News Archive for 09/07/22

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SkypeCap 3 for Mac adds video-chat recording

07/22, 11:50pm

Skype 3 comes to Mac

SkypeCap has released version 3 of its Mac edition, audio session recorder. SkypeCap is used for recording media during online Skype conversations, for later playback or sharing with other users. In the newest version support as been added for capturing both audio and video chats from Skype, and enables users to open other windows on the Mac without having them captured in the recording. The application is also capable of converting captured video into various other formats such as MP4 and SWF.

Raidon intros GearRAID multi-bay storage family

07/22, 11:45pm

GearRAID storage family

Raidon Technology has announced the latest in its line of RAID storage systems, the GearRAID multi-bay storage family. Consisting of three different storage devices the 2-bay GR3630, 4-bay GR5630 and GT5630, each RAID system is designed for SOHO and workstation use and is used to help back-up and store the user’s information. Both the GR3630 and GR5630 support USB 2.0, eSATA and FireWire 800 interfaces.

Yank 2.0 adds auto-launch, Snow Leopard support

07/22, 10:30pm

Yank 2.0 announced

Metterform Media has released v2.0 of Yank, a utility used to uninstall applications and their support files regardless of how the initial installation method. The latest version includes an auto-launch feature that automatically starts the application every time the installer program is used. The update also boasts compatibility with Mac OS X Snow Leopard, due out in September.

Apple withdraws legal threats over iTunes sync wiki

07/22, 10:20pm

Apple backs down on threat

Apple has withdrawn a number of legal threats against the public wiki site Bluwiki, according to the Electronic Frontier Foundation. The threats were initially sent to the site publisher late last year, after anonymous users authored pages relating to enabling content sync with iPods and iPhones without going through Apple's iTunes software.

iLuv debuts vertical quad-CD/iPod audio system

07/22, 9:20pm

iLuv CD MP3 iPod system

iLuv on Wednesday debuted the iMM9400, a vertical audio system featuring four CD players, an iPod dock, AM/FM tuner, SD card slot and a USB port. Each speaker is capable of 10W RMS output or 20W peak, while a dedicated output jack can be used to connect a subwoofer. The device can play MP3 or WMA files from SD cards or USB-attached media, while the CD players also support MP3 format.

Q3 call: Apple COO still not convinced on netbooks

07/22, 8:40pm

Cook on Apple netbook

Apple COO Tim Cook reiterated his distaste for the netbook and suggested that Apple's business model would not cater to the concept of an Apple netbook product. Cook and CFO Peter Oppenheimer reviewed Apple's performance over its Q3 conference call yesterday. Cook's comments follow a slew of rumors, including claims that Wintek will supply Apple with 9.7-inch touchscreen displays. The rumors also suggest Apple will be releasing a touch netbook in October for $800.

Microsoft releases Windows 7 RTM to developers

07/22, 8:05pm

Windows 7 RTM release

Microsoft on Wednesday announced the availability of release to manufacturing (RTM) versions of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. The operating system has completed all of the initial development steps, while the RTM will give the company a chance to run validation checks, including languages, before it is provided to the public.

LG ships THX-certified LH90 TV with LED backlighting

07/22, 6:55pm

LG LH90 LED LCD HDTV

LG on Wednesday shipped the LH90 series of 1080p LCD HDTVs, the first it says feature both LED backlighting and which pass the THX Display Certification process. Each TV supports contrast rations up to 2,000,000:1, while TruMotion technology converts the refresh rate to 240Hz. The integrated THX Movie Mode is designed to optimize the color, black levels and signal processing.

Q3 news: Touch cannibalizes other iPod sales

07/22, 5:50pm

iPod being cannibalized?

Apple has said it forecasted its decrease in iPod classic, nano, and shuffle Q3 sales and attributes the decline to cannibalization caused by iPod touch and iPhone sales. The company posted its Q3 results yesterday, with positive results relative to the current recession. The results showed 10.2 million in iPod sales -- down from 11 million at this time last year. Apple additionally attributes these declines to a channel inventory reduction of over 400,000 units, and a four percent decrease of sell-through year-over-year.

Image leak shows Sony S-Series Walkman successor

07/22, 5:40pm

Sony S Series image leak

The next generation of Sony's S-Series Walkman may have been exposed in a leaked press photo posted on Sony Insider. The image, allegedly provided by a credible source, shows several players sporting several different colors including pink, blue, black and red. The design appears to have been refined, keeping the same button configuration but with a larger screen similar to the company's X-Series.

DYMO makes 450-series label printers official

07/22, 5:35pm

DYMO 450's to ship soon

After surfacing earlier this month, DYMO today officially launched three new label printers in its LabelWriter 450 series. The 450 series printers output US Postal Service approved labels, barcodes and name badges, among other uses. The new series can print from 50 to 70 labels per minute, depending on the model, from software like Word, Outlook, QuickBooks and CardScan. USPS labels can be printed for First Class, Express Mail, Flat Rate postage, postcards and more. The label writers connect to Macs and PCs via USB.

HTC Leo specs leak: touchscreen, 1GHz processor

07/22, 5:10pm

HTC Leo gets touchscreen

Following up earlier rumors of an HTC handset, the Leo, the latest leak shows the device's specs and reveals that what was actually known as Firestone will become the Leo, as the specs reveal no QWERTY keyboard. Instead, the Leo will apparently have a fast 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, a 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen with a 480x800 resolution and 320MB of RAM, according to one source. Otherwise, the dual-band HSDPA handset will have quad-band GSM/EDGE network support and should run Windows Mobile 6.5.

RSA unveils SecurID Software Token for iPhone

07/22, 5:10pm

Secure iPhone App launches

EMC's security division, RSA, has launched the RSA SecurID Software Token for iPhone, enabling an Apple handheld to be used as a SecurID authenticator. It works in conjunction with a SecurID token seed -- and RSA's Authentication Manager software -- to provide a one-time password that changes every 60 seconds, creating a secure access point. A single tap enables the program, using a unique token seed provided by a person's IT organization.

AMD ships 500 millionth x86 processor in 40th year

07/22, 5:05pm

AMD ships 500m x86 chips

AMD on Wednesday announced that is has recently shipped its 500 millionth x86 proccessor. To celebrate this milestone, which conveniently occurred during the chipmaker's 40th anniversary celebrations, AMD is giving away four HP Pavilion dv2z notebooks. Beginning July 27th, those interested in the contest can enter by answering questions AMD will post on its Twitter page regarding the company's history, with a new question posted every two weeks for 8 weeks.

Alienware opening store in New York

07/22, 4:55pm

Alienware Experience due

Gaming PC maker Alienware on Wednesday said it would open its first store at the Micro Center near New York City. To be called The Alienware Experience, the store will be a try-only boutique like Dell's few locations and give visitors the chance to experience Alienware's gaming hardware firsthand, albeit without the option of buying systems in-store. The first 500 visitors will get special Alienware T-shirts, gift bags and 2GB USB drives. Those who participate in the LAN games will also have at winning extra prizes including PC games, speakers, keyboards, mice and headphones.

Apps: Big Mean Folder Machine, ReelBean, CDFinder

07/22, 4:40pm

OggQuickLook, EarthBrowser

The Big Mean Folder Machine 2.0 ($15) is a tool for merging files and folders from several locations into one folder. Users can choose from different sorting options such as, sorting a set number of files into folders, organizing files into folders of a set file size, organizing files into folders alphabetically, and more. The v2.0 release features a re-designed interface, improved droplet automation, file name conflict resolution, automated software updates, and improved overall performance. [Download - 2.2MB]

LinkOptimizer 4 redesigns interface, adds features

07/22, 4:40pm

LinkOptimizer 4 update

Zevrix has launched a new version of its InDesign optimization software, LinkOptimizer 4. The application helps resize InDesign jobs, while increasing processing speed by eliminating excess data. With the update LinkOptimizer is now a Cocoa-based plug-in, armed with a redesigned user interface and over 20 added features such as setting presets, resampling methods and detailed processing logs.

Samsung intros world's thinnest watch phone

07/22, 4:30pm

Samsung watch phone due

It looks like LG's GD910 watch phone won't have the market all to itself, as Samsung is soon planning to make its own splash in the category with its S9110. Touted as the world’s thinnest, at just about 0.47 thick, the device will have a built-in speakerphone and Bluetooth support for syncing to compatible headsets and headphones. Users will interface with the device via a 1.76-inch touchscreen, although there will be voice recognition.

BlackBerry Thunder shows up in Verizon's inventory

07/22, 4:00pm

BlackBerry Thunder due

An unheard of BlackBerry handset, the Thunder, showed up in Verizon's inventory recently, as this image shows. Whether or not this is just Verizon's own naming scheme for the recently spotted BlackBerry 9550, the Storm sequel, is not clear, but widely expected to be the case, although it could be the Curve 8520 that has also been recently making news. Another theory is that the Thunder name is just a placeholder for the Storm 2, as it does appear just under the Storm and follows correctly in alphabetical order.

Fabrix releases iPhone 3GS Sleeves collection

07/22, 3:55pm

Fabrix iPhone 3GS Sleeves

Fabrix has released a new line of iPhone accessories, the iPhone 3GS Sleeves. Each one uses a slim design, but is lined with a quilted inner padding to protect against bumps and scratches. The sleeves additionally carry a small nylon loop stitched at the opening, meant for attaching a carabiner or keyring.

NAVIGON launches North American iPhone app

07/22, 3:35pm

NAVIGON iPhone app

Following a month's delay, NAVIGON has launched a North American version of its MobileNavigator GPS app for the iPhone. The software replicates the functions of a dedicated GPS unit, providing turn-by-turn navigation using preloaded maps. The app can also display road signs, points of interest and lane guidance, using a choice of 2D or 3D views.

iPhone apps: CardWar, MyWeather, MusicID

07/22, 3:30pm

DS Audio, iTinis

CardWar ($1) is an iPhone/iPod touch version of the classic card game War. Players compete against the computer by flipping cards one by one. Whoever flips the higher card takes the set and the first player to collect the entire deck wins. The game automatically tracks the current score and also saves the game state when the application is closed allowing users to continue their game at a later point in time. A small deck mode is also included which plays with the same rules but uses only half of the cards.

LG ships record 29.8m phones in spring

07/22, 3:10pm

LG Ships 29m Phones in Q2

LG claimed to be flying in the face of the phone industry today with claims of a record spring quarter. The company said its worldwide revenue grew 13.8 percent to $11.2 billion but was particularly happy with its cellphone sales, which saw its revenue surge 25.8 percent to almost $4 billion. The Korean company shipped about 29.8 million phones during the period, also a high point for its results, and notes that the results skewed towards more expensive mid-range phones: actual shipments grew a more modest 7.8 percent.

deskUNPDF 3 improves text rendering, table conversion

07/22, 2:40pm

deskUNPDF 3 update

Docudesk has released deskUNPDF 3, an update to its PDF conversion utility. The software provides tools for converting PDFs into Word, Excel or HTML documents, among others. The latest version integrates an improved Accu-Text rendering engine, which is said to provide faster conversions with higher quality. Table conversion has also been enhanced for more accurate extraction of numerical data.

Majority of all HTC phones to sport Android in 2010

07/22, 2:30pm

HTC to go mainly Android

HTC is planning on increasing the use of the Android platform on its handsets to more than 50 percent in 2010, replacing Windows Mobile as the dominant OS, Taiwan's DigiTimes reported on Wednesday while referring to claimed industry sources. This is a significant increase from the current split, as HTC now offers about 30 percent of its handsets preloaded with the Google-developed, open source operating system.

Apple passes Google's market cap

07/22, 2:15pm

Apple Passes Goog Mkt Cap

The stock market rally following Apple's record quarterly results has pushed its market cap past that of Google, according to financial tracking data. As of Wednesday afternoon, the combined worth of all of Apple's stock is about $140 billion, or just past the roughly $135 billion of the search engine giant. The milestone comes even as Apple has had a steeper short-term recovery; the company dropped from near the $200 mark last year to as low as $78 in February, or half its current value.

Apple attempting to conceal iPod fires?

07/22, 1:55pm

Apple fights iPod probe

Apple has been working to conceal the extent of incidents involving iPods bursting into flame, a Seattle TV station claims. Following a viewer complaint in November 2008, related to a burn caused by an iPod shuffle, KIRO 7 says it began an investigation, which discovered online accounts of other incidents. The station then filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, seeking a collection of all American complaints involving fires and burns caused by iPods.

Olympus outs three 12MP FE-series cameras

07/22, 1:30pm

Olympus new FE series cams

Olympus on Wednesday announced the addition of three new point and shoot digital cameras to its FE series, including the FE-5020, FE-4000 and FE-46, all with 12-megapixel sensors. The FE-5020 and FE-4000 feature ultra-wide angle lenses, with the former offering a 5x zoom lens, or the 35mm equivalent of 24mm-120mm, and the latter sporting a 4x (26mm-105mm) lens. All share the same 2.7-inch LCD screen and have enhanced tracking capabilities, including Intelligent Auto that picks the best mode for a particular environment and AF Tracking that focuses on fast-moving subjects and can remember them even when they leave the frame.

Olympus previews Stylus-7010 with 7x zoom

07/22, 12:50pm

Olympus Stylus-7010

Olympus has announced the Stylus-7010, an upcoming compact camera. The model relies on a 12-megapixel sensor, backed by a TruePic III image processor. Distinguishing the 7010 from rivals is the presence of a 7x zoom lens, providing range equivalent to 28-196mm on a full-sized SLR sensor. Hardware image stabilization is handled through sensor-shift technology.

BlackBerry Storm 2 faster, "much nicer"

07/22, 12:25pm

BBerry Storm 2 Video

RIM's BlackBerry Storm sequel, the 9550, won't be a conspicuous overhaul of the original but should improve on the many flaws of the original, a test of a prototype shows. In spite of some rumors, CrackBerry finds the new touchscreen BlackBerry should still have the click-down screen but has a much improved response compared to today's Storm, whose screen has often been criticized for slowing down input rather than providing the physical feedback. Build quality is deemed "much nicer" than the present phone and shows fewer gaps or other breakable parts.

Apple ink engine patent expands input possibilities

07/22, 12:10pm

Apple wins nine patents

Apple was granted nine new patents on Tuesday, including an ink engine patent for future tablet applications. Other patent wins cover industrial design for the Airport Extreme, earphones, the universal dock and iPhone retail packaging. The key patent, however, is for the Ink Phase Termination Engine. The concept would support Apple's Inkwell technology -- featured in Mac OS X -- in a theoretical tablet device.

revMedia 4.0 compatible with all major browsers

07/22, 12:05pm

revMedia 4.0 alpha test

RunRev has released an alpha test version of revMedia 4.0. The application is used to develop web applications in an English-like programming language called revTalk, and includes an integrated development environment. The latest version can deploy to all major browsers. revMedia 4.0 supports various media formats, vector graphics, drop shadows, and a customizable interface.

Analysts laud Apple Q3, future iPhone influence

07/22, 11:35am

Analysts on Q3 results

Apple did better than expected in its third quarter results, say analysts from Needham, UBS and Kaufman. Needham's Charlie Wolf notes that revenue and EPS shot past official guidance, reaching figures of $8.3 billion and $1.35 respectively. Mac shipments were up 4.3 percent year-over-year, and iPhone shipments made it to 5.2 million. The iPhone is in fact the current driver of Apple growth, according to Wolf, backed by a distinct software advantage over other smartphones.

Fujifilm releases four budget compact cams

07/22, 11:35am

Fujifilm F37 J38 A170 A220

Fujifilm wrapped up its camera introductions with four more economic FinePix models, including an update to its fashion-oriented compacts. The F37 is a typical 10-megapixel, 3X zoom camera but has a very rounded body and the pick of multiple colors, including two-tone black/red and pink/white versions. It carries full scene detection and face detection and records movies in VGA. Deliveries start in August for $150.

Synaptics readies 10-finger multi-touch

07/22, 10:50am

Synaptics ClearPad 3000

Synaptics today vowed to bring itself back to prominence in touchscreens with the unveiling of the ClearPad 3000. The capacitive sensor layer is one of the first its size to support many sources at once and can recognize a full 10 fingers for pinches, rotation or other commands. It also works with touchscreens up to 8 inches across and is precise to within 1mm (0.04in), allowing genuinely accurate input. Going almost entirely without a border or thickness of its own, it's likewise seen as subtle enough to match OLEDs and other very thin displays.

AT&T to supply 3G for Plastic Logic e-book reader

07/22, 10:15am

AT&T, Plastic Logic tie-up

Plastic Logic announced on Wednesday that it will partner with wireless provider AT&T to deliver content over 3G for its e-book reader. The news comes just after Plastic Logic's alliance with bookstore Barnes & Noble. The feature will give readers relatively wide-area wireless options to download newspapers, magazines and other periodicals in addition to books.

Apple's MacBook sales surge 25%, NPD reports

07/22, 10:10am

NPD on June MacBooks

This June saw a 25 percent jump in US MacBook sales as compared the same month last year, says NPD Group analyst Stephen Baker. The growth is attributed to Apple's revised MacBook Pro line, which has not only changed specifications but absorbed some basic MacBooks, and fallen in price. "The Apple marketing machine is firing on all cylinders," says Baker. "With almost every launch of new machines, sales get a boost."

Fujifilm details Real 3D camera, viewer

07/22, 10:05am

Fujifilm Real 3D W1 and V1

As part of its camera launches today, Fujifilm provided nearly all details for its Real 3D W1 camera and its matching viewer. The W1 shoots regular 2D images at 10 megapixels but has two sensor/lens combos that produce a stereoscopic 3D image. In spite of the complexity, the camera has 3X optical zoom synced between the two items; Fujifilm has also revealed that the compact can take 3D video or uncouple the two images so that it's possible to either adjust the amount of depth or take the second shot from a slightly different viewpoint to induce a greater sense of spatial perception.

Apple places $500 million memory order with Toshiba

07/22, 9:15am

Apple $500M memory order

Apple has paid a large sum of cash to Toshiba in order to acquire flash memory, according to company executives. Speaking during Tuesday's Q3 conference call, COO Tim Cook and CFO Peter Oppenheimer acknowledged a $500 million prepayment to Toshiba, meant to secure a long-term supply of NAND flash for portable products. Cook notes that flash is instrumental to Apple, given its use in the iPhone and every iPod model except for the Classic.

Xbox 360 with Project Natal due 2H 2010?

07/22, 9:10am

Natal cam supplier named

Aptina Imaging is the exclusive supplier of the 1.3-megapixel CMOS sensors for Microsoft's Project Natal for the new Xbox 360 and will be key to a new bundle, according to a Wednesday report. In addition to being needed for the full-body motion controller's optics, the company is said by Taiwanese sources for DigiTimes to be gearing up for the release of a new Xbox 360 that will carry the Project Natal system and ship in the second half of 2010.

Canon develops angle-aware image stabilizer

07/22, 8:45am

Canon Hybrid IS

Canon on Wednesday revealed a new type of image stabilization that it hopes will produce even cleaner images for still photography. Nicknamed Hybrid IS, it would include typical shift IS to compensate for vertical and lateral shake but will also have an angular velocity sensor to catch unintended tilt. The change should reduce the amount of blur both in medium- to long-range shooting, where conventional IS works best, as well as in historically difficult macro photography.

Samsung Comeback, Gravity 2 reach T-Mobile

07/22, 8:05am

Comeback Gravity 2 at T-Mo

T-Mobile today picked up two messaging phones from Samsung, including a rare horizontal flip version. The Comeback opens notebook-style for its QWERTY keyboard and gets a relatively large landscape LCD as a result. Much like the LG enV, when closed it has a number pad on its outer face for typical phone functions. It supports T-Mobile's 3G network and carries a 2-megapixel camera plus microSDHC storage. The Comeback is already available today but, despite not being a smartphone, costs $130 on a two-year contract.

Fujifilm intros pair of EXR cameras

07/22, 7:35am

Fujifilm S200EXR F70EXR

Fujifilm early today launched two new FinePix cameras based on the more advanced EXR sensor found in the F200EXR. The new S200EXR has the same unique option of halving the 12-megapixel resolution to either reduce noise in low light or improve dynamic range, but is targeted at "prosumer" users with a 14.3X, 30.5-436mm lens, the option of shooting in RAW, and new pro shooting modes. The Pro Focus mode replicates the shallow depth of field possible with an SLR and takes a burst of shots at different focuses to put a sharp subject in front of a soft-focus background; Pro Low-light takes four low-noise shots in EXR mode and overlaps them to reduce the noise at ISO 1,600.

Intel appeals $1.45 billion EU antitrust fine

07/22, 1:20am

Intel appeals EU antitrust

As expected, Intel on Wednesday appealed the record-setting 1.06 billion Euro antitrust fine it recently received from the European Union. The appeal was made in a Luxembourg court, according to a company spokesperson response to the Wall Street Journal (subscription required). The fine was ordered in May, when the EU's antitrust regulator ruled that Intel was offering rebates to computer makers that encouraged them to stop buying a large amount of chips from rival AMD, among other anticompetitive practices.