ADmitMac for CAC v1.1: adds Exchange support

Thursby Software the developer of DAVE and other Mac/PC integration tools, has announced ADmitMac for CAC 1.1, a new version of the tool that provides for the secure integration Macs using U.S. Department of Defense Common Access Cards (CAC) into Active Directory environments. Thursby developers say that the U.S. Government's DISA Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) has tested ADmitMac for CAC and has shown that it meets applicable DoD requirements for Public Key Enabled (PKE) software. The tool provides for Public Key Enabled (PKE) Kerberos single sign-on with CAC cards; advanced network file client with SMB signing and Distributed File System (Dfs) access; and highly secure Active Directory Integration using encrypted LDAP connections. New in this release are improvements to meet the JITC standards, a special utility that enables Microsoft Entourage 2004 users to use Microsoft Exchange without passwords, and all improvements that were included in the recently released ADmitMac v3.2.2. The update is free for current customers.

iPhone dock disassembly reveals flaw?...

Disassembly of the dock that accompanies Apple's iPhone may reveal why sound input and output is muffled when the phone is docked. The muffling occurs despite the fact that the iPhone dock features grills on the underside designed to pass sound through from the microphone and speaker. Photos taken by Fastmac -- the company which disassembled the dock -- suggest that the problem is a result of either poor design or a manufacturing flaw. [photos]

iPhone.com acquired by Apple

It has been confirmed that Apple has finally succeeded in purchasing the domain name iPhone.com from Michael Kovatch. Kovatch is something of a domain name profiteer, having himself bought the iPhone.com domain in 1995 before the iPod or even the original iMac. He's also the owner of several other high-profile, domain names like SoccerShop.com, Wine.net, Golf.net, Noc.net, WineOnline.com, Kovo.com, TeeShirt.com, and CyberWine.com. DomainTools reports "Michael said this last week was a very busy one inside of Apple. He was holding out because he truly wanted to use the domain." Traffic to iPhone.com had, obviously, skyrocketed in the last 6 months." The domain is still in Michael’s account under Domains by Proxy but Apple plans to transfer the domain in the next week. The iPhone.com domain reportedly fetched more than $1 million.

Apps: FinanceToGo, PandoCalendar

• FinanceToGo 1.5, ($45) personal and small business finance manager application for Mac OS X. The update adds full Address Book integration and support for vCard files, allowing records from Address Book to be used as suppliers, account owners and customers. Several new Profit & Loss accounts including Supplier turnover and Customer open invoices have also been added in Version 1.5. Mac OS X 10.4. recommended. [Download - 4.7MB]


• PandoCalendar 7.0 (free) a fully functional calendar on your desktop. The look is completely customizable. You can change the calendar's font, size, and the colors used to draw the calendar; the background can be entirely transparent, so you can still see your desktop picture. The new release is completely rewritten in Cocoa, and is complied as a Universal Binary, for native support of both Intel and PowerPC Macs. All text is stored as Unicode, providing support for non-Roman script languages/ [Download - 1.1MB]
 

• Call Recorder for Skype v2.1 ($15) adds a simple recording window to Skype for Mac, allowing users to automatically save exact reproductions of all incoming and outgoing Skype calls. Calls are saved as QuickTime files, which can be converted to MP3 format or split into separate tracks for further editing and podcasting. The new version adds new settings and fixes some compatibility issues. [Download - 1.4MB]


• MachineHead 0.7b (free beta) musicians, manipulate and mash up media files, loop over sections of a track, delicately alter pitch, and slow down or speed up playback. Includes a wide range of built-in effects. Works with iTunes, and includes a Quartz Visualizer module for viewing and tweaking industry standard Quartz Composer .qtz visualizations. The new release allows unlimited numbers of AU Effects: save and restore unlimited numbers of such Fx 'patches'. Fx Patches retain the entire state of the FxChain, including individual AU settings and states. AU Music Effects are now also listed. [Download - 3.6MB]


• NetNewsWire 3.1.8 ($30) an easy-to-use RSS and Atom reader for your Mac. Offers three-paned interface similar to many Apple applications. The new release has desktop integration (Spotlight, Address Book, iCal, iPhoto, Growl, Twitterific and more), and synchronized clippings -- read your saved articles from the web or another NewsGator reader. Also includes microformat detection for contacts and calendar events. [Download - 6.9MB]

Briefly: iPhone sells out, screen shield...

In brief: AT&T says it sold out of its initial iPhone stock within a few hours of launch, ShieldZone has released a screen shield for the device, ON Networks offers new video content formatted for the iPhone, and a survey claims 15 percent of telecommuting workers want one .... AT&T says it nearly sold out of its initial stock of the iPhone within a few hours of the devices release. "Virtually all of our stores sold out of the iPhone last night," AT&T spokesman Mark Siegel said, declining to specify how many units had been sold. Apple is still not providing any specific numbers either, though some analysts are estimating more than 700,000.

AT&T opens up Wi-Fi for select broadband customers

AT&T has announced its intentions to open up its Wi-Fi hotspots to select broadband customers. The Associated Press reports that subscribers to the company's Pro, Elite and FastAccess plans will soon be able to connect to any of the official hotspots for free, which number to about 10,000 across the US in locations such as airports, bookstores, restaurants and coffee shops. Subscribers with cheaper plans will be able to pay $2 per month for the same access, or $8 per day if they are non-subscribers. No reason for the discount has been given, but the move likely coincides with the launch of the iPhone, which depends heavily on Wi-Fi as a selling point.

Apple's iPhone: second impressions...

For the past few years, smartphone users around the world have been waiting for advancement in functionality and quality. So when Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced the iPhone, millions of people were enticed by the potential of this product. While some believed the iPhone would become the greatest piece of technology the world has ever seen, others viewed the new cell phone as a guaranteed flop with typing and battery issues. Both groups were wrong.

BenQ intros two Pentax-lensed compact cams...

Freshening its compact DC-series cameras, BenQ has just launched a pair of successors to a pair of its point-and-shoot models. The 8-megapixel E820 is a direct replacement for the 7-megapixel E720 and adds face detection for better portraits plus a forced high-ISO mode that shoots at ISO 1600 for dark scenes; the C740i is a subtler upgrade that keeps an existing 7-megapixel sensor but adds the same face detection and ISO 1600 to the existing formula.

Customers forced to buy iPhone accessories...

It appears that some customers who were forced to purchase iPhone accessories if they wanted to buy the device on launch day, June 29th, are now receiving refunds from AT&T. Gizmodo reports AT&T is explicitly stating that forced accessory purchase is not a company-wide policy and that that 'no one is required to buy accessories in order to get an iPhone.' The company is also reportedly taking disciplinary action against AT&T retail outlets that enforced the purchase requirement. Customers who were embroiled in the fiasco are encouraged to return to their local AT&T store and return any unwanted accessories.

T-Mobile favored for iPhone in Germany?...

T-Mobile is the prime candidate for carrying the iPhone in Germany, according to a claim made in a teaser article written for the country's Rheinische Post on Tuesday. The paper alleges that the carrier will sell the base iPhone for 450 Euros ($613) on November 1st, meeting Apple's stated goal of bringing the device to Europe by the fourth quarter of 2007. The media outlet does not elaborate on whether this includes taxes or subsidies. T-Mobile Germany has declined comment on the report.

Errata: iPhone more secure than other phones...

Errata, a well-known security consultation firm that provided in-depth analysis of the first Month of Apple Bugs (MoAB) project and has independently identified a number of device and OS flaws, thinks that the iPhone is inherently more secure than competing smartphones (such as those based on Windows Mobile or Symbian). Chief among the factors behind this claim is Apple's reluctance to put its iPhone software update mechanism in the hands of a wireless carrier, instead distributing patches through iTunes. Errata says "We've reported a (vulnerability) in a another smartphone 6 months ago that still hasn't gotten patched, mostly because that carrier doesn't want to. If Apple can push a fix for one of our bugs before this carrier fixes their bug, that might convince Wall Street that their strategy is better."

Apple debuts France store-in-store

Apple has opened a relatively large store inside the FNAC Digital store on the Boulevard Saint Germain in central Paris. FNAC SA is a retailer of books, music, videos and consumer electronics. This new location is one of the few instances where Apple has decided that an intra-store model works better than an independent, separate retail store. The store-within-a-store is nearly 1000 square feet, and sells the typical line-up of Apple products, excepting the Mac mini. It uses a split model, devoting half of its retail space to product demonstration and the other half to stocking accessories and performing customer transactions. Apple recently opened additional retail outlets state-side in San Francisco and Los Gatos.

iPhone shatters AT&T record, dwarfs RAZR [u]...

Apple over the weekend sold more than 700,000 iPhones to rocket past analyst predictions and shatter AT&T's record by selling more iPhones in three days than Motorola's RAZR did in its first month. Apple's supply of iPhones depleted at more than half of its retail stores less than a week after the cellular handset hit shelves at 6:00 p.m. ET last Friday night. Buyers cleared out both Apple and AT&T stores in 10 states, with 95 of 164 stores selling out on Monday night, according to Bloomberg. Apple stores located in Hawaii, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Utah, and Washington state sold their entire stock of iPhones yesterday, and AT&T sold its entire stock at almost all of its 1,800 stores. [updated]

Briefly: Wisconsin store; Larry Sanders on iTunes...

In brief: Apple is preparing to open a retail store Madison Wisconsin, Sony has added 'The Larry Sanders Show' to Apple's iTunes Store, E-on Software is launching this year's Vue 3D environment competition, Native Instruments has started its "Summer of Sound," and Bombia Design has released 'The Invoice Machine.' Apple is preparing to open its latest retail store in Madison, Wisconsin on Saturday, July 7th. The store will officially open its doors at the West Towne Mall on Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. CDT. The new store will join two other stores in the state of Wisconsin, which include the Glendale, Bayshore store as well as the Wauwatosa, Mayfair location.

Contour Design ships iSee for iPhone

Contour Design today began shipping the iSee for iPhone, a contoured and clear case designed for Apple's iPhone designed to guard the handset from damage while showing off the phone's sleek design. The shell offers accessibility to all of the iPhone's connections and controls, including the touch-screen. A case/holster combination allows users to eat the iPhone in a forward, backward, horizontal, or vertical position as needed. The case allows for easy phone insertion and removal, while small rubber feet offer stability on flat surfaces. Contour Design's iSee for iPhone is priced at $30.

Tekkeon launches multi-device charger

Tekkeon has launched a new power adapter which may greatly simplify charging for users with multiple portable devices. By itself the myCharger is a normal AC plug with a USB port, but in tandem with the company's numerous adapter tips, it can charge phones by LG, Nokia, Blackberry, Motorola, Samsung and Sony Ericsson. Crucially, it can also charge iPods and iPhones without a special tip, since Apple's own power cords connect directly to USB. Tips exist for other 5V electronics as well, including Bluetooth sets, digital cameras and handheld game consoles. The LG, Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and mini-USB tips come bundled with the myCharger, which is now on sale for $25.

TinyBooks 5.0.0 enhances invoice printer

Space-Time Associates today released TinyBooks 5.0.0, a major update to the bookkeeping software that includes numerous improvements to the Professional Invoice Printer as well as the Monthly Transaction Windows and Enter Transaction Dialogs. TinyBooks is designed as a simple, flexible, non-bloated, single-entry bookkeeping and accounting system for the Mac. The software enables users to enter expenses and income, automatically displaying current as well as year-to-date totals. Automatic bar-charting of all expense and income accounts enable users to determine monthly trends, and a Reports window offers easy standard as well as custom reporting/searching functionality. TinyBooks is priced at $50, and requires Mac OS X 8.6 or later.

Sonnet unveils iPhone car, wall chargers...

Sonnet Technologies today unveiled its Car Charger for iPod & iPhone as well as a USB Wall Charger for iPod & iPhone. The company's car charger provides a simple way for users to power an iPhone or iPod while on-the-go, offering a USB-to-dock coiled cable to work in any 12-volt car or 24-volt truck lighter or accessory jack. The charger provides an LED status light when powered, and features power filtering as well as a user-replaceable fuse to protect the connected gadget from power surges. The charger and cable are black to match most car interiors, and are compatible with most iPod models. Sonnet's Car Charger for iPod & iPhone and USB Wall Charger are separately available for $20 each.

Apple denies Universal departure reports...

Apple is denying reports that the major music label Universal is refusing a long-term iTunes contract, opting for month-to-month deals with the option of outside exclusives. "We are still negotiating with Universal," says Apple representative Tom Neumayr, speaking in an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle. "Their music is still on iTunes and their not re-signing is just not true." Universal representatives have not replied with any statements of their own.

Kenmos tapped for new MacBook LEDs?...

Taiwan-based Kenmos is producing LED backlights for future displays that will land in new 13.3-inch MacBook models, according to unverified sources within the industry. The technology firm's Japanese overseer and stakeholder, Stanley Electric, has reportedly been chosen by Apple and its display producer Chi-Mei to produce the lighting for the smaller portable. The introduction would give the MacBook the same advantages in battery life, brightness, and color accuracy as the most recent 15.4-inch MacBook Pro when compared to today's cold-cathode fluorescent (CCFL) backlights.

YummySoup! 1.4 imports epicurious recipes

HungrySeacow Software today released YummySoup! 1.4, an update to the recipe management application that enables users to import epicurious.com recipes by dragging a link into the software. All recipe information is added automatically, and a video tutorial details the feature on HungrySeacow's Quick Guide page. Two other major enhancements include support for importing MacGourmet and Connoisseur recipes. YummySoup! includes an online library of recipes submitted by users, as well as a full screen view for cooking and shopping lists. YummySoup! 1.4 is priced at $20 and requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later.

iPhone parts from Infineon, Samsung, Balda...

A new teardown of the iPhone has been published, this time by the research firm iSuppli. While many of the components were previously identified in a Portelligent analysis, the iSuppli approach differs in several respects. Foremost is the estimation of cost; whereas Portelligent calculated a cost of $220 for an 8GB phone, iSuppli has determined that the cost is approximately $265, reducing margins to just over 55 percent. The group notes, however, that these figures still do not factor in elements like royalties and logistics.

LG second after Apple for mobile YouTube...

LG Mobile today revealed that it will be the second major cellphone producer after Apple to install a custom YouTube interface on its phones. The move will allow owners of compatible handsets, regardless of their carrier, to both browse videos over a mobile Internet connection and also to upload videos captured with a phone's camera. No specifics were given regarding the interface, but the company mentions that the feature will require a handset preloaded with the software. Multiple phones with the feature will be available worldwide towards the end of 2007, LG said.

New Jacket, screen film for iPhone

Power Support has launched two new products designed to protect the iPhone. The Crystal Jacket Set for iPhone includes crystal clear case, LCD film and holster, protecting the iPhone from scratches, dust, and impacts. The holster rotates 180 degrees and the case weighs 0.5oz. The package is priced at $30. The Crystal Film Set covers entire face of the iPhone; the set includes 2 films. The film helps to maintains LCD brightness and uses static cling plastic for adhesion. Power Support claims that the film does not interfere with responsiveness, and can be cleaned and reapplied. The film set is priced at $16.

Radiologik DJ 1.0: live assist audio player

Radiologik DJ is a new DJ live assist audio player that features 3 overlapping players and 1 library player, all with selectable individual audio outputs, time calculations, and iTunes integration (imports from iTunes playlists, accepts drags from iTunes, and drags from the Finder; and registers songs played with iTunes, adjusting the last played and play count fields). It also supports Nicecast for internet broadcasting. This final release includes custom starts, stops, and fades for every track, scheduling tracks for any second of the day, and bidirectional MIDI surface control support. The tool plays MP3, AAC, ITMS protected AAC, Apple Lossless, AIFF, WAV. Radiologik DJ is priced at $130. The developer has also announced plans for a scheduler which will utilize iTunes smart playlists with its own top logic for full station automation.

NetShred X 4.0 adds Firefox 2 support

Mireth Technology Corp. has released version 4.0 of NetShred X, a tool that erases internet tracks such as cache, history and email. NetShred X runs automatically, without user intervention and in the background, so using the software doesn't interfere with the user's web browsing. The tool also incorporates data overwriting functionality that makes it more difficult to recover erased data. This release includes support for more Web Browsers, including Firefox 2, iCab 3, Shiira 2 (it also supports Internet Explorer, Camino, Mozilla, Opera and other browsers). This release also adds functionality for Thunderbird 1.5 and specifically adds support for erasing site passwords in Firefox 2. NetShred X 4.0 is priced at $25.