Jobs: Gore will become president if he runs

Apple chief Steve Jobs recently spoke with TIME Magazine to reveal his opinion on the former vice president of the United States, Al Gore, with regard to the upcoming presidential election. "If he ran, there's no question in my mind that he would be elected," said Jobs, referring to Gore. "But I think there's a question in his mind, perhaps because the pain of the last election runs a lot deeper than he lets most of us see." Al Gore joined Apple's board of directors in 2003 and likely played some part in the Cupertino-based company's recent decision to reveal its environmental policies and plans for the future. Gore also led the committee that investigated Apple's recent stock options scandal, clearing all current Apple management of any wrongdoing. To critics who say they were surprised that Gore took on the lead role of the investigation, Gore simply replied "That's silly."

Unlimi-Tech turns to mail for safe transfers

Unlimi-Tech is currently demonstrating FileCatalyst Web, the latest release of its file transfer software, at the Interop 2007 expo in Las Vegas. The company's other FileCatalyst programs are dedicated packages designed to ensure reliable multi-gigabyte downloads; Web eliminates the need for a special client, using only the recipient's e-mail address. A message is sent containing a link, which initiates a transfer that may be more than 50 times faster than normal TCP transfers. The technology is also said to be immune to problems such as lag and packet loss. Because Web is intended for businesses, customers must contact Unlimi-Tech regarding prices and demo versions.

FMStudio gets Dreamweaver CS3 support

FMWebstudio has updated its flagship product, FMStudio, with support for Adobe Dreamweaver CS3. FMStudio 1.4 allows users to create FileMaker websites without writing PHP code; within Dreamweaver, users simply create a table and drag FileMaker fields into the work area, where a Site Builder wizard asks the appropriate questions. Scripts, portals, value lists and other types of information are applicable, according to FMWebstudio. The software also supports Dreamweaver 8 and MX, and is compatible with both FX.php and the FileMaker API for PHP. The software requires FileMaker 5 or later, with single-user licenses priced at $120.

Adobe CS3-compatible font plug-in ships...

Extensis has posted a free, downloadable plug-in for Suitcase Fusion that provides compatibility with Adobe Creative Suite 3 (CS3) documents, allowing automatic and purportedly accurate font activation (Illustrator plug-in only) and deactivation when opening Illustrator CS3 documents. The plug-in uses cross-platform technolgy to ensure fonts are carried properly from Windows systems to Macs and back again. [corrected]

X3: Reunion sports new 3D engine, uses Cider...

With the help of TransGamings' Cider portability engine, Virtual Programming has brought X3: Reunion, the 3D space strategy/adventure game to Intel-based Macs. The sequel to X2: The Threat, X3: The Reunion introduces new 3D engine as well as a new story, and revised gameplay. The new release makes use of DirectX 9 technology, which is possible on Intel-based Macs because the use of Cider, wich works by directly loading a Windows program into memory on an Intel-Mac and linking it to an optimized version of the Win32 APIs.

Refurb Mac minis from $649, iMacs from

Apple is selling reconditioned Mac mini systems which include the 1.66GHz Intel Core Duo with 512MB of memory, an 80GB hard drive, and a double-layer SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) for $649; as well as the 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo with 512MB of memory, an 80GB hard drive, and a slot-loading SuperDrive with double-layer support for $699. The Cupertino-based company is also offering reconditioned 17-inch, 20-inch, and 24-inch iMacs in varying configurations which range from $949 to $1,699. The Apple Store Canada is also offering refurbished Apple TVs as noted on MacNN earlier today for CA $279 each.

SoundTech releases illuminated USB headset

SoundTech has released the LightSnake iChat, a USB headset. The product separates itself in that like other LightSnake products, the cables illuminate when connected, and flash as audio is being transmitted. The iChat also relies on an in-line dongle, which allows users to replace the included earbuds with their own headphones. The earbuds have a response range of 20Hz to 20KHz; the microphone records input between 100Hz to 16KHz. Dynamic range is measured at approximately 82dB. Despite the product's name, it is compatible with any Windows system between 98 SE and XP, as well as Mac OS 9 and OS X. Amazon is selling the iChat for $20.

Creative rolls out speaker-equipped Zen Wav...

Creative today removed the covers from the Zen Wav, a new media jukebox for those who would prefer listening to or watching their content without headphones. Confirmed in a store leak, the metallic player resembles the iPod nano but places two speakers on the front without adding significantly to the bulk of the player. The Wav also ships with a custom-tailored Acoustic Stand that Creative claims will not only cradle the player but also passively enhances the speakers' sound compared to open-air use. The dock is perfect for barbecues and using the player as an alarm clock on vacations, Creative says.

Briefly: Creative Manager; Iconkits add-ons...

In brief: Creative Manager Pro has expanded its Mac and Windows Web-based software to Australia as well as New Zealand, Bombia Design has produced three new add-ons at Iconkits.com, and Take Control Books is holding a 50 percent off sale through May 29th. Creative Manager Pro has announced local support for Australian and New Zealand-based ad agencies directly in Austrlia. The company's hosted servers are available locally to clients in Australia and New Zealand, while consultant support is relocated to provide better local support.

iPhone to be offered with prepaid service?...

The iPhone may be offered as a prepaid device, according to a leaked list of AT&T product codes. Entered into the cell provider's system on April 19th, the tracking numbers would have the Apple handset available through each of AT&T's main service methods, including familiar subscription-only service as well as the Go Phone Pick Your Plan (hybrid) and Pay As You Go (prepaid-only) methods. The costs for the individual services are unknown, though AT&T hasn't announced any changes to its payment methods for the iPhone versus other devices.

Norco ships 4-port PCIe SATA controller

Norco Technologies has launched its Norco-4629 PCIe SATA host adapter. The new controller card offers four external SATA II ports at up to 3Gbps each to support RAID 0, 1, 5, 0+1, and JBOD configurations. The card works with Apple's Power Mac G5 systems as well as the company's new Mac Pro workstations. When attached to 20 hard drives using four SATA port multiplier enclosures, the Norco-4629 can reach a sequential read speed of more than 800MB/sec to support up to four uncompressed HD streams simultaneously. The controller is available for $190.

Hauppauge USB TV tuners support EyeTV

Hauppauge Digital today announced that its USB TV tuners are compatible with Elgato's EyeTV software, bringing TV and PVR functionality to both Mac and Windows users. EyeTV allows Hauppauge TV stick owners to watch as well as record TV on a Mac, browse the program guide, export video to iPods, drag-and-drop recording to playlists, and record one program while watching another recording with picture-in-picture. EyeTV is a Universal Binary that runs natively on Intel-based Macs, is available for $80, and is compatible with Hauppauge's WinTV Nova-t Stick, WinTV HVR900 Hybrid Stick, and WinTV NovaTD Stick with Antenna Diversity.

Pangea releases Runic brickout-style game

Pangea Software today released "Runic," a brickout-style game developed by CodeTurbine that was originally available for Windows systems. Runic features numerous powerups, magic spells, and bosses with 100 levels. Custom graphics accompany an RPG-style map that players traverse while progressing through Runic. The game is suitable for all ages, according to Pangea, and is priced at $15. Runic requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later.

GPS-ready, EVDO Rev A card reaches Sprint...

Sprint today announced that it would pick up the Sierra Wireless AirCard 597E, a new mobile broadband adapter for the carrier's faster EVDO Revision A network. Built as an ExpressCard 34 device for the MacBook Pro and other modern notebooks, the adapter can reach the theoretical peaks of 3.1Mbps downloads and 1.8Mbps uploads without using an external antenna. It also represents an improvement over earlier 3G wireless modems through assistive GPS support: subscribers to GPS navigation through Sprint can rely on the cellular network to find their position in software that supports GPS information.

Apple releases 'Lost' video game for iPod

Apple has released Lost, the latest game designed for the company's fifth-generation iPod that immerses players in the world of Lost. The game features a storyline created by the writers responsible for the hit TV series, with players taking the role of Jack to interact with other main characters such as Kate, Locke, and Sayid. "Join your favorite castaways in their quest to seek the truth and survive in the official iPod game of the hit television series Lost. Help Jack search for dynamite, tend to the wounded, and avoid the black smoke. Relive the crash scene, open the hatch, and ultimately try your best to escape from the others." Lost the game requires iPod Software 1.2 or later, and is available for $4.99 from Apple's iTunes Store.

Apple releases Lost video game for iPod

Apple has released Lost, the latest game designed for the company's fifth-generation iPod that immerses players in the world of Lost. The game features a storyline created by the writers responsible for the hit TV series, with players taking the role of Jack to interact with other main characters such as Kate, Locke, and Sayid. "Join your favorite castaways in their quest to seek the truth and survive in the official iPod game of the hit television series Lost. Help Jack search for dynamite, tend to the wounded, and avoid the black smoke. Relive the crash scene, open the hatch, and ultimately try your best to escape from the others." Lost the game requires iPod Software 1.2 or later, and is available for $4.99 from Apple's iTunes Store.

Mariner previews Montage 1.3 at Cannes...

Mariner Software has announced Montage 1.3, an update to its screen-writing software developed exclusively for Mac OS X. Billed as the most comprehensive update to the application, version 1.3 introduces the ability to write scripts in Montage, then export them to Final Draft (in addition to already-included import features). Montage 1.3 will also include localizations for French, German, Spanish and Italian languages, along with support for Movie Magic Screenwriter .sex file formats. The company will be demonstrating a pre-release version at the Moviesoft (booth 23-01) during the Cannes Film Festival at the Market Place Palais des Festivals.

Amnesty Singles 1.2 converts widgets to apps

Mesa Dynamics today released Amnesty Singles 1.2, an update to the drag-and-drop utility that allows any Dashboard widget to be converted into a standalone application for Mac OS X. Widget applications built with Amnesty Singles include features enable users to adjust the window level (desktop, standard or floating) and set an "auto refresh" timer (for those that are designed to refresh only when Dashboard is shown). Version 1.2 of Amnesty Singles introduces support for widgets authored with Apple’s Dashcode widget development software –- in beta since January –-- and other widgets that utilize OS X’s native AppleClasses. The new version of Amnesty Singles also addresses various known issues with certain widgets and includes a number of minor bug fixes. Amnesty Singles 1.2 ($10) is a “Universal” application built natively for Intel and PowerPC Macs and requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later.

Refurb Apple TV for $250, YouTube plugin...

Apple is offering refurbished versions of its Apple TV at the online Apple Store for $250, a 17 percent discount from its regular $300 retail price. The device, which brings iTunes and other video content to HD-enabled televisions, includes a full one-year warranty and free shipping. Meanwhile, AwkwardTV has been reporting on (as well as adding) many of unofficial Apple TV plugins to its collection, including ones for viewing YouTube videos from the internet (not yet releaesed, video below), streaming content from Apple TV to iTunes clients (Streamer) and playing video on your Apple TV (nitoTV plugin, not yet released; video below) -- both based on the open-source mplayer for Mac OS X. In addition, a new plugin allows uses to download and install any number of unofficial plugins listed at the AwkwardTV Plugins Directory along with the ability to enable and disable AFP and SSH access to the AppleTV (AwkwardTV Loader plugin).

Sanyo unveils 'first' waterproof H.264 cam...

Sanyo on Tuesday rolled out the Xacti E1, one of the company's first truly waterproof camcorders. The watertight shell lets swimmers capture footage one-handed at depths of up to five feet for an hour at a time -- without using an underwater shell, Sanyo says. The use of SD or SDHC cards, in tandem with the use of higher-quality H.264 (AVC) recording formats, also helps the camera record for a long time even while snowboarding or other shock-prone circumstances: up to 10 hours of footage at 640x480 can be captured on an 8GB SDHC card. A new processing engine also improves image quality and is said to capture images as dark as 7 lux at full speed or 2 lux with a reduced frame rate. The E1 further doubles as a still camera, taking 6-megapixel photos with a 5X optical zoom lens.