Briefly: AAPL earnings, Keyspan Tuneview...

Briefly: Apple earnings are due next week, a few weeks before its shareholders' meeting, while Keyspan launched a new black enclosure for its Tuneview Remote and IconKits.com released new collections.... Ahead of its May 10th shareholders' meeting, Apple will announce its 2007 second quarter financial results after market close on Wednesday, April 25th and hold a conference call -- available via QuickTime audio -- followed by its quarterly analyst conference call to discuss earnings at 5:00 p.m. ET on the same day.... Keyspan today revealed a new black version of its LCD-based iPod remote. The new black enclosure for its "TuneView for iPod" which provides a new wireless way to manage music throughout your house or office.

Apple fined for air pollution in Sacramento...

Already under attack by Greenpeace for its environmental policies, a new report indicates that Apple will pay $43,200 in penalties to the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District for an air quality violation that occurred at its Elk Grove facility in April 2006, according to the Sacramento Business Journal. "When a business neglects to observe air quality regulations the health of our citizens is jeopardized," district executive director Larry Greene said in a news release. The report says the violation occurred over several days as Apple operated its emergency standby generator for a purpose other than maintenance or emergency power. Apple was notified that it violated its permit requirements April 21, 2006 and the report says the penalty is part of a settlement between the district and Apple to resolve violations of air district regulations. The air district's voluntary settlement program is designed to prevent litigation.

NTRglobal announces NTRsupport software

NTRglobal has announced NTRsupport, a new software solution that offers simultaneous remote control and support sessions or computers running Mac OS, Windows, or Linux operating systems. NTRsupport is designed to allow support professionals to to create an immediate and secure connection between the support agent's computer and a user's Mc or PC, enabling support staff to actually see what is on the user's screen in real time. The software achieves cross-platform support via the Firefox Web browser, which is the only browser that guarantees full compatibility with Mac OS as well as Windows and Linux. NTRsupport works on Intel as well as PowerPC-based Macs, and NTR Labs is working to extend the software's capabilities by adding supplementary support functionality via VoIP (Voice over IP) telephony, videoconferencing, and an installable remote control (IRC) function (pricing and system requirements were unavailable).

Saitek unveils touch-scroll Obsidian mouse...

Saitek's US divsion today unveiled its Obsidian designer mouse. In contrast to most of its more colorful mice, Saitek's newer pointer resembles the jet-black stone of its name and achieves the completely smooth effect by replacing the traditional scroll wheel with a touch-sensitive scroll pad and seam-free top buttons. Browser back and forward navigation buttons are hidden in the concentric patterns on the sides.

'iPhone' surfaces at Chinese exporter

Although the Apple iPhone is only scheduled to launch in its home region in June, a Chinese import/export firm has already produced multiple listings for the product, complete with photos and specifications that would seem to prove authenticity. Analysis suggests the opposite however, as in some cases there are substantial differences in the designs or interfaces of the phones. The more plausible entries could in theory be signs of early production, but it is more likely that the products are cheap imitations, given Apple's potential ongoing development problems.

NewTek unveils SpeedEDIT upgrade

NewTek has released an upgrade to SpeedEDIT, its resolution-independent video editor designed to work quickly and efficiently on any video project, and announced that the software supports Windows Vista. The latest release features additional format support -- including WMVHD, VC1, and Windows Media Format 11 file writing support -- as well as improved plug-in capability with support for the VST audio filter-plug-in. The software reads DVCPro HD (MXF) files, offers real-time output support for NewTek video cards, and allows Time Code burn-in for both local and project timecode. SpeedEDIT also offers advanced Crossfade types, and generally improves performance as well as quality and stability. SpeedEDIT is available for $500, with the upgrade slated for release in the second quarter as a free download for current SpeedEDIT clients.

Apple amends WWDC keynote: now 90 min

Apple has corrected an earlier post on its WWDC website which read that its keynote speech would span three hours, and is now reporting a keynote length of 1.5 hours. The Cupertino-based company's CEO, Steve Jobs, will address attendees at the Worldwide Developers Conference for 90 minutes, rather than the previously reported double-length of three hours. The confusion is attributed to a simple mistake in updating the official WWDC website, which caused heated speculation about what surprises might have laid in store for keynote attendees during such a lengthy presentation. Currently the keynote is scheduled to run on June 11th from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Pacific time, instead of 9:00 a.m. to noon as was previously suggested.

Analyst: Vodafone to bring iPhone to Europe...

Research firm American Technology Research today added Apple to its Focus List and strongly recommended investors to purchase shares of the Cupertino-based company. "While we have been Apple bulls for years, we were hoping to see a similar pullback to last year to become even more aggressive in our stance," said American Technology Research senior analyst Shaw Wu. "Given our recent datapoints, we are incrementally bullish and believe investors should buy Apple aggressively at current levels as we add it to our Focus List today." The firm picked up three key iPhone developments in its recent analysis which suggest a material positive impact on the firm's forward assumptions, and raised its estimates above Wall Street consensus as well as its price target to reflect that belief. According to Wu, sources indicate that a rebate or carrier subsidy for iPhone of $50-150 is under serious consideration.

AutoMotion 1.5 comes to Intel-based Macs

Digital Heaven today released AutoMotion 1.5, updating the companion to Apple's Motion software designed to resolve the manual and time consuming process of creating multiple graphics. AutoMotion creates multiple graphics in seconds by merging template styles with text data while managing the revision of those graphics, and displays a live preview as changes are made to each version. The latest release runs natively on Intel-based Macs as a Universal Binary, sends first exports to Final Cut Pro in seconds, offers improved file naming options, and adds support for text encoding on imported text files. AutoMotion 1.5 is available for $500, and the update is free for existing customers. The software requires Apple Motion 2.01 or later.

Infinite Crosswords for Mac released

UClick has released Infinite Crosswords for Mac, bringing the classic crossword puzzle to the desktop with familiar gameplay. Players plug missing letters into a grid by solving clues, while a simple menu and interface offer multiple difficulty levels for the same puzzles. Enhanced graphics complement a large assortment of crosswords, and hint options help players through difficult stretches. Infinite Crosswords is available from Macgamestore.com for $20, and requires Mac OS X 10.2 or later.

Apps: ClipSaver; CryptoEdit; EasyIMAP

• ClipSaver 2.0 ($15) keeps copied text safe by automatically scanning and duplicating the Clipboard, saving text to one or more files. When a single file is chosen, the software inserts separators between entries. The second edition runs natively on Intel-based Macs as a Universal Binary, and handles text encodings properly, according to the developer. The latest release also performs automatic updates checks. [Download - 4MB]


• CryptoEdit 1.2 ($20) is designed as a standard text editing program, but protects all saved files and embedded images with Blowfish encryption. Users can add public notes to documents that explain why the file is encrypted, as well as where to retrieve a password. Version 1.2 adds an automatic software update, as well as a new "Lock" command. CryptoEdit includes numerous bug fixes, runs optimally on Mac OS X 10.4, and requires Mac OS X 10.3. [Download - 212KB]


• EasyIMAP 1.0 ($75) inserts an IMAP socket class into REALBasic with support for all standard IMAP functions, including subscriptions, mailbox listings, and the retrieval of all message parts and flags. The software design is based on the built-in POP3 socket, and aims to support all major IMAP servers as well as most of the protocol's features. The class requires REALBasic 5.5 or later. [Download - 452KB]


• iWisdom 1.4 (free) collects and manages various quotes as well as observations, organizing the data by author, source, category, and other criteria. Users can run the program in list or editing modes, and a display mode flashes a new entry at set intervals. iWisdom can export data to XML or HTML formats, and the latest release improves the appearance of quotations while allowing the use of XHTML tags. iWisdom 1.4 also enables users to add or or remove of quotation marks. [Download - 3.2MB]


• Risky Business SOS 2007.042 ($1,500) guides companies through the process of documenting Safe Operating Procedures (SOPs) for handling substances as well as hazards and risk assessments. The latest revision introduces the Public Liability module to track claims made against a company, and also includes a "Google-like" instant search menu. Australian users will appreciate a new warning for compliance with Standard 4360. [Download - [form]]


• seSales 1.5 ($250) is checkout application designed for retail cashiers written completely in Cocoa. The software supports using either keyboard commands or mouse menus to accommodate checkers who are faster with either method. The update includes more options for 80mm receipts, as well as a revised PayPal handler that is used to process credit cards. SeSales requires Mac OS X 10.4 and an active internet connection for credit authorizations. [Download - 6.3MB]

Apple to kick off WWDC with 3-hour keynote...

Apple is set to kick off its 2007 World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC) with a whopping 3-hour keynote speech, and has added 'coding headstarts' as well as hotel rates to its website. The Cupertino-based company historically uses its WWDC keynote speech to offer in-depth previews of its operating system, elaborate on its overall strategic position, and introduces new hardware or software. The keynote is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. on June 11th, and despite Apple's decision to push back the launch of Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard until October, the company has promised to offer WWDC attendees preview versions of the new operating system. Apple previously noted that it was developing several secret features for Leopard, but refused to disclose those features to prevent competitors from copying the new ideas.

kdb+ database now supports Mac OS X

Kx Systems has announced kdb+ database and application support for Mac OS X. The update comes as a result of increasing requests from kdb+ developers seeking Apple support, coming in both 32- and 64-bit versions. Kdb+ -- which is Kxsystems' new generation relational database system -- combines a streaming event processor, a 64-bit in-memory and on-disk database, and an expressive development and analytics environment. The software is designed to provide an end-to-end architecture for streaming, real-time, and historical data that enables kdb+ to deliver enhanced performance for high-volume, data-intensive analytics and applications.

Runes of Avalon strategy game released

Anawiki Games has released Runes of Avalon, its latest Mac OS X game offering a unique combination of match-three and Tetris mechanics with more than 100 levels. The game features three play modes, an in-depth storyline, and artwork as well as music alongside voice-acting for the storyline segments. "Lost somewhere in the mists of time, Avalon's beauty and grace is threatened. The forests and vales whisper to you of a growing evil and Merlin, your master, has disappeared leaving Avalon unguarded. It is the ambitious and evil Morganna le Fay who is spreading a darkening corruption. Use the Rune Magic that Merlin taught you to rescue your master from Morganna's Tower. Do you have what it takes to save Avalon from Morganna?" Runes of Avalon runs natively on Intel-based Macs as a Universal binary, is priced at $20, and requires Mac OS X 10.3 or later.

Briefly: Jobs for Prez; G5 Rackmount, Art Files...

In brief: InsanelyGreatTees.com has begun another round of voting for five new tee-shirt designs, one Mac Pro owner is using Cadlock's G5 Rackmount kit to secure his pricey new Mac Pro, and a free update to the Art Files collection utility adds support for Adobe Illustrator CS3 documents. Briksoftware has launched codebeach.org -- a website enabling Mac developers to freely share code -- and MidnightApps.com is poised to release Cha-Ching 1.0. InsanelyGreatTees.com is enabling visitors to vote on a new round of tee-shirt designs, one of which reads: "Steve Jobs For President." Other shirt designs include a monkey iPod advertisement, a smiling iPod, a pixel art-style light bulb, and a simple phrase which reads "'640k ought to be enough for anybody.' - Bill Gates, 1981."

MacLinkPlus v16 offers Office 2007 support

DataViz last week announced the pre-release of its MacLinkPlus Deluxe v16, featuring new Office 2007 file translators. The software is designed to help users communicate and exchange files with the Windows world and now includes new translators for Microsoft Word and Excel Office 2007 file formats. The translators can convert, open, read and edit Word and Excel files created in Microsoft Office 2007 for Windows. In addition, the latest version adds a new translator for WordPerfect x3 files and now includes software integration with icWord and icExcel for quick and easy viewing of Word, Excel PowerPoint, AppleWorks and ClarisWorks files (a $30 value). The final release with Office 2007 rich file formatting support for Word and Excel will be available by the middle of the second quarter (2007), around the same time as Microsoft's expected beta for its Office 2007 XML converters. Customers who purchase the pre-release of MacLinkPlus Deluxe 16 will receive the full shipping version at no additional cost. The full version is $80, while upgrades are $40.

Apple to open new Florida, Colorado stores

Apple this week will open two new retail stores in Florida and Colorado. Expected to open on Saturday, the Apple Store The Galleria in Fort Lauderdale (Florida) is located at 2414 E. Sunrise Boulevard: it will open at 10:00 a.m. ET on April 21, 2007, while the Apple Store Park Meadows in Littleton (Colorado) is located at 8401 Park Meadows Center Dr. No. 1150 will open on the same day at 9:30 a.m. MT. Both stores are offering a usual T-shirt Giveaway to the first 1000 people to visit and the opportunity to enter a Grand Opening Sweepstakes to win a Digital Lifestyle Collection valued at nearly $2600 (Grand Prize: a black 13-inch 2.0GHz MacBook, ProCare and .Mac membership for 1 year, an iPod nano, an iPod Hi-Fi, iWork, and AppleCare).

Lexmark launches wireless inkjets...

Lexmark on Tuesday introduced an affordable range of wireless printers with its new 2007 product line as well as two . Eight of Lexmark's 12 new inkjet printers offer wireless capabilities, including its new four-in-one, three-in-one and single-function printers. Expected to ship in the second quarter of 2007, the new line includes the Lexmark X4550 Wireless All-in-One (AIO), the Lexmark Z1420 Wireless Color Printer, and the Lexmark X3550 Color All-in-One with wireless as an optional feature. The printers, compatible with 802.11b/g wireless protocols, are backed with Lexmark's exclusive Protection Guarantee featuring next-business day replacement for up to one year after purchase.

Telestream updates Episode, Flip4Mac at NAB...

Telestream on Monday announced direct integration of its Episode Series media encoding applications with Compressor 3, Apple's new encoding tool included with Final Cut Studio 2 as well as new updated Final Cut Pro components. The integration expands encoding capabilities for Final Cut Studio users to an extensive array of video and audio formats and encoding settings including Flash 8, Windows Media and VC-1, as well as broadcast specific formats like GXF, IMX, MPEG-2 4:2:2 and high profile H.264. Episode provides an extensive range of SD and HD file format support and includes optimized codecs as well as hundreds of filters and fine-tuning compression capabilities.

Sonicfire Pro 4.5 adds Smart Recall...

SmartSound at NAB launched Sonicfire Pro 4.5 and its new BackStage service. Sonicfire Pro 4.5, an update to the company’s music and scoring technology for film and video professionals, features Smart Recall, which brings new customization options to music tracks exported as standard audio file formats. Sonicfire Pro music scores which have been exported as .WAV or .AIFF files are now embedded with the project information used to create the track. The company said that scores can be opened in Sonicfire Pro 4 directly from a video editing timeline to make changes for length, arrangement and mix as a production evolves.

Dolby Media Producer goes "Universal"...

Dolby at NAB showcased its latest audio-enhancing broadcast solutions, including Universal versions of Dolby Media Producer, a professional line of four software products for audio mastering, including encoding, decoding, and supporting tasks. The solutions support Dolby audio technologies for disc-based media formats such as HD DVD, Blu-ray Disc, DVD-Video, and DVD-Audio. The company also announced Dolby Media Encoder SE, which provides the same quality and functionality as the Dolby Media Encoder network version but is designed for single-computer use. The Universal versions of its applications for all Dolby Media Producer products will run natively on Intel- and PowerPC-based systems. A bundle of all three Dolby Media Producer professional software products, including Dolby Media Encoder, Dolby Media Decoder, and Dolby Media Tools is $11,000; it requires Mac OS X v10.4.

SimpleMovieX 3 movie editor released

Aero Quartet has released SimpleMovieX 3, a movie editor for Mac OS X with a feature set that roughly resembles Apple's QuickTime Pro software. SimpleMovieX extends editing capabilities to other popular video formats including AVI, Google Video, MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4. The latest release supports Chapters as a simple way to structure long movies and split them into clips. SimpleMovieX 3 also features a batch converter, as well as an Audio Waveform tool to make sharp audio editing and synchronization. The software provides a search pane to quickly locate a sequence, and offers an adaptable timeline for accurate playhead positioning even in large duration movies. SimpleMovieX is priced at $30, and requires Mac OS X 10.3 or later.

Alien Skin Photoshop plug-ins go Universal

Alien Skin Software today released Mac Universal updates for all of its Photoshop plug-ins. Updated plug-ins include Snap Art, BlowUp, Exposure, Xenofex 2, Image Doctor, Splat!, and Eye Candy 5: Textures, Nature, and Impact. Alien Skin's Photoshop plug-ins provide numerous visual effects via a simple point-and-click interface with user-definable settings for many plug-in features. The updates are compatible with the forthcoming Photoshop CS3 release from Adobe, and Alien Skin's Universal plug-ins provide a significant performance increase on Intel-based Macs. Registered users can receive free updates for any Alien Skin plug-ins purchased on or after January 1, 2007. New users can purchase the updates for $20 each for up to three titles, after which additional titles are available free of charge.

Veenix releases Font Tools 7.0...

Veenix Software today released Font Tools 7.0, an update to its integrated Mac OS X tools for previewing, printing, organizing, and working with fonts. The latest release adds a new font preview pane in the Visual Font Database window, which is collapsible and customizable offering a quick way to sample a word or phrase through many fonts. Font Tools 7.0 also introduces several new built-in auto-detection font categories designed for inline and outline fonts, shadow and fonts, math and pi fonts, expert and fraction fonts, and small and drop cap fonts. Veenix Font Tools is priced at $70, and requires Mac OS X 10.2 or later.

AJA debuts Io HD, new converters at NAB...

AJA today unveiled its Io HD as well as two new converters, and released a software upgrade to its XENA line of video playback and capture cards. The Io HD (site not updated) is the next generation of AJA's Io series, delivering HD editing to the MacBook Pro and Mac Pro. Io HD is the first device to natively support Apple's newly introduced ProRes 422 post production format in hardware, and supports SD editing workflows. The Io HD features up-, down-, and cross-conversion at 10-bit hardware-based quality while boasting robust connectivity via a slew of professional analog and digital interfaces. The portable device works with Apple's new Final Cut Pro 6 software for professional editing, as well as with other QuickTime applications on Mac OS X for graphics, audio, and digital content creation.