Samba security flaw affects Mac OS X...

Mac OS X's bundled open-source Samba software for connecting to and using Windows-based networks is vulnerable to attack, Symantec announced this week. As noted by Computerworld, symantec said that hackers can attack Mac OS X by exploiting an unpatched vulnerability in the open-source Samba file- and print-sharing software that's included with the operating system, but is not enabled by default. Samba is only enabled when Mac users turn on the Windows Sharing feature that allows Windows users to access files and printers on a Mac network: earlier this month, researchers discovered a multiple heap-based buffer overflow bugs, and the report indicates that exploits for the flaws have been released by penetration test suppliers. Symantec said that it was able to exploit the heap corruption vulnerability on a fully patched Mac OS X 10.4.9 system running the default Samba installation.

Apps: Navicat for MySQL, Disk Order, Jedit X

• Navicat 6.3.6 for MySQL ($price) is the latest iteration of the database management tool that offers improvements for data import/export as well as the query builder. A new import wizard supports Excel files while offering improved performance, and a tabbed window supports multiple operations in a single window. [Download - 6.1MB]


• Disk Order 2.5.1 ($23) enhances the double-panel file management utility for Mac OS X, adding several features and improving the plug-in architecture. A new navigation bar displayed on the left side of the main window includes a panel with a list of mounted volumes and favorite folders, as well as connections to FTP servers that is configurable via drag-and-drop. [Download - 3.9MB]


• DesktopCollage 2.1 ($13) enables users to arrange multiple images, movies, and animations for a collage desktop background under Mac OS X. The latest release runs natively on Intel-based Macs as a Universal Binary, and offers support for multi-button mice. DesktopCollage 2.1 also includes drag-and-drop support to play media files with third-party QuickTime components. [Download - 1.3MB]


• Entourage Email Archive X 3.3.0 ($30) is a utility for archiving emails and attachment received or sent using Microsoft Entourage under Mac OS X. Entourage Email Archive X 3.3.0 is a free update for all EEAX 3.x users that adds support for UTF-8 when users choose to export as text and tab-text files. The latest release also contains SpotInside, a freeware application for browsing the EEAX archives using Apple's Spotlight technology. [Download - 1.9MB]


• Jedit X Rev.1.40 ($30) is a Cocoa-based text editor that improves Crash Reporter and Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard compatibility. The latest release also fixes three bugs. Jedit X supports selection of a rectangle area, and enables users to load as well as save rich text in HTML/Word XML/WebArchive formats. [Download - 15.8MB]

Apple plugs two QuickTime security flaws...

Apple today updated its QuickTime multimedia software by fixing two important security holes that, if left unpatched, could lead to the disclosure of sensitive information or allow a potential attacker to take over a Mac or Windows system running the affected software. The update repairs the implementation issue in QuickTime for Java, which could allow instantiation or manipulation of objects outside the bounds of the allocated heap. In layman's terms, malicious users could use the bug to steal information or take over an unrepaired system. The update performs additional validation of Java applets to prevent arbitrary code execution, and clears memory before allowing it to be used by untrusted Java applets to prevent information theft. [updated]

ATTO touts ExpressSAS RAID controllers

ATTO Technology today announced that internal benchmark testing revealed its ExpressSAS RAID controllers as the industry's highest performance Serial Attached SCSI products for digital video editing, production, and other data-intensive applications. "Internal testing shows that ATTO ExpressSAS controllers demonstrate an increase of 50 to 75 percent faster performance than competitive products in a series of bandwidth-stressing benchmark tests, such as running multiple HD video streams with parity protection on Avid Xpress Pro, Apple Final Cut Pro, Autodesk Maya and other digital media workflow environments," the company wrote. ATTO says its device achieved more than 1.5Gbps throughput performance. ExpressSAS RAID controllers are priced from $1,100 for a single unit.

MemoryScape debugs MPI, remote apps...

TotalView Technologies today released MemoryScape 2.0, the latest revision of its memory debugger for Mac OS X. The update supports memory debugging of MPI and remote applications via an easy-to-use graphical interactive memory debugger. The utility also helps developers to monitor heap memory, track memory events, and show corrupted memory. MemoryScape 2.0 is priced at $1,500 for debugging a single user, single process application. The software is licensed based upon tokens, with additional users or debugging additional processes require additional tokens. MemoryScape requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later.

PayPlay offers DRM-free tracks for $0.88...

PayPlay.FM today began selling its catalog of 1.3 million audio tracks in unprotected MP3 format for $0.88 cents per song, beating out Apple's iTunes Store which charges $0.99 cents per track while matching the Cupertino-based company's efforts to offer DRM-free music. PayPlay works with Mac, Windows, and Unix platforms by providing music without monthly subscription services and without advertisements or plug-ins. PayPlay's browser-based interface and buy-to-own model deliver music in 192Kbps VBR sound, higher quality than iTunes' 128Kbps tracks which cost $0.10 cents more. Apple's iTunes Store currently dominates digital music sales, however, providing iPod owners with an easy way to purchase, load, and listen to tracks on the portable device as well as from the home PC or Mac.

Aiptek ships sub-$300 720p vidcam...

Aiptek today claimed to have broken multiple records by launching its GO-HD camcorder. The device is one of the most inexpensive cameras ever to capture HD video: while set for a $300 price, the GO-HD can record 720p widescreen clips at a full 30 frames per second. The use of real-time H.264 (AVCHD) encoding also packs video efficiently and allows for as much as four hours of full-quality video when using an 8GB SDHC card. Size is also breakthrough for the class, Aiptek boasts. At 4.5 inches tall and 2.8 inches wide, the camera is small enough to be pocketable and can be used one-handed.

Microsoft's 1M Zune claim misleading?...

Assertions that Microsoft was ahead of the curve on Zune production were inaccurate, says an investigation by Business 2.0 into the subject. The magazine found that Microsoft Entertainment division head Robbie Bach has been misquoted in the text version of his interview, which alleged that Microsoft had already beaten its modest goal of selling more than a million of its media players by June. The executive had just reiterated earlier claims, according to the actual quote.

WSJ to interview Jobs, Gates for joint Q&A

Apple CEO Steve Jobs and Microsoft founder Bill Gates are scheduled to appear in a joint interview tomorrow night at the fifth edition of D: All Things Digital for a Q&A session with Walt Mossberg and Kara Swisher. The event, which is taking place at the Four Seasons Resort in Carlsbad, California, is set to kick off this evening with a cocktail party followed by an interview with Senator John McCain. The Wall Street Journal's Mossberg and Swisher are preparing to ask smart, tough questions in a no-holds-barred fashion to uncover advice and insight from two of the tech industry's largest heavyweights. Other speakers due to attend the conference include Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, Steve Case of Revolution, and John Chambers of Cisco Systems.

Sharp UK rolls out new iPod stereos

The UK division of Sharp has released two new stereo systems designed around the iPod. The DKA1H and DKA10H each have 14W of RMS output, with the unusual division of 2W per channel plus two 5W subwoofers, rather than the single subwoofer used in most home systems. The clocks allow both sleep and wake functions, and the iPods themselves can be controlled with an included remote. Video iPods can feed to a TV through an auxiliary port; the 10H adds a CD player than can handle discs burned with MP3 or WMA files. The full list of compatible iPods is unknown, but the stereos are selling for £149 ($296) and £199 ($395). [via T3]

Sonik Synth 2.1 improves algorithms, search

IK Multimedia has released Sonik Synth 2.1, offering compatibility for IK users with Intel-based Macs as a Universal Binary. The latest release of the synth workstation software features improved Stetch, Pitch/Shift, and Time/Stretch algorithms alongside BPM syncable LFOs. Smoother MIDI CC response accompanies improved instrument load time and search function reliability. Sonik Synth 2.1 is fully compliant with Pro Tools 7.x, offers improved Audio Units compatibility, and includes 16 stereo outputs. The software also works with VST 2.4 hosts, such as Cubase 4 and Live 6. The update is available for free to Sonik Synth 2 users, while new licenses are priced at $400. Sonik Synth 2.1 requires Mac OS X 10.2.8 or later.

MoodMaker 3.5 adds background profiling...

NexTune today released MoodMaker 3.5, the latest release of the company's flagship digital music software that offers a slew of new features. MoodMaker 3.5 offers background profiling to retrieve song characteristics used to organize a playlist of songs based on tempo and flow. The digital music software is the first of its kind to playlist songs automatically based on characteristics of the specific song selections, according to NexTune, which offers its own song level online music recognition database exclusively for MoodMaker users. Membership is priced at $30 per year, and includes unlimited use of NexTune's MoodMaker software.

FoneLink promises easier mobile sync

Nova Media has released the first version of FoneLink, a program meant to simplify mobile phone synchronization. It allows files to be dragged-and-dropped in and out of a phone, and ensures that data is shared with Address Book and iCal. The software can further convert music, movies and photos to usable formats (including ringtones), and in case of theft or a new phone, backup software allows the restoration of any or all files from any date. The main restriction is that FoneLink will only function with certain phones from Motorola, Nokia and Sony Ericsson, such as the KRZR K1, the 5700 XpressMusic, and the W880i. The full software costs approximately $34, but a demo allows most functions.

FoneLink expands cellphone access on Macs...

Nova Media today released FoneLink, an application enabling mobile phone owners to utilize the capabilities of new handsets on Mac OS X systems. FoneLink allows users to transfer music, photos, video, and other data to a mobile phone, while a restore function backs up data that is lost during firmware updates. The software enables users to copy contacts, events, and tasks and edit notes as well as bookmarks. FoneLink is priced at $35, runs natively on Intel-based Macs as a Universal Binary, and requires Mac OS X 10.4.9 or later with a compatible mobile phone.

Kenbushi v7.0 updates media center software...

Lava Software is now shipping Kenbushi v7.0, an update to its media entertainment center with built-in file sharing and data backup. The software allows users to connect a PC or Mac to a TV and sound system, and Kenbushi will provide a "gorgeous, fast and powerful way to browse, search and play all your movies, music, TV shows and other media." The new version includes full-screen media control with powerful media search and play; easy browsing of movies and albums by DVD and CD cover artwork; automated download of DVD and CD media information from Amazon.com; extraction of extensive TV show meta-information from download file names; a key press during TV show playback captures cover artwork for an episode; and fully integrated support for QuickTime and the VLC media player.

KaraTunes 3 supports synchronized lyrics

Ideographer.com has released KaraTunes 3.0, a major update to the personal lyrics database application for Mac OS X. The new version supports the LRC format, which is a lyrics format with time tags. With the LRC support in KaraTunes, users can listen to their songs and watch synchronized lyrics in a window or in full-screen mode. The new synchronized lyrics editor lets users create and edit synchronized lyrics for their songs. KaraTunes 3.0 also has better support for the iPod so that users can organize lyrics by artist or album when they upload them to the iPod. KaraTunes is an add-on for iTunes that allows users to place all of their lyrics data into a single database which can then be saved, modified and searched with an easy-to-use interface. It is a Universal Binary application for Mac OS X 10.3 or later, and is a free update for all KaraTunes 2 registered users. The software costs $13.

Quanta producing different iPhone models? [U]...

Updated with official statement Quanta Computer will be the second company to produce the iPhone in its factories, according to the Chinese Commercial Times paper. The Taiwan-based assembler is said to be joining Foxconn in producing the handset and will produce five million of the high-end handsets with its initial contract, which should start in September and will be targeted at international buyers rather than the US, which will only receive Foxconn-produced models starting from its June launch.

Adobe offers free Camera Raw 4.1 update [u]...

Adobe today announced an update to its free Photoshop Camera Raw plug-in: Camera Raw 4.1 update includes improved noise reduction and sharpening tools and raw file support for 13 additional camera models and camera backs. The camera raw functionality in the Adobe Photoshop software provides fast and easy access within the Photoshop line of products to the raw image formats produced by many leading professional and midrange digital cameras. Working with these digital negatives allows greater artistic control and flexibility while still maintaining the original raw files. Camera Raw 4.1 plug-in also supports the same functionality for TIFF and JPEG files. Professional photographers can now quickly and easily import and manipulate raw data, producing the highest quality results while saving time. Update: the release of the update has been delayed until later this week.