Wrrr game now available in the Mac App Store
Nimbi Studios S.A.has introduced Wrrr, a side scrolling, hand-drawn 2D platforming game for Mac OS X (10.6.6 and higher). It costs US$2.99 and is available in the Mac App Store.
Here's how the game is described: "Wrrr tells a story of dad-dinosaur who embarks on a journey to find his family after an unexpected natural disaster. During this journey you will explore deep dark caves, lush forests, wild swamps and icy mountains. Experience an incredible adventure by going through nine beautiful hand-drawn levels.
"During this journey you will explore deep dark caves, lush forests, wild swamps and icy mountains. Help trapped creatures, collect points, leap,run and fight while visiting the gorgeous hand-drawn world. On your way you will meet fire demons, evil plants and giant bees. By overcoming those adversities you will reunite with your lost family"
GripStand 3 available for the new iPad
Newer Technology (http://www.newertech.com) has announced the NewerTech NuGuard GripStand 3 for safer transporting, easier viewing, and more secure handling of the new iPad during mobile or desktop use. It costs US$34.95 and is available in black.
The NuGuard GripStand 3 is available as a standalone product or as part of a value priced bundle. The $59.95 bundle includes the GripBase desktop accessory that locks into the GripStand 3 case to provide a fully adjustable viewing angle in landscape or portrait modes along with 360 degree rotation. The wide, weighted footprint ensures the GripBase will remain stationary on a desk, even in high traffic areas, according to the folks at NewerTech.
Satechi Headrest Mount for tablets now available
Satechi has released its Headrest Mount for 7-10-inch tablets. It's compatible with most 7-10-inch tablets including the new iPad, Galaxy Nexus 7, Kindle Fire and Samsung Galaxy Tab.
The Headrest Mount is designed as a road trip accessory and child entertainment system for any vehicle. It attaches to the vehicle’s seat headrest and features an adjustment clip to hold the mount securely in place. The mount’s integrated rubber grips keeps the tablet stable while watching movies, playing games, reading and more.
The Headrest Mount can be adjusted to accommodate a= backseat passenger’s preferred viewing angle including vertical, horizontal, and orbital positioning that adjusts around a dual ball-and-socket connection. Additionally, the mount can rotate 360 degrees allowing for both landscape and portrait viewing modes on the desired tablet.
The Satechi Headrest Mount is available now for US$39.99 at Satechi.net and Amazon.com .
Roll Call Mobile CheckIn available for OS X, iOS
Keeping children secure through the use of a computerized children's check in system is a prerequisite for nearly all children's ministries. By the Book has taken children's check-in a step further with Roll Call Mobile CheckIn for OS X and iOS devices.
Roll Call Mobile CheckIn allows the church to deploy volunteers throughout their facility to check families into classes or even worship services, says Kim Conley, co-owner of By the Book. The Roll Call dashboard will give ministry workers real-time headcounts so the children's ministry leader will know right away if any classes are getting too full or if they need to enlist more volunteers.
The child check in system in Roll Call allows users to check students into their classes, record attendance, and print name tags and security labels. With Mobile CheckIn, volunteers can check students by looking up last name or last four digits of their phone number, then print labels at a centralized print station. To check students out, simply...
67,000 phones likely to be lost or stolen during London Olympics
Security experts at Venafi, which specializes in enterprise key and certificate management (EKCM) solutions, warn that an estimated 67,000 mobile phones are likely to be lost or stolen during the Olympics in London.
Numbers of smartphones and other portable networked devices have exploded over the past few years. As a result, this year’s Games will see the largest-ever risk of corporate and personal data loss during an Olympics period, with an estimated 214.4 terabytes of potentially sensitive data likely to be lost or stolen -- an equivalent of 200 million books’ worth of data.
Approximately 50,000 mobile phones are lost or stolen in the London area over any two-week period, according to Venaif. During the Olympics, the total population in London is expected to swell by a third, with an extra million people using the tube every day. This, Venafi anticipates, will lead to an additional 17,000 lost or stolen phones, bringing the possible total to 67,000 during the two-week period....
Verizon ranks highest in customer satisfaction
For the third consecutive time, Verizon Wireless (http://www.verizonwireless.com) ranked first in customer care among national full-service wireless providers in J.D. Power and Associates’ national study of customer care among the leading U.S. wireless providers.
In the "J.D. Power and Associates 2012 U.S. Wireless Customer Care Full-Service Performance StudySM -- Volume 2," Verizon Wireless received a score of 771, to lead the category at 12 index points above the overall industry average. The study was based on feedback gathered from customers of the four major U.S. wireless providers during the first six months of 2012. J .D. Power and Associates also ranked Verizon Wireless highest in customer care in its last two Wireless Customer Care customer studies conducted January through December 2011.
Autodesk Inventor Fusion debuts on the Mac App Store
Autodesk, Inc. has announced that Autodesk Inventor Fusion technology for 3D CAD modeling is now available for download in the Mac App Store for the first time. It requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher and is a free download.
Autodesk Inventor Fusion for Mac takes advantage of new OS X Mountain Lion capabilities to help increase productivity and transform how designers share designs and receive feedback, whether in face-to-face meetings or participating in social communities, according to the folks at Autodesk, Inc. It lets designers explore complex shapes and forms.
Autodesk Inventor Fusion's 3D direct manipulation tools allow users to open and edit 3D models from almost any source and incorporate them into new or existing designs. Additionally, it helps users leverage their 3D CAD modeling in full screen mode. The software is fully interoperable with AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor software and a variety of other Autodesk and third party CAD tools.
Mac OS X software updates for July 27
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
Ross Bencina has released version 2.2 of AudioMulch (http://www.audiomulch.com),software for live performance, audio processing, sound design and music composition. The upgrade delivers a refinements targeted at live performance, including increased responsiveness and expanded MIDI control and routing capabilities. Additions include: lower audio latency, support for routing MIDI output to external devices, improved MIDI and network clock synchronization, and MIDI-controlled snapshot switching for AudioMulch’s Metasurface control interface.
VideoUpLink (http://www.videouplink.net) for Mac, an application designed to make video on your Facebook page just a drag and drop away, has been upgraded to version 1.5. It adds support for uploading of videos to brand, business and organization Facebook pages.
Cristallight Software announces iBarcoder 3.4.3 (http://www.cristallight.com/iBarcoder/) for Mac OS X, an update to their barcode generator...
Remember the 'app store' legal battle? It's still...
Apple is "doubling down" on efforts to drive Amazon away from the term “app store," according to "GigaOm" (http://macte.ch/wZoxo).
In court filings last week, Apple demanded that Amazon provide an executive to testify why the company decided to remove the words "for Android" from some of Amazon’s app store marketing, the article adds. The filing also repeats allegations that Amazon’s use of "Amazon Appstore" with the Kindle Fire tablet was intended to confuse consumers.
Last year Apple sued Amazon, saying the online retailer is using Apple’s “App Store” trademark for a mobile-software developer program. In a complaint filed March 18, 2011, in federal court in northern California, Apple accused Amazon.com of trademark infringement and unfair competition and asked for a judge’s order to prevent the company from using the "App Store" name, as well as for unspecified damages.
Apple registered for a trademark on the term App Store on July 17, 2008. It has been using the name since then to...
Apple denied injunction against Samsung Nexus
Apple was denied an injunction against Samsung's Galaxy Nexus and the adjusted Galaxy Tab 10.1N by the higher court of Munich, reports the "IDG News Service" (http://macte.ch/wZoxo).
The patent involves a "list scrolling and document translation, scaling, and rotation on a touch-screen display." Apple lost a lawsuit about the same patent last February when the lower regional court of Munich deemed the patent invalid because it didn't include anything new, notes the "IDG News Service." Apple appealed that verdict but the higher court on Thursday confirmed the ruling, Philipp Stoll, spokesman for the higher regional court of Munich, told the "IDG News Service."
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 updates Podcast app for iOS
Apple has updated its free Podcast app for iOS. The new version -- available at the Apple App Store -- displays the number of unplayed episodes, “remember”s playback speed for podcast episodes, and fixes problems where Top Stations artwork was missing.
According to Apple, the Podcast app is the "easiest way to discover, subscribe to, and play your favorite podcasts on your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Explore hundreds of thousands of free audio and video podcasts from the Podcasts Catalog, and play the most popular podcasts, organized for you by topic, with the all new Top Stations feature."
Apple releases MacBook Air SMC Firmware Update 1.6
Apple has posted MacBook Air SMC Firmware Update 1.6. It adds support for the Power Nap feature in Mountain Lion to Mid 2011 MacBook Air models.
It requires Mac OS X 10.8 or higher. MacBook Air SMC Firmware Update 1.6 is available via the Software Updates component of the Mac OS X Systems Preferences app.
iPad has 68% global tablet shipments
According to the latest research from Strategy Analytics (http://www.strategyanalytics.com), global tablet shipments reached 25 million units in the second quarter of 2012. Apple rose to 68% global market share, its highest level for almost two years.
"Global tablet shipments reached 24.9 million units in Q2 2012, jumping 67% from 14.9 million in Q2 2011," says Peter King, director at Strategy Analytics. "Demand for tablets among consumer, business and education users remains relatively healthy. Apple shipped a robust 17.0 million iPads worldwide and maintained its strong market leadership with 68 percent share during the second quarter of 2012. Apple continued to shrug off the much-hyped threat from Android and the iPad’s global tablet share is at its highest level since Q3 2010."
Neil Mawston, executive director at Strategy Analytics, adds: "Android captured 29% share of global tablet shipments in Q2 2012, remaining static from 29% a year earlier. Global Android tablet shipments...
The higher the income, the more the iPhone/iPad love
When it comes to users whose net worth is more than US$100,000, the iPhone and iPad remain the phone and tablet of choice, respectively. And for the most part, Apple's market share only increases the higher up the asset scale you look, according to a report from the Spectrem Group (http://www.spectrem.com/), a research firm that specializes in the affluent and retirement markets.
The report -- as noted by the "L.A. Times" (http://macte.ch/6OogD) -- says that among what the Spectrem Group categorizes as "mass affluent investors," defined as those whose net worth exceeds $100,000 excluding their primary residence, 46% own an iPhone. The Android comes in at 34%. The market share for Apple is higher among tablets, where the iPad is owned by 53% of the group, as opposed to the Kindle Fire, owned by just 16%.
Raise the bar to $1 million and the iPhone's share goes up to 48% of the market. In this income bracket, the iPad has 61%. The Kindle Fire drops a point as well.
According to the...
NuGuard Keyboard Cover comes to Retina Display MacBook Pro
Newer Technology (http://www.newertech.com/) has announced the NuGuard Keyboard Cover for the MacBook Pro with Retina Display. It's available for US$17.49 at http://www.newertech.com/products/laptopAccessories.php .
The black, silicone cover is the first and only keyboard cover on the market for the 2012 rMBP and matches the function keys printed on the full-sized keyboard’s 78 (U.S.) keys. NuGuard Keyboard Covers feature a silky smooth silicone surface to provide the fastest touch-typing possible, according to Grant Dahlke, brand manager, Newer Technology. The form-fitting sheet is molded to cover each key and the space between each key for protection against key wear, food/drink spills, and dust/hair clogging.
Judge denies Samsung request for longer trial
A federal judge has rejected a request by Samsung that would have doubled the length and increased the complexity its upcoming patent trial against Apple, reports the "IDG News Service" (http://macte.ch/QGUyM).
Samsung filed a motion on Monday asking for double that amount of time, up to 400 exhibits per side and no limit on the number of witnesses it could call, the article adds. Judge Lucy Koh of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, in San Jose, had previously told both sides they would be allowed no more than 25 hours to present their respective cases of patent infringement and could show no more than 125 exhibits.
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.
Future Media Concepts announces FOCUS workshop series
Future Media Concepts (FMC), a digital media training organization, has announced the FOCUS series, a new slate of workshops for audio/video specialists.
The one-day workshops are designed to help producers, directors, shooters, editors, and engineers hone their skills and master techniques in video production. The FOCUS series is targeted at professionals and amateurs who work in production and post-production environments, according to Jeff Rothberg, FMC president and co-founder.
FOCUS workshops will address such topics as video compression techniques, color correction and grading, sound for the video editor, and creative use of time lapse and stop motion. Eleven different workshops are being planned, and all will be taught by certified trainers who are experts in the particular topic. For details go to http://www.fmctraining.com .
New Mountain Lion books available
TidBITS Publishing and O'Reilly Media have released new books about OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion.
TidBITS has published "Take Control of Upgrading to Mountain Lion," "Take Control of Using Mountain Lion" and "Take Control of Apple Mail in Mountain Lion." Details can be found at http://www.takecontrolbooks.com .
O'Relly Media has published "OS X Mountain Lion: The Missing Manual" and "OS X Mountain Lion Pocket Guide." Details can be found at http://www.orelly.com .
Campaign to fund AudioGlove for iPhone launches on Kickstarter
A new iPhone case has been introduced on the Kickstarter.com crowdfunding website. The AudioGlove iPhone case purportedly uses patented Natural Sound Amplification technology to dramatically increase the iPhone's volume by 10-12 decibels and improves the performance of its microphone.
The funding goal is US$30,000; if successful, the proceeds will be used to defray the cost of the die-cast mold and final production of the matching AudioGlove solid aluminum stand, as well as the manufacturing cost of new cases. The Kickstarter campaign will run for only 40 days from the launch date.
The AudioGlove is a two-piece polycarbonate protective case that slides open to create an acoustically engineered waveguide chamber. This chamber amplifies and redirects sound waves toward the user, and provides "warmer," less distorted sound, according to its inventor, Falco Freeman. It also channels the user's voice into the microphone more efficiently, and blocks background noise and wind, he adds.
The...
QUAN targets developers of iPhone and iPad robots
Emerging robotics company Quantum International Corp. says it's targeting the developers of advanced robots controlled using Apple mobile devices including the iPhone and iPad.
The company says with their groundbreaking combination of sensors, processing power, display and network connectivity, Apple smartphones and tablets include everything needed to function as compact, powerful robotic brains. The technology is already driving stunning innovations in robotics, and Quantum’s leadership is working to position the company to capitalize on the coming wave of highly sought automatons, they add.
"The iPhone and iPad were breakthrough products that created their own market," says Quantum CEO Robert Federowicz. "The market for these devices didn’t exist before they arrived. We believe the same will soon be said for the incredible robotics innovations using the same technology that are now on the drawing board."
New products such as Orbotix’s Sphero toy and Parrot's AR.Drone 2.0...
World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandria arrives Sept. 25
Blizzard Entertainment says World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria, the fourth expansion set for the subscription-based massively multiplayer online role-playing game, will be available in stores and online starting from Sept. 25.
Upon the expansion’s release, intrepid explorers of the Alliance and the Horde will be able to set foot upon the shores of the long-lost continent of Pandaria and embark on a perilous journey to uncover its ancient mysteries, according to the folks at Blizzard.
Mists of Pandaria will be available on DVD-ROM for Mac OS X and Windows XP/Windows Vista/Windows 7 at a suggested retail price of US$39.99. The expansion will also be available digitally directly from Blizzard’s World of Warcraft website (http://www.WorldofWarcraft.com), also priced at $39.99.
A special Collector’s Edition packed with bonus items will be available exclusively in retail stores for a suggested retail price of $79.99. In addition, for the first time, World of Warcraft players have the...
Mac OS X software updates for July 26
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
Centrify Corp. (http://www.centrify.com) security and compliance solutions that centrally control, secure and audit access to cross-platform systems, mobile devices and applications, says its DirectControl for Mac offering supports the just-released Mountain Lion with Active Directory-based authentication, access control and Group Policy for users.
Global Delight (http://www.globaldelight.com) has released new versions of its Boom Mac volume booster and Voila screen capture software that runs Mountain Lion.
ATTO Technology has readied Mountain Lion driver support for its Celerity Fibre Channel Host Bust Adapters (HBAs), ExpressSAS/SATA HBAs and RAID Adapters, FastFrame, Network Interface Cards (NICs) and Converged Network Adapters (CNAs) as well as ExpressPCI SCSI HBAs. Customers can download the latest drivers at http://www.attotech.com .
Flexibits (http://flexibits.com/fantastical) says Fantastical 1.3.2, an update for its Mac...
Apple updates Xcode, Remote Desktop, iTunes U for iOS
Apple has released new versions of Xcode and Remote Desktop for the Mac, and iTunes U for iOS devices.
Xcode 4.4 adds Mountain Lion support, Retina display support and new C++ and Objective-C features, more. Xcode is a tool for developers for creating Mac OS X and iOS apps.
Remote Desktop lets you manage Macs on your network. Version 3.6 addresses issues related to overall reliability, usability and compatibility. You can obtain the Xcode and Remote Desktop updates via the Software Updates component of the Mac OS X Systems Preferences app.
The iTunes U app gives you access to complete courses from leading universities and other schools -- plus a free digital catalog of free education content -- right on your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch. iTunes U 1.2 makes it easy to take notes while watching or listening to a lecture. This update -- avialable at the Apple App Store -- also adds the ability to search within posts, assignments, notes, and materials from any of your subscribed courses...
Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac supports Mountain Lion
Parallels says the current Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac (version 7.0.15104.778994, released on July 10, 2012) supports Mountain Lion (OS X 10.8) and enables users to enjoy Apple’s latest operating system while simultaneously running Windows apps.
If you’re currently using Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac, be sure to check for updates to ensure you’re running the latest build and Mountain Lion ready. This is easy to do -- simply go to the Parallels Desktop menu, select Check for Updates, and install the latest build. For those currently using an older version of Parallels Desktop for Mac, before you upgrade to Mountain Lion, be sure to upgrade to Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac.
A free trial of Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac is available for download at http://www.parallels.com/desktop .
Aperture, iMovie, iPhoto revved for Mountain Lion
Apple has posted updates for Aperture, iMovie and iPhoto. All add support for the just-released Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion.
They also offer minor improvements and bug fixes. You can obtain via the updates via the Software Update component of the Mac OS X Systems Preferences app.
Apple posts Safari, iWork updates
Apple has released updates to its Safari web browser and its iWork products (Pages, Numbers and Keynote).
Safari 6, available for OS X Lion, brings the same features to that version of the operating system as the features found in the version of Safari that comes with OS X Mountain Lion (released today). It's available via the Software Update component of the Mac OS X Systems Preferences app.
The updates of the Pages apps add support support for iCloud document storage and syncing with iOS devices with iWork for iOS 1.6.1 or later. It also adds Dictation support as well as adding Retina display support for the Retina display MacBook Pro. Pages, Numbers and Keynote are US$19.99 and can be found at the Mac App Store.
Mountain Lion now available at the Mac App Store
Apple has announced that OS X Mountain Lion, the ninth major release of Mac OS X, is available as a download from the Mac App Store.
It boasts more than 200 new features, Mountain Lion includes iCloud integration, the all new Messages app, Notification Center, systemwide Sharing, Facebook integration, Dictation, AirPlay Mirroring and Game Center. Well, actually, Facebook integration will be available in an upcoming software update to Mountain Lion.
OS X Mountain Lion is available from the Mac App Store for US$19.99. It requires Lion or Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6.8 or later), 2GB of memory and 8GB of available space. For a complete list of system requirements and compatible systems, go to apple.com/osx/specs.
OS X Server, also available today, requires Mountain Lion and is available from the Mac App Store for $19.99. The OS X Mountain Lion Up-to-Date upgrade is available at no additional charge from the Mac App Store to all customers who purchased a qualifying new Mac system from Apple...
Study: iOS has 'dramatic lead' over Android in the...
Appcelerator (http://www.appcelerator.com) a mobile platform company, and the IDC analyst firm (IDC), has announced results of a new joint survey of more than 3,500 Appcelerator developers from around the world.
The survey reveals that developers are focused on creating mobile applications for the enterprise with Apple set to take the lead. The report also shows that developers are interested in Microsoft's Windows 8 platform and that cloud services will play a big role in developing mobile apps moving forward.
The most significant finding in the "2Q 2012 Mobile Developer Survey" is Apple opening a dramatic 16% lead over Google's Android when it comes to which operating system will win in the enterprise marketplace, with 53.2% saying iOS will win vs. 37.3% saying that Android will win. This is a very significant change in the past three quarters compared to 3Q 2011 when developers viewed iOS and Android in a dead heat at 44 percent each.
Appcelerator and IDC attribute this to the...
Report: iOS continues as dominant smartphone platform
Good Technology (http://www.good.com), which specializes in secure enterprise mobility solutions, has released its second quarter device activation report.
The full report (LINK) provides a breakdown of smartphones and tablets activated by Good’s enterprise customers to pinpoint notable changes and trends in device and mobile operating system usage within corporations. This quarter’s results demonstrated that while Android smartphone usage within the enterprise nearly doubled, iOS continues to be the dominant smartphone platform, led primarily by the iPhone 4S.
On average, the two most recently released iPhones and iPads drove the majority of activations between April 1 and June 30, 2012. The iPhone 4S was the top device, driving nearly twice as many activations as any other smartphone, with 30.8% of activations for the quarter.
While Apple iOS device activations still account for more than twice the number of Android activations in the enterprise, corporate use of Android...
Half of mobile gamers choose devices as primary gaming platform
Half of U.S. and U.K. mobile gamers favor mobile devices as their primary home game platform, according to a new survey released today by PopCap Games, a division of EA.
Part of an extensive research project that projects a 125 million mobile gamer population in the U.S. and U.K, the survey reveals that mobile gaming doesn’t necessarily mean "gaming on the go," with many mobile gamers stating that their favorite place to play mobile games is at home on the couch or while laying in bed. Conducted by independent research firm Information Solutions Group, the survey analyzed the behavior and play habits of mobile gamers, defined as those who have played a mobile game in the past month.
"We already know that people play mobile games 'on the go,' but now we are seeing mobile gamers largely favor their mobile devices for home use." says Dennis Ryan, vice president of Worldwide Publishing at PopCap. "If you add the fact we are seeing a deluge of new gamers coming in through mobile, we...
Apple to make appearance at Black Hat Conference
For the first time ever, Apple will make an appearance at the Black Hat Conference (http://www.blackhat.com/), reports "Bloomberg" (http://macte.ch/Rqe2k). Black Hat is a technical information security conference that "brings together thought leaders from all facets of the infosec world -- from the corporate and government sectors to academic and even underground researchers."
On Thursday Dallas De Atley, manager of Apple’s platform security team, is scheduled to give a presentation on key security technologies within iOS, the operating system for iPhones and iPads. Trey Ford, Black Hat’s general manager, told "Bloomberg" that it will be the first time an Apple representative has taken the stage at Black Hat or its sibling conference, DefCon.
AT&T activates 3.7 million iPhones in second fiscal quarter
AT&T (http://www.att.com) has announced its fiscal second quarter results. The company says it activated 3.7 million iPhones during the quarter; that's down from 4.3 million in the previous quarter.
However, the 3.7 million iPhone activations accounts for approximately 73% of AT&T's 5.1 million total smartphone sales during the quarter. For the quarter ended June 30, 2012, AT&T's consolidated revenues totaled US$31.6 billion, up 0.3% versus the year-earlier quarter.
Compared with results for the second quarter of 2011, operating expenses were $24.8 billion versus $25.3 billion, down 2.3 percent year over year; excluding Advertising Solutions, operating expenses were $24.5 billion versus $24.6 billion in the year-ago quarter, down 0.6 percent.
Operating income was $6.8 billion, up from $6.2 billion. AT&T's operating income margin expanded to 21.6%, compared to 19.6%, the best in four years.
Second-quarter 2012 net income attributable to AT&T totaled $3.9 billion,...
id America releases Metropolitan headphones
id America has introduced the Metropolitan aluminum in-ear headphones. It's wrapped in an aluminum casing and is available in an array of colors, including red, yellow green, rose pink, aluminum silver, jet black and navy blue.
The Metropolitan is accompanied by three additional earbuds and a microfiber suede carrying pouch. Additionally, it's equipped with an in-line microphone module that offers one-touch end/receive calls and allows users to navigate through their media library.
The Metropolitan earphones from id America retails for US$29.95. They're available now at idAmericaNY.com .
Intego warns of new Mac trojan
The folks at Intego, the Apple security specialist, say they've discovered a new Mac trojan called OSX/Crisis.
So far Intego says the risk is low as this malware has not yet been found "in the wild." However, it installs itself without user permission, and hides itself well if installed with root permission, they say.
What's more, Intego says it's discovered a new Trojan horse, Crisis, which is a Trojan dropper. This Trojan horse hasn't been found in the wild, but it exhibits some anti-analysis and stealthing techniques that are uncommon among OS X malware, the company adds..
Here's Intego's description: "This threat works only in OSX versions 10.6 and 10.7 -- Snow Leopard and Lion. It installs without need of any user interaction; no password is required for it to run. The Trojan preserves itself against reboots, so it will continue to run until it’s removed. Depending on whether or not the dropper runs on a user account with root permissions, it will install different components...
Companies provide Apple technology to visually impaired veterans
Macrobatix, a Johns Creek, Ga.-based Apple Specialist and Apple Authorized Service Provider, has partnered with SightTech to provide specialized enterprise solutions, services, products and applications to veterans with visual impairments. SightTech provides technology training and application development solutions to individuals with vision loss.
As the need for specialized products to assist visually disabled individuals continues to grow, Macrobatix http://www.macrobatix.com and SightTech (http://sighttech.us/apps.php) say they have embraced a business model to develop a complete, all-encompassing solution.
"This partnership will ensure visually impaired veterans struggling to carry out everyday activities are provided with excellent Apple products and services that will make seeing easier," says Bob Wallis, CEO of Macrobatix. "Sight disabled users are frequently looking for products to assist with functionality and this partnership brings all necessary specialists together to...
Adobe launches Technical Communication Suite 4
Adobe has announced Adobe Technical Communication Suite 4 software, the next generation of its single-source authoring and multi-device publishing toolkit for technical writers, help authors and instructional designers.
The new version helps streamline the creation of standards-compliant technical content by leveraging native XML/Darwin Information Typing Architecture (DITA) support. It also enables authors to make technical information widely accessible on the iPad and other tablets and smartphones by publishing to formats such as multiscreen HTML5, eBook and native mobile apps.
Adobe also introduced new versions of the suite’s core components: Adobe FrameMaker 11, an authoring and publishing solution for XML/DITA and unstructured technical content, and Adobe RoboHelp 10, an authoring and multiscreen HTML5 publishing solution for help systems, policies, procedures and professional knowledge bases. Adobe Illustrator CS6, Adobe Captivate 6, Adobe Presenter 8 and Adobe Acrobat X Pro...
Scosche announces RAILkase for the iPhone 4/4S
Scoshe (http://www.scosche.com) has released the RAILkase for the iPhone 4 and 4S. The US$59.99 case is available in red, blue, black, pink and silver.
The RAILKase features a shock absorbent, aircraft grade, aluminum and silicon hybrid design that covers the four edges of the iPhone. A polycarbonate bridge is designed to prevent signal loss.
Iris Sound Library serves up free samples for limited time
iZotope has released the Food Sound Library, the latest in their collection of sounds and samples. Designed for exclusive use with Iris, iZotope’s visual instrument, the Food Sound Library is available at no charge to customers who already own or who purchase Iris through July 31.
Not only is Food suited for movie and video game sound design, it contains over 100 patches designed to spark inventive musical exploration, much like the Glass and Wood sound libraries that came before it, according to the folks at iZotope. It's sourced from a range of samples.
The Food Sound Library is now available at http://www.izotope.com/products/audio/iris/soundlibraries.asp . As mentioned, for a limited time it's free for everyone who already owns Iris or Iris+2. The library aso comes free with any new purchase of Iris or Iris+2 (US$49) through July 31.
SpiderArm launches mobile mount adapter
SpiderArm, the brain trust behind the interchangeable and customizable iPad 1,2 and 3 Mount System, has released the spiderArm Mobile Mount Adapter. It's available at http://www.spiderArm.com and major online retailers such as Amazon.com with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$14.99.
The spiderArm modular system allows users to create a handsfree viewing set-up. It's sold as an accessory item to the spiderArm system and can be installed in your drink receptacle without tools or damaging your car’s interior. The accessory allows users of the spiderArm system to mount their device while in the car or even while pushing a stroller.
id America releases Metropolitan headphones
id America has introduced the Metropolitan aluminum in-ear headphones. It's wrapped in an aluminum casing and is available in an array of colors, including red, yellow green, rose pink, aluminum silver, jet black and navy blue.
The Metropolitan is accompanied by three additional earbuds and a microfiber suede carrying pouch. Additionally, it's equipped with an in-line microphone module that offers one-touch end/receive calls and allows users to navigate through their media library.
The Metropolitan earphones from id America retails for US$29.95. They're available now at idAmericaNY.com .
Mac OS X software updates for July 25
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
Zevrix Solutions (http://www.zevrix.com) has announced Output Factory 1.3.2, a feature update to its output automation solution for Adobe InDesign on Mac OS X. The new version lets users automate document output using InDesign's export to interactive PDF feature.
Arten Science has released R10Cipher 5. The app takes text or files and encrypts them using up to 384 bit Blowfish encryption. R10Cipher 5 incorporates a cross platform file, document, text and email encryption/decryption tool and drag 'n drop document encryption.
Pubblog.com (http://mailsteward.com) has rolled out MailSteward, MailSteward Lite, and MailSteward Pro, version 9.2, updates of their email archiving solutions for the Mac. The upgrade is compatible with the upcoming Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion and also includes a number of other enhancements and fixes.
SilverWiz served up MoneyWiz 1.3.5, an update of its personal finance software. The new version adds CSV import of...
Apple retail store revenue up 17% year-over-year
Revenue for Apple's retail stores was US$4.1 billion for the June fiscal quarter, an increase of 17% year-over-year from the same period in 2011.
The stores sold 791,000 Macs. Almost half of those, according to Apple Chief Financial Officer Peter Oppenheimer, was -- let's say it together -- were to new Mac customers.
Apple opened nine new stores during the quarter. There are now 373 stores -- 123 of those are outside the U.S.
Oppenheimer says the average revenue per store was $11.1 million. There were 83 million visitors to the Apple retail stores during the June quarter, compared to 74 million during the year-ago period for an increase of 17%.
iPad sales up 84% year-over-year
For its latest fiscal quarter, Apple sold over 17 million iPads, compared to 9.2 million in the year-ago quarter for a year-over-year increase of 84%.
"That's very strong year-over-year growth, and we're pleased to be selling the iPad in 97 countries," says Apple Chief Financial Officer Peter Oppenheimer. "Even though we saw all-time record Mac sales to U.S. education institutions, we sold twice as many iPads as Macs to U.S. institutions."
He adds that the Apple tablet continues its rapid adoption within the enterprise market. The estimates amount of iPads in Fortune 500 has more than tripled in the past year, according to Oppenheimer.
iPod still has 70% of MP3 player market
Apple sold 6.8 million iPods during the June fiscal quarter. That's a 10% unit decline from the year-ago quarter but still ahead of Apple's expectations, according to Apple Chief Financial Officer Peter Oppenheimer.
What's more, the iPod still has over 70% of the MP3 player market share, according to data from the NPD research group. And it's still the best-selling MP3 player in most countries.
Oppenheimer says the iPod touch accounts for over half of all iPod sales. The 6.8 million unit sales of iPods compares to 7.5 million in the year-ago quarter.
iTunes Store revenue for the June quarter was over $1.8 billion. Apple launched the iTunes Store in 12 countries last month, including Hong Kong and Singapore.
Oppenheimer says there's "great interest" in iTunes U. Since rolling it out in January, there have been almost 14 million downloads of the app, he adds. Over 700 new schools and 125 colleges and universities have enrolled in the iTunes U program.
When it comes to the iPhone,...
Mac sales see record June quarter
Apple sold four million Macs in its most recent fiscal quarter that ended in June. That's an increase of 2% over the year-ago quarter compared to overall industry contraction of 1% (per the IDC research group).
Apple Chief Financial Officer Peter Oppenheimer says the Mac had its best ever educational quarter. For example, the Rutherford County, NC school system bought 6,000 MacBook Airs, and Pueblo Colorado school district bought 70 MacBook Airs.
Portables accounted for about three-fourths of Mac sales. That may change a bit if/when Apple rolls out a revamped iMac.
Apple CEO Tim Cook says Mac sales would be greater if the revamped portable line-up had rolled out sooner. The recent quarter is Apple's 25th consecutive quarter of seeing Mac sales exceed the industry average.
Apple sells four million Apple TVs (but it's still a hobby)
During its most recent fiscal quarter, Apple sold four million Apple TVs. It's still a "hobby," but one Apple believes in, according to CEO Tim Cook.
"Four million isn't a large number when compared to iPhone and iPads, but it's not a small number," he says. "At Apple, we have a lot of believers in the Apple TV."
WWDC 2012 Interview: Dataviz
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 Jeff Fetchick of Dataviz at WWDC. Jeff was kind enough to tell us about their thoughts on the announcements on WWDC, and how it will affect their plans moving forward.
Mountain Lion to prowl Wednesday
It's official. In a press release announcing Apple's latest financial results, CEO Tim Cook says Mac OS X 10.8 will arrive tomorrow (Wednesday).
Mountain Lion introduces more than 200 features including the all new Messages app, Notification Center, systemwide Sharing, Facebook integration, Dictation, Power Nap, AirPlay Mirroring, Game Center and the Gatekeeper. With iCloud built into the foundation of OS X, Mountain Lion makes it easier than ever to keep your content up to date across all your devices, says Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing.
Using your iCloud account, Mountain Lion makes it easier than ever to set up your Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Messages, Reminders and Notes, he adds. The new Reminders and Notes apps are designed to help you remember important tasks and jot down your thoughts quickly, while iCloud automatically keeps everything up to date.
Documents in the Cloud works with iCloud-enabled apps including Apple’s iWork suite so you...
iPhone, iPad, Mac sales all increase in latest fiscal quarter
Apple has announced financial results for its fiscal 2012 third quarter that ended June 30. The company posted quarterly revenue of US$35 billion and quarterly net profit of $8.8 billion, or $9.32 per diluted share.
These results compare to revenue of $28.6 billion and net profit of $7.3 billion, or $7.79 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter. Gross margin was 42.8% compared to 41.7% in the year-ago quarter. International sales accounted for 62%of the quarter’s revenue.
Apple sold 26 million iPhones in the quarter, representing 28% unit growth over the year-ago quarter. Apple sold 17.0 million iPads during the quarter, an 84% unit increase over the year-ago quarter. The company sold four million Macs during the quarter, a 2% unit increase over the year-ago quarter. Apple sold 6.8 million iPods, a 10% unit decline from the year-ago quarter.
Apple’s Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend of $2.65 per share of the company’s common stock. The dividend is payable on Aug. 16...
MacTech / Southern Stars: We're Launching a Satellite into...
Southern Stars, MacTech let you interact with SkyCube satellite
Southern Stars, the leading provider of mobile applications for amateur astronomy, and MacTech Magazine, the journal for Apple technologies, have jointly announced the world’s first personal, interactive satellite mission.
SkyCube will allow everyone, all over the world, to participate in its launch, "tweet" messages, and obtain pictures of the earth from space. MacTech is the project’s first corporate sponsor.
"We want to create a space exploration experience that everyone can be a part of," says Tim DeBenedictis, Southern Stars founder. "We are developing a nano-satellite, and mobile apps to go with it, as the focus for a global education and public outreach campaign."
The satellite is a 10x10x10 cm "1U" CubeSat intended for launch as a secondary payload on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in 2013. Orbiting more than 300 miles up, on a path highly inclined to the earth's equator, SkyCube will pass over most of the world's...
