Apps: ReelBean; SoundStudio; Empire at War

• ReelBean 2.93 ($15) is a video playback and conversion program that formats files for the iPod and Apple TV. The software also converts files to AVI, MPEG-4 and other formats while supporting more than 50 kinds of audio and video files. ReelBean 2.93 adds bass and treble sliders to the AUdio Controls panel in both the free and Pro version; ReelBean Pro also plays and converts FLV as well as DivX files (with Perian components installed). [Download - 4.6MB]


• SoundStudio 3.5.1 ($80) records and edits audio on a Mac, allowing users to import tapes as well as vinyl records or record live performances. The software supports applying a variety of effects as well as edits in post-production, and the update is purely devoted to fixes. The update fixes an issue where bad M4A files were written by Split By Markers, and repairs the "Podcast" flag that was accidentally set when saving. The latest release also addresses a crash bug that affected EQ filters. [Download - 14.4MB]


• Star Wars: Empire at War 1.05 Rev A ($50) puts players in charge of the Empire or the Rebel Alliance within a Star Wars storyline. Players face real-time battles while managing a turn-based galactic campaign. The latest revision adds Pixel Shader 3.0 support, and as a result enables new heat distortion alongside soft-shadowing effects. The latest revision also offers a discernable difference between the Low and Medium water quality settings. [Download - 5.6MB]


• NoteList 2.2 ($20) compiles miscellaneous notes and merges images with searchable, RTF-formatted text. Users can file notes under keywords and categories for easier retrieval, and the update dynamically synchronizes notes with their categories while also improving the category dialog as a whole. Preferences are usable to set new note characteristics, and NoteList 2.2 eliminates miscellaneous bugs. Mac OS X 10.4 or later is required. [Download - 309KB]


• TextSoap 5.6 ($30) "cleans up" text on Macs by fixing extra spaces, odd characters, and other stylistic elements that don't belong. Users optionally generate custom cleaning filters or choose one of over 100 pre-made options for a faster remedy. The update allows users to sort the number of custom cleaners by name, and supports sorting plug-ins by whether they are app-specific or based on CMM or AppleScript. The software requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later. [Download - 7.3MB]


• iSale 4.1 ($50) starts, tracks, and manages auctions on eBay. The latest release introduces support for Picasa Web Albums, easing the process and reducing the cost of posting pictures. More buyer details are recorded in Address Book, and the iSale 4.1 makes it easier to group, print, export, or delete multiple auctions. The application also boasts improved stability, requiring Mac OS X 10.4 or higher. [Download - Size Unknown]

Iconfactory releases Renaissance Multimedia

Iconfactory has published a new royalty-free icon collection titled Renaissance Multimedia that is primarily intended for software developers working on user interfaces. The set includes more than 50 icons, most of which involve media editing functions like as mixing, encoding, cropping, and burning to disc. Other icons address more general controls, such as playing, looping, and adjusting volume. Two versions of the collection are available: the standard edition is priced at $180, while the EPS version is available for $130 with its namesake files for scaling to Web and print sizes.

Briefly: Refurb Nanos $109; 1TB hard drives...

In brief: Apple is offering refurbished iPod nanos for as little as $129, WiebeTech is set to offer 1TB hard drives in many of its storage products, and ALT Software is demonstrating new technology that supports Flash and SVG to create dynamic user interfaces for automotive navigation as well as other systems. O'Reilly Press has unveiled Flash CS3: The Missing Manual, a blogger has a suggestion on how to be more productive in Apple Mail, and MacPlus has released a new free international service to evaluate the price of used Macs. Apple's online store is selling refurbished previous- and current-generation iPod nanos at discounted prices. Reconditioned previous-generation Nanos with 4GB of storage in white or black are priced at $129. Refurbished current-generation iPod nanos are available in 2GB ($109), 4GB ($149), and 8GB ($199) capacities.

RapidWeaver 3.6 adds snippet manager...

Realmac Software today released RapidWeaver 3.6, an update to the website creation application for Mac OS X with a snippet manager to help handle frequently-used code via drag-and-drop. The latest release includes a richer blogging engine, and simplifies the process of customizing themes with a new 'Themes Styles' feature -- allowing users to selectively choose which colors to use alongside a preferred layout for any given website. RapidWeaver 3.6 is priced at $50, with upgrades for all existing users available for $25. The software requires Mac OS X 10.4.3 or later.

Apple fixes Panther, Tiger vulnerabilities...

Apple today issued a security update for Mac OS X 10.3.9 Panther Client and Server as well as Mac OS X 10.4.9 Tiger Client and Server, fixing numerous security holes in both systems. The update includes fixes related to Alias Manager, BIND, CoreGraphics, crontabs, fetchmail, file, iChat, mDNSResponder, PPP, ruby, screen, texinfo, and VPN. Specific vulnerabilities include the potential for attackers to mislead users into opening a substituted file, multiple holes in BIND, arbitrary code execution from opening a maliciously crafted PDF document, and more. Mac owners running these systems are encouraged to either update automatically via the "Software Update" menu item under the Apple Menu or by heading to Apple's website to download the security fix manually.

Microsoft lambasted for 'iPod Amnesty Bin'...

Microsoft is receving some unusual attention for a decoration in its corporate offices. A user of Flickr recently uploaded a photo of the company's "iPod Amnesty Bin," found in the Zune headquarters, apparently encouraging employees to abandon Apple's media player in favor of Microsoft's competitor. The bin has drawn the ire of voices such as Macworld UK, which suggests that it is emblematic of "child-like and unrealistic behavior," a view aided by the lack of iPods in the Flickr image. The Zune has not sold as well as expected; it has in fact sapped the profits of Microsoft's entertainment division, which is in otherwise healthy shape thanks to the Xbox 360 console.

DLO ships TransDock Deluxe with IR remote

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) today unveiled the TransDock Deluxe, its latest addition to the TransDock family of in-car iPod entertainment systems. The TransDock Deluxe broadcasts iPod music through any vehicle's FM stereo, and shows videos on in-car video systems. DLO's newest dock also adds a steering-wheel remote for safe as well as convenient control, enabling users to manipulate the iPod on-the-go without ever taking their hands away from the wheel. The device offers AV output as well as built-in USB connectivity, and features interchangeable face plates to coordinate colors with the interior of the vehicle. Additionally, DLO's latest iPod dock offers a choice of three LCD display colors and ships with a 6-foot AV cable for connecting to in-car entertainment systems. The TransDock Deluxe is priced at $130.

ConceptDraw 7 comes to Intel Macs

CS Odessa today has released ConceptDraw 7, the latest revision of its vector drawing and diagramming software package. ConceptDraw 7 runs natively on Intel-based Macs as a Universal Binary, and boasts an enhanced user interface with increased performance. The update adds to its shape libraries and objects found in the "Floor plan" and "Business diagrams" categories, while print mode and document printing setup are completely redesigned to ease document printing. Furt6her improvements include a selection method for measuring units from the ruler, color manipulation using a drop tool, and a new extensive color palette. ConceptDraw 7 is priced at $300 for the professional edition, while upgrades are available for $100 until the end of May.

Vista having little effect on PC sales?...

The launch of Windows Vista hasn't created a significant increase in PC sales, according to a new report by In-Stat. The new Microsoft OS is said to have primarily shifted customers' purchases rather than accelerating them, as the reported sales spike was chiefly the result of a backlog of delayed purchases while experienced users waited to receive a preinstalled copy. Few customers actively sought out a Vista PC outside of their normal upgrade patterns. This was attributed in part to the lackluster appeal of the software itself, which hasn't been seen by many as a significant improvement over Windows XP.

Apple triples industry notebook sales growth in April...

Apple continues to dramatically outpace the industry in retail notebook sales, while iPod sales appear to be slowing, according to sales numbers from April. New research from NPD Group indicates that PC unit growth in April of 2007 rose 14 percent year-over-year, while notebook sales grew even faster -- rising 30 percent over the same period. Apple, however still managed to more than triple the industry growth by growing its retail Mac units 62 percent year-over-year this month and delivering a whopping 94 percent increase in retail notebook sales over the same period.

Apple, labels slapped with class action suit...

A small record label has filed a class action lawsuit against Apple and other digital music stores as well as the major record labels that carry its catalog of tracks. Dawg Music, which is run by bluegrass musician David Grisman and his partner Craig Miller, claims that entities carrying Grisman's musical tracks are knowingly selling his works with poor or nonexistent compensation without his consent. Represented by Strange and Carpenter from the Law Offices of Jeffry L. Graubart, the suit makes a two-part complaint implicating both labels and their online digital retail partners. The complaint states that Universal and Warner have neglected Daw Music's copyrights and royalties when signing deals with online stores -- including Apple's iTunes service.

PDG offers Mac evidence recovery training

Phoenix Data Group is offering training in the recovery of digital evidence from Mac computers which wil allow an examiner to walk away with the skills necessary to properly seize, acquire, analyze, and document an examination of an Intel-based Mac in a forensically sound manner. PDG instructors are IACIS Certified Forensic Computer Examiners and have real world experience in both law enforcement as well as corporate environments. Additional instruction is provided on the forensic seizure and examination of iPods, with classes scheduled in Fredericksburg, VA from August 13-17th and Santa Ana, CA from September 24-28th. Classes for law enforcement or government is $1,600, while corporate classes are available for $1,900.

Intellihance Pro supports CS3, Intel Macs

OnOne Software has released Intellihance Pro 4.2, an update to the intelligent image enhancement software that adds native support for Adobe Photoshop CS3 as well as Intel-based Macs. The latest release improves the Intelligent Adjustment engine and built-in presets to work better with modern digital camera images, and to provide more flexibility with better results. Intellihance Pro 4.2 also includes new "Show Me HOw" video tutorials to help users make full use of the software, and incorporates automatic update checks to ensure the application is always up to date. Intellihance Pro 4.2 is priced at $160, with upgrades available for $70. The software requires Mac OS X 10.4.8 or later.

ToughTech XE mini drive case offers eSATA...

WiebeTech has added a new pocket drive to its lineup of portable enclosures. The ToughTech XE mini is a portable quad-interface enclosure that features both eSATA and USB2 connections within a single port. Like the ToughTech min, the ToughTech XE mini (TTXEM) accepts any 2.5-inch SATA drive and has the fast Oxford 924 chipset for dual FireWire 800, FireWire 400 (using the included converter cable) and USB2 connection. However, the ToughTech XE mini also features a combo eSATA/USB2 port capable of transfer speeds up to 150MB/s. WiebeTech also includes all cables necessary to plug and play with any of the four connection types as well as an AC adapter. The bare ToughTech XE mini drive case is available for $120 or can be configured with up to 160GB in storage using a 2.5-inch SATA drive. It will be available to ship on June 1 for $120 (drive-only), $222 (80GB), $302 (100GB), $260 (120GB), $274 (160GB).

iPhone driving touchscreen sales?...

The as yet unreleased iPhone will be instrumental to the touchscreen market in 2007, according to the Taiwan-based Topology Research Institute. The study claims that Apple's device will help make the touch-sensitive panels an increasingly popular choice with other cellphone makers, many of whom still rely on physically driven controls. The California company's influence should help boost the total business to as much as $2.7 billion, TRI says, though the institution didn't indicate what percentage of the business would be controlled by the 3.5-inch widescreen central to the iPhone.

Report: Apple will surpass IBM in 2 years

Apple will surpass IBM in terms of market capitalization in the next two years, according to one analyst. Calling IBM and Apple two of America's best run companies, a BloggingStocks.com report says that both companies have achieved high levels of success--rewaring shareholders have along the way, but that both are in different parts of their growth cycle. Apple, in a growth phase, will surpass the industry giant, emerging as the winner going forward: "In fact, I'm sure Apple will overtake IBM in value over the next two years. Bottom line: Apple will be bigger than IBM.... Apple will be a bigger company than IBM in terms of market capitalization. As of this writing Apple is just about to hit $100 billion in market cap while IBM is at $158 billion. The direction of both companies are at a variance to each other and Apple is certainly enjoying the strength of a major product cycle."