Apple's Bootcamp 1.2 beta supports Vista...

Apple today released Boot Camp 1.2 beta, a new release of the company's software that enables Intel-based Macs to run both Windows XP as well as Windows Vista. Version 1.2 offers support for the 32-bit version of Windows Vista as well as updated drivers, including but not limited to trackpad, AppleTime, audio, graphics, modem, iSight camera. It also brings support for the Apple Remote (works with iTunes and Windows Media Player); a Windows system tray icon for easy access to Boot Camp information and actions; improved keyboard support for Korean, Chinese, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Finnish, Russian, and French Canadian; improved Windows driver installation experience; updated documentation and Boot Camp on-line help in Windows; and Apple Software Update (for Windows XP and Vista).

Briefly: review; SpaceNavigator CS3 support...

In brief: MacNN has reviewed the iVak N-Type 2 iPod case from Vakaadoo, Native Instruments today announced a new controller compatibility program for DJs, 3Dconnexion today announced that its SpaceNagivator device supports the newly released Adobe Photoshop CS3 as well as Photoshop CS3 Extended software editions, and The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) Annual K-12 School Networking Conference is set to feature two sessions focusing on how schools are using FileMaker Pro to drive budget decisions as well as resource allocation. Vakaadoo's iVak N-Type 2 iPod case is designed for Apple's 2GB iPod nano, featuring a soft feel exterior with seven available colors. The company ships a 'VakWrap,' lanyard, iVak Key, and clickwheel protective film with the case for £20.

Refurb MacBook Pros return to Apple Store

Apple's supply of refurbished Mac Pro laptops has returned in limited numbers, with 17-inch 2.16GHz Intel Core Duo models equipped with 1GB of memory and a 120GB hard drive for $1,999 featuring either a standard or glossy display. The company is also offering reconditioned iMacs which include the 17-inch 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo model with 512MB of memory, a 160GB hard drive, and a slot-loading 8x double-layer SuperDrive for $949; 17-inch 1.9GHz G5 model with 512MB of memory, and a 160GB hard drive for $999; 17-inch 2.0Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo model with 1GB of memory, a 160GB hard drive, and a slot-loading 8x double-layer SuperDrive for $1,049; 20-inch 2GHz Intel Core Duo model with 512MB of memory, a 250GB hard drive, and a slot-loading 8x double-layer SuperDrive for $1,199; 20-inch 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo model with 1GB of memory, a 250GB hard drive, and a slot-loading 8x double-layer SuperDrive for $1,299; and the 24-inch 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo model with 1GB of memory, a 250GB hard drive, and a slot-loading 8x double-layer SuperDrive for $1,699.

IK debuts Sonik Instruments

IK Multimedia today in conjunction with Sonic Reality announced a strategic alliance with Moog Music to offer sample-based products focused on Moog synthesizer sounds, and unveiled Sonik Instruments -- a series of virtual instrument plug-ins dedicated to focused collections of rare top-quality instruments. The first virtual instruments include SampleMoog, SampleTron, and Studiophonik. Each instrument offers a full synth-sampler engine powered by SampleTank with a customized graphic interface and a full range of built-in effects. The plug-ins feature 16 multi-timbral parts, four insert effects, and four send effects per part that are selectable from more than 30 effects. Algorithms are derived from IK's T-RackS and AmpliTube boasting fast load times and low CPU demands. IK Multimedia today also announced that its AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix software recreation will ship in April. Sonik Instruments will be available during the second quarter of 2007 (pricing was unavailable).

EMI: Cellphone makers could learn from Apple...

The cellphone business needs to take a cue from Apple if it hopes to survive, EMI's chief Eric Nicoli urged at a CTIA phone expo keynote on Wednesday. The record label head pointed to the iPhone as a prime example of where the cellphone music industry should be headed, noting that Apple and its future handset put their emphasis on an affordable, simple, and desirable product above all else.

"Apple makes stuff that people love to own," Nicoli observed. "They love the simplicity and user-friendliness of the iPod and iTunes. Apple doesn't employ any sorcery or dark magic to achieve this. They listen to what consumers want. And that shouldn't be Apple's unique privilege."

Briefly: Speed Dial for Opera; HDMI switch...

In brief: Opera introduces the Speed Dial feature to its web browser, IOGEAR ships an automatic HDMI switch, Case-mate donates to charity, and Fast Icon posts iPhone-style downloads.... Opera has released a new beta of its self-titled web browser, which now includes a feature called Speed Dial. As users open new tabs in Opera, Speed Dial displays thumbnails of up to nine favourite websites, which can either be clicked directly or opened with their corresponding number. The company intends to continue refining Speed Dial for its inclusion in the next official release of the browser, v9.2. The beta v9.20b can be downloaded here.

Microsoft improves Vista iPod compatibility

Microsoft has released a patch for its Windows Vista operating system that improves compatibility with Apple's iPod portable media player. The patch is designed to fix an issue that left iPods vulnerable to corruption when Vista users selected the operating system's Safely Remove Hardware option to eject the device, according to News.com. Apple repaired several incompatibilities with Windows Vista in the latest revision of its iTunes software, but suggested that users gravitate toward the 'eject' functionality with in its own iTunes application to safely remove an iPod under Windows Vista.

voXover voice-over automation tool released

Audiofile Engineering has introduced voXover, a new voice-over automation tool and batch recorder for Mac OS X. Designed in Cocoa from the ground up, voXover is custom-tailored for multimedia professionals working in the OS X environment, taking advantage of CoreAudio, Quartz and other advanced features. VoXover is a modern voice-over automation utility and batch-recorder for multimedia projects that requires the recording of large numbers of individual audio files where a typical multi-track recorder is not feasible. VoXover allows users to write or import a written script and rapidly automate the recording of that script. The script is displayable on voXover's teleprompter to the voice talent via a wired or wireless network, and sessions can range from completely automated to completely free-form. Takes are automatically created, named, and annotated as configured in the script. Users can also filter, sort, organize, rearrange, rename, and export takes at any time during the session. VoXover 1.0.1 is priced at $375, with crossgrades to voXover available for $325. VoXover requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later.

Glance StreamShaping improves conferencing

Glance Networks today unveiled its StreamShaping technology for Mac and PC Web conferencing/screen sharing. The software offers all participants in multi-guest Web conferencing sessions the same viewing experience regardless of varying network connection speeds by continuously optimizing each user's view to the speed of their network connection. "Poor performance due to one participant's slow or unreliable connection is an issue that has affected much of the web conferencing industry," said Rich Baker, co-founder and CEO of Glance Networks. "We're thrilled to offer state-of-the-art technology that delivers a great experience to every participant in multi-guest sessions." StreamShaping also automatically and transparently re-connects a guest whose internet connection momentarily drops, working to quickly re-establish the dropped connection and catch up to the most current view.

Apple, others sued over Bluetooth usage

Apple and seven other tech companies were added to a lawsuit filed over Bluetooth patents, potentially threatening the company's use of the technology in its products. The Washington Research Foundation -- which filed suit against Matsushita Electric Industrial, Nokia Oyj, and Samsung Electronics in December over Bluetooth technology in a federal court -- has added Apple, Dell, Logitech International, Motorola, Plantronics, Sony, and Toshiba as defendants in the case, according to Bloomberg. The companies are accused of infringing on four patents that describe data exchange between mobile phones, personal computers, and other devices without cables. Apple has built Bluetooth functionality into its Mac OS X operating system, and allows customers to configure Macs with Bluetooth hardware.

Europe questions iPod/iTunes regulation

A top European Commission official has questioned the need for regulation of iPods in Europe, following requests by some to force the Cupertino-based company into making its iTunes Store compatible with competing portable players. "Before we jump in to regulate competition on the market it is worth asking whether competition is actually harmed," said Philip Lowe, the Commission's director general for competition. "Is there not vigorous competition between different bundles of mp3 players and music libraries?" Meglena Kuneva -- Europe's Consumer Affairs Commissioner -- earlier this month requested changes to Apple's iTunes service to make it more compatible with non-Apple formats, but clarified that she was not suggesting legal action, according to Reuters. Norway in January declared that Apple must open up its music downloads by October 1st to avoid legal action, following an exchange of words between the iPod-maker and the Scandinavian country.

BIAS to ship Peak Pro 6 in third quarter...

BIAS today debuted Peak Pro 6, a major upgrade to its pro audio editing, processing, mastering, and delivery software for Mac OS X that runs natively on Intel-based Macs. Peak Pro 6 offers an enhanced playlist featuring new cross-fade options as well as volume envelopes; new DSP sound design features; editing and delivery enhancements; user interface improvements; and more. Feature improvements to the latest revision of Peak Pro affect advanced playlist editing & mastering; editing, processing, and sound design; voiceover ducking; delivery tools; and user interface enhancements. Peak Pro 6 is slated for shipment early in the third quarter of this year for $600, while Peak Pro XT 6 will ship for $1,200 and Peak LE 6 for $130.

Dual-1.8GHz G4 Power Mac CPU upgrade...

Newer Technology (NewerTech) today announced the MAXPower G4/7448 Single- and Dual-Processor Upgrades starting at $400 for Power Macintosh G4 AGP Graphics/Sawtooth, Gigabit Ethernet, Digital/Audio, or Quicksilver model computers. The MAXPower Processor Upgrades are the world's only available and shipping G4 7448 processor upgrades, delivering better performance than even new Intel-based Macintosh systems as well as up to 40 percent faster performance over competing 7447A processor upgrades, the company said. The MAXPower G4/7448 Processor Upgrades utilize the latest generation Freescale 7448 processors and are 100 percent compatible with existing hardware, application software, and Mac OS 9.2.2/Mac OS X v10.3.5--without any operating system modifications. Pricing starts at $400 for a single-CPU upgrade, while dual-CPU upgrades are available starting at $600.

NI debuts KORE 2 audio system...

Native Instruments on Wednesday announced KORE 2, the second generation of its advanced multi-functional host system. The new version significantly extends and refines the unified architecture, powerful realtime parameter control, and comprehensive sound access functionality. KORE 2 also integrates sonic capabilities with a comprehensive included sound library based on integrated NI instrument engines. While remaining an open platform for all software instruments and effects, KORE 2 now offers its own powerful sound capabilities, including a library of 500 specially designed studio-quality KoreSounds -- each with multiple sound variations, covering all relevant musical styles and genres. The new sound collection is based on the integrated engines of ABSYNTH, FM8, GUITAR RIG, KONTAKT, MASSIVE, and REAKTOR, and offers focused musical sound shaping functions, NI said.

iPhones, iPods triggering flash shortage?...

Apple's mobile devices are likely to cause a major shortage of NAND flash memory later this year, according to Samsung's semiconductor chief Chang-Gyu Hwang. The Korean executive told a gathering of mobile developers that the iPhone in particular, other mobile phones, as well as high-capacity 4-8GB flash players (such as the iPod nano) were set to create a "severe" drought in flash storage where demand would far outstrip the available supply. This was in part due to many flash suppliers deliberately cutting back their production levels, Hwang said.

IK Multimedia announces SampleTank 2.5

IK Multimedia has announced SampleTank 2.5, an upgrade to the industry-standard sample workstation plug-in that offers new features such as an enhanced built-in effects system with auxiliary and master effects, the addition of a high-quality studio reverb, and the ability to read all ³Powered by SampleTank² instruments. IK Multimedia has added five AUX and five Master insert effects to the existing five insert effects, now called PART effects. Each of the SampleTank 2.5 loadable sounds can be processed with a total of 15 separate effects! In addition, the new AUX and MASTER effects allow for greater CPU efficiency when loading multiple parts since they are applied to all sounds loaded in the module. Version 2.5 also adds a high-quality reverb derived from Classik Studio The update is free for all registered SampleTank 2 L ($300) and XL ($500) users, requires a 866MHz G4- or 1.5GHz Intel-based Mac. SampleTank 2.5 is expected to be available in May 2007.

MS counters Apple: Xbox 360 Elite, HD films...

Microsoft on Wednesday launched its own counter to Apple's new set-top device and iTunes with its new HDMI-enabled Xbox 360 Elite game console and new HD content offerings on Xbox LIVE--the Redmond-based company's internet-based gaming and media marketplace. Microsoft's announcement of HD movies from Paramount and Warner brothers upstages Apple's own iTunes offerings, which are currently only available in standard definition, despite the recent release of its HD-enabled Apple TV set-top box. The new, improved Xbox 360 Elite--a direct competitor to Apple TV--now offers a black wireless controller a matching black headset, HDMI output for resolution up to 1080i, and DVD playback with upscaling capability. The new Xbox LIVE internet marketplace will also add TV series and movies from A&E Network, ADV Films, National Geographic and TotalVid.com, augmenting the 1,500 hours of downloadable entertainment content already available in the US on Xbox LIVE.