MacAngel releases interactive book on iTunes for Daylite 4
MacAngel has released the first in its 2012 MacAngel Academy Series of lessons for Daylite 4: "Migrating from Daylite 3 to Daylite 4" by Marni Melrose.
The interactive book looks at how to make a successful migration from Daylite 3 to Daylite 4. Daylite is a business and life management application. Melrose was named by Marketcircle as the first Master Certified Daylite Partner.
You can purchase the book from the iTunes Store for US$14.99 and sync it to an iPad. It's available in the following markets: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States. For more info go to http://macte.ch/sYNi4 .
Mac OS X software updates for Aug. 7
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
Zevrix Solutions (http://www.zevrix.com) has announced ArtOptimizer 2.6.1, a compatibility update to its workflow automation solution for Adobe Illustrator. The new version makes ArtOptimizer compatible with Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion.
Hangman Pro (http://www.winograd.com) -- an educational, non-violent word-guessing game -- has been updated to version 3.0.2. It's been digitally code-signed for increased compatibility with Mountain Lion.
MacXDVD Software (http://www.macxdvd.com) says their products are now compatible with Mountain Lion.
Brickles Pro (http://www.winograd.com) -- a breakout-type of game based on the 'ball and paddle' game called Brickles -- has been revved to version 2.0.3. It's ready for Mountain Lion.
Ken Winograd (http://www.winograd.com) has released TinyBooks Pro 7.1.1, an update of the family and small business accounting software. The new version adds -- you guessed it -- compatibility with Mountain Lion.
The new...
iOS 6 removes YouTube app
The iOS 6 beta 4 ditches the YouTube application that has existed on iOS since the first version in 2007, according to various reports.
"9to5Mac" (www.9to5Mac.com) says: "We’re not entirely sure what to make of this, but this could have to do with Apple trying to break away from dependence on Google services. iOS 6 drops Google Maps in favor of Apple’s own 3D Maps program."
However, a statement from Apple to "The Verge" (http://macte.ch/bnvkI) says: "Our license to include the YouTube app in iOS has ended, customers can use YouTube in the Safari browser and Google is working on a new YouTube app to be on the App Store."
Of course, if said app doesn't arrive, you'll still be able to watch YouTube videos on the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. You'll just have to do it with your web browser.
AT&T Mobile Share plans available Aug. 23
AT&T says its Mobile Share plans will be available starting Thursday, Aug. 23. Customers can select one of the new shared data plans or choose one of AT&T’s existing individual or family plans.
Current customers aren't required to switch to the new plans, but can choose to do so without a contract extension. There are no changes to AT&T’s device upgrade policy, so customers eligible to upgrade to AT&T’s best device price are not required to switch plans. The new plans will also be available for business customers.
With AT&T Mobile Share plans, customers start by choosing how much data they want each month, then choose up to 10 devices to attach to their shared plan, one of which must be a smartphone. Each plan includes tethering and unlimited domestic calls and texts for smartphones and basic or quick messaging phones. Details can be found at http://macte.ch/FuMVc .
Apple looking into Mountain Lion battery draining issues
Some Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion users have been reporting that the operating system upgrade has lead to a noticeable drop in battery life on their MacBooks, and it now appears that Apple has been calling those affected to investigate the problem, reports "Macworld UK" (http://macte.ch/Hi0Hs).
An Engadget poll (http://macte.ch/25o46) shows that more than 8,000 (43%) of the 18,939 respondents that had downloaded OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion noticed a difference in battery life right away. A second poll from Razorianfly (http://macte.ch/0qpWe) showed that 77% of respondents are experiencing shorter battery life with Mountain Lion. The poll also revealed that the problem is most common on 2011 MacBook Pro models.
A thread (http://macte.ch/GGmrW) on Apple’s Support Communities now has over 450 replies and 27,000 views. This indicates that the problem is widespread notes "Macworld UK."
Aug. 6 highlights from the Apple-Samsung trial
The Apple-Samsung patent battle/trial is underway. Following is some of the latest highlights and where you can find more info.
"The first week of the trial of Apple's patent-infringement lawsuit against Samsung included testimony from a Samsung executive acknowledging that the smartphone and tablet computer maker studied the products of rival Apple when developing its own competing models, but denying that it copied any elements of Apple's products." -- "eWeek" (http://macte.ch/Q5zmE)
"In Friday’s court proceedings where Scott Forstall – Senior Vice President, iOS Software at Apple – was questioned by both Apple and Samsung lawyers about the iPhone, iPad and the operating system that powers them, iOS. Some of the answers Forstall gave to these questions have revealed interesting information in how Apple worked on the iPhone and iPad." -- "Redmond Pie" (http://macte.ch/svjCp)
"The judge in a massive smartphone patent dispute reprimanded Samsung on Friday for releasing excluded...
Details available for Oct. MacTech Conference in L.A.
The MacTech Conference for Apple Developers and IT Pros, October 17-19, 2012 in Los Angeles, has released its main speaker and session list, as well as many details of the conference.
The event: a three-day, information-packed event that will have sessions and activities throughout the day and evening. This immersive conference is hotel-based, giving attendees the opportunity to not only learn from the best, but also to meet new people and spend time with their peers as well. Information about the conference is at http://www.mactech.com/conference
"Our speaker page contains a list of some of the amazing people that will present and be in attendance at MacTech Conference 2012 (but expect a surprise guest or two). Some of the incredible topics that will be covered are now listed at http://www.mactech.com/conference/sessions ," says Ed Marczak, Sessions Chair and Executive Editor, MacTech Magazine.
MacTech Conference is a multi-track event with a focus on both programming/development,...
Online petition asks for Bonjour, AirPlay changes
There's an online petition asking for changes to Apple's Bonjour and AirPlay technologies. It's accepting digital signatures until Aug. 10.
You can find the petition at http://macte.ch/Nffq0 .The petition to Apple is the result of ongoing IT frustration over trying to administer Apple's discovery services, which are designed for fast and easy connectivity in very simple networks, in more complex enterprise networks, according to "Network World." The petition was launched recently by a group of higher ed IT professionals on the Educause WLAN listserv.
The proposed changes would purportedly make it easier for IT to provision, manage and secure Bonjour-enabled networking of Apple products. But they would also make it easier for Apple users to find and use resources they want on corporate networks, such as printers running Apple's AirPrint protocol, wireless multimedia streaming via Apple's AirPlay, flat-panel displays or high-def speakers via Apple TV, or projectors.
Today they often...
Seagate acquires a controlling interest in LaCie
Seagate Technology (http://www.seagate.com) and LaCie (http://www.lacie.com) have announced the completion of the purchase by Seagate of all of the shares of Philippe Spruch and his affiliate, representing 64.5% of the outstanding shares of LaCie for a provisional price of €4.05 per share.
The price payable to Philippe Spruch and his affiliate may be increased by 3%, to €4.17 per share, in the event that within six months following today's date, Seagate holds at least 95% of the share capital and voting rights of LaCie. The completion of the transaction follows the required clearances from the French Ministry of Finance and the US and German Antitrust Authorities.
As a result of the completion of the transaction, Seagate intends to file in the coming weeks with the French Autorité des marches financiers an all-cash simplified tender offer on the remaining LaCie shares.
LaCie launches new USB 3.0 devices for new Mac notebooks
LaCie (http://www.lacie.com) has updated its entire USB 3.0 portfolio to include second generation USB 3.0 products. The next generation USB 3.0 products are available now in Apple retail stores and work with the latest versions of the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air.
The company says that the USB 3.0 storage solutions will also benefit from performance enhancements within OS X Lion and Mountain Lion. Thanks to UAS (USB Attached SCSI Protocol), people with the latest Macbook Air, Macbook Pro and Macbook Pro with Retina Display will experience maximum USB 3.0 performance, says Erwan Girad, Professional Business Unit manager, LaCie. He adds that everything from cables and USB keys, to professional RAID storage solutions have been re-engineered for advanced performances.
Mac OS X software updates for Aug. 6
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
Volitans Software (http://www.volitans-software.com/) has announced SMART Utility 3.1, an update to the hard drive diagnostic application. New features include email notifications, better drive support, and Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion support.
Digiarty has updated its entire Mac software product line to support Mountain Lion. The Mac line update involves five programs in total with the new version release of DVD Ripper for Mac, HD Video Converter for Mac, iPhone Ripper for Mac, iPhone Converter, and iPad ripper for Mac.
VideoUpLink (http://www.videouplink.net), an pplication designed to make video on your Facebook page just a drag and drop away, has been revved to version 1.5. The upgrade adds Facebook product page video uploading.
Boinx Software is offering a public beta version of FotoMagico 4, its slideshow presentations software. The beta adds support for multiple layers, a new timeline for fine-tuned control over slides, improved...
Apple rumored to be in talks to buy The Fancy site
Apple is reportedly in talks to acquire The Fancy (http://www.thefancy.com), a fast-growing social commerce site backed by cofounders of Twitter and Facebook, reports "Business Insider."
The objective is "to secure a role for Apple in the growing e-commerce market, putting the 400 million-plus users with credit cards on file with Apple's iTunes Store to work shopping -- with Apple getting a cut of the action," the article adds. For more info go to http://macte.ch/TjTf9 .
Here's how The Fancy site describes itself: "Fancy is part store, blog, magazine and wishlist. It's a place to discover great stuff, to curate a collection of things you love, to get updates on your favorite brands and stores and to share your discoveries. Use it to create a catalog of your favorite things around the web and around the world. When you find something you love somewhere on the web, Fancy it."
WWDC 2012 Interview: blueHula Studios
While in San Francisco, TUAW and MacTech Magazine teamed up to speak to developers at Apple's WWDC 2012 about the keynote and how Apple's new technologies 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 WWDC free MacTech on iPad issues for MacTech Magazine here.
This video features Neil Ticktin (Editor-in-Chief, MacTech Magazine) and Craig VanderZwaag of blueHula Studios at WWDC. Craig was kind enough to tell us about their thoughts on the announcements on WWDC, and how it will affect their plans moving forward.
Apple sued for defective MacBook logic boards
Another day, another lawsuit. A class action has been filed against Apple for defective MacBook logic boards, reports "Patently Apple."
The case was filed by Omar Rosales in the Southern District of Texas. The class action lists eight counts against Apple with three of them being fraud under Texas Common Law, Breach of Implied Warranty of Fitness for a Particular Purpose and Breach of Implied Warranty of Merchantability. For more info go to http://macte.ch/h5ZYj .
Aug. 3 highlights from the Apple-Samsung trial (updated)
The Apple-Samsung patent battle/trial is underway. Following is some of the latest highlights and where you can find more info.
"Judge Koh shows no signs of bowing to public pressure from Samsung. She stands firmly behind her own and Magistrate Judge Grewal's decisions to exclude certain claims and materials, while trying to conceal her annoyance at Samsung's repeated attempts to justify the use of certain arguments and documents with new legal theories." -- "FOSS Patents" (http://www.fosspatents.com)
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.
"Apple executives Phil Schiller (senior vice president of worldwide marketing) and Scott Forstall (senior vice president of iOS software) will be the first two to testify Friday morning in a San Jose, California federal court. But...
Macrabbit serves up Slicy for OS X
MacRabbit has released Slicy 1.0 (macrabbit.com/slicy.), a tool for exporting PSD elements as images for the web and apps. It requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher and is available from http://macrabbit.com/layercake/ or the Mac App Store for an introductory price of US$29.99.
With Layer Cake, you can export to PNG, TIFF, JPG or ICNS. You can save time by having your images automatically exported when you save your PSD. When you want to repeat something manually, your previous exports are a click away.
LaCie ships the RuggedKey
LaCie (http//www.lacie.com) is shipping the RuggedKey, the latest addition to the company's line of Rugged drives designed by Neil Poulton. It comes in 16GB and 32GB capacities and is available at Apple retail stores, through the LaCie Online Store and LaCie resellers starting at the suggested retail price of US$39.95.
The RuggedKey sports USB 3.0 connectivity and an orange bumper. The latter is designed to protect the key from heat, cold, and 100-meter drops. What's more, it’s IP-54 certified to resist damage from dust and water.
Sandvox Designs collection comes to the Mac App Store
Macmanus has released Theme Designs 1.0 for Sandvox 1.0, a web design application for Mac OS X 10.6or higher. It's available at the Mac App Store for US$2.99.
The Theme Designs for Sandvox application includes five templates: Bright Sky, Clinic, Consulting, Hunting Club and Love. Every template includes seven pages: Photo and Video, Blog, Photo Album, Slide Show, Contact Form, Site Map and Empty. Some pages also come with an additional sidebar.
ComScore: Apple has 32.4% of U.S. smartphone market
ComScore (http://www.comscore.com), which "measures the digital world," has released data from the comScore MobiLens service, reporting key trends in the U.S. mobile phone industry during the three-month average period ending June 2012.
The study surveyed more than 30,000 U.S. mobile subscribers and found Samsung to be the top handset manufacturer overall with 25.6% market share. Google Android continued to grow its share in the U.S. smartphone market, accounting for 51.6% of smartphone subscribers, while Apple captured 32.4%.
For the three-month average period ending in June, 234 million Americans age 13 and older used mobile devices. Device manufacturer Samsung ranked as the top OEM [original equipment manufacturer] with 25.6% of U.S. mobile subscribers, followed by LG with 18.8% share. Apple continued to gain share in the OEM market, ranking third with 15.4% of mobile subscribers (up 1.4 percentage points), followed by Motorola with 11.7% and HTC with 6.4% (up 0.4 percentage...
Math Evolve comes to Mac OS X
InterAction Education is bringing its iOS learning app, Math Evolve (http://mathevolve.com), to Mac OS X. It's a learning tool for children ages 6-14 that combines math practice with video game elements.
Designed by an elementary school teacher, Math Evolve combines math practice with arcade-style gameplay. In Story Mode players evolve through 12 environments on a math mission to save the universe. Practice Mode offers a customizable platform for practicing math facts.
Math Evolve costs US$0.99 and works with Mac OS X 10.6 or higher. It's available at the Mac App Store.
Analyst: Apple will make 20 million iPhone 5s in September...
In a note to clients -- as reported by "AllThingsD" (http://allthingsd.com) -- J.P. Morgan analyst Mark Moskowitz thinks Apple will make 20 million so-called iPhone 5 units in the September quarter, and an additional 39 million in the December quarter.
If so, Apple will meet or beat J.P. Morgan’s total iPhone unit estimates of 39.4 million for the December 2012 quarter and 37.8 million units for the March 2013 quarter. Moskowitz estimates that iPhone 5 units could be 50% to 60% of total Apple phone shipments "in the first two quarters of volume ramp, scaling up after that.”
MacWise 14 works with Mountain Lion installations
Carnation Software has released MacWise version 14, an update to its terminal emulation software for the Mac. The upgrade is compatible with installations of Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion.
MacWise (www.macwise.com) allows a Mac to be used as a terminal, connected to a host computer directly, by modem, local area network or over the Internet with telnet or ssh secure shell. The app emulates ADDS Viewpoint, Wyse 50, Wyse 60, Wyse 370, Televideo TV 925, DEC VT100, VT220 and Prism terminals.
MacWise works with Mac OS X 10.4 or higher. It costs US$95 per user. Upgrades to version 14 from previous versions are $59 per user.
Consumer Watchdog opposes Facebook settlement
Consumer Watchdog (www.ConsumerWatchdog.org), a consumer protection group, says it opposes the proposed settlement in a class action suit against Facebook for using Facebook users' personal information in Sponsored Stories advertisements without their consent, saying that deal "is not fair, adequate or reasonable and provides no direct or indirect benefit to class members."
In a letter to Judge Richard Seeborg, Consumer Watchdog Staff Attorney Laura Antonini wrote that the case, Fraley v. Facebook, currently pending in the Northern District Court in California, offered "a unique opportunity for Facebook users to gain control over the social network's collection, retention and distribution of their personal information, but the terms of the proposed settlement agreement provide no such meaningful relief to class members."
"Under the proposed settlement Facebook is poised to continue to misappropriate its users' personal information without their consent," wrote Antonini. "Indeed,...
SyncMate 4 ready for iCloud, Mountain Lion
The SyncMate team has announced SyncMate 4, a new version of their sync tool for Mac OS X. Now fully compatible with Mountain Lion, it keeps data in sync between a Mac an multiple devices.
SyncMate 4 adds iCloud, Yahoo!, Google Drive sync support. It also allows syncing data on Mac with BlackBerry phones and MTP devices. You can now sync contacts, calendars, and reminders on Mac with cloud storage like iCloud, Yahoo! contacts, Yahoo! calendars, Fruux, Memotoo, and more.
SyncMate 4 is compatible with Mac OS X 10.6.6 and higher. Registered users of previous versions of SyncMate can upgrade at a 50% discount. For new users the cost is US$39.95. A demo is available at the product web site (http://www.sync-mac.com/).
EarthDesk 6.0 for OS X gets new mapping features
Xeric Design has released EarthDesk 6.0, an upgrade to its real-time dynamic desktop map. The upgrade adds new mapping features.
EarthDesk replaces your static desktop with an image of the Earth showing current sun, moon and city illumination, as well as global cloud coverage. The software operates silently in the background, keeping your desktop updated while you work.
Among the improvements in version 6.0 are map grid lines, plotting of cities, tracking the International Space Station and new shading options. Also, EarthDesk can now label and plot user-selected cities on any map display
EarthDesk 6.0 works with Mac OS X 10.6 or later. Single-user copies may be purchased for US$24.95. Upgrades are available for $12.95 for licensed users of version 5 and $17.95 for licensed users of versions 1, 2, 3, and 4.
High-resolution cloud access is available starting at $9.95 for a single user. A bundle including EarthDesk and high-res cloud access costs $32.95. For more info go to http://www...
Mac OS X software updates for Aug. 3
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
Reggie Ashworth has announced AppDelete Lite 3.2.8, an update to his Mac application deletion utility via the Mac App Store. The new version is optimized for Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion.
Absoft Pro Fortran 2012 for Mac OS X (currently shipping at this time) is compatible with Mountain Lion. Absoft Pro Fortran 2012 Mac OS X customers who purchased earlier than June 2012 and want to run on Mountain Lion will first need to download the Service Pack v11.5.2. This update download is available free from the Absoft site (www.absoft.com).
BusyCal and BusySync (www.busymac.com) are now compatible with OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion. However, the folks at BusyMac recommended that you reset BusyCal and BusySync before upgrading to Mountain Lion to avoid any potential problems.
The Escapers has released Flux 4.1.6 (www.theescapers.com/flux/) for Mac OS X, an update of its web page creation app. The upgrade adds Mountain Lion compatibility.
publicspace....
IDC: iPad sales drive robust market growth
A record-setting quarter for Apple's iPad led to a better-than-anticipated second quarter for the tablet market, according to preliminary data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) "Worldwide Quarterly Media Tablet Tracker."
Total worldwide tablet shipments for the second quarter of 2012 (2Q12) are estimated at 25 million units; up from 18.7 in the first quarter of 2012. That represents a quarter-over-quarter increase of 33.6% and a robust year-over-year growth rate of 66.2%, up from 15 million units in the second quarter of 2011. IDC (http://www.idc.com) will release final shipment totals for the quarter later this month.
"Apple built upon its strong March iPad launch and ended the quarter with its best-ever shipment total for the iPad, outrunning even the impressive shipment record it set in the fourth quarter of last year," says Tom Mainelli, research director, Mobile Connected Devices. "The vast majority of consumers continue to favor the iPad over competitors, and Apple...
Highlights from the Apple-Samsung trial (updated)
The Apple-Samsung patent battle/trial is underway. Following is some of the latest highlights and where you can find more info.
"Apple will ask a federal court to sanction Samsung Electronics for releasing documents that were not allowed as evidence in the companies’ dueling patent-infringement suits." -- "Macworld" (http://macte.ch/7X6jY)
"In response to claims that it intentionally released excluded evidence in hopes of influencing the jury in its court battle with Apple, Samsung’s legal team said it didn’t do anything wrong, and was only responding to media inquiries." -- "The Mac Observer" (http://macte.ch/V6YIc)
"In the trial in federal court in San Jose, scheduled to resume Friday, Apple will try to prove to jurors that its brand of innovation is not only effective in the marketplace, but also defensible in a courtroom." -- "San Francisco Chronicle" (http://macte.ch/34doi)
"In their ongoing patent drama over who owns what, Apple's lawyers are asking for approximately $2.5...
Kodak wins partial victory in patent battle with Apple
Eastman Kodak has won a won a partial victory against Apple over patents, defeating Apple’s ownership claims to two of 10 patents that Kodak plans to sell as part of its bankruptcy restructuring, reports "Bloomberg" (http://macte.ch/dxjHp).
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Allan Gropper in Manhattan ruled in favor of Kodak on the patents, saying the iPhone maker waited too long to assert its claims, according to a decision filed Thursday. The judge said Kodak’s ability to sell the assets would be “cut off” if “unreasonably late claims” by Apple aren’t barred. Gropper rejected inventorship and state law ownership claims by Apple to the two patents, says Gropper.
This is another chapter in the ongoing legal battle. Kodak filed a complaint against the iPhone and BlackBerry makers at the U.S. International Trade Commission in early 2010, saying their devices infringed on its patent for previewing images with a digital camera. Later, the ITC dismissed the complaint, upholding a finding by one of its...
Nevada board okays tax cuts for Apple
The Nevada Board of Economic Development has given the green light to US$89 million in tax cuts to Apple as the company plans to build a data center and accompanying buildings in downtown Reno and the town of Sparks, reports "AppleInsider" (www.appleinsider.com).
Apple is planning on opening a data center to house its cloud computing service east of Sparks as well as a business and purchasing center in downtown Reno, part of an US$1 billion investment the company plans to spend in Northern Nevada over the next 10 years. The deal includes US$89 million tax abatements from the city, county and state over the next decade.
About 82% of those tax breaks will reportedly come from local governments and the rest from the state. All totaled, local and state governments would collect about $16 million in tax revenue from Apple over the next 10 years.
FontAgent Pro 5 is Mountain Lion, CS6 ready
Insider Software has announced the release of FontAgent Pro 5 for the Mac, an upgrade to its professional font manager. New features include: Adobe CS6 auto-activation plug-ins, automated preventive font maintenance, enhanced interface, drag and drop glyph palette, updated FontSavant for precise font selection, Retina display support, 650 professionally selected fonts, and extensive activity reports.
FontAgent Pro 5 is also compatible with Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion. The new release supports Insider's line of server products, including TeamServer for workgroups, FontAgent Pro Enterprise Server with Active Directory and Kerberos single sign-on, FontAgent Pro Replication Server with Failover and the world's first cloud-based font server.
The new user interface in FontAgent Pro 5 provides access to smart tools and complex font searches that enable users to manage projects faster and more simply. It also includes an all-new Glyph Player, which works like the Font Player, enabling you to...
ZooGue announces Microfiber iPad Sleeve
ZooGue has released the US$39.99 Microfiber iPad Sleeve, made of a lightweight fabric that offers a suede appearance.
This handmade sleeve was made to accommodate the Smart Cover, Smart Back or the entire Smart Case while providing additional protection to the iPad's touch screen. The tablet slips into the sleeve for transport.
The Microfiber iPad Sleeve design includes an interior pocket that gives access to store cables or additional accessories. Providing multiple color options, it's available in nine colors. The Microfiber iPad Sleeve is available at http://www.zoogue.com/microfiber-ipad-sleeve/ .
I.R.I.S. rolls out IRISScan Anywhere 3 scanner
I.R.I.S., which specializes in optical character recognition (OCR) software, is has released the IRIScan Anywhere 3, a cordless, battery‐powered and portable scanner that enables mobile users to capture paper documents, receipts, photos and more without the use of a computer.
The IRIScan Anywhere 3 is intuitive to use, says said Jean-Marc Fontaine, director of Sales and Operations, Americas at I.R.I.S. The sheet of paper is simply zipped through the scanner, and the scanned file is then saved on the built‐in memory, an SD Card or a standard USB key.
Compatible with both Macs and PCs, the IRIScan Anywhere 3 comes bundled with
° Readiris Pro 14, an OCR application that processes scans and turns them into fully editable and searchable documents that can be imported into PDF, Word, Excel and more;
° Cardiris PR 4 Mac, which manages business card contacts or imports them to: Outlook, ACT!, Lotus Notes, Address Book, etc.
The IRIScan Anywhere 3 is now available for US$199 at www.irislink...
iShower is new, water resistant Bluetooth speaker
iDevices (www.idevicesinc.com) is shipping the US$99 iShower (www.ishowerinc.com), a Bluetooth-enabled, water-resistant speaker for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, Android and other Bluetooth enabled smartphones and tablets.
Water resistant, you can listen to the iShower speaker in the shower, pool, beach, or spa, while keeping your device safe and dry up to 200 feet away from the water. It provides the ability to pair up to five different phones, iPads or other devices at once.
In addition, the iShower has a built-in clock display with buttons for play, pause, forward, rewind, and volume up/down to control your device’s music from the iShower speaker. You can attach or remove it and take it with you anywhere you go. The iShower comes with three AA batteries for 15 hours of music.
Enterprise Device Alliance members deliver Mountain Lion support
The Enterprise Device Alliance has announced support for Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion operating system software in enterprise environments by the EDA member companies.
Each member of the Enterprise Device Alliance provides products that allow organizations to leverage their existing investment in Windows management and administration infrastructure to manage both Mac and iOS systems as well as help organizations transition from current and previous versions of Mac OS X to Mountain Lion. EDA members provide additional integration and functionality in key areas of the business that are important to deployments in enterprise environments.
"With the rapid growth of Macs in the enterprise, its more important than ever that organizations to be able to take advantage of the latest Mac OS X as soon as it's available," says T. Reid Lewis, president of the Enterprise Device Alliance. "All of the EDA members are committed to making sure that an environment of mixed PCs, Macs and mobile devices...
Analyst: Wintek sales spike points to iPad mini
In a note to clients -- as reported by "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com) -- Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White says Apple supplier Wintek saw its sales grow 61% month-over-month in July, which could mean the company has received orders for the rumored iPad mini.
Wintek is one of a global touch panel manufacturer and a key partner of Apple's. White says the company's sales growth in July is particularly noteworthy because the company's June sales dipped significantly.
The analyst thinks the decrease in sales in June was seen as further evidence that Apple is planning to use in-cell touch panel technology for its next iPhone, a component not expected to be provided by Wintek. Numerous reports have indicated Apple plans to use in-cell touchscreens, allowing the display on its next iPhone to be even thinner, notes "AppleInsider."
Mophie OutRide transforms the iPhone into a sports camera
Mophie has debuted its action sports camera, OutRide, a hardware and app solution that puts the power to record and share tricks, tracks, rides, and epic moments in the hands of action land and water sports enthusiasts, using only their iPhone.
Ross Howe, vice president of marketing at mophie, says the OutRide eliminates the need for dedicated video or camera devices by harnessing the existing features of the iPhone and adding the hardware and software for filming, editing and sharing. OutRide hardware is waterproof and impact resistant and comes bundled with a variety of custom mounts to capture action shots in the surf, snow, dirt or concrete.
Available in mid-September, OutRide bundles range from US$129.95 to $149.95. They're available at www.mophie.com .
Desk Pets rolls out CarBot
Desk Pets (www.mydeskpets.com) has rolled out the US$29.99 CarBot, which is controllable by iOS or Android mobile devices.
The CarBot is programmed with four interactive modes: Drift ‘n’ Race mode, Battle mode for multi-player fun, Maze mode, and Personality mode. The remote control car comes in four colors: red, blue, orange and green. CarBots can be set to battle mode for multi-player battle via infrared sensors.
Each CarBot can be set to A, B, or C frequency for battles between CarBots. In battle mode players can use the fire button to disable the opponent’s CarBot. The Drift ‘n’ Race mode allows for full speed racing and drifting. In maze mode CarBots can successfully navigate mazes and avoid obstacles. In personality mode makes the CarBot go crazy drifting, speeding, and spinning with lights and sounds. CarBots can also be set to mute for noiseless play.
Each CarBot comes with an iDesk Pets universal remote dongle that plugs into the headphone jack of your mobile device. Users...
MAXON serves up CINEMA 4D Release 14
MAXON has unveiled CINEMA 4D Release 14 (R14), a new version of the 3D motion graphics, visual effects, painting, and rendering software application. It's compatible with Mac OS X and Windows.
R14 sports a new, fully integrated sculpting system, camera matching functionality, exchange plug-ins to two key applications (The Foundry NUKE and Adobe Photoshop Extended) and improved integration with Adobe After Effects. Motion graphics/VFX artists and visualization designers will benefit from features that accelerate productivity to produce spectacular 3D content more fluidly and collaborate with increased efficiency, says Harald Egel, co-founder and CEO of
For more info and to see CINEMA 4D R14 in action go to http://www.maxon.net/products/new-in-cinema-4d-r14/overview.html .
Spelltower comes to the Mac
Zach Gage has released the Mac version of SpellTower, a word game previously available for iOS devices. It requires Mac O S X 10.7.4 or higher, costs US$3.99 and is available at the Mac App Store.
Pplayers score by creating words from a jumble of tiles in one of four game modes. SpellTower Mac features include a redesigned control scheme, Retina Macbook Pro support, and Mountain Lion Game Center functionality.
600 million smartphones expected to ship in 2012
Worldwide smartphone shipment volume is estimated to reach approximately 660 million units in 2012, accounting for around 37% of total mobile phone shipments, according to new data from Research and Markets.
This figure is projected to exceed 60% in 2016, says the research group (http://www.researchandmarkets.com) Smartphones are gradually becoming market mainstream, and vendors are beginning to shift their focus from high-end to entry-level products and from 3G/3.5G to 4G system support, per Research and Markets. This trend is expected to pose impacts on competition in the upstream mobile communications core IC industry, adds the research group.
Mac OS X software updates for Aug. 2
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
Mireth Technology Corp. (http://www.mireth.com) has announced NetShred X 4.7.7, an update to its Internet eraser software for Mac OS X. The upgrade adds support for OS X Mountain Lion 10.8 as well as support for Firefox 14 and Safari 6.
Troi Automatisering (http://www.troi.com) has released Troi File Plug-in 6.1.1 for FileMaker Pro 12. The updated file plug-in for FileMaker Pro 12 adds compatibility with Mountain Lion.
JNSoftware (http://www.jonn8.com/dialectic/) has rolled out Dialectic v1.8.7, an update to the telephony tool for Mac OS X. The upgrade brings enhancements and minor bug fixes, as well as Mountain Lion compatibility.
Softhing (http://direct.softhing.com/oeax.html) has updated Outlook Email Archive, an utility for archiving emails and attachments you have received or sent using Microsoft Outlook in Mac OS X, to version 2.0.0. The upgrade is Mountain Lion compatible.
Apple expands BTO options for Retina Display MacBook Pro
Apple has expanded its build-to-order options for the base model Retina display MacBook Pro. Originally, you had to get the US$2,199 model with a 2.3GHz Core i7 processor and 256GB of flash storage. Only the RAM could be upgraded from 8GB to 16GB (and this directly from Apple only).
Now you can -- again, only through Apple -- upgrade storage to 512GB of flash storage for $500 or 768GB of flash storage for $1000. Or you can replace the 2.3GHz CPU to 2.6GHz for $100.
Also, Apple is now allowing Mac buyers to have Pages, Numbers and/or Keynote pre-installed on their systems.
WWDC 2012 Interview: Marketcircle
While in San Francisco, TUAW and MacTech Magazine teamed up to speak to developers at Apple's WWDC 2012 about the keynote and how Apple's new technologies 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 WWDC free MacTech on iPad issues for MacTech Magazine here.
This video features Neil Ticktin (Editor-in-Chief, MacTech Magazine) and AJ of Marketcircle Inc. at WWDC. AJ was kind enough to tell us about their thoughts on the announcements on WWDC, and how it will affect their plans moving forward.
Counting iPads, Apple has 19% of global computer market share
According to new data from the Canalys research group (http://www.canalys.com), global client computer shipments rose 12% year-over-year in Q2 2012. And, by the research group's estimates, Apple is first place.
Growth in pads more than compensated for disappointing sales of ultrabooks, Canalys reports. The new iPad had the biggest single impact on growth rates in the quarter, but Asus and Samsung made progress with their Transformer and Galaxy Tab product lines. Total pad shipments increased 75% to 24 million units, representing 22% of all computers. (Unlike the IDG and Gartner research groups, Canalys counts tablets among overall computer totals.)
"Reports that poor economic conditions and the wait for Windows 8 hurt the PC industry this quarter do not tell the whole story," says Tom Evans, Canalys research analyst. "The PC industry is performing well and 2012 is shaping up to be a record year. Vendors with innovative products will reap the rewards."
Apple retook the overall lead...
Former Apple director moves to AMD
AMD (http://www.amd.com) has announced that former Apple director, Jim Keller, 53, has joined the company as corporate vice president and chief architect of AMD's microprocessor cores, reporting to chief technology officer and senior vice president of technology and engineering Mark Papermaster.
In this role, Keller will lead AMD's microprocessor core design efforts aligned with AMD's ambidextrous strategy with a focus on developing both high-performance and low-power processor cores that will be the foundation of AMD's future products.
"Jim is one of the most widely respected and sought-after innovators in the industry and a very strong addition to our engineering team," says Papermaster. "He has contributed to processing innovations that have delivered tremendous compute advances for millions of people all over the world, and we expect that his innovative spirit, low-power design expertise, creativity and drive for success will help us shape our future and fuel our growth."
Keller...
NetMarketShare: Mac OS X, Safari, iOS all up in July
According to the latest market share survey from NetMarketShare (http://www.netmarketshare.com), the market share for Mac OS X, Safari and iOS all rose in July.
According to the report, among desktop operating systems, Mac OS X had 6.97% of the global market share in July compared to 6.72% in June (that's global market share; in the US it's over 10%). That's an all time high for Mac OS X. Windows remains dominant with 92.01% as of July. That's down from 92.23% in June.
When it comes to browsers, Safari had 4.93% in July compared to 4.73% in June. Internet Explorer had 54.93%, Firefox had 20.16% and Chrome had 18.88%. That compares to, respectively, June percentages of 54.02%, 20.06% and 19.08%, respectively, for the browsers. Safari's all-time high is 5.43% in October 2011.
The iOS's still dominated in July, according to NetMarketShare. It had 65.274% (an all time high), compared to 20.16% for Android, 9.11% for Java ME, 1.86% for Blackberry, and 1.61% for Symbian. That compares to...
Judge allows transfer of HTC-Apple lawsuit case
Judge Judge Robert N. Scola, the federal judge presiding over a "Motorola Mobility v. Apple" lawsuit filed in the Southern District of Florida in 2010 has granted a couple of HTC motions to sever Apple's claims against HTC from the ones against Motorola Mobility and to transfer the case to the United States District Court for the District of Delaware.
That's a court whose chief judge doesn't seem to like all of Apple's litigation tactics and which has previously stayed all of Apple's lawsuits against HTC pending in that district, reports "FOSS Patents." Read more at http://macte.ch/50sXf .
This is all part of an ongoing legal battle. In November 2010 Apple sued Motorola, alleging that the company's smartphone lineup and the operating software it uses infringe on the iPhone-maker's intellectual property. The two lawsuits came after Motorola sued Apple in October 2010 for patent infringement. Motorola claims that Apple's iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and certain Mac computers infringe...
Thunderbolt to FireWire Adapter now at Apple stores
The Thunderbolt to FireWire Adapter that Apple announced in June is now available for US$29 at Apple's online store.
At its June 11 Worldwide Developers Conference Apple introduced the adapter for use on MacBook Pros, MacBook Airs and Mac minis. It can be used with the Thunderbolt links included on the new models, and also can be used on similarly equipped 2011 Macs. The cable adds a wired interface to the MacBook Airs now in use.
Alas, the new systems won't natively use FireWire target disk mode. However, they also bring FireWire 800, which runs at 800 Megabits/second, firmly into the Windows PC market for users who want that kind of speed and bandwidth.
Hasbro's Laser Tag system adds iOS compatibility
Hasbro’s Lazer Tag brand has brought iOS compatibility to its Lazer Tag system, which combines exciting live-action battles with augmented reality gameplay.
Download the free Lazer Tag app from the Apple App Store to your iPhone or iPod touch, insert the device into the Lazer Tag blaster and let the game play begin. You can battle with up to 24 friends, anytime, anywhere -- or battle aliens and creatures in single player mode.
While the blaster and app works independent of each other, you can combine them for a laser tag experience with firing ranges of up to 250 feet. As you advance within the app, you have the opportunity to gain access to weapon upgrades, additional levels and health reserves to give you a competitive edge over your opponents.
For more info go to http://www.LazerTag.com .
