Apps: DiskLibrary, QuickSnap, Charmas

• DiskLibrary 1.5 ($30) enhances the media cataloging application with support for exporting catalogs as XML. Users can include locations in smart catalogs as well as advanced searches -- both of which offer a "does not contain" criteria, and the update fixes problems with ejecting disks as well as other minor issues. [Download - 2.2MB]


• QuickSnap 1.1 ($15) is the first update to the screenshot utility released in April. The update enables users to automatically send screenshots to the clipboard, and supports saving as well as printing screenshots directly from the clipboard. The application captures screenshots via specific selections, entire windows, and entire screens. [Download - 4.9MB]


• Charmas 2.0 ($45) is a $15 update to the practical tool for finding fonts and creating font catalogs. The latest release supports external font sources for printing font catalogs, offers an enhanced user interface, and includes enhanced search functionality alongside improved text presentation. The update also offers better Font Book layouts. [Download - 4.1MB]


• LCedit 1.4 for PDAs (free) is a simple LanBox lighting editor for PalmOS devices that adds StyleTap compatibility. The update supports TCP auto-reconnection, and offers new Macro screens with up to 150 buttons. Macros are freely programmable with a memo pad file to execute nearly any LanBox lighting command via the simple press of a button. [Download - 210KB]


• Merlin 2.0.4 ($200) update the project management software by integrating with Marketcircle's Billings 2.5 time tracking and invoicing application. Merlin 2 users can track activity time, manage expenses, and send out invoices via Billings 2.5, and Merlin 2 offers optimized inspector features. [Download - 27MB]


• OnMyCommand 1.8 (free) is a UNIX shells cript and AppleScript execution utility that allows users to build custom contextual menu items or graphical applications. The update features asynchronous command execution, a progress dialog, a DataBrowser control with support for nib dialogs, and dynamic contextual menu items. [Download - 8.2MB]

SpaceNavigator gains Google Earth support

Peripheral maker 3Dconnexion has announced that its SpaceNavigator controller is now supported in the Mac version of Google Earth. The SpaceNavigator is essentially a more elaborate mouse, allowing users to zoom in and out and rotate, as well as pan via more conventional movements. Within Google Earth the controller allows users to quickly circle the planet, and change altitude through simple adjustments. To make use of the SpaceNavigator, owners must download the latest 3DxMacWare driver, and be running Mac OS X 10.4.6. A basic Personal Edition of the SpaceNavigator costs $60.

Vvidget 10.4.41 adds volumetric graphing

VVimaging has released Vvidget 10.4.41, the latest release of its flagship charting and graphing application. The software primarily revolves around a Builder that combines wizards with a point-and-click interface to simplify graph creation. Vvidget also offers built-in support for tracking CPU and website usage, as well as plotting quadratic equations. The new release introduces a volumetric graphing feature alongside the launch of a companion user forum. The update brings new tool icons, as well as various enhancements and bug fixes. Builder itself is free; automating graphs for widgets and desktop programs, however, requires Code ($80 for educational users, $190 for commercial licenses).

Intel rolls out Santa Rosa, new mobile chips...

As expected, Intel on Wednesday rolled out faster Intel Core 2 Duo processors, better power management for longer battery life, faster boot times, and new computing chipsets as part of the introduction of its Santa Rosa mobile platform. The Santa Clara-based company said that more than 230 Intel Centrino Duo and Intel Centrino Pro processor technology-based designs from PC manufacturers, resellers and integrators are expected to take advantage of these and other features this year. The new San Rosa-based platform, officially dubbed Centrino Duo and Centrino Pro, will come in a plethora of shapes and sizes, with designs ranging from fully loaded 17-inch wide-screen models ideal for entertainment to ultramobile energy-saving notebook PCs that weigh less than three pounds, Intel said. The company's much anticipated mobile platform update comes ahead of the launch of its next-generation Penryn architecture and 45-nm dual, quad-core versions of its Core 2 Duo mobile chips -- which run faster and cooler.

Microsoft issues final Vista iPod update...

Microsoft has finally released an update for Windows Vista that fixes the lingering compatibility issues with Apple's iPod. Available first in late March, the final version of the free update is for users worldwide and works with the latest version of Apple iTunes to correct an issue that caused some iPods to become corrupted when ejecting them using Windows Explorer or the "Safely Remove Hardware" function in the System Tray, the company said. "The long and short of it is this: Apple and Windows have partnered together to ensure a great experience in using Windows Vista with iTunes and the iPod, and both companies recommend you download this update," Microsoft representatives said.

EA preps four new games, The Sims for iPod

The Sims will appear as a game for iPods in the coming weeks, publisher Electronic Arts confirmed to Macworld UK. The gaming giant said it plans to release four new iPod games, along with a bevy of titles for mobile phones. "From EA studios, we plan to release roughly 35 titles and 120 SKUs. EA Mobile plans to release 30 to 35 games on mobile handsets and four games on the iPod," executives told the publication. The execs noted that one of the new iPod titles will feature the much-loved Sims, Sims Bowling, "The news emerges as the publisher of the hugely succesful Sims game franchise confirmed disappointing fourth-quarter financial results," Macworld UK wrote. "Losses widened 56 per cent as the videogames industry grapples with new gaming consoles from Sony, Nintendo and others. Losses reached $25 million on $613 million revenue."

Briefly: reviews; feature-complete Leopard...

In brief: MacNN has reviewed the Proporta Gadget Bag as well as QuickSnap by Fastforward Software, and Apple has promised to offer a fully functional Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard beta at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). The Campus MovieFest 2006-2007 has drawn with all the best shorts available for free, and digital media veteran Robert Sharp has acquired Digieffects -- a plug-in developer for Adobe After Effects and Apple's Final Cut Pro. Proporta's Gadget Bag ($45, shown at right) serves as four bags in one by offering four separate compartments for various devices. Fastforward's QuickSnap ($15) screen shot software captures picture from a full screen or just a section of the display.

New Apple Stores: San Francisco, Los Gatos...

Work has already begun on Apple's future store in Los Gatos near San Jose, and a photo has surfaced of the company's third planned San Francisco retail store in the Marina District. City permit records show that Apple will spend more than $3.4 million to acquire the building at 2125 Chestnut Street, and will renovate the interior to install a distinctive Apple Store that could open before 2008. Construction began Monday on the future Apple Store at 23-25 N. Santa Cruz Ave. in Los Gatos, California. The 5,300 square-foot store will feature a Genius Bar, and joins The Sharper Image as another primary technology retailer in town. The Apple Store will also neighbor a close-by shop that aims to sell electric vehicles, according to the Los Gatos Observer. Photos of the future San Francisco store in the Marina District as well as the Los Gatos location below depict the vacant spaces where Apple will take up residence. [updated]

Disney sells 24m TV shows, 2m movies on iTunes

Walt Disney reported its quarterly earnings in a conference call yesterday, revealing sales of about 23.7 million TV shows and 2 million movies via Apple's iTunes Store. The entertainment company beat its second-quarter profit predictions and is banking on Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End as well as "Ratatouille" from Pixar Animation Studios. Disney expressed confidence about demand for advertising for its fall lineup at ABC, according to Forbes.com, and is pleased with revenue produced by the distribution of its shows on over the internet.

Macs pre-loaded with Parallels Desktop ship

Parallels today announced that its exclusive U.S. distributor Tech Data has begun selling a complete line of Macs pre-loaded with Parallels Desktop. The Mac systems enable users to simultaneously utilize both Mac OS X as well as Windows XP Professional without rebooting. Tech Data is offering 13 pre-configured packages that include Mac mini, iMac, MacBook, MacBook Pro, and Mac Pro systems pre-loaded with Parallels Desktop for Mac as well as Windows XP Pro inside a Parallels virtual machine. Parallels Desktop allows users to run Windows applications inside Mac OS X through virtualization technology, and offers a new "Coherence" feature to make running Windows applications almost indiscernible from Mac OS X itself.

Billings 2.5 integrates with Daylite

Marketcircle has released Billings 2.5, offering a retooled user interface alongside integration with the company's Daylite business productivity suite. The invoice creation software features a built-in setup assistant, an intuitive user interface, fully-customizable templates, and a menu bar timer to control the software without interrupting current tasks. Third party programs such as Merlin 2 can take advantage of the new Billings Exchange Format (BEX) to integrate with Billings 2.5, and the update features four new fully customizable estimate and invoice styles. The latest release of BIllings is priced at $60, and the upgrade is free for current Billings users. Billings 2.5 requires Mac OS X 10.4.

OWC unveils 2TB RAID boasting 80MB/sec

Other World Computing (OWC) today unveiled its new OWC Mercury Elite-AL Pro Dual 2TB RAID 2-drive array. The new storage device is A/V rated and is specifically designed to meet the demand of audio and video production with data transfer rates of over 80MB/sec. The OWC Mercury Elite-AL Pro Dual 2TB RAID solution features 7200rpm 64MB RAID 0 striped SATA drives with FireWire 800, FireWire 400, and USB 2.0 connectivity via OWC's custom Oxford 924-based bridge. Data accessibility is transparent via the different supported interfaces, even when moved between different systems, and the entire 2TB setup is priced at $1,100. 320GB-1.5TB OWC models are also available from $250.

BVS unveils Yellowjacket 802.11 b/a/g...

Berkeley Varitronics Systems has unveiled a new Yellowjacket handheld 802.11 b/a/g Wi-Fi analyzer and spectrum analyzer. The new test receiver system demodulates, sweeps, and analyzes all popular 802.11 Wi-Fi network packets including 802.11b (2.4GHz), 802.11g (2.4GHz) and 802.11a (5GHz). Yellowjacket B/A/G is also a spectrum analyzer (accurate to within +1dB) that measures RF energy allowing detailed interference analysis as well as the ability to see the "whole picture" of a 2.4GHz and 5GHz network WISP or hotpsot. An optional Swarm software bundle creates overlays for mapping coverage analysis. The Yellowjacket B/A/G and Swarm Wi-Fi analysis tools are slated for shipment in the third quarter of 2007.

"Ruggedized" Mac mini for military debuts

VictorSystems has unveiled a hardened Mac mini computer designed to withstand hostile environments in the military and aerospace industries. The new mini features "ruggedized" peripherals that enable users to access Mac OS X applications in locations that were not previously possible. The Rugged Mini Computer System comes packaged for ground support application, but is reconfigurable for use in other hostile environments, according to VictorSystems owner Vic Cohen. "One cooling method or packaging method will not fit all." A demonstration mini is presented on the company's website, with peripherals constructed from aircraft grade aluminum alloys. The mini itself is supported by an aluminum space frame made form extruded rails and finned heat sinks, while covers are constructed from wrought plates fastened and bonded using electrically conductive epoxy.

Apple is revolutionizing Manhattan retail

Apple retail stores are revolutionizing the Manhattan shopping experience, according to one report. The Cupertino-based company's SoHo store was followed by the grand opening of its Fifth Avenue location marked by a great glass cube, and plans for a third store are already underway in the Meatpacking District. "Apple went to a billion faster than any other retailer in history, starting from a standing start," said retail consultant Howard Davidowitz. "Apple is the highest volume-per-square-foot retailer in the United States of America. It's like a homerun." Apple stores look and feel less like retail shops and more like lounges with plenty of activities to entertain guests, and most stores offer training sessions alongside other events to keep foot traffic high, according to Resident. Dell recently opened its own retail store in an attempt to echo Apple's success, achieving mixed results after opening the store last year.