News Archive for 08/09/24

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MySpace launches DRM-free music service

09/25, 12:00am

MySpace Music

MySpace tonight kicked off the formal appearance of MySpace Music, its first commercial music service. The feature takes advantage of existing hooks for streaming music to offer on-demand, ad-subsidized playback of full tracks from the website but also lets members purchase unprotected MP3s of songs through an Amazon MP3-supported system with similar prices; the normal MySpace Flash player now includes links to buy songs or add them to a playlist.

Toshiba adds 250GB 1.8" drive, claims highest density

09/24, 11:45pm

Toshiba 250GB mini HD

Toshiba on Wednesday unveiled a new 250GB 1.8-inch format hard drive, something the company claims to be an industry first. Sitting off a Serial ATA connector, the MKxx29GSG series drives now offer the highest density of data storage currently available, at 378.8 Gb per square inch, with a 15ms seek time. The drives, which are also available in 120GB and 160GB capacities, run at 5400RPM, and offer a free fall sensor option to help prevent damage to the drive platter.

T-Mobile withdraws G1 data cap, offers compromise

09/24, 10:40pm

T-Mobile kills G1 data cap

After a public outcry, T-Mobile is reconsidering its stance on the 1GB data cap for the upcoming Android-based G1, and will only focus on users who repeatedly abuse their data connections. Engadget reveals that the move comes in response to protests against the limitations which were published on Tuesday, which would limit users' download speeds to 50Kbps should they pass a 1GB data cap. T-Mobile hopes the decision will sate users' expectations for the new device.

Dupin 1.4 supports Genius playlists, more preferences

09/24, 9:10pm

Dupin duplicate mgr update

Doug's AppleScripts for iTunes has released Dupin 1.4, the latest version of its iTunes duplicate file manager. Genius playlists are now recognized, and a "Refresh Playlist Popup" toolbar button and menu option. Users can choose to limit the number of duplicates that are detecting during each session, or toggle between deleting files or moving them to trash. A date formatting issue has been fixed, certain alert sounds removed, and the user interface updated.

Report: iPhone to blame on 3G issues, not carrier

09/24, 8:40pm

iPhone blamed for problems

The connectivity problems surrounding the iPhone 3G are likely a result the device itself, not the carrier, according to a Dow Jones report. Since the phone's launch in July, many customers have complained about dropped calls or poor internet connections. AT&T was the first focus of attention, accused of running a network that was overloaded by iPhone users.

Apple releases Java for OS X 10.5 Update 2

09/24, 8:30pm

Java update for Leopard

Apple today released Java for Mac OS X 10.5 Update 2. This latest version is claimed to offer improved reliability and compatibility with Java SE 6, J2SE 5.0, and J2SE 1.4.2 on Mac OS X 10.5.4 or later. New security enhancements are offered, including protection against malicious applets from launching file://URLs. URL handling was improved to prevent an attacker from launching local files.

Java Release 7 for Mac OS X 10.4 improves reliability

09/24, 8:15pm

Java update for Mac

Apple today released a Java update for Mac OS X 10.4. The short description claims improved reliability and compatibility with Java 2 Platform Standard Edition 5.0 and Java 1.4 on OS X 10.4.11 and later. An error checking issue has been fixed, now preventing malicious websites from executing arbitrary code. Another security enhancement prevents untrusted Java applets from obtaining higher privileges, also preventing them from executing arbitrary code. Java for Mac OS X 10.4 Release 7 is available as a free download from Apple.

Skyfire browser for WinMobile supports Flash, AJAX

09/24, 7:00pm

Skyfire public beta

Skyfire today announced the release of its Skyfire mobile browser into public beta. The browser touts its support of Flash, Ajax, Quicktime, Windows Media, and other rich media content compatibility. The company intends to add capabilities to Skyfire that are currently exclusive to desktop systems. Based on feedback from the private beta, the browser now includes a "Super Bar" that combines the URL and search entry into one place.

Relevant EquityWorks 6 improves data entry, tutorials

09/24, 6:35pm

Relevant EquityWorks 6

Relevant Equity Systems has released the latest version of its private equity software, Relevant EquityWorks 6. The redesigned user interface offers improved data entry and listing screens, enhanced navigation and task panels, and real-time dashboards. Wizards are now available to assist users with learning the product functions and controls. The software is now compatible with Windows Vista, Microsoft Office 2007, and Mac OS X.

Forums: RAM configurations, application questions

09/24, 6:10pm

Forums: RAM configuration

Forum roundup: Recently MacNN forum goers have reported more occurrences of Safari crashing since the new 2.1 software upgrade. One member is looking for a way to stream eyetv online so it can be watched, via a web based service, away from home. A question about the new version of VLC player is discussed in this thread. A debate about the best RAM configuration for a MacBook is the topic of this thread. One Fresh-Faced Recruit is having difficulty turning off FileVault and finds some suggestions from other forum goers.

ScribBall arcade and puzzle game released for iPhone

09/24, 5:55pm

ScribBall for iPhone

Howling Moon Software has released SribBall, an arcade and puzzle game for the iPhone and iPod touch. This release is based on the Mac game that shares the same name. Users change the direction that the balls fall by tilting the iPhone. When four balls of the same color touch, they pop, allowing more to pour down from the top.

Apple deals: Macs under $1000, refurb peripherals

09/24, 5:40pm

Apple deals: Mac roundup

Apple's online store is currently offering a selection of refurbished Macs for under $1000. First off is the 20-inch iMac with 1GB of memory and 250GB hard drive. Two processor speeds are available; the 2.0GHz model is $949 while the 2.4GHz model is $999. Next up is the 2.1GHz MacBook in white for $899 with 1GB of memory and 120GB hard drive. Last is the Mac mini for $679 with 1GB of memory, 120GB hard drive and 2.0GHz processor.

PocketMac for iPhone syncs Entourage, Meeting Maker

09/24, 5:05pm

PocketMac iPhone sync app

Information Appliance Associates has released its latest mobile sync product, PocketMac for iPhone. The app is capable of syncing Entourage, Meeting Maker, and Lotus Notes information. Users select which particular categories they would like synced, instead of being forced to transfer all information. If 411 is used to get phone numbers text messaged to the phone, that information can be added to the address book with one click.

Kodak CCD sensors used in high-end pro cameras

09/24, 5:00pm

Kodak sensors in cameras

At the currently ongoing Photokina show, three professional medium format digital SLR camera manufacturers revealed newly released products that utilize current and new Kodak CCD image sensors. The newly-unveiled Leica S2 uses Kodak’s KAF-37500 image sensor, which is good for 37.5-megapixel resolution. The sensor introduces a new format that is 50 percent larger than conventional 35mm film thanks to its imaging area of 45mm x 30mm. The KAF-37500 uses micro lenses to increase its light sensitivity, while a built-it infrared filter is integrated into the sensor, allowing the camera to be physically thinner.

Movea intros surface-independent Air Mouse

09/24, 4:50pm

Air Mouse works anywhere

Movea on Wednesday announced the addition of the Air Mouse to its Gyration line of products. Thanks to its motion sensors, the Air Mouse will work in users' hands in free air, or in tight spaces thanks to dedicated media controls and presentation effects. The controls are also comatible with iTunes and Slingbox, allowing music tracks and TV channels to be changed at will.

RingtoneFeeder Plus offers ringtone archive access

09/24, 4:50pm

RingtoneFeeder Plus

RingtoneFeeder has announced that it will now offer access to its iPhone ringtone archive. The new service requires an existing annual subscription, and carries an activation fee of $10, which grants full access to all ringtones released by the company. Subscribers receive four ringtones every week: one vocal and one instrumental, plus alternates for each that include an embedded ringing sound.

Panasonic shows off high-def plasma 3D system

09/24, 4:35pm

Panasonic 3D HD plasma

At the opening of the CEATEC show in Japan, Panasonic held demonstrations of its 3D HD system built around its 103-inch plasma display. The setup also relied on a standard Blu-ray disc player and battery-powered 3D glasses to produce three-dimensional moving images. Panasonic claims this is the first system using a plasma display and producing true-to-life 3D images, which, the company says, are on par in terms of image quality with Hollywood-produced 3D movies.

Quark readies sibling software for QuarkXPress 8

09/24, 4:30pm

QuarkXPress Server 8, more

Quark, the developer of QuarkXPress 8, has announced the upcoming release of several programs meant to support its flagship publishing tool. The first of these is Quark Publishing System 8, designed to manage the workflow associated with Quark files, specifically within the context of a corporate office. The updated software is said to include changes like support for native Illustrator file formats, and enhanced asset management through QPS Connect Client, which boasts functions like multi-page previews and multi-asset check-in.

Freeverse releases Flick Bowling for iPhone

09/24, 4:30pm

Flick Bowling for iPhone

Freeverse today released Flick Bowling , its latest game for the iPhone and iPod touch. Users can select from six different players, different balls, and tiered skill levels. The game uses the phone's touch screen for input. Finger flicks control the shot line up and velocity or direction of the ball. The lane, pins, characters, and balls feature 3D graphics and textures.

LG to add more affordable 8MP phone to lineup

09/24, 4:30pm

LG 8MP handset leaks

LG is following up the high-end KC910 smartphone and its 8-megapixel camera with a more affordable handset with the same high-count shooter, the KC780. The new handset has recently been approved by the FCC for the 1900MHz GSM band and Bluetooth, but also promises to offer quad-band GSM and GPRS and EDGE data network support. The 8MP camera will include autofocus, red eye reduction and face recognition software, as well as 30fps video recording.

Devs to get Windows 7 alpha at MS event

09/24, 4:25pm

Windows 7 Alpha Soon

Microsoft this afternoon confirmed that it would have a functional version of Windows 7 for developers at the company's Professional Developers Conference on October 28th. The build, referred to as a pre-beta build, will be handed out to attendees of the event keynote by company Windows Senior VP Steven Sinofsky. Specific details of what will be revealed aren't mentioned, though Microsoft says its public presentation will talk about the kernel, or operating system core, as well as Windows 7's interactions with hardware and networks and the user interface itself.

Stone of Destiny; hidden-object gaming for iPhone

09/24, 4:10pm

Stone of Destiny released

Voodoo Dimention has released an iPhone and iPod touch port of it's hidden-object game, The Stone of Destiny. In the game, players must use only a map, a book and a list of objects to uncover the mystery behind the disappearance of their uncle. The Stone of Destiny takes players around the world searching for artifacts and magical runes that may reveal clues about their uncles whereabouts.

Sony Ericsson mulling Android switch

09/24, 3:50pm

S Ericsson Mulls Android

Sony Ericsson is considering the possibility of using Google's Android platform on its phones, company chief Dick Komiyama revealed today. The Walkman phone maker has stopped short of endorsing the open-source mobile software but adds that the company is interested in the option. Komiyama doesn't provide an exact reason for the company's indeterminate stance but implies that business rather than philosophy is defining the current official approach.

Circulating Trojan file targets iPhone followers

09/24, 3:45pm

Trojan targets iPhone fans

A Trojan attack in circulation is exploiting interest in the iPhone, say researchers with Panda Security. The company identifies the malware as Banker.LKCTrojan, an app which masquerades as a video of the iPhone. The associated file -- named "VideoPhone[1]_exe" -- specifically operates through a technique called pharming, in which DNS information is sabotaged to redirect a person to a malicious website.

First Look: Spanning Sync

09/24, 3:35pm

Spanning Sync

Nearly everyone has important data stored on their computer, but with cloud computing becoming popular, many people now store data on websites that allow access to their information from multiple devices. The biggest problem occurs when you want to store and edit your data on both your computer and a website like Google. Since keeping multiple copies of data organized can be nearly impossible, you’ll be better off using a special synchronization program like Spanning Sync.

Dell intros pocket-sized M109S projector

09/24, 3:00pm

Dell Portable Projector

Dell on Wednesday introduced the M109S ultra-portable projector, meant for use with laptops during on-the-go presentations. The product weighs less than a pound and but can still produce a widescreen 858x600 resolution. Maximum projection distance is 8 feet. In exchange, the brightness and contrast are low compared to some larger, more mainstream projectors at 55 lumens and 800:1 respectively. The largest image the small projector can throw up is 60 inches.

Comcast: data caps will rise over time

09/24, 2:45pm

Comcast Data Caps Flexible

Comcast on Wednesday told GigaOM that the company will adjust its Internet bandwidth caps if it becomes clear that overall use is increasing. Although not explaining any specific corporate policy, provider spokesman Charlie Douglas says the company's 250GB threshold isn't fixed and that the cap is liable to change over time either as the average use goes up. A large number of complaints is also likely to trigger changes.

ValuEngine upgrades Apple stock

09/24, 2:45pm

ValuEngine upgrades AAPL

Analysis and forecasting company ValuEngine has upgraded its status on Apple stock from Hold to Buy, according to its weekly bulletin. Company size, risk, and five-year annualized returns were cited as primary reasons for the change. Apple has been riding well on the success of its iPod and iPhone product lines, along with Macs, ValuEngine comments. The firm's models show a current fair market value of the stock to be $182, while the actual trading price this week has dropped into the $130 range.

Bell Canada to stall third-party phone GPS?

09/24, 1:50pm

Bell May Stall Phone GPS

Bell Canada may artificially attempt to drive customers to its own subscription GPS service, according to an alleged internal memo circulating online. The note would reportedly see the cellular provider deliberately slow down the GPS position lock and potentially reduce the accuracy of the position itself for built-in or otherwise non-Bell navigation apps, focusing first on BlackBerry Maps for the company's current BlackBerry roster.

Photoshop CS4 includes multi-touch commands

09/24, 1:30pm

Photoshop CS4 multi-touch

Adobe's Photoshop CS4, announced earlier this week, includes some interface options that are unique to the Mac, investigation shows. Though not publicly emphasized by its developer, Photoshop now supports multi-touch commands when used on a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro. Images can be zoomed in and out using pinch motions, and rotating gestures will twist content.

EU to cap roaming data charges

09/24, 1:15pm

EU to cap roaming charges

The European Commission on Tuesday announced a planned law that would limit how much network providers can charge for text messages and downloads when users are roaming outside of their home country in Europe, according to a WSJ report (registration required). Under the proposed law, a single text message sent within the European Union will cost the equivalent of 16 US cents, down from about 42. Charges for passing on text messages between mobile operators will be limited to just under 6 cents.

AT&T publishes pro-iPhone, anti-Storm sales guide

09/24, 12:50pm

AT&T anti-BlackBerry tract

A alleged AT&T sales guide, leaked to the public, suggests concern by the carrier over Research in Motion's latest BlackBerry phone. The guide is said to be a memo circulating inside of AT&T, trumpeting the benefits of the iPhone 3G over the BlackBerry Storm, which AT&T claims will ship through Verizon sometime in October or November. The guide states that the Storm will lack Apple's proprietary multi-touch technology, as well as Wi-Fi and tri-band HSDPA, the latter allowing 3G data in more areas outside of North America.

Enhanced Eye-Fi cards faster, support MobileMe

09/24, 12:50pm

EyeFi cards enhanced

Eye-Fi today announced several enhancements to its products, including significantly faster upload speeds and more service options for users to choose from. The new system is claimed to be twice as fast, not only for new customers but free for current customers as well. Additional services can be added to a package, including web sharing, geotagging, and hotspot access.

NTT, Nissan, Sharp intro phone with built-in car key

09/24, 12:10pm

Cellphone with car key

Automaker Nissan, wireless network provider NTT DoCoMo and electronics maker Sharp on Wednesday announced they have developed a prototype cellphone that doubles as an intelligent ignition key for automobiles. Like the system used in Nissan’s Japanese cars since 2002, the intelligent key uses two-way wireless communications capable of triggering the doors or engine but without requiring a separate device.

Edibles 1.3 adds enhanced food tracking options

09/24, 12:05pm

Edibles 1.3 update

Random Ideas has announced a new update to its food journaling application for the iPhone and iPod touch. Edibles allows users to track values important to observing a diet regimen, such as calories, carbohydrates and WeightWatchers points. Users are also capable of setting a "budget" for a value they are tracking, and then follow weekly and daily allowances based on this figure.

Netbooks chewing at Apple, Intel finances?

09/24, 12:00pm

Netbooks Affecting Apple

The rapid surge in popularity of netbooks is affecting the bottom line for Apple and its chipmaking partner Intel, ThinkEquity researcher Vijay Rakesh claims in a recent study of the market. The analyst's checks with both Amazon and physical retail show Apple as having to face increasing competition from Acer, ASUS, and MSI. Of the top ten portables at Amazon at the time of the report's creation, two Apple MacBooks were the only systems not to fit into the new category of mini-notebooks, according to Rakesh.

MMEmail 1.1 adds support for FileMaker Server

09/24, 11:50am

MMEmail 1.1 update

Comm-Unity Networking Systems says it has released an update to MMEmail, its extension for FileMaker Pro. The plug-in lets people send e-mail directly from within a FileMaker database, eliminating the need to pop up other applications such as Mail or Entourage. The option is present for both developers and end-users, and allows file attachments.

Alltel launches iTunes-based music service

09/24, 11:05am

Alltel iTunes-based music

Wireless carrier Alltel has launched a new music service for its network based on iTunes, an announcement reveals. The service, called nuTsie, lets users listen to music from their iTunes playlists on a variety of phones sold by Alltel. Unlike existing intermediary sync programs, the service additionally gives people the option of listening to music based on recommendations, and viewing playlists created by other users and members of the nuTsie development team.

LG Xenon coming to AT&T before 2009

09/24, 11:05am

LG Xenon coming to AT&T

A new LG media phone has been spotted, and will be out on the market by the end of the year, according to a BGR report. The LG Xenon handset sports a 2.8-inch, 240x480 LCD screen, which slides over to unveil a full QWERTY keyboard. It is apparently going through testing at AT&T, which will be the exclusive provider of the handset. The quad-band phone features 3G UMTS and HSDPA data support as well as assisted GPS and Wi-Fi.

Dell readying 1080p 22-inch display

09/24, 11:00am

Dell S2209W Leak

Dell is preparing to update its display line with a second model that hints at a wider revamp of its line, a Taiwan-area leak of a prototype shows. The S2209W would be unique among 22-inch displays in its use of a 16:9 ratio, 1920x1080 resolution. The image is both much sharper than the 16:10, 1680x1050 displays that dictate most 22-inch LCDs and also better-suited to HD movies, which would output at full resolution and without the black bars that come from a non-native aspect ratio.

Sony Ericsson intros Bluetooth watches for women

09/24, 10:25am

Sony Ericsson BT watches

Sony Ericsson on Wednesday announced it will supplement its men’s line of MBW-150 Bluetooth watches with a women’s line called the MBW-200. Made in conjunction with watchmaker Fossil, the timepieces use Bluetooth to connect with compatible handsets and display caller ID and vibrate when the phone is ringing or a text message is received. Users can then mute or reject the call via the watch. Either of the three distinctly styled timepieces will also act as a remote control for the music playing from the handset.

Nokia's iPhone rival shows in press shot

09/24, 10:20am

Nokia 5800 Press Shot Leak

Nokia's first true touchscreen phone has been spotted today in a leak of an official press image for the device. The image matches earlier but much less distinct images and shows a significantly different interface for the Symbian operating system's music player with onscreen music controls and larger album art. Other interface changes are known to be coming and include an iPhone-like photo browser with swipe and rotate features as well as as a new control panel.

Apple alerts customers of adapter recall via SMS

09/24, 10:15am

Apple recall SMS

Last Friday, Apple announced that it was recalling faulty electrical adapters that shipped with the iPhone 3G. Apple is now sending out SMS text messages to to AT&T subscribers, warning them of the problem, according to a report. The close connection between Apple and AT&T has allowed Apple to communicate directly with a vast number of its customers.

BBC brings radio to iPlayer for iPhone/iPod touch

09/24, 10:00am

BBC radio on iPhone/iPod

The UK's official broadcaster, the BBC, has announced expanded support for the iPhone/iPod touch version of its iPlayer service. As of today the software now supports radio, allowing users to listen to episodes from a variety of programs up to seven days after the original airdate. The BBC's Mark Friend says that the option comes from adapting the network's normal digital delivery to suit the unique restrictions of Apple handhelds.

TeliaSonera bringing iPhone to Latvia, Lithuania

09/24, 9:20am

TeliaSonera iPhone plans

Swedish telecom company TeliaSonera has yet more plans to expand iPhone sales, according to an announcement. With sales already in progress throughout Scandinavia, Telia says it will soon bring the iPhone 3G to two eastern European countries, Latvia and Lithuania. A release date is in fact scheduled for this Friday, September 26th. Prices are not currently available online.

Sony Ericsson bows PlayNow unlimited music

09/24, 9:15am

Sony Ericsson PlayNow plus

Sony Ericsson this morning launched into more aggressive competition in mobile music with the advent of PlayNow plus. The feature is one of the few carrier-independent unlimited music services that works entirely from the device itself but is also tailored to overcome resistance to subscription services: in an improvement on Nokia's Comes With Music service, Sony Ericsson says it will not only let users keep their most frequently-played music at the end of their subscriptions but that permanent copies will come in MP3 format; listeners can offload the music to another phone, a PC, or a dedicated media player without copy restrictions.

Dell intros pro notebook with 16GB memory

09/24, 8:10am

Dell Precision M6400

Dell on Wednesday acted on its early tease and launched the Precision M6400, the company's new flagship notebook for professionals. The 17-inch notebook is Dell's fastest ever by using both the Centrino 2 platform and the size to its advantage: the system is Dell's first to use Intel's quad-core 2.53GHz Core 2 Extreme processor and carries four DDR3 memory slots that can each support 4GB of memory, pushing the system up to a desktop-like 16GB in the most extreme configurations.

LG tops 1m Prada sales, sets Prada 2 for fall

09/24, 7:30am

LG Tops Prada II

LG today said that it has sold one million Prada phones worldwide, making it one of the Korean company's best-selling individual touchscreen devices. The device was one of the earliest direct competitors to the iPhone and was developed at roughly the same time with a launch a few months earlier. Individually, the device has fared relatively poorly compared to its Apple rival's over six million but forms part of a larger touchscreen lineup that LG said slightly edged Apple in July.

ShoveBox 1.5 improves search, enhances interface

09/24, 1:00am

ShoveBox update

Wonder Warp Software has released the latest version of its capture and organization tool, ShoveBox 1.5. One notable new capability is annotation of any entry, whether text, image, HTML, or PDF. Users can assign global hotkeys to information that is used often. The graphical user interface has been enhanced along with the searching and archiving functions.

Arten Science announces macVCR screen recording app

09/24, 12:25am

macVCR recording app

Arten Science has announced macVCR, an application that allows users to make Quicktime movies out of screen activity. Recording length can be pre-set or recordings can be started and stopped manually. Compression quality can be adjusted, along with the frames per second settings. Arten claims low usage of disk and CPU resources.