Apple re-elects Board, wrestles with options...

Apple today re-elected all of its board members at its annual shareholder meeting in Cupertino and also voted down a proposal to change Apple's policy on pricing option grants for senior executives. Apple CEO Jobs also defended his company, his knowlegde, and other execs in Apple's options scandal as well as his compensation. "I get 50 cents just for showing up. The other 50 cents in for my performance," Jobs said. Apple's chief also call the upcoming iPhone "a remarkable device," confirming it will be released in June and also confirming that the company would show its new operating system, Leopard, to developers at Apple's annual developers conference next month.

Apple fixes flaws in Darwin Streaming Server...

Apple has released a security update to its Darwin Streaming Server, its open source project. DSS 5.5.5 fixes two security flaws, including one where a remote attacker may be able to cause an unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution. The company said a stack buffer overflow exists in the Darwin Streaming Proxy and that by sending maliciously-crafted RTSP requests, a remote attacker can trigger the overflow, which may lead to an unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution.

Briefly: Python Bootcamp; REAL World offer...

In brief: bid Nerd Ranch Europe today announced its intensive five-day Python Bootcamp, REALbasic Developer Magazine is offering all customers who mention "REAL World" in the Comments section of their subscription to the publication one extra issue, Winter Wolves Games has released a new expansion for Magic Stones titled "The Lands of Fire," and MacSpeech has released a new ScriptPak for Marketcircle's Daylite Productivity Suite. Big Nerd Ranch Europe is bringing its intensive five-day Python Bootcamp to Europe. The course, taught by Python Essential Reference author David Beazley, will take place July 16-20th. Python Bootcamp is designed for system administrators and developers who need a powerful scripting language to automate complex tasks, develop systems using Python, and extend existing systems.

Hearts of Iron 2: Armageddon update ships

Virtual Programming today released Armageddon, the update to Hearts of Iron 2: Doomsday. The new release picks up where Hearts of Iron II: Doomsday left off, and includes two entirely new alternative history scenarios presenting fresh challenges to veteran players. The scenarios have variable end dates alongside a variety of new game options, and the update includes numerous new units. New attachments for naval units enable players to scrape or upgrade old ships, and players can build land units with brigades already attached. An air naval combat system radically alters the combat balance, and new damage algorithms for that system make organizing more important while allowing air units to fight longer. Armageddon is priced at $10, and requires Hearts of Iron 2: Doomsday running on Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later to play.

Notes from Apple shareholder meeting...

Apple today revealed at its annual shareholder meeting that its iPhone is on track to ship in June as planned, and hinted at iTunes video rentals at an unknown future date, according to Piper Jaffray senior analyst Gene Munster. "There have been some rumors suggesting that the iPhone could be delayed," Munster wrote in a research note. "CEO Steve Jobs confirmed iPhone will be in the market next month (June)."

Apps: Adium, AudioLobe, MacJournal, e2Sync

• Adium 1.0.3 (free) updates the instant messaging application for Mac OS X that connects to AIM, MSN, Jabber, Yahoo, and more. The latest release fixes a major memory leak after closing chats present since Adium 1.0, and updates to libpurple 2.0.0 from libpurple 2.0.0 beta. Adium 1.0.3 also improves retrieval of MSN buddy icons, and adds NAT-PMP support. [Download - 13.2MB]


• AudioLobe 1.4 ($20) provides audio speed and pitch processing for Mac OS X 10.4 and later. The software enables users to alter the speed of audio playback without changing the pitch rate, slowing down complex sequences of audio without the vocal or instruments sounding unintelligible. The update automatically includes the album name of new items added to the playlist when available, generating the name from iTunes data. [Download - 1.5MB]


• MacJournal 4.1.2 ($35) enhances the journaling and blogging software with MacJournal Palm Conduit for the Missing Sync application, as well as iWeb support and the ability to import a Stickies database. The latest release also adds support for NetNewsWire, and includes numerous localizations as well as bug fixes. [Download - [form]]


• e2Sync ($30 throughout May) brings iPod and cellular phone sync capability to Microsoft Entourage 11.3.5. e2Sync uses Apple's iSync software to bring Entourage Contacts, Tasks, and Calendar items to more than 60 cellular phone models as well as iPods and PDA devices. The software is designed to work out of the box.


• Interarchy 8.5.2 ($30) updates the file transfer application for Mac OS X. Interarchy 8.5.2 is primarily a maintenance release that fixes reported issues and adds several refinements. The FTP client adds the Net Disks collection as well as the Bonjour collection to the DOck Menu, and fixes a bug that could prevent users from closing the Connect to Server window. [Download - 7.8MB]


• theWord beta (free) is a closed beta test of the new audio Bible software. TheWord features an iTunes-style interface and allows users to bookmark audio sections or export audio to iTUnes for burning to CDs or syncing to iPods. [Download - [form]]

Nanny Mania released for Mac OS X

Gogii Games has released Nanny Mania for Mac OS X, a game that challenges players to take care of a traditional household. "Think you can manage a household? Think being a stay at home mom is easy? Try cleaning, cooking, laundry, and taking care of the parents, four kids and a whole heap of trouble." The game features 150 levels, as well as three different main characters. Players begin with just one child in a small home, but gradually grow into a full-blown family in a larger house for increased difficulty. Nanny Mania is available for $20 via Macgamestore.com, requiring Mac OS X (specific system requirements were unavailable).

Strategy 6 game compilation ships for Mac

Virtual Programming today released Strategy 6, a box compilation of six Mac strategy games from Paradox. The package includes Europa Universalis II, Crusader Kings, Victoria, Victoria Revolutions, Hearts of Iron 2, and Doomsday. "Turn the tide of World War II. Discover the New World. Industrialize your country and colonize continents. Engage in the power struggles of medieval Europe or assume the leadership role of one of the great Asian dynasties." The compilation is priced at $40, and requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later running on a 500MHz G3 or faster system with at least 256MB of memory.

Apple hiring iPhone support in Sacramento

Apple is looking to hire individuals to join its iPhone support team in the Sacramento area, according to one report from the Sacramento Bee. Apple is advertising in newspapers as well as on its website for iPhone personal trainers who are to be based in Elk Grove. "We are hiring qualified people to join the iPhone team in Elk Grove," says Apple's ad. "If you are looking to inspire customers with technology that empowers their lives and get your foot in the door at Apple, this is one opportunity you don't want to miss." The company will hold an invite-only hiring open house in Elk Grove on Wednesday, according to the report, and is asking potential employees to phone (866) 238-6785 to receive an invitation.

Briefly: Slingbox demo video; iPhone cases...

In brief: Sling Media has posted a video on YouTube demonstrating how its Slingbox complements the Apple TV, Beyza Cases has unveiled a new line of protective cases for Apple's forthcoming iPhone, AssistiveWare in conjunction with Acapela Group has announced a number of new educational offers for its Mac OS X speech solutions, and ThinkFree has announced its latest online community. Sling Media has produced an instructional video on how the company's Slingbox complements the Apple TV. The demonstration details using a Motorola wireless device to control the Apple TV, and shows a Windows-based laptop displaying content while users control the Apple TV via the Apple Remote.

Zune to get direct music downloads, more?...

Microsoft is devising both a more video-friendly Zune as well as major updates to the original's software, according to sources within the company. While the company has reportedly demonstrated a flash-based Zune to developers with little impact, the main hard drive based jukebox will also receive a significant makeover. It should have a larger display better suited to watching movies and should see the first capacity upgrade since the 30GB version introduced in November.

Smart Loops Apple Loops track bundles debut...

Smart Loops has released its SL Hit Tracks Hard Rock and SL Hit Tracks Complete download bundles in Apple Loops format, which were previously only available in ACID WAV format. SL Hit Tracks are live 24-bit audio recordings of actual drum performances that are usable with GarageBand, Final Cut, Logic Express, Logic Pro, Soundtrack Pro, Digital Performer, and other Apple Loops compatible Mac and PC audio software. Each SL Hit Track is split into separate chorus, verse, fill, solo and other song sections. Additional short 1 and 2 bar fills and grooves based on the recordings are also included. SL Hit Tracks Hard Rock is priced at $50, while SL Hit Tracks Complete is available for $100.

Apple Insomnia Photo competition concluding

Apple's Insomnia Photo competition is drawing to a close, which challenged students across the U.S. to submit original photographs representing the word "growth." The top 25 photos which receive the most ratings from visitors with Apple ID's will be judged by a panel of photographers. From those finalists, one will receive a new MacBook Pro while several others will receive an iPod as well as a copy of Apple's Aperture post production photography software. Several more contestants will receive a copy of Aperture, and Apple is encouraging users to rate their favorite photographs before the contest concludes.

Hitachi ships 200GB, 7200 RPM hard drive...

Hitachi today announced that it has started shipping the TravelStar 7K200. The notebook drive is the industry's first to store 200GB while maintaining a desktop-class 7200 RPM speed, and improves even on earlier performance drives: the 7K200 is roughly 18 to 33 percent faster than previous drives operating at the same speed, the company's storage division claims. The updated TravelStar also consumes roughly the same power as 5400 RPM drives and is designed to be quiet enough for watching movies and other clips directly from the hard disk.

Apple patent leads to smaller iPhone...

Apple has developed a patent that may point the way towards smaller iPhones and touch-sensitive iPods, according to a filing published today. Titled "Back-Side Interface for Hand-Held Devices," the patent hopes to resolve the problem of including touch-sensitive input on smaller screens where the user's hand would obscure the content. The solution described would include a touch-sensitive surface on the opposite side of the screen: users would direct a cursor on the main screen by gliding a finger along the back surface corresponding to the control, triggering actions by applying extra pressure.

Oxeye releases The Strategist...

Oxeye Game Studio has released The Strategist, a turn-based strategy shareware game with single-player campaigns and online multi-player support. Based on its highly optimized "daisy" engine for Mac OS X market, players take on the role as the Union's youngest and most promising new Strategist, who is just about to complete his training when the camp is struck by poisonous gas missiles. The player's friend, 'Strategist Ricks', is kidnapped and the whole base is shattered by the unexpected attack. To fight back the player has to build new command centers, harbours and industries, and gather information about who the enemies are and where they can be found. The task is not easy and filled with both treachery and deceit."

Motorola braces for iPhone with new models...

Motorola is preparing itself for the iPhone through new hardware, company CEO Ed Zander said at a conference yesterday. The executive claimed that much of Motorola's cellphone strategy is shifting towards Internet access and media playback, and that the company would announce a high-end phone at a European event next week that would reinforce the firm's position against Apple.

"This [phone] has unbelievable video capability. It's a media monster," Zander said.

Apple releases Pro Applications Update 4.0

Apple on Wednesday released Pro Application Support 4.0, an update to its Pro applications suite. The company says the update improves general user interface reliability for Apple's professional applications and is recommended for all users of Final Cut Studio, Final Cut Pro, Motion, Soundtrack Pro, DVD Studio Pro, Aperture, Final Cut Express HD, Soundtrack, Logic Pro and Logic Express. The 7.6MB update is available from the company's servers as well as the Software Update. The update is recommended for all users and requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later.