09/28, 5:50pm
Interface now supports SMPTE time code
After a hiatus of over three years and in response to customer demand, MOTU is once again shipping the MIDI Express XT, a MIDI to USB interface for Mac and Windows that offers eight independent MIDI inputs along with a total of nine outputs) and up to 128 channels. Aimed at both personal and professional users, the company has finally updated its popular ClockWorks software as a universal binary for non-Rosetta Intel Macs, and also now supports Windows Vista and 7.
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09/13, 7:15pm
Could lead to 'virtual' knobs, keyboards, more
Apple has, over the years, patented a number of ideas that dealt at least on some level with 3D interfaces, but today's patent for a projected "image area" where 3D manipulation could be realized emanating out of future mobile devices -- if practical for the company to implement -- could have major implications for future gaming, interfaces and other user interactions, going beyond the movement-sensing technologies of devices like Microsoft's Kinect, reports Patently Apple.
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10/22, 8:40pm
Yamaha AudioGram recording
Yamaha has begun shipping its latest computer recording systems, the AudioGram 3 and AudioGram 6. Both devices offer mic and line inputs and connect to the computer via USB. Various connections are provided, including XLR, 1/4 inch instrument, 1/8 inch headphone, and RCA jacks. Both devices integrate a preamp when using mic inputs and provide 48-V phantom power as needed for condenser microphones. AudioGram 3 features both a mono input that can be used for a mic or instrument, and a stereo channel for connecting line level sources.
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08/05, 1:40pm
UNIX GUI updated
Code by Kevin has announced PortAuthority 2.6, an update to its graphical user-interface software for the MacPorts command-line tool for UNIX. MacPorts is an open-source community project that uses the Mac OS X command line, X-11 and Aqua software to bring UNIX to everyday users -- by providing a GUI for users seeking a simple interface over the command line complexity of MacPorts. Utilizing an approach featuring windows, menus and icons, PortAuthority works inside the MacPorts infrastructure, allowing users to update, install and search for specific MacPorts programs.
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07/29, 6:30pm
iPhone DMX light control
SyntheFX has released a handy iPhone app for A/V and theater professionals. Luminair 1.0 allows remote control of intelligent DMX512-A lighting systems via the iPhone. DMX is a widely-used standard for digital control of stage lighting, special effects and fog machines. Luminair uses Artistic Licence's Art-Net protocol through a Wi-Fi connection to interface with DMX devices. The app includes an on-screen "mixer," channel layout interface and data analyzer.
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07/29, 4:00pm
Database tool launched
Aelgo has announced Daeta, a cross-platform interface tool for databases. Daeta allows users to set up visual interfaces for accessing, browsing and editing databases, offering both local and remote access. It offers widgets that can be customized for differing data types, such as images, text and other files. Widgets can also be geared for specific searches. The new software features a QueryMaker function that allows users to create SQL queries (for optimizing or searching data) in a menu-driven setting.
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06/24, 12:30am
Fast Track Ultra 8R
M-Audio on Monday unveiled the Fast Track Ultra 8R 8x8 MIDI USB 2.0 interface, offering users an MX Core DSP mixer, and eight Octane-powered preamps. The device can transmit audio at 24-bit/96kHz resolution across USB 2.0, giving users access to low-noise, high-gain pre-amplification for drum kits or ensembles. Fast Track Ultra 8R features +48V phantom power, signal/peak indicator lights, and a pull-out gain knob that activates a 20dB pad for high recording volumes.
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06/05, 10:40pm
lynda.com CS4 training
In brief: We have posted a review CleanApp 3 and a review of the Crumpler Chester Squander bag, lynda.com offers new CS4 training, and Savant Systems holds a home automation showcase ... We have posted a review of CleanApp 3 Beta. Wouldn’t it be useful if this utility could archive the whole package, so you could save it and reinstall it later, or even back it up or burn the archive onto a CD. Such a useful utility does exist, and it is Synium Software’s CleanApp 3. This very useful program is considered a beta product, but worked very well in all our tests. The CleanApp 3 user interface is rather simple. Along the left side is a list of the functions including Applications, Preference Panes, Old Files, Archives, Languages, Cache Files, Logging, History, and Related Files. The window to the right changes as you select one of the functions on the left.
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04/25, 12:35am
GRASS 6.3.0b adds features
The GRASS Development Team today unveiled GRASS GIS 6.3.0, a beta update to its popular geographic information system, adding hundreds of new module features, among other inclusions. The developers say that the version is merely the first step to a stable v6.4, and the impending v7.0. GRASS 6.3.0 introduces the wxPython user interface, the first change from the VAX 11/780 interface used since 1983. GRASS is open source, and is available from the project website.
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04/24, 5:25pm
Three new iPhone patents
The US Patent and Trademark Office today published several of Apple's patent approvals, all of which relate to different aspects of the iPhone's functionality. The first deals with organization of the iPhone's interface as to reduce the clutter of adding too many visual elements to a document. The patent seems to indicate the use of nested interface elements, such as clicking a button to summon a menu detailing operations that the user can perform.
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04/09, 7:00pm
RocketRAID 3522
HighPoint Technologies has announced that the RocketRAID 3522 now supports booting Mac OS X on Apple Mac Pro (2006-2007) models. The RocketRAID 3522 has a dual mini-SAS interface that supports up to eight external direct connect SATA hard drives. Some of the new features available in the RocketRAID 3522 include selectable RAID block sizes for application tuning. Advance RAID level 0,1,5,6 and new RAID 3 support. Upgradable firmware support via the HighPoint web GUI and 32-bit EFI boot capability with Mac Pro 2006-2007 models. Booting support for Mac Pro 2008 models will be coming soon and requires an firmware upgrade through the HighPoint web management GUI.
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04/05, 4:00pm
Toon Boom Studio Express 4
Montreal-based Toon Boom Animation today unveiled Toon Boom Studio Express 4, a major update to its "light" animation software suite that introduces many new features and a revamped user interface. Toon Boom says that the interface is more user friendly, with docking interface items. A new calligraphic brush style was added to give animations a unique look. Toon Boom Studio Express 4 is available directly for a special of $100, $50 off its normal price.
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03/12, 9:25pm
Microsoft Cover Flow
In response to Apple's chiding remarks regarding the Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard launch – urging Microsoft to "start their photocopiers" – the Redmond-based software and electronics giant has applied for a patent to Cover Flow-style OS interface. The patent states that the idea revolves around "stacking data wheels" and is primarily designed for mobile environments, potentially the Xbox 360, according to an analysis of the patent by MacNN
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02/25, 11:30pm
Smart Scroll for Leopard
Developer Marc Moini today unveiled Smart Scroll 2.7.5, an update to his scrollbar customization utility, adding full support for Mac OS X 10.5.2 Leopard. The update also adds the Super Scroll setting, which makes scrolling faster, smoother, and features an iPhone-like reverse scroll method. A new Grab Scroll tool allows the user to grab a window and toss it in any direction. Smart Scroll 2.7.5 is available from Marc Moini's website, selling for $20.
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02/18, 7:10pm
PTHPasteboard Pro 4.4
PTH Consulting today announced PTHPasteboard Pro 4.4, a new version to its copy/paste management program, introducing a new filter and several other improvements. The new Match Lines filter brigs grep functionality to the app, allowing users to filter lines by plain or regular expression strings. PTH also improved the Line Unwrap filter, making it smarter and providing expected behavior. Existing users can upgrade for free, while new users can pay $25 for the full version.
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