mac OS X 10.4.9 or later or Mac OS X Server 10.4.9 or later.

Post-recall MacBook battery catches fire...

Despite Apple's recall last year of over 1.8 million batteries, Apple notebooks are still catching fire, writes Computerworld. The latest report comes from an Australian MacBook owner, who says he was fortunate to have a roommate spot his computer hissing and smoking. After extinguishing the fire, the battery proved to be swollen and charred, suggesting an obvious cause. Surrounding magazines and furniture were damaged.

MWSF attendance up nearly 20 percent...

IDG World Expo today announced that attendance to last January's Macworld Expo conference in San Francisco was up by nearly 20 percent. The show management company, which does not disclose numbers at the actual event, said that the attendance certification audit was performed by BPA World Wide, showing a 19 percent increase in overall visitors from the 2006 event. The audit revealed that the San Francisco-based Expo had 45,572 attendees in 2007, compared with 38,441 in 2006. IDG said that the show featured hundreds of product announcements, dynamic attendee attractions, more than 100,000 square feet of exhibit space, and almost 400 companies serving the Mac community.

HP rules Apple, others in January sales...

HP was by far the leading seller of computers at retail shops in the US, says Electronista, easily dominating companies such as Apple. Triggered in part by the launch of Windows Vista, HP took over 43 percent of all desktop sales in stores during the month, and also claimed the top spot for notebooks at over 23 percent. The company further managed to claim second place in the desktop arena, taking over 12 percent through sales of Compaq desktops. Emachines and Toshiba were the company's chief rivals in the desktop and portable spaces at almost 11 percent and 19 percent, respectively. As the only non-Windows competitor, Apple just edged its way into the top list with over 10 percent of all notebooks.

Apple posts Tiger, Panther, iPhoto updates...

[digg this] Apple today posted Mac OS X 10.4.9, a massive update to its current-generation operating system that fixes more than 20 security bugs and offers other enhancements, including RAW camera support, handling of large or malformed images that could cause crashes, improved image capture performance, mouse scrolling and keyboard shortcuts, font handling, playback quality, and bookmarks in DVD Player, USB video conferencing cameras for use with iChat, Bluetooth devices, browsing AFP servers, Apple USB Modem, Windows-created digital certificates, Open and Print dialogs in applications that use Rosetta on Intel-based Macs, Time zone and daylight saving for 2006 and 2007, and other security updates. Apple has a full list of details here. In addition, the company has posted a Security Update 2007-003 for Mac OS X 10.3 Panther (Server version) users. The update is available for PowerPC- and Intel-based Clients and both PowerPC- and Intel-based Servers or as a Combo update (PowerPC or Intel). Apple's iPhoto 6.06 also addresses issues associated with EXIF data compatibility and Photocasting.

Meizu confirms details of iPod nano clone

The full details of Meizu's M3 Music Card player have been revealed, according to a post by the company on its official forum. Consciously designed with the influence of Apple's first-generation iPod nano in mind, the device uses a vertical touchstrip to navigate content instead of a scroll wheel. A 1.5-inch LCD is also close to the Apple design. Launch details confirm that a single, 2GB version of the player will go on sale in China as of the 20th, for the equivalent of $65. A release in other areas is likely, though is doubtful for the United States given copyright issues. Visit Electronista for more images and performance specifications.

Quark to offer ALAP XTensions for QXP 7...

Quark today announced it would offer free tools for QuarkXpress 7 users next month. The company said that Quark XPert Tools Pro will be posted on the company's website during the week of April 2 as a free download for all QuarkXPress 7 users. The XTensions modules were acquired from A Lowly Apprentice Production in December 2005 and were formerly known as Quark ALAP XPert Tools Pro; the new versions will be compatible with QuarkXPress 7, offering Quark users better scaling, improved guides, and powerful text-linking. Quark XPert Tools Pro also includes XPert FindChange, which transforms not just text but entire documents in seconds and XPert ItemStyles, which can create attractive pages while keeping design consistent. In addition, XPert Pilot enables visualization of large, graphically rich overviews.

e-on extends Vue 6 3D line with 3 titles...

e-on software today launched its complete line of products for 3D artists: from the entry-level Vue 6 Easel and Esprit to Vue 6 Pro Studio, the complete solution for advanced artists--complementing e-on software's professional solutions, Vue 6 Infinite and Vue 6 xStream, which were released last month. Shipping as Universal Binaries for native support both PowerPC- and Intel-based Macs, Vue 6 Easel, Esprit and Pro Studio are the newest versions of the company's solutions for creating natural 3D environments and provide tools for the creation, animation and rendering of rich natural 3D environments. The new updates offer improved rendering speeds of up to 130 percent, improved Poser integration, new glaciation, alluvium and dissolve erosion effects, and other enhancements.

Luxology's modo 203 adds DXF support...

Luxology today released modo 203, bringing enhancements to UV editing tools, faster rendering speed and a new DXF translator plug-in as well as significant performance and workflow improvements. modo is a 3D modeling, painting and rendering application for creating high-quality 3D content for game development, design visualization, film visual effects, video production and graphic arts. modo 203 includes technology and user interface additions to accelerate the development of high-quality UVs. The UV unwrap tool has been improved so that UVs are laid out by the software with less angular and proportional distortion as compared to the geometric polygon volume and to help modo users interactively relax the UV data, the UV pinning function has been improved.

ColorBurst RIP 5.0 adds SWOP support

ColorBurst Systems today released ColorBurst RIP 5.0, the latest version of its application that prints files on Epson medium and large format printers. The update adds SWOP Certified support for the Epson SP3800, ensures that users can add job titles as well as color bars to every job, and features custom spot color controls. The latest revision also offers improved linearization, ink limiting technologies, and the latest PostScript engine that handles all transparent elements. A fully functional demo is available that runs for 15 days. XProof for the SP3800 is priced at $500.

Apps: EasyWMV; Nifty Box; ChatterBlocker

• EasyWMV 1.0 ($15) converts or resizes WMV, ASF, AVI, MPEG, MOV and VOB files. Resulting videos are saved in the MPG or MP4 formats, and can be specifically tailored for iPods, using H.264 encryption where possible. Other features include iTunes integration, drag-and-drop batch processing, and independent adjustment of audio and video quality. The program is a Universal Binary for Mac OS X 10.2 or later. [Download - 3.9MB]


• Nifty Box 1.1 ($33) is a personal library that stores miscellaneous pictures, bookmarks and other files, which users can add notes to and classify with tags. The latter are appended to a file's Spotlight comments, which will bring up the file even if it's otherwise missing the right metadata. Version 1.1 introduces Web 2.0-like tag clouds, and can sort tags into hierarchical folders. Nifty Box is a Universal Binary for Mac OS X 10.4. [Download - 1.2MB]


• ChatterBlocker 1.1.0 ($20) attempts to mask the audible distractions of an office without noise cancellation. Instead it uses a blend of music, nature sounds and background chatter, reducing the impact of distractions by making them unintelligible. Users can also turn to meditation tracks intended to increase concentration and reduce stress. The v1.1.0 update makes the software a Universal Binary; Mac OS X 10.3.9 or higher is required. [Download - 15.5MB]


• UI Actions 1.2 ($35) introduces "universal attachability" to AppleScript, allowing code to be executed every time a specific task is performed. Unlike Apple's Folder or Digital Hub Actions, every task can trigger a script, whether it be opening a window or editing a text field. Version 1.2 makes the program a Universal Binary, and also incorporates new fixes and features, such as updated Automator actions incorporated into the UI Actions helper. [Download - 2MB]


• SecuritySpy 1.4.1 ($50) is a multi-camera surveillance package that supports options such as motion detection, network video devices and the ability to broadcast remotely through QuickTime Streaming Server. Captured footage can be sent automatically to an offsite FTP server for backup. The v1.4.1 update adds MPEG-4 compression for viewing through a web browser, and supports several new cameras by Sony and Panasonic. [Download - 2.2MB]


• Sony Ericsson iSync Phone Plugins 1.5.3 ($3) enable certain Sony Ericsson phones to synchronize with iCal and Address Book, despite not having official support in iSync 2.3. Phones can only sync through Bluetooth, not USB. The latest plug-ins (sold separately) support the K810i and the W610i. At March 15th's CeBIT show, plug-ins for the K550 and W880 will also be demonstrated. [Download - Size Unknown]

Briefly: ModBook demo; iPhone ad in NYC...

In brief: Axiotron today announced that it will showcase its ModBook Mac OS X tablet computer on the Axiotron Booth (no. 310) at the Wizard World Convention & Expo in Los Angeles, Apple has placed a large advertisement for its forthcoming iPhone on the side of its flagship Fifth Avenue Apple Store in New York, and Viacom has filed a lawsuit against YouTube for $1 billion in financial damages. A Russian newspaper recently interviewed Apple Russia IMC president Evgeniy Bootman about several topics including the iPhone, and Seagate began shipping its 7200RPM 160GB hard drive with free-fall protection. Axiotron will display its award winning ModBook Mac OS X tablet computer at the Wizard World Convention & Expo, and has promised to let attendees try out the ModBook. The high-end slate-style notebook computer is based on Apple's MacBook portable, and features true pen input with an optional Global Positioning System (GPS) in a tough, satin chrome plated magnesium top shell.

Miglia responds to losing EyeTV

Following yesterday's announcement by Elgato Systems that it would no longer provide its EyeTV software to Miglia Technology, the company has responded with a brief statement: "The licence agreement between Miglia and the software supplier for EyeTV has not been renewed, Miglia will no longer ship products that contain this application in its TV solutions," said Miglia CEO Simon Ellson. "Customers that use this application with their Miglia TV product should have no concerns about ongoing support or upgrades, for updated information, please check the support section of our site." Regarding the future of Miglia products, Ellson suggests that development on its own products is continuing, and that a replacement for EyeTV will be discovered. "From time to time we have chosen to bundle other manufacturers software with our own hardware where it has been appropriate, this policy will continue."

Spanning Sync moves from beta to final

Spanning Sync today officially released Spanning Sync, its two-way synchronization software between Google Calendar and Apple's iCal, signaling the end of the application's beta stage. Users can sync all calendars on multiple systems to one Google Calendar account, ensuring that planning data on any given system is transferred to other chosen systems. Spanning Sync enables users to share calendars between multiple Macs and Google accounts, as well as sync between Google Calendar and Apple Sync Services-compatible devices such as cellular phones, iPods, and the forthcoming iPhone. The move from a beta release brings pricing of $25 per year or a one-time $65 payment to register. Spanning Sync requires Mac OS X 10.4.8 or later.

UBS: Apple poised for open-ended growth...

Apple's future is about more than just Macs, iPods, and iPhone, according to one analyst. Benjamin A. Reitzes of UBS said Apple is poised to become an "open-ended" growth story once again with a logical chronology of new products and advances, such as the multi-touch technology shown at Jobs' iPhone keynote in San Francisco. Reiterating a 'buy' on the stock but calling the estimates "conservative," the research firm held its $124 12-month price target and said that the "mega-platform" could add $1.00 to Apple's bottom-line in future years. "We believe the multi-touch platform initially shown in the upcoming iPhone can be integrated into several products including Macs & iPods, facilitated by Apple's software & retail ecosystem," Reitzes wrote in his research note to clients.

iBank 2.2 improves reporting, startup speed

IGG Software has released iBank 2.2, an update to its personal and small business financial application. The latest release features smart import rules, balance forecasting, and smart accounts. iBank 2.2 adds new budgeting features, faster startup speed, improved reporting, enhanced AppleScript support, and numerous other improvements alongside several bug fixes. Color codes show whether users are over or under budget based on the last month, quarter, or year. iBank is priced at $40, with upgrades from iBank 1.x available for $20. The application requires Mac OS X 10.4.3 or later, and offers localizations in English as well as French, German, and Italian.

SNS offers free iSCSI SAN drivers for OS X...

Studio Network Solutions (SNS) today announced that it is offering a free download of its iSCSI initiator software for Mac OS X. The software allows Macs to utilize iSCSI storage, a new generation of networked-attached storage that offers high performance access for multiple computers. When deployed over a Gigabit or 10-Gigabit Ethernet network, an iSCSI-based storage area network (SAN) can offer similar performance to that of a Fibre Channel SAN, while costing much less to implement, according to the company. iSCSI SAN require an initiator for each computer that requires access to the networked storage. Although an initiator is freely available for most major operating systems, an iSCSI initiator is not shipped with Apple's Mac OS X; however, with its announcement today Studio Network Solutions has released 3.0 of its globalSAN iSCSI initiator for Mac OS X.