VONaLink update blocks outgoing VoIP calls...

Arcosoft recently announced an update for VONaLink ScreenPop, its VoIP service enhancement software, adding outbound dialing restrictions. VONaLink ScreenPop works with any SIP compatible VoIP phone system, including Vonage and Asterisk. By hooking a computer that hosts the software to a hub, users can monitor and manage outgoing calls, preventing undesired charges and fees from unauthorized phone calls. Arcosoft is selling VONaLink ScreenPop on its website for $30, with a free demo version also available.

Gefen launches HDTV line, HDMI switch box...

Gefen today announced a new line of electronics products geared towards home theatre enthusiasts, which it is dubbing Gefen TV, leading off the line with the Gefen TV Switcher. The Switcher is capable of sharing one HDMI v1.3 port to four separate devices. In addition to being able to manually switch between devices, the Gefen TV Switcher can automatically detect recently powered devices and switch the signal accordingly. Gefen is selling the switch through its website for $200.

New versions of Nisus Writer Pro, Express...

Nisus Software has released Nisus Writer Pro 1.0.3 and Nisus Writer Express 3.0.2. These new releases, which are free to existing users of Pro and Express 3, fix some image display and footnote issues. Writer Express is a scaled-back version of Writer Pro, missing features such as indexing and tables of contents; it nevertheless shares common elements, such as the ability to open Word, WordPerfect and AbiWord documents, as well as view text in scripts such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese and Hebrew. One of the major upgrades from earlier versions of Express is "floating" graphics, enabling text wrap around them.

Tunewear PRIE iPhone cases debut...

Tunewear has announced the availability of its new PRIE Ambassador genuine leather cases for iPhone. The case is now available in five different looks. Traditionalists can choose versions in black nappa leather with either white or red stitching to complement any style. Other models include gold, gold with white, and silver colored leather. The PRIE Ambassador is an open-face carrying case. All ports, sensors and the camera remain open and accessible. The iPhone is held secure using a magnetic side latch and can be quickly removed when needed.

Tiger, Leopard flaw an "enhancement"?...

Similar to the Office 2008-related permissions problem reported earlier today, Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger and 10.5 Leopard users may be susceptible to additional vulnerabilities. MacNN reader Robert Myers reports that when using a standard user account to copy software in to the Applications folder, the authentication that takes place not only allows the software to be inserted in to the folder (as it should) but also changes the owner of the application to the current user.

LTE to eclipse WiMAX in 4G cellular wars?...

The Intel-backed Xohm WiMAX service from Sprint is unlikely to survive as a fourth-generation (4G) cellular Internet standard in the face of its main challenger Long Term Evolution, according to a new analyst report from Maravedis. Although Intel has generally backed the service and expects to make WiMAX a staple of its Montevina notebook platform in mid-year, both troubles inside Sprint and opposition from other cell carriers backing LTE are believed in the report to be sinking Xohm's hopes for future success.

Apple quietly extends iTunes rental limit...

Although Apple has said it is confident that users are enjoying iTunes rentals, widespread critique began to form regarding the 24-hour rental period. Users insisted that it was simply not enough time to finish a movie due to a busy lifestyle, while others were exploring methods that would circumvent the time limit. Macworld.com notes that Apple has quietly extended the duration of movie rentals to allow users the opportunity to finish watching a film

Macgamestore.com unveils Akzend puzzle game...

Macgamestore.com recently announced the release of Akzend, a Far East-themed puzzle game for the Mac. Players are tasked with matching tiles so that they can make their way to the Temple of Time in order to lift a curse from an ancient artifact. Eight magic talismans must be unlocked to unleash powers that allow the player to further their journey. Akzend features a full screen view mode that shows off vibrant scenery artwork, and two game modes which span many levels. Akzend is available from Macgamestore.com for $20, with a free demo for download.

Analyst: 'unlockers' bought 838,000 iPhones...

Apple reported 3.7 million iPhone sales in 2007 when the company disclosed its December quarter financial results last week, but AT&T this week announced 2 million iPhone activations in the same time period. Piper Jaffray senior analyst Gene Munster believes that the remaining 1.7 million iPhones were divided up between U.S./European channel inventory (512,000 iPhones), 350,000 sales overseas, and about 838,000 handsets sold to 'unlockers,' or customers who bought the iPhone with the intention of using a cellular carrier other than Apple's exclusive partner.

QuickTime 7.4 issues with After Effects, Premiere Pro...

Adobe is recommending that users refrain from downloading and installing the latest QuickTime 7.4, which was released last week following the Macworld Expo keynote. According to the company, QuickTime 7.4 introduces serious incompatibility problems with both After Effects and Premiere Pro, which can prevent both programs from working properly. After Effects and Premiere Pro users can reportedly resolve this issue by utilizing Leopard's Time Machine and reverting their systems to a previous state.

Warner sues SeeqPod, tests digital copyright...

Warner Music Group has revealed that it is suing search engine firm SeeqPod for copyright infringement. The music label accuses SeeqPod of illegally offering music from Warner through its unique search method, which looks for MP3s and other music files and placing them into a Flash interface that allows users to stream (but not download) the songs. By allowing users to access tracks without blocking copyrighted material, SeeqPod is guilty of both immediate infringement by playing the content and secondary infringement by guiding users to where they can obtain bootlegs, Warner claims. The lawsuit would collect as much as $150,000 in damages per song.

Office 2008: permission, uninstall issues...

Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac allegedly ships with improper permissions handling, installing files under user 502, which is a common user ID, rather than the 501 administrator account. According to blogger Brunerd, this issue makes it easier for large-scale deployments to occur, but can be a huge hassle for IT specialists, and a security risk for users. In large office environment, an IT team usually handles software installs and modifications of software, so by placing control over file integrity in the hands of a standard user account, the software could easily be removed or broken by an ignorant user.

MindManager 7 Mac supports Leopard...

Mindjet has released MindManager 7 Mac with Leopard support, adding compatibility for Quick Look to provide previews of maps without the need to open a file. The application is designed to optimize both individual and team productivity with Microsoft Office integration, easier browsing in a redesigned Microsoft fluent UI with logically grouped tabs, and saved queries as well as views. MindManager 7 Mac is available for $130, with upgrades priced at $70. MindManager 7 Mac requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later.

Apple circumvents DTrace open source utility...

Some open source developers are upset with Apple for "undermining" a key piece of open source software called DTrace in Mac OS X. Apple's introduction of a feature that allows programs like iTunes to disable tracing as well as other debugging tools is causing serious problems for open source developers, effectively rendering useless other parts of DTrace in unanticipated ways -- such as causing unrelated probes to fail while anti-tracing flags are running.

GizMac unveils Aluminate, DuraSport for 3G Nano...

GizMac today announced that it is expanding its Aluminate and DuraSport lineup of cases to include the 3G iPod nano. The Aluminate case is constructed from aluminum on the front and polycarbonate plastics on the back, while the screen and click-wheel are visible, but protected. Users can secure their Aluminate with the included lanyard and carabiner clips, which the company claims will not clash with a user’s fashion motif. GizMac will ship the Aluminate case for the 3G iPod nano in February for $30.

First Look: Storymill, plot writing companion...

Word processors give users the illusion of an endless scroll of paper; this simplifies the writing process by letting you type as much as you want, but can also make organization difficult, much like trying to find a favorite scene in a movie by continually fast forwarding or rewinding a videotape. Just as DVDs break movies into skippable, on-demand chapters, so does Mariner Software's StoryMill 3.0 make writing easier by dividing text into parts within a single file. StoryMill combines an outliner with a word processor to keep track of characters, locations, and ideas for writing stories.

Sony preps small Blu-ray laser for notebooks...

Sony today revealed a new Blu-ray laser technology that it says should lead to thinner, smaller notebook drives. Through a new, extremely accurate and more reliable laser system, Sony and its development partner Nichia have produced a laser reader whose packaging is just 3mm (0.11in) thick without sacrificing features. A Blu-ray drive using the laser technology can both read and record as with earlier, thicker drives. It can also recognize discs printed using a newer organic dye that makes them cheaper to produce than most current discs, Sony notes.

Microsoft sees 'record' quarterly results...

Microsoft enjoyed its best-ever holiday quarter last year, the company reports. The software developer says it earned $16.4 billion in revenue, or about $2 billion more than any other such quarter in the past; earnings of 50 cents per share also represented almost double what the company has achieved in the past, according to the results. The growth is credited primarily to Microsoft's core Client and Business divisions, which are responsible for Windows and Office respectively. Although sales of 100 million copies of Vista are considered disappointing in relation to XP, the new software helped the division grow by an average 20 percent. The company has 'hit its stride' with Windows customers in this period, says Microsoft Platforms and Services head Kevin Johnson.