Apple offers AirPort Base Station Update

Apple today released AirPort Base Station Update 2007-001 (for Windows), a software update for its new AirPort Extreme Base Station and other older networking hardware that includes general fixes and compatibility updates for AirPort Utility, AirPort Admin Utility for Graphite and Snow Base Stations, AirPort Disk Utility, AirPort Disk Agent. Apple notes that "only previously installed software from the list above will be updated. AirPort Utility v5.1 for Mac OS X 10.4.x or later software supports the AirPort Extreme Base Station with 802.11n, AirPort Extreme Base Station and AirPort Express Base Station." It is a 12.7MB download via Apple's website and the Software Update.

Briefly: no ifo for Italy; new Magic Bullet...

In brief: The first Italian Apple Store will not cater to fans waiting in front of the store for the grand opening, Red Giant Software today announced that the creator of Magic Bullet and Sin City Visual Effects Supervisor will unveil a new Magic Bullet product at NAB in Las Vegas, Total Training is helping Adobe Creative Suite 3 users up to speed with new video tutorials, and M-Audio has released a new firmware update for its MicroTrack 24/26. Apple's usual 'ifo' or "in front of" Apple Store line prior to grand openings will not likely occur for Italy's first retail outlet, according to Setteb.it. The store, which is due to open on March 31st at 9:00 a.m. local time, will not be accessible to the public because the ROMAEST mall will be closed until 9:00 a.m. on Saturday. Apple fans can still wait outside the external gates beside the roads, however.

Apps: WeatherPop; PresentYourApps

• WeatherPop Advance 2.6.1 ($8) is an alternative to the Tiger weather widget, displaying information such as temperature and general conditions in the menu bar. More advanced data such as wind, humidity and forecasts can be seen by using the drop-down window. New to v2.6.1 is a real-time Doppler radar view, available for any city in the United States. A trial version of the app can be used for 14 days. [Download - 3.5MB]


• PresentYourApps 2.0 (donation) will automatically hide or remove the Dock and menu bar when using certain programs. Version 2.0 can switch into presentation mode from launch, and allows every program to have its own settings. Eternal Storms cautions that while users no longer need to be in an administrative account, Dock options do not work in Mac OS X 10.4.9. The app otherwise runs on 10.3.9 or later. [Download - 515KB]


• viAllOver 0.1b (free) is a subclass for NSTextView that makes all textiviews in Cocoa apps behave more similarly to vi. The update adds a number of new and improved commands, as well as options such as hotkeys, and customizable colors. It has also been made into a Universal Binary. Compatibility may vary, but the software should run on Mac OS X 10.3.9 and 10.4. [Download - 98KB]


• EasyEnvelopes 1.0.3 (free) is a Dashboard widget that lets users quickly print out a pre-labelled envelope, using customized fonts and languages. To simplify the process, the widget can grab contacts from Address Book with a pull-down menu. The v1.0.3 update introduces support for Mac OS X 10.5, and fixes several minor issues, such as a problem in which editing an Address Book entry would not affect a live widget. [Download - 792KB]


• Citrin 1.1 ($120) produces scientific graphs and curves in a variety of 2D and 3D formats, ranging from pies and histograms to probability charts. Images can be exported to types such as JPEG, TIFF and TGA. Version 1.1 adds 3D pies and other features, and also remedies a series of bugs, including a scaling bug that affected OpenGL on Intel systems. Problems with resizing worksheet columns have likewise been addressed. [Download - 10.8MB]


• ChatterBlocker 1.1.2 ($20) attempts to mask workplace noise rather than cancel it, using a combination of music, nature sounds and unintelligible conversation. Owners can further run meditation tracks designed to reduce stress and increase concentration. The v1.1.2 upgrade supports aliases for sound files, and corrects a bug found in v1.1.1's installer. The program is a Universal Binary for Mac OS X 10.3.9. [Download - 18.5MB]

Steinberg releases Sequel audio app

Steinberg has released Sequel, a new one-window music studio for users who want to create their own music. The software includes everything needed to create music on a Mac or Windows system. Users with no musical knowledge can create and perform music live via included loops, sounds, effects, instruments, and more. "Inspiration for new songs comes in the form of a staggering 3.5GB of built-in loops and sounds covering a huge range of today's music as well as over 600 instantly playable instruments. Produced by top pros from the US, UK, and Germany, Sequel's sound library provides inspiration for Dance projects, Urban beats, Rock and Pop songs and much more." Sequel is priced at $100 and requires a 1GHz processor and Mac OS X 10.4.

Extensis plug-ins for InDesign, Illustrator

Extensis has announced new plug-ins for Adobe InDesign and Illustrator CS3, set to be released over the next several months. They will function with Suitcase Fusion, Suitcase Server and Font Reserve Server, and ensure that whenever an InDesign or Illustrator project is opened, it will properly activate and deactivate fonts as needed. Suitcase is a font management program that allows the same fonts to be used throughout multiple applications, guaranteeing a consistent appearance. The plug-ins will be compatible only with CS3 and will be a free download from the Extensis website.

OWC ships On-The-Go drive enclosure kits...

Other World Computing (OWC) today unveiled two new Mercury On-The-Go Hard Drive Enclosure Kits for 2.5-inch SATA hard drives. The kits enable users to build portable hard drives that connect to any computer with USB 2.0 capability, and feature a see-through design with shock protection for safe portability. The enclosure kits are fully bootable, and include all of the necessary cables to work with any USB-enabled computer. OWC says its enclosures run quietly, and keep the drive cool with a built-in aluminum heat sink under the hard drive, passing heat through cooling vents in the top. The OWC Mercury On-the-Go Hard Drive Enclosure Kits for 2.5-inch SATA notebook hard drives are priced at $40 with USB 2.0 and $55 with USB 2.0+eSATA Interfaces and include cables as well as accessories required for supported interfaces.

Daystar ships iMac G3-to-G4 CPU upgrade

Daystar Technology today began shipping the XLR8 400 MAChSpeed G4 IMTL Kit, a G4 CPU upgrade kit for older iMac G3 systems that allows "do it yourself" users to transorm their older 233-333MHz G3 iMac into a 400MHz G4-based system. The upgrade allows the iMac to perform on par with early Power Mac G4 systems, according to Daystar, and operates up to eight times faster than a G3 CPU running the same functions. The XLR8 400 MAChSpeed G4 IMTL Kit supports all versions of Mac OS X, but due to the lack of Firewire on the iMac Tray Load systems some users will need to download and use the third party enabler, "XPOSTFACTO" to install Tiger as well as the upcoming Leopard operating systems. The upgrade kit is priced at $100.

Free SIP softphone: X-Lite 3.0 for Macs...

CounterPath on Thursday announced that the latest version of its free SIP softphone, X-Lite 3.0, is now available as a free download for the Mac operating system. X-Lite 3.0 is based on eyeBeam 1.5, CounterPath's carrier grade commercial SIP softphone client, and provides high quality audio/video capabilities, instant messaging and presence management in combination with "zero-touch configuration," a comprehensive address book and more. X-Lite 3.0 supports audio, detailed call history, up to 2 lines, speaker phone functionality, and voice and video call recording, while the commercial eyeBeam (starting at $60) adds support for more lines, multiple SIP accounts, call transfers, H.264 and other advanced codecs, encrypted chats, etc. In addition, both the free and commercial versions support multi-party and ad hoc audio/video conferencing along with enhanced quality of service (QoS) for both video and voice calls. It requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later.

DLO ships new TransDock with video

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) today began shipping its newest TransDock car system, a device that broadcasts iPod music through a vehicle's existing FM stereo while adding mobile video capabilities. The new device features a distinctive new design with interchangeable faceplates, offering integration both visually as well as technically with a vehicle's interior. TransDock securely cradles and charges the iPod while offering full control of bass, treble, and volume settings directly from the vehicle's console. The accessory holds up to four programmable presets to help users jump to commonly used frequencies, and includes an integrated antenna with a built-in USB power charger for use with cellular phones or other devices. TransDock is priced at $100.

Apple TV: Joost, Asterisk; 5.1 audio notes...

Apple TV continues to draw much focus from both hackers and bloggers who are trying to add new functionality to the Mac OS X-powered set-top box as well as debunk circulating reports about its audio capabilities: Tutorial Ninjas has reported success in running Joost on the Apple TV, Apple may have a means of reversing such hacks made to its own devices, one user has posted 10 myths of the Apple TV, and a $500 bounty has been won for installing Asterisk, a telephone exchange.

Briefly: Samsung 64GB flash drive; 4D 2004.6...

In brief: Samsung develops a 64GB, 1.8-inch flash drive, 4th Dimension 2004.6 is released, Timeless Time & Expense supports Safari, and Iconkits produces two stock icon packs. Aside from phones, Samsung used this week's CTIA expo to promote several new technologies, most notably a 64GB flash drive. While intended for notebooks, camcorders and GPS receivers, the drive's 1.8-inch size may lend it to other uses, such as media players. Samsung is one of the primary memory suppliers for the Apple iPod, and the video currently uses 1.8-inch hard disks.

Spiderweb reveals Nethergate: Resurrection

Spiderweb Software has announced the existence of Nethergate: Resurrection, a remake of its earlier fantasy role-playing game. The story resumes its setting in ancient Britain, as the Celts fight to push the Romans off the island. As the fighting reaches full intensity, a band of barbarians is on the verge of rediscovering magic. Gamers can choose to play either Roman or Celtic storylines, each with its own skills and sub-quests, and can acquire upwards of forty spells and hundreds of magical artifacts. Resurrection is due this summer in both Mac and Windows formats.

Spiderweb launches Nethergate: Resurrection...

Spiderweb today announced Nethergate: Resurrection, a fantasy role-playing game for Windows and Macintosh. Resurrection sends the player on an epic adventure in the lands of ancient Britain, according to the developer. It is a complete, ground-up rewrite of the fantasy role-playing classic, Nethergate, offering the ability to explore unique settings, assault a multitude of cities and dungeons, attempt dozens of quests, and experience a fascinating story line. Users can learn over forty spells and seek out hundreds of different magical items as well as play as either the disciplined, battle-hardened Romans or the savage Celts, trained in the secrets of the druids. Each side offers a completely different storyline, skills, and adventures. It is expected to ship this summer.

MS aims at iPhone-like browsing...

Microsoft today issued a response to the iPhone's mobile version of Safari with Deepfish, the codename for a new technology designed for Windows Mobile 5 or 6 smartphones to provide a more desktop-like web browser experience. The software automatically creates a complete image of a website, preserving the formatting intended by its creator; instead of using a touchscreen, however, the Microsoft-developed component uses the joystick or keypad to guide a selection box over an area to zoom in for a closer view of an image or text. Pressing the select button on the phone again lets the user switch between dynamic elements such as hyperlinks and text forms.

Updated Mac thermal printer drivers ship

Peninsula Group this week shipped a major update to its thermal printer drivers for Mac OS X, which allow Mac users to print directly to Thermal and Thermal Transfer printers. The drivers enable thermal transfer labeling printers from SATO, Citizen, Datamax, Eltron, TEC, UPS, Tharo, Brady, Peninsula, Intermec and Zebra to be used as standard printers on Mac OSX. Peninsula Thermal Printer Driver for OSX is a special set of printer drivers that enable use of standard print dialogs to various thermal transfer printers. The software adds controls for speed, temperature, print resolution, and other printer options and supports printer settings for all major printers as well as cutters and peelers inside the printers. The company also added a configuration utility to easily add printers to the Printer Setup Utility. The drivers support both over 400 printers from various manufacturers, including LPR printer servers and Bluetooth printers. Peninsula Thermal Printer Drivers are $250 and $84 for additional licenses.

Apple's iPod transflective display patent

Apple has filed for a new patent titled "cosmetically uniform reflective border area in a transflective display," relating to liquid crystal displays with a reflective border area when the display is turned off. "One embodiment of the present invention provides a transflective display in which a border area adjacent to an active area has a reflectivity that is substantially the same as the active area when the display is turned off. This display includes a polarizer layer, a color filter glass (CFG) layer, a liquid crystal layer, and a reflector layer. The CFG layer contains color filters in the active area, while the border area of the CFG layer is designed to have a reflectivity that is substantially the same as the active area when the display is turned off."

ELITE Components offers Flash text effects

Patrick Jansen Design has released ELITE Components, new text effect plugins for use directly in .fla flash files. As the successor to ASTRO, PJ and Supreme4 Components, the ELITE Components are available as a Adobe Flash extension for use directly in the Flash authoring environment. It includes 75 predefined text effect variations with common features such as different effect start-directions, basic text alignment, automatic positioning on stage and dynamic input, and a list of predefined behaviors as well as quick preview functionality. ELITE Component also offers multi character customization, allowing single text effects to be customized by overriding font color/type for specific letters: users can mix any font and color for any range of characters in a single text effect. The developer says the ELITE Components ($50) requires no previous knowledge, shows immediate results, does not require importing or loading external files, and offers a wide range of custom modifications for advanced users.

Iomega intros 2TB external RAID backup drive

The newest storage product from Iomega is the Power Pro Desktop Hard Drive (not pictured), with the considerable capacity of 2TB. The Pro is actually four 500GB SATA drives linked in a RAID configuration, with each drive being removable for future upgrades, but lockable in separate bays. RAID 0, 0+1, 5 and 5+ levels can be chosen, and port options include FireWire 800/400 and USB 2.0. An LCD panel displays the RAID level as well as fan, temperature and capacity status. The Pro is both Mac and Windows compatible, including Windows Vista, and comes with EMC Retrospect Express, which can backup a system even when the computer is not logged in. The drive will go on sale April 10th for $1,700.

Dvorak: Apple should abandon iPhone...

Technology columnist John C. Dvorak believes Apple should pull the plug on the iPhone before it's too late. "What Apple risks here is its reputation as a hot company that can do no wrong," Dvorak writes. "If it's smart it will call the iPhone a 'reference design' and pass it to some suckers to build with someone else's marketing budget. Then it can wash its hands of any marketplace failures," he suggests. "It should do that immediately before it's too late. Samsung Electronics might be a candidate. Otherwise I'd advise you to cover your eyes. You're not going to like what you'll see." The columnist compares the mature cellular handset market to the segmented and unfocused MP3 player business prior to Apple's entry in 2001, noting that Apple played a very different game back then with a fresh new playing field.

Star Wars: Empire at War for Mac ships...

Aspyr Media today announced that Star Wars: Empire at War for Mac has begun shipping. Star Wars: Empire at War puts the power to command an entire war for the Star Wars galaxy in the hands of players, offering the freedom to determine play methods within the completely scalable and accessible gameplay. Memorable Star Wars hero characters can be brought into the action to help turn the tide of the battle as players build, manage and upgrade their space and ground-based units, vehicles, troops and base structures. Star Wars: Empire at War is priced at $50, and requires Mac OS X 10.4.8 or later running on an Intel-based Mac.

Apple files for Magsafe patents

Apple has filed for two patents related to its Magsafe power connectors, a small mechanism that attaches a power supply to its laptop via magnetism, preventing potentially damaging accidents resulting from tripping over the power cord. The patents, titled 'Electromagnetic connector for electronic device' and 'Magnetic connector for electronic device,' describe two forms of the invention. Apple states: "The MacBook Pro power adapter with MagSafe connector is just that: a magnetic connection instead of a physical one. So, if you happen to trip over a power cord, you won't send MacBook Pro flying off a table or desk; the cord simply disconnects, without damage to either the cord or the system. As an added nicety, this means less wear on the connectors." The U.S. Patent & Trademark Office also published Apple's continuation patent titled Graphical User Interface & Methods of use thereof in a multimedia player and a new patent titled cosmetically uniform reflective border area in a transflective display.

Apple intros Complete My Album for iTunes...

Apple on Thursday revealed Complete My Album, a new feature for the iTunes Storethat allows customers to turn their individual tracks into a complete album at a reduced price by giving them a full 99 cent credit for every track previously purchased from that album. Customers have up to 180 days after buying the individual songs from any qualifying album to purchase the rest of that album at a discount: someone who has bought three 99-cent songs from a $10 album, for example, can buy the rest of the album for $7.02 -- saving them both the need to re-purchase tracks they already own as well as the time needed to download them again, according to Apple.

Video surfaces of iPhone at CTIA...

A video today surfaced of the iPhone's appearance on Tuesday at the CTIA phone expo in Orlando. The short clip provides additional details about its demonstration by AT&T Chief Operating Officer Randall Stephenson, showing that his example unit was functional and equal in features to the edition used by Apple CEO Steve Jobs at Macworld San Francisco in January. The executive also joked that teenagers who had seen the Apple device were pressuring him to get the device early.

(Video available in full article)

Intel to ship faster Penryn chips in 2007...

Ahead of new mobile Core 2 Duos expected in May, Intel on Wednesday announced that it will begin producing its next-generation Penryn family of processors in the second half of this year and outlined its new Nehalem chip architecture expected in 2008. The six new "Penryn" processors, including both dual- and quad-core variations, will benefit from enhancements to the Intel Core microarchitecture and also Intel's new 45nm Hi-k process technology, which the company claims results in higher performance and more energy-efficient processors.

Penryn's new microarchitecture enhancements will bring extended battery life for mobile devices, enhanced performance for single-threaded applications, new SIMD extensions for better performance, enhanced virtualization, more instruction executions per clock cycle, larger on-chip caches, and higher processor speeds of more than 3GHz, the Santa Clara-company claimed.