KeynotePro launches new themes
KeynotePro has introduced two new themes -- Brighton and District for Keynote -- as well as expanded support for iOS devices.
Brighton (pictured) is described as a "curvaceous, deco-evoking Motion-Enhanced theme featuring a sea-side palette." District is a "modern, print-inspired geometric design including two distinct palettes."
iOS device support has been expanded with an iOS Quick-Launch feature on Keynotepro.com . It enables many of the most popular KeynotePro themes to be opened directly within Keynote for iOS without needing to first apply the theme on a Mac.
Brighton and District Standard Editions are available for immediate download for US$24.95 or in a bundle with two other Standard Edition themes for $64.95. Pro Editions contains both Standard and HD themes (800x600 & 1024x768(4:3) standard versions, 1920x1080 and 1280x720(16:9) & 1680x1050(16:10) HD Versions), and are available for $34.95, or in a bundle with 2 other Pro Edition themes for $89.85. Brighton and...
Awem launches Golden Trails 3: The Guardian’s Creed for Mac
Awem has released Golden Trails 3: The Guardian’s Creed for Mac. It's a hidden object game with the Templar setting that continues the Golden Trails series
Here's how the game is described: "What can the walls tell you? 18th century France still keeps the secrets of the Order of Knights Templar. Search for the truth together with brave Jacque in this hidden object game full of unexpected twists.
"Jacque regains consciousness in a tavern to find a strange seal on his shoulder. Who marked him and why? Join Jacque in his daring and full of dangers adventure as he tries to solve this riddle. Scour numerous locations, travel Europe from Paris to Vatican, explore ancient writings of the monks in search of the truth. Intriguing storyline, awe-inspiring mysteries of the Knights Templar, and tons of engaging puzzles await. Risk to start your adventure in this hidden object puzzle game Golden Trails 3: The Guardian's Creed!"
Golden Trails 3: The Guardian's Creed is available on the developer...
iDraw 2.3 adds Photoshop import/export
Indeeo has released iDraw 2.3 (/www.indeeo.com/idraw/), an update to the Mac graphic design and illustration application. The new version features the ability to import layered Adobe Photoshop PSD files, preserving vector paths and layer style effects as editable objects.
The update also adds ColorSync color management, smart image masking, and a variety of new vector editing and dimensioning tools. Plus, it's been optimized for faster performance with a new OpenGL-based drawing engine.
iDraw 2.3 is available for purchase at the Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/pckr9e5) for US$24.99. Version 2.3 is a free update for existing users who purchased previous versions of iDraw on the Mac App Store.
Jumsoft updates its Toolbox for iWork collection
Jumsoft (www.jumsoft.com) has rolled out the first batch of fresh designs for its new Toolbox for iWork collection. The update consists of eight new themes of data visualization elements and 10 sets of badges, as well as extra slide sizes in the Layouts for Keynote designs.
The editable designs are designed for illustrating presentations, websites, text documents, and various other types of content. Toolbox for iWork incorporates 13 sets of templates and illustrations for Pages, Keynote, and Numbers
It requires Mac OS X 10.7 or later, Keynote 5.0 or later, Pages 4.0 or later, and Numbers 2.0 or later. Toolbox for iWork costs US$49.99 and can be downloaded at http://tinyurl.com/l4yxxew .
An update on Apple's ongoing legal battles ...
As noted by "Seeking Alpha" (www.seekingalpha.com), the International Trade Commission has declared (http://tinyurl.com/mdn7gsr) that several older Samsung phones (estimated to make up less than 1% of the company's phone sales) infringe on two Apple (AAPL) patents covering swipe gestures and headset detection circuitry. Samsung was cleared of infringing two other patents.
A federal appeals court ruling on an Apple request to ban over two dozen Samsung phones (generally older models) remains pending (http://tinyurl.com/ko82b7w). Separately, an NY judge has denied Apple's request (http://tinyurl.com/mghd5al) to temporarily suspend a July ruling in which the company declared guilty of conspiring with publishers to fix e-book prices.
Judge turns down Apple's request to suspend e-book ruling
A New York district court judge has denied Apple's request to suspend a ruling that found the company guilty of e-book price fixing while it seeks an appeal, reports "AppleInsider" (http://tinyurl.com/ltbwg7k).
Presiding Judge Denise Cote refused Apple's request to temporarily stay her decision, which would have given the company time to seek an appeal of the penalties laid out by the U.S. Department of Justice. In July, she found Apple guilty of colluding with HarperCollins, Hachette, Simon & Schuster, Penguin Group and Macmillan to fix the price of e-books sold through the iBookstore. The antitrust suit was leveled by the Justice Department, which focused on the company's "agency model" agreements that allow publishers to set their own e-book prices under most favored nations clauses.
Aerohive - Developer Interview
Recently, TUAW and MacTech Magazine teamed up to speak to developers about how Apple's newly announced technologies (specifically Mavericks and iOS 7) will help them and their customers. In the weeks following the event, we'll bring you those videos on TUAW, MacTech and MacNews.
If you aren't currently a reader of MacTech Magazine, check out the special free MacTech on iPad issues for MacTech Magazine here.
This video features Neil Ticktin and Bill Hoppin of Aerohive. Bill was kind enough to tell us about their thoughts on Apple's announcements, and how it will affect their plans moving forward.
Jumsoft updates its Toolbox for iWork collection
Jumsoft (www.jumsoft.com) has rolled out the first batch of fresh designs for its new Toolbox for iWork collection. The update consists of eight new themes of data visualization elements and 10 sets of badges, as well as extra slide sizes in the Layouts for Keynote designs.
The editable designs are designed for illustrating presentations, websites, text documents, and various other types of content. Toolbox for iWork incorporates 13 sets of templates and illustrations for Pages, Keynote, and Numbers
It requires Mac OS X 10.7 or later, Keynote 5.0 or later, Pages 4.0 or later, and Numbers 2.0 or later. Toolbox for iWork costs US$49.99 and can be downloaded at http://tinyurl.com/l4yxxew .
Apple facing a long day in court ....
Today's a big day for Apple as the company heads for the courtroom in three separate cases, two pertaining to its ongoing patent fight against Samsung and another regarding the U.S. Justice Department's e-books antitrust suit, as noted by "AppleInsider" (http://tinyurl.com/lz97zeh).
Another hearing is with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, where both parties will argue what actions, if any, should be taken as a result of 2012's "Apple v. Samsung" jury trial.
One hearing involves the U.S. International Trade Commission, which is expected to yield a final ruling that could see the sales ban of certain Samsung devices alleged to have infringed on four Apple patents.
Finally, Apple is scheduled to meet with the U.S. Department of Justice to discuss the repercussions for being found guilty of colluding with HarperCollins, Hachette, Simon & Schuster, Penguin Group and Macmillan to fix the price of e-books in the iBookstore.
Apple's Board of Directors concerned about Apple's...
Apple's Board of Directors has expressed concern about the company's "pace of innovation" according to a report (http://tinyurl.com/mtwjwjf) from Fox Business Network's Charlie Gasparino, as noted by "MacRumors" (www.macrumors.com).
This is what Gasparino says in the video interview: "From what we understand, there is concern at the board level, sources are telling the Fox Business Network, about the pace of innovation over at Apple. What have they had lately? They had the iPad and a few other things, but they don't have anything innovating from what came from Steve Jobs and that concern is basically manifesting into pressure on Tim Cook to innovate, and to do something fast.
We should point out, this is an interesting boardroom drama. It does not mean that Tim Cook is out of a job or that there is a job search out there, we don't know that and I don't believe that is happening. In fact, sources inside Apple are saying that's not the case.
What we are able to confirm is that the...
SCSC releases Performance Probe for Mac OS X
Software and Computer System Company (SCSC) has released Performance Probe for Mac OS X. It's an operating system tool that allows a user to monitor the current effective loading of their systems.
There are three indicators on the application that correspond to I/O, memory, and CPU effectiveness. The displays show, for all practical purposes, the effective computing power that a user may have at a given instant.
Performance Probe will be included in all releases of Scannerz with FSE or FSE-Lite at no cost, and can also be purchased as a standalone product. The price for the standalone version of Performance Probe is US$7.95. For more info go to http://scsc-online.com .
Tekserve - Developer Interview
Recently, TUAW and MacTech Magazine teamed up to speak to developers about how Apple's newly announced technologies (specifically Mavericks and iOS 7) will help them and their customers. In the weeks following the event, we'll bring you those videos on TUAW, MacTech and MacNews.
If you aren't currently a reader of MacTech Magazine, check out the special free MacTech on iPad issues for MacTech Magazine here.
This video features Neil Ticktin and Aaron Freimark of Tekserve. Aaron was kind enough to tell us about their thoughts on Apple's announcements, and how it will affect their plans moving forward.
Apple is top smartphone manufacturer in the U.S.
comScore (www.comscore.com), a leader in measuring the digital world, today released data from the "comScore MobiLens service," reporting key trends in the U.S. smartphone industry during the three month average period ending June 2013.
Apple ranked as the top smartphone manufacturer with 40% OEM [original equipment manufacturer] market share, while Google Android led as the #1 smartphone platform with 52% platform market share.
Nearly 142 million people in the U.S. owned smartphones (59% mobile market penetration) during the three months ending in June, up 4% since March. Apple ranked as the top OEM with 39.9% of U.S. smartphone subscribers (up 0.9 percentage points from March). Samsung grew its share two percentage points with the release of its new Galaxy S4 model, ranking second with 23.7% market share. HTC ranked third with 8.5%, followed by Motorola with 7.2% and LG with 6.6%.
Android ranked as the top smartphone platform in June with 52% market share, followed by Apple with...
RESTfmTools from Goya now includes syncing
FileMaker developer tool specialist, Goya, has announced that they've extended their RESTfm product with a web based syncing framework.
RESTfm is a RESTful Web Service application for FileMaker Servers, allowing full access to FileMaker tables and scripts from other apps. The new RESTfmTools showcases all of this functionality by providing working code to build syncing from FileMaker Pro or FileMaker Go into your own solutions.
RESTfm supports XML, JSON, FMPXML, html, text and a simple FileMaker format out of the box, and is extensible via XSLT to any other format. Plus, it does full CRUD (Create, Read, Update and Delete) as well as a FileMaker Perform Script option.
RESTfmSync is part of the RESTfmTools package, included with every licence of RESTfm since 2.1.0. All of the code is included and unlocked for developers to extend on their own. As well as RESTfmSync, there is also web form POST functionality, PayPal IPN payment processing and FastSpring product validation.
RESTfm is...
Final Cut Pro X Luminaire Lighting Effects released by FxFactory
Noise Industries has introduced Luminaire by SUGARfx, available now in FxFactory.
Luminaire is a set of six matte-controllable and completely customizable lighting effect plugins, developed exclusively for Apple's Final Cut Pro X. Editors can simply drag and drop the desired Luminaire filter onto a video clip and customize effects for a unique look. Offering a wide variety of easy to understand parameters and the interactive On Screen Controls, Luminaire makes adding special lighting effects simple, according to the folks at Noise Industries.
SUGARfx Luminaire is available now through FxFactory for US$29. For more info go to www.noiseindustries.com .
Hewlett Packard - Developer Interview
Recently, TUAW and MacTech Magazine teamed up to speak to developers about how Apple's newly announced technologies (specifically Mavericks and iOS 7) will help them and their customers. In the weeks following the event, we'll bring you those videos on TUAW, MacTech and MacNews.
If you aren't currently a reader of MacTech Magazine, check out the special free MacTech on iPad issues for MacTech Magazine here.
This video features Neil Ticktin and Rick Spillers of Hewlett Packard. Rick was kind enough to tell us about their thoughts on Apple's announcements, and how it will affect their plans moving forward.
PCI Geomatics, IAVO-RS release 3D FeatureXtract
PCI Geomatics, a developer of remote sensing and photogrammetric software and systems, has teamed up with IAVO for the release of 3D FeatureXtract (3DFE).
By calculating feature heights and outlines of overlapping satellite or aerial imagery, 3DFE can model 3D features in a 2D environment, and it does this without any need for specialized hardware. The software was developed by scientists at IAVO, a research and development company based in Durham, North Carolina.
"3D FeatureXtract will allow customers to easily derive building footprints, a key requirement for producing true ortho image products from satellite or aerial imagery," says Peter Hazlett, desktop product manager at PCI Geomatics. "3DFE is easy to use and requires no special hardware -- anyone with basic computer skills can learn how to model in 3DFE in a matter of minutes."
PCI Geomatics is the global distributor for the software, with additional distribution through its international reseller network. To find out more,...
Resale value of an iPhone 4 increases in past three months
The Android may be outpacing the iPhone in new sales, but the Apple smartphone has better resale value, according to new data from Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster, as reported by "CNET" (http://tinyurl.com/ktvgfj6).
Surveying the recent resale market, Munster found that Apple hung onto its value in the U.S. better than did certain Samsung devices. Over the four months from April through July, the iPhone 5 dropped 3.75% in value, while the iPhone 4S dropped 11.85% The iPhone 4 jumped in value by 10.3%. In contrast, Samsung's Galaxy S3 lost 27.3% of its value, while the Galaxy Note 2 fell by 35.5%.
Avenza releases MAPublisher 9.3 for Adobe Illustrator
Avenza Systems has released MAPublisher 9.3 (www.avenza.com/mapublisher) for Adobe Illustrator. This latest update is fully compatible with the recently released Adobe Illustrator Creative Cloud. It also adds the ability to export a document to web tiles to make it easier to create online maps without extensive web programming knowledge.
MAPublisher for Adobe Illustrator is map production software for creating cartographic-quality maps from GIS data. Its tools leverage the superior graphics design capabilities of Adobe Illustrator to manipulate GIS data to produce maps.
MAPublisher 9.3 for Adobe Illustrator is available free to all MAPublisher users with an active maintenance subscription and as an upgrade for non-maintenance users at US$599. New licenses are US$1399. MAPublisher FME Auto and MAPublisher LabelPro are also available as add-ons to MAPublisher 9.3 at prices starting at US$399 per license. Academic, floating and volume pricing are also available. Prices include one...
App Wrapper for Mac OS X gets Xojo 2013r2 support
Ohanaware (www.ohanaware.com) has announced App Wrapper 2.2, an update to its development utility for Mac OS X developers. The upgrade is compatible with Xojo 2013r2 and includes a new icon editor.
App Wrapper offers a simplified approach to performing menial tasks that are required in order to distribute applications for Apple's Mac App Store and OS X Mountain Lion. It's designed to help simplify the process of code signing, sandboxing, compressing applications, generating Retina display compatible icons and more.
App Wrapper requires Mac OS X 10.6 or later. It costs US$49.99 per single user license. Version 2.2 is a free update for all existing customers of App Wrapper 2.0 or higher. A 15-day trial can be downloaded from the Ohanaware website.
Mathmagic Personal Edition for Mac OS X now supports SVG saving
InfoLogic (http://www.mathmagic.com/) has released MathMagic Personal Edition 8.6, an update of their multi-purpose mathematical equation editor for Mac OS X 10.6 or higher. The upgrade supports SVG saving, more frame types and templates, and comes with more math fonts.
MathMagic Personal is a standalone equation editor for mathematical equations and scientific symbols. It's available for US$69 (academic licenses are $49). The software is available in a fully functional trial version for up to 50 equations.
Excel Software announces PluginProtect Photoshop
Excel Software has announced PluginProtect Photoshop 1.0 for Photoshop Plugin developers on Mac and Windows. It consists of source code and instructions to embed the QuickLicense runtime in a Photoshop plugin.
All protection, activation and licensing capabilities in the QuickLicense system are available to the plugin. Developers can protect plugins from piracy and increase revenue by supporting a wide range of license types, activation processes and advanced licensing features, according to the folks at Excel.
PluginProtect Photoshop is used with QLRT Xcode on Mac OS X or QuickLicense on Windows. The developer configures all aspects of the software license with QuickLicense and builds a tiny encrypted Ticket file. That Ticket file is bound to the plugin with a function call.
PluginProtect Photoshop is free for registered owners of QuickLicense 6. It includes royalty-free runtime distribution rights for any number of protected plugins or licenses. The package includes a PDF user...
WideStep unveils free version of Elite Keylogger for Mac OS X
WideStep Security Software has announced Elite Keylogger for Mac OS X, now available in a free edition. The free version has all the features that the Pro version (US$49) does, except that it's not invisible and it doesn't track passwords.
Elite Keylogger for Mac records every key typed on your Mac desktop or MacBook keyboard. This includes emails, chat messages, and usernames and non-keychain passwords. Items copied to the clipboard are also recorded, and screenshots can also be taken.
Reports can be sent to any location via email. Elite Keylogger requires Mac OS X 10.6.8 or later. For more info go to http://www.widestep-keyloggers.com .
NuGuard KX Protective Case available for the iPad mini
Newer Technology (NewerTech) has released the NuGuard KX, a kinetic energy X-Orbing protective case for the iPad mini. It costs US$69.95.
Backed by a lifetime warranty, the NuGuard KX provides Mil-Spec-certified protection for the Apple tablet. For more info go to http://www.newertech.com/kx_mini/.
iFixIt celebrates its 10th anniversary
iFixIt, the web site dedicating to "helping everyone fix everything," is celebrating its 10th anniversary. As part of the celebration, the site has a new look.
What's more, iFixIt is giving everyone 10% off everything in their store. You can use the coupon code 10YEARS for Mac, iPod, iPhone, iPad and game control parts and tools. For more info go to www.ifixit.com .
Global Delight - Developer Interview
Recently, TUAW and MacTech Magazine teamed up to speak to developers about how Apple's newly announced technologies (specifically Mavericks and iOS 7) will help them and their customers. In the weeks following the event, we'll bring you those videos on TUAW, MacTech and MacNews.
If you aren't currently a reader of MacTech Magazine, check out the special free MacTech on iPad issues for MacTech Magazine here.
This video features Neil Ticktin and Rohith Bhat of Global Delight. Rohith was kind enough to tell us about their thoughts on Apple's announcements, and how it will affect their plans moving forward.
AMBER Alerts: What are they? How can you manage them?
Recently, you may have received an Amber Alert on your phone -- and it was very loud, and very different from any other alerts that you may have experienced the past. These new types of alerts are called "Wireless Emergency Alerts". These WEAs, according to FEMA, "are emergency messages sent by authorized government alerting authorities through your mobile carrier.
They include:
- Extreme weather, and other threatening emergencies in your area
- AMBER Alerts
- Presidential Alerts during a national emergency
WEA will look like a text message. The WEA message will show the type and time of the alert, any action you should take, and the agency issuing the alert. The message will be no more than 90 characters.
You do not have to register for these alerts, but they are complementary. This service is offered for free by wireless carriers. WEA messages will not count towards texting limits on your wireless plan.
You can opt-out of receiving WEA messages for imminent threats and/...
LinkBook Folio Case boosts the Wi-Fi signal on the iPad mini
Absolute Technology, known for its Wi-Fi-boosting accessories, today unveiled the LinkBook for the iPad mini. It's a signal enhancing, folio-style case that promises to provide up to two times the Wi-Fi signal to the tablet, dramatically improving users’ experience during work, play and travel, says Alan Teng, general manager, Absolute Technology.
LinkBook offers three different viewing and typing angles and features an elastic band for secure closure. Other design elements include easy access to the Lightning port and speaker outlets, as well as a magnetic wake/sleep button.
LinkBook retails for US$64.95 and is now available for purchase through the Absolute Technology website (www.absolute.com.tw).
Powerocks rolls out Rose Stone for the iPhone
Powerocks has rolled out the new Rose Stone power bank to charge smartphones and other devices on the go. Rose Stone provides 6000mAh of power in a compact package for four full emergency charges for cell phones, tablets and other mobile devices.
The power bank features two USB ports (5V/1A input), so you can charge two devices at the same time when away from a power source or outlet. It works with iPhones, Blackberrys, Androids, and HTC phones. The Rose Stone also charges Bluetooth headsets, cameras, GPS devices, tablets, and more (depending on device charge requirements).
Measuring 4 x 1 x 1.5 inches and weighing five ounces, it fits in a pocket, purse, or bag. The Powerocks Rose Stone 6000mAh costs US$69.99 and is available at www.powerocksusa.com, www.powerocks.com, and www.amazon.com .
Enolsoft publishes Visio Viewer for Mac OS X
Enolsoft has published Visio Viewer for Mac OS X (10.7 Lion and higher). It's designed to help you open and view .vsd format Visio drawings and diagrams with zoom-in, zoom-out, rotate and text-search tools.
Visio Viewer is available for US$29 at www.enolsoft.com . A demo is available for download.
Native Instruments serves up TraktorKontrol X1 MK2
Native Instruments has released the updated TraktorKontrol X1, a new version of its compact decks and effects controller. New features include touch-sensitive Browse and Loop encoders, 7-segment displays and LEDs for visual feedback, and a multi-purpose touch strip for added tactile control.
When combined with TraktorPro, the X1 MK2 delivers plug-and-play physical control over two track decks and two freely assignable TraktorFX units -- with or without the use of turntables or CDJs. The TraktorKontrol X1 MK2 is now available in stores worldwide and at the NI Online Shop for US$229.
All X1 customers receive a personal $50 e-voucher delivered by email upon registration of the X1 hardware. For more info go to www.native-instruments.com/traktorkontrolx1 .
Maximum Sound launches Vox 1.0 audio player for the Mac
Coppertino has announced that VOX 1.0 is now available for free for OS X 10.7 and higher on the Mac App Store. The app can handle popular Lossless and Lossy formats, including FLAC, MP3, AAC, Musepack, Monkey's Audio, OGG Vorbis, Apple Lossless, AIFF, WAV, IT, MOD, XM and others.
What's more, the first in-app purchase, available for US$0.99 for a limited time, will allow users to be able to listen to more than 3,000 radio stations around the world. Additional in-app features planned for the future include LastFM Streaming, SoundCloud, Spotify and Rdio integration.
VOX 1.0 provides iTunes integration. It reads your library as a music source but otherwise doesn't affect it. VOX 1.0 supports a variety of playlists like M3U, PLS, XSPF and CUE, the format used for storing CD rips - CUE. It also allows quick access to your audio devices, including AirPlay (in Mac OS X 10.8 and higher). More information can be found online at www.coppertino.com .
Manhattan Edit Workshop offers DaVinci Resolve 10 workshops
Manhattan Edit Workshop (MEWShop), the authorized digital training destination for post-production and content creators, has announced new dates for DaVinci Resolve workshops, which will be taught by Warren Eagles, professional color grader and co-founder of the International Colorist Academy (ICA).
Touted as the color grading system of choice for many of Hollywood’s blockbuster production studios, DaVinci Resolve 10 was announced earlier this year. EWShop will provide workshops for both beginners and those with a bit more experience.
In "ICA 101: An Introduction to Colorist Strategies with DaVinci Resolve," students will learn the basics of the system. For those who wish to expand upon this foundation, there's "ICA 201: Resolve Workflow." For details go to www.mewshop.com .
Twelve South unveils the HiRise for the iPhone 5, iPad mini
Twelve South has the unveiled HiRise for iPhone 5 and iPad mini. It's an adjustable stand designed to work exclusively with the Apple Lightning cable and most every case on the market.
The metal pedestal elevates the iPhone or iPad mini for FaceTime chats, hands-free calls, desktop charging, viewing apps and streaming music without blocking speakers, the mic or headphone port. The HiRise is available now at twelvesouth.com for US$34.99.
Sample Logic announces Impakt
Sample Logic has announced Impakt, a suite of over 850 morphed concert percussion instruments and multis. The collection of instruments ranges from marimbas and xylophones, chimes and bells to transfigured timpani, gongs, bass drums, cymbals, and a variety of world percussion instruments.
Impakt also includes a complementary set of traditional concert percussion instruments. All sounds were recorded on the Scoring Stage at Skywalker Sound under the direction of percussionist Jim Wunderlich and System Blue. The result is a library that contains both traditional instruments and an evocative collection of morphed cinematic instruments, transitions, atmospheres, leads,impacts, and tempo-synced rhythms.
Impakt requires Kontakt 5 Player 5.1 or higher (a free download) or a full version of Kontakt 5.1 or higher (sold separately). Mac system requirements are Mac OS X 10.7 or higher. Impakt will be available on Aug. 15 via direct download at www.samplelogic.com . It has a manufacturer's...
VirnetX asserts new patent in Apple lawsuit
VirnetX Holding Corp. (www.virnetx.com), an Internet security software and technology company, says it's been granted two new patents, U.S. Patent No. 8,504,696 ("'696 patent"), System and Method Employing an Agile Network Protocol for Secure Communications Using Secure Domain Names, and U.S. Patent No. 8,504,697 ("'697 patent"), System and Method Employing an Agile Network Protocol for Secure Communications Using Secure Domain Names, by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
VirnetX also announced that it has filed papers with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas seeking to add allegations that Apple, defendant in its currently-pending patent infringement lawsuit, "VirnetX Inc. et al v. Apple Inc.," (Case 6:12-cv-00855-LED) infringes the new '697 patent. The accused products in this lawsuit include the iPhone 5, fifth generation iPod touch, fourth generation iPad, the iPad mini and the latest Macs.
VirnetX filed its lawsuit against Apple in August 2010. The...
Apple introduces take-back power program for iPhone power...
Following recent reports of third-party iPhone power adapters that were malfunctioning, Apple has introduced a take-back program for the adapters, reports "Macworld" (http://tinyurl.com/mjw6jjj)
Here's Apple's info on the program: "
"Recent reports have suggested that some counterfeit and third party adapters may not be designed properly and could result in safety issues. While not all third party adapters have an issue, we are announcing a USB Power Adapter Takeback Program to enable customers to acquire properly designed adapters.
"Customer safety is a top priority at Apple. That’s why all of our products -- including USB power adapters for iPhone, iPad, and iPod -- undergo rigorous testing for safety and reliability and are designed to meet government safety standards around the world.
"Starting August 16, 2013, if you have concerns about any of your USB power adapters, you can drop them off at an Apple Retail Store or at an Apple Authorized Service Provider. We will ensure that...
eleMount launches on Kickstarter
eleMount, an aluminum mount that works with virtually all handheld mobile devices, has launched at Kickstarter. It provides both Apple and Android users with a stand that sticks to any flat surface to keep devices in view.
The CNC machined mount places your device on a pedestal designed to complements its design. Using proprietary elePads, the base of the mount sticks to any flat surface, and the top securely adheres to mobile devices regardless of their size or generation -- and even if they're in protective cases.
The eleMount base also unscrews to reveal a quarter-inch, 20 thread that connects to tripods for improved smartphone photography and videography. The eleMount is available on Kickstarter.com for US$59 to early bird backers.
JAMF Software - Developer Interview
Recently, TUAW and MacTech Magazine teamed up to speak to developers about how Apple's newly announced technologies (specifically Mavericks and iOS 7) will help them and their customers. In the weeks following the event, we'll bring you those videos on TUAW, MacTech and MacNews.
If you aren't currently a reader of MacTech Magazine, check out the special free MacTech on iPad issues for MacTech Magazine here.
This video features Neil Ticktin and (Jason) Wudi of JAMF Software. (Jason) was kind enough to tell us about their thoughts on Apple's announcements, and how it will affect their plans moving forward.
Simply Made Apps - Developer Interview
Recently, TUAW and MacTech Magazine teamed up to speak to developers about how Apple's newly announced technologies (specifically Mavericks and iOS 7) will help them and their customers. In the weeks following the event, we'll bring you those videos on TUAW, MacTech and MacNews.
If you aren't currently a reader of MacTech Magazine, check out the special free MacTech on iPad issues for MacTech Magazine here.
This video features Neil Ticktin and Bill Burgess of Simply Made Apps. Bill was kind enough to tell us about their thoughts on Apple's announcements, and how it will affect their plans moving forward.
Final Cut Pro X Text Panel Effects released by FxFactory
Noise Industries has added Text Panels from SquidFX to its family of plugins available in FxFactory.
Designed exclusively for Final Cut Pro X, Text Panels is a set of title and lower thirds effects. Offering five customizable background shapes to start with, editors can customize titles in a variety of ways, and can even import in their own images or videos to use as in the background.
Text Panels costs US$49 in FxFactory. For more information, visit Noise Industries online (http://tinyurl.com/n75sczb).
PureGear announces smartphone support system
PureGear has announced its iPhone 5 compatible Smartphone Support System. It's a case system that lets you position your smartphone virtually any way you need to -- clip it, prop it, access it, view it, find it and protect it.
The Smartphone Support System includes a snap-on grip case, screen shield, clip-on holster and a 360 degree pivot kickstand that allows for horizontal and vertical viewing. Each element works together in a modular way, allowing you to easily position your device in a way that’s best suited to what you’re doing, says Christine Manlapeg, brand director, PureGear.
The Smartphone Support System is available in black/black and white/gray for $34.99. You can find it at www.pure-gear.com and a variety of U.S. retailers.
ECBC shipping new high-tech luggage collection
ECBC has announced their their new collection of rolling luggage. The collection consists of two styles.
Features include a battery back-up pack compatible with most devices, so there's no need searching the airport for a plug. In addition, they include ECBC’s FastPass system for a quicker time through security.
ECBC’s Exclusive Luggage Collection is available today for pre-order. You can use promo code "luggage30" at http://www.ec-bc.com/luggage-pre-order/ to receive 30% off and free shipping if you purchase by Aug. 11. Orders will be shipped the week of August 12. Prices range from US$349 to $399.
Native Instruments releases Drum Lab
Native Instruments has released Drum Lab, an instrument that combines "advanced drum layering techniques with an intuitive workflow designed for fast results."
Drum Lab combines the organic, expressive sound of acoustic drums with the weight and punch of electronic samples, according to the folks at Native Instruments. An included groove library provides over 900 patterns for fast groove production.
Drum Lab is available now from the NI Online Shop for US$99. For more info go to www.native-instruments.com/drumlab .
ITC could play lesser role in ongoing patent disputes
Patent disputes in the U.S. could change "significantly," with the International Trade Commission (ITC) playing a less important role, following a veto from President Barack Obama's administration in the ongoing Apple-Samsung litigation, notes "AppleInsider" (www.appleinsider.com).
The Obama administration vetoed a decision by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) to ban the import of certain Apple products to the U.S. on the grounds they infringed a Samsung. The ban was ordered in June by the ITC and was to take effect today. The veto against the ban was announced by Michael Froman, US Trade Representative, on Saturday.
A statement accompanying the presidential ruling made over the weekend declared that the ITC should take "public interest" into account in its decisions, which will guide future judgements from the commission. In a note to clients, Wells Fargo analyst Maynard Um said that, while the ITC has, in the past, been a way for companies to secure a relatively quick...
XPS Viewer for the Mac upgrade beefs up multi-platform...
Enolsoft (www.enolsoft.com) has revved XPS Viewer for Mac to version 2.4.0. The app helps open and read XPS files on the Mac, as well as convert XPS to other document formats like XPS, PDF, PNG, TIFF, JPEG, GIF, and BMP. The upgrade provides better cooperation between mutli-platforms when dealing with XPS docs.
XPS Viewer boasts additional features such as like text-search, bookmark, text-copy and zoom-in, zoom-out. With XPS Viewer for Mac, users are able to convert XPS documents to XPS, PDF and image formats, as well as extract images from XPS files to PNG, TIFF, JPEG, BMP and GIF.
Enolsoft XPS Viewer for Mac is available now at the Enolsoft website with a retail price of $29. A demo is available for download.
MOSO rolls out version 1.3.5 of the Xmplify XML Editor
MOSO has announced version 1.3.5 of the Xmplify XML Editor (http://xmplifyapp.com). It's a XML editor built specifically for Mac OS X 10.6 and higher and provides a fully XML-aware editing environment with DTD and XML Schema-based auto-completion. Version 1.3.5 includes a new Resources window, plus fixes and other improvements.
Xmplify is available for US$59; both volume and educational discounts are available. Version 1.3.5 is a free upgrade for Xmplify 1.x users.
EagleFlier soars to version 1.6
EagleFiler (http://c-command.com/eaglefiler/) -- a tool that lets you archive and search mail, web pages, PDF files, word processing documents, images and more -- has been updated to version 1.6. Some of the highlights of this new version are:
° The user interface is now optimized for Retina displays. Most of the icons have been enhanced or replaced.
° There are new toolbar buttons for creating plain text files, creating new files from stationery, setting a file's label, opening the Tag Cloud window, and accessing the system Share menu. Various toolbar buttons have been combined into pairs.
° Made a variety of improvements so that the operations that happen after you open a library are faster and have less impact on foreground responsiveness. This includes loading file metadata, checking whether the indexes are up-to-date, checking for missing files, and copying tags to OpenMeta and Spotlight comments.
° Improved the display of the following file types: Microsoft Excel, Microsoft...
DOJ proposes remedy to address Apple’s alleged ebook price...
The Department of Justice and 33 state attorneys general have submitted to the court a proposed remedy to address Apple's illegal conduct, following the July 10, 2013, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York decision finding that Apple conspired to fix the prices of e-books in the United States. The proposed relief "is intended to halt Apple’s anticompetitive conduct, restore lost competition and prevent a recurrence of the illegal activities."
"The court found that Apple’s illegal conduct deprived consumers of the benefits of e-book price competition and forced them to pay substantially higher prices," says Bill Baer, Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. "Under the department’s proposed order, Apple’s illegal conduct will cease and Apple and its senior executives will be prevented from conspiring to thwart competition in the future."
The department’s proposal, if approved by the court, will require Apple to...
ITC to conclude its look at patent infringement allegations next...
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) expects to complete its investigation into allegations of patent infringement between Apple and Samsung at the end of next week, reports "TechHive" (http://tinyurl.com/mhqtn2h).
The legal brouhaha has been before the ITC since August 2011. Apple, alleging infringment of seven patents, is seeking a ban on the importation and sale of certain Samsung smartphones in the U.S.
Should the ITC confirm its recommendation of a sales ban, it will require approval by the U.S. president within 60 days for it to go into effect, notes "TechHive."
This is all part of the ongoing, global legal battle. Apple and Samsung have filed more than 30 lawsuits against each other across four continents. For example, Apple alleges that Samsung copied the slide-to-unlock technology of its iPhone and iPad devices.
