AirPort Extreme Update supports WPA, WPA2

Apple today released AirPort Extreme Update 2007-003, an update recommended for all Intel-based Macintosh computers and includes compatibility updates for certain third-party access points configured to use WPA or WPA2 security. The company also released a cross-platform QuickTime 7.1.6 update that addressed a QuickTime for Java security vulnerability and added Final Cut Studio 2 support as well as a patch for a security update released in mid-April (which introduced an AirPort connection issue on Mac OS X Panther and a security flaw in Mac OS X 10.4 Server).

Roxio previews Crunch video converter [screenshots]...

Roxio today previewed Roxio Crunch, a new utility designed to easily convert video to formats compatible with Apple TV, iPod, and the iPhone. It allows users to convert personal video content and transfer it to Apple TV for enjoyable living room viewing. Leveraging Toast video conversion technology, the utility uses the same interface and same three step motif: drag, drop, and convert. Users can convert a wide variety of formats, including QuickTime video files as well as popular non-QuickTime video file formats such as DivX and MPEG-2 files. In addition, Crunch can convert unprotected DVDs and VIDEO_TS folders -- allowing users to maximize video quality an save space by selecting individual video titles and languages.

Addonics, NitroAV launch new eSATA products...

Both Addonics and NitroAV today released new products for eSATA storage and connectivity. Addonics released its 5x1 eSATA Hardware Port Multiplier (HPM), which permits as many as five drives to be connected to a single computer port. It can be used with RAID and non-RAID setups, and in the case of the former, a configuration can be easily transferred to another port intact. Hard drives are individually configurable as JBOD, RAID 0/1/10 or completely independent, and when combined with other HPMs, a computer can support as many as 20 eSATA drives. A single 5x1 is selling for $120.

Briefly: review; new display fonts...

In brief: MacNN has reviewed the SportWrap iPod case from Xtreme Accessories, Font Bros has released two new display fonts, and FileMaker today launched its FileMaker Technical Network service for customer database software enthusiasts as well as developers. The SportWrap from Xtreme Accessories ($30, shown at right), a simple iPod case made from black moisture-resistant neoprene. The SportWrap secures three sides of the iPod with sewn-in Velcro, allowing users to insert the iPod into a pocket-type enclosure that is covered on the front with a piece of plastic. iPods are guarded from scratching, and enable users to access the click-wheel through the clear cover.

MarketBlast adds PayPal, Endicia integration

Acclivity today released MarketBlast 2.0, the latest edition of the company's eBay auction management software that runs on Mac as well as Windows systems. The update includes dozens of new feature and enhancements, including integration with PayPal and Endicia as well as 5MB of free image hosting. MarketBlast 2.0 includes a new automation center to help users save time on tedious processes with new automation routines, a Schedule C report, and the ability to sell similar items. Users can track item weights, backup auctions as well as MarketBlast data, and secure the software via password protection. Further features include the ability to add hit counters to listings, track watchers, and an updated ledger that shows a complete financial picture of auctions.

Prosoft launches JoeSoft division with Klix

Prosoft Engineering launched its new JoeSoft division with Klix, a program for recovering deleted, corrupted or or reformatted images on memory cards. Cameras and readers can be connected via FireWire or USB, and the software is said to recover all "common" image formats, including JPEG, TIFF, GIF and PNG files, as well as RAW formats used by the likes of Canon, Nikon, Minolta and Olympus. AVI, MPEG and MOV videos can also be saved. Users personally specify where recovered images are sent. There are only two significant limitations to the program: it cannot repair corrupted cards, and it is unable to retrieve reformatted photos from xD cards used by Olympus and FujiFilm cameras. The program is a Universal Binary for Mac OS X 10.2.4 and is on sale today for $50.

Wolfram premieres Mathematica 6...

Wolfram Research has released the latest version of its flagship product, Mathematica 6. The program is designed to ease the burden of performing complex research calculations; the new edition is designed to further expand and automate its functions, the latter through a concept called "instant interactivity." Wolfram claims the latest release can turn models, simulations, computations, and other forms of data into their own applications, often in a matter of seconds. The update expands functions with a new development environment (IDE), which should allow work on infrastructures as well as more routine analysis.

Apps: DiscLabel, Shoo Apps, VelaClock

• DiscLabel 4.2 ($35) updates the CD/DVD label design software for Mac with a new visual effects dialog as well as enhanced tools for applying design features to objects. DiscLabel 4.2 enables users to stroke the edge of an image, add shadows to any object, and features support for printing HP CD/DVD tattoos. The latest release also offers Text Palette user interface improvements. [Download - 14.7MB]


• Shoo Apps 1.0 ($15) is a utility allowing users to hide inactive applications for an uncluttered workspace, and supports hiding those applications at the same time or giving each individual application its own interval at which to hide. The software runs natively on Intel-based Macs as a Universal Binary. [Download - 4.2MB]


• VelaClock Deluxe 2.0 ($16) updates the world clock widget with a configurable user interface. The latest revision adds user-friendly places that allow cities not already built into VelaClock, and enables users to change the current date to provide information for any day in the past or future. The software also supports using GPS to enter a current location to provide accurate times for sunrise, sunset, twighlight, moonrise, and moonset. [Download - 1.6MB]


• RSSFilter (free for FeedForAll users or $30 subscription) is a PHP script that filters the contents of an RSS feed, enabling publishers to define the filters. The software uses rules to filter the items included from a feed in the resulting feed, and is designed to work with other RSS scripts to help filter feeds. RSSFilter supports RSS 2.0, 1.0, 0.9, 0.91, 0.92, and Atom 1.0 as well as 0.3 feeds.


• Astro IIDC 3.02.00 ($75, $25 for upgrade from 1-2.x) updates the Astronomy, Microscopy, and High Speed image acquisition and processing software for Mac OS X. The latest release improves object tracking, adds square root gamma curve stretching, and improves auto color balance. Version 3.02.00 also adds support for 2007 GPUSB models, live graphing for tracking accuracy, and improved pixel matching for alignment alongside several bug fixes. [Download - 3.1MB]


• KnowledgeMiner 5.3.3 ($40) improves significance testing and adds a "call for papers" feature to the personal data mining software. KnowledgeMiner 5.3.3 fixes a bug that could produce minor differences between generated model equations and the calculated model output for very complex nonlinear models, and repairs an issue that could occasionally cause the application to crash when reading the clipboard at program startup. [Download - 7.2MB]

QuickTime 7.1.6 fixes flaw, adds Final Cut Studio 2...

In addition to its fix for its security update, Apple on Tuesday also released QuickTime 7.1.6 (Windows), which it said delivers numerous bug fixes, addresses a critical security issue with QuickTime for Java and includes support for Final Cut Studio 2 and Timecode and closed captioning display in QuickTime Player. Apple said the update is available for Mac OS X v10.3.9 and Mac OS X v10.4.9 as well as Windows XP SP2 and Windows 2000 SP4; the QuickTime update addresses a bug where visiting a malicious website may lead to arbitrary code execution: "An implementation issue exists in QuickTime for Java, which may allow reading or writing out of the bounds of the allocated heap. By enticing a user to visit a web page containing a maliciously-crafted Java applet, an attacker can trigger the issue which may lead to arbitrary code execution."

Microsoft: UAC the future of every OS...

The controversial User Account Control security guard in Windows Vista should be integrated with every OS, a Microsoft executive said today. The company's chief security advisor in Australia, Peter Watson, made the remark when discussing protection with a developer news site. The executive contended that the fundamental idea behind process, which is meant to trap viruses and spyware by asking permission before running potentially risky tasks, is an essential component that emphasizes the user's own responsibility.

Apple fixes security update bug, flaw...

Apple today released a revised security update to fix a two bugs introduced with last week's update from the company, but did not address two important zero-day QuickTime flaws or a Safari flaw that was used to hack a MacBook. Security Update 2007-004 v1.1 (PPC version), for Mac OS X 10.3 Panther and for Mac OS X 10.4 Server systems, includes the contents of Security Update 2007-004 (released in mid-April) but also includes two crucial fixes for issues introduced by the update. Apple says it resolves a wake-after-sleep issue involving AirPort connections on Mac OS X 10.3.9 installed systems that was introduced in last week's security update. The latest update also fixes a newly introduced security issue that enables users with ftp access to navigate to directories outside the normal scope.

Mac OS X, Mac OS 9 file sharing crippled?

Apple may have crippled Mac OS X's ability to share files to Mac OS 9 clients with its latest security patch, according to one MacNN reader. The Mac user who supports numerous clients across London, and claims that all of his clients are experiencing the same problem following Apple's latest security patch: When a Mac OS 9 clients tries to copy a file to an open Mac OS X file share, the fileshare disconnects and the Finder reports that the share unexpectedly closed down. The user, who still requires Mac OS 9 systems to run some older software such as Quark 4 and other DTP type applications, conducted a search to discover that another user is experiencing the same issue.

Zune Marketplace catching up with iTunes?...

Microsoft's Zune Marketplace is quickly catching up to its rival at Apple, a new report says. The company today revealed that it now lists three million songs on offer as part of its online music store; while still well short of iTunes, the figure is an increase from the 2.5 million on offer as reported by Zune product manager Matt Jubilirer -- a jump of 20 percent in the space of only four months.

OWC ships 1TB quad-interface external drive

Other World Computing (OWC) today began shipping its Mercury Elite-AL Pro "Quad Interface" 1TB external drive, which the company claims is the first and only 1TB Quad Interface single drive solution. The device features FireWire 800, FireWire 400, USB 2.0, and eSATA connectivity to provide completely transparent data access regardless of which interface port is used. The drive is EMC Retrospect Backup Certified, and features the high-speed Oxford 924 chipset to offer 80MB/sec via FireWire or up to 150MB/sec via eSATA. OWC's new drive solution ships for $600, comes with a 2-year warranty, and features a blue activity LED behind the front grille.

MacScan 2.4 adds enhancements, bug fixes

SecureMac has released MacScan 2.4, the latest revision of its anti-spyware package for Mac systems. The software detects, isolates, and removes spyware from Macs using both real-time spyware definition updating and unique detection methods. MacScan 2.4 includes several bug fixes and enhancements over the previous release, saving internet file cleaning selections for reuse on future scans. The update fixes the removal of Firefox tracking cookies, and enhances the removal of tracking cookies from all browsers. The upgrade is available for free to MacScan 2 license holders, requiring Mac OS X 10.2.4 or later. MacScan 2.4 is available for $25 to new users.

Xfile offers file management utilities

Rixstep has released Xfile package as a standalone application suite for Mac OS X. The package includes more than a dozen closely integrated file management utilities. Xfile is touted as the only file manager for Mac OS X capable of handling all file systems -- including HFS+, HFS+ case-sensitive, UFS, volfs, and ZFS -- that details all file information and offers full editing capabilities for system features. Xfile manages 'file flags' as well as 'sticky bits,' displays major/minor device numbers alongside inodes, and shows the number of links to files as well as blocks used and optimal block sizes. Additional utilities allow users to manipulate two UNIX and five HFS timestamps with batch and recursive mode timestamping. Xfile is priced at $45 for a single user license (specific system requirements were unavailable).

Apple granted five design patents

Apple has won five design patents for its iMac, black as well as white video iPods, iPod nano, and iPod armband. The company's latest patent win is a reissue patent titled "Systems and methods for replacing open windows in a graphical user interface," which discusses springing already open windows to a new location on a display space and then returning that window to its original location. Apple details the springing operation, which initializes to capture information used to return the sprung window after tracking the relocation of various windows to ensure each is returned to its original location.

Survey: many want, few will buy iPhone...

Despite a clear level of interest, few are actually willing to buy the iPhone when it launches, say the results of a newly published Markitecture survey. A study of 1,300 people who both own and pay for their cellphones has shown that 77 percent of survey takers were at least partly aware of the iPhone -- a feat before the actual launch, the researchers say -- only 6 percent of those who responded said they were likely to commit to buying the device within the next year. Two thirds of respondents were even certain that they wouldn't buy the phone with what they knew.

MS demos Silverlight on Macs at Mix07...

Microsoft surprised onlookers Monday during its opening keynote session at the Mix07 conference in Las Vegas as the company demonstrated its new Silverlight software on Macs as well as Windows systems. Silverlight, which is Microsoft's forthcoming software for advanced browser-based multimedia content, is set to compete with Adobe's Flash technology which already dominates the Web. The Redmond-based company promises that Silverlight will run natively on Apple's Safari Web browser as well as Firefox and Internet Explorer, according to CRN, and proved that fact by riddling its presentation with Mac systems.

Bioinformatics tool updated: Geneious Pro 3...

New Zealand-based Biomatters has released Geneious Pro 3.0, an update to the application for scientists designed to search, organize, access, visualize and analyze genomic information. The company says that Geneious Pro 3.0 delivers a 'backbone' application connecting the spectrum of biological science, enabling existing and future software research tools to 'talk' with each other in full inter-operability. Offering sophisticated genome & proteome research tools as well as protein or molecular visualization, Geneious Pro 3.0 allows users to teach or learn bioinformatics interactively and includes patented scientific document and data "search and store" functions.

Joost goes live, gets unlimited invites...

Following a limited trial run, Joost today announced that it had officially launched its self-titled Internet TV service. While still in late beta, the peer-to-peer TV network is now said to be in full business and is said to have high-profile ads already lined up to appear this month, including segments from Coca-Cola and HP. Over 150 channels are part of the official launch, ranging from cartoons to documentaries and sports.

Tradewinds Legends adventure game ships

Red Marble Games in association with Sandlot Games today released Tradewinds Legends, a casual adventure and trading game. "Transport yourself back to a time of myth and magic, genies and flying warships in the world of Tradewinds Legends. Unravel the histories and fates of five characters as they seek honor, revenge, reconciliation, and redemption. Sail through the seas and skies of the Ten Kingdoms while building your empire of trade, battle, and connections in high places." The game features more than 100 tasks to choose from, as well as five unique characters alongside the ability to build a custom character from scratch. Players can visit 10 ports and build a fleet with seven types of ships with weapons as well as magical attacks. Tradewinds Legends is priced at $25, and requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later.

Optima's PageSpinner 5.0 goes "Universal"

Optima System today released PageSpinner 5.0, an update to its Web development package for Mac OS X. Version 5.0 is a Universal Binary that runs natively on both Intel- and PowerPC-based Macs and adds new windows options, interface updates, PHP syntax checking, methods for hiding/fading HTML Assistant and other helpers, a Lookup at W3C-command, an option to automatically open documents and helper windows from the previous session, plus other enhancements and bug fixes. PageSpinner is a web authoring package for Mac OS that supports HTML, XHTML, JavaScript, PHP, SSI and CSS. The PageSpinner package contains examples, tools, hands-on kits, built-in help and tutorials for HTML, CSS and PHP. PageSpinner 5.0 is compatible with Mac OS X 10.3 or later. It is available or $30 for a single-user license that also includes free registrations of MapSpinner, the HTML image map editor, and CamSpinner, a video and web cam utility (available separately for $25).

Jobs to kick-off WWDC, discount extended...

Apple on Tuesday announced that Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO, will kick off its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) with a keynote address beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 11, 2007 at San Francisco's Moscone West. At WWDC, Apple plans to show developers a feature-complete version of Mac OS X Leopard and give developers a beta copy to take home for final testing. Delayed from its original "Spring" release, Apple's next-generation Leopard operating system is now scheduled to ship in October. Last month, a mis-step by the Apple Web team indicated that Jobs' keynote was scheduled for three hours, before the Cupertino-based company corrected the mistake and said that it would run for 90 minutes.

Paradigma updates database developer tools...

Paradigma Software has released version 3 of Valentina Office Server and Valentina Developer Network for deploying royalty-free, standalone and client-server applications, offering a number of overall improvements to the platform while providing backward compatibility with existing solutions built with Valentina 2.x. Version 3 offers support for Stored Procedures, which allow business logic to be stored within the database and then executed when called--enabling reduced network traffic. New Triggers allow events to be executed when conditions are met within a database or database table, while nw 'Views' offer a "virtual table" based on the results of a query for dynamic glimpses into data stored in the database.

Toon Boom Studio Express 3.5 ships

Toon Boom Animation on Monday released announced Toon Boom Studio Express 3.5, its all-in-one animation solution for digital drawing, scanning hand-drawn animations, seamlessly importing existing artwork, to lip-syncing the animation, setting up the action in a 3D space and publishing animation projects. Version 3.5 offers new Drop Shadow effect to create rich looking animation, the ability to export to PDF file format to preserve vector quality, and an improved UI for ease of use and better efficiency. In addition, it is now available in French and English. It is available now for $100; upgrades from v2.5 and v3.0 are $20. The application is a Univeral Binary for native operation on Intel-based Macs running Mac OS X 10.3 or later.