Here are the latest Apple rumors from the blogosphere: "While the convenience of Apple's Siri comes with searching by voice, a new test has found that Apple's personal assistant is not yet a reliable enough search engine to entirely replace text input with Google." -- "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com) "Apple Draws Up Blueprint for iTunes Renovation: iTunes is Apple's central hub for selling e-goods, managing devices and playing media. But at nine years old, it's due for a makeover, and that exactly what Apple's reportedly working on. The new version may arrive with a new iPhone this fall, and it could include new social functions, music-sharing functions and better integration with iCloud." -- "MacNewsWorld" (http://www.macnewsworld.com) "Apple rumored to release upgraded iPad in summer, says paper: Apple is reportedly set to launch an upgraded 9.7-inch iPad in the summer of this year with the device shipment volumes expected to increase starting September, according to a...

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 Raphael Sebbe of Creaceed at WWDC. Raphael was kind enough to tell us about their thoughts on the announcements on WWDC, and how it will affect their plans moving forward.

Bertrand Serlet, a former Apple senior vice president of Mac Software Engineering, is working with at least two other former Apple employees to launch a cloud computing startup in downtown Palo Alto, California, called Upthere, reports "Business Insider" (http://macte.ch/BxhQu). Serlet joined Apple in 1997, and was involved in the definition, development and creation of Mac OS X. Before joining Apple, Serlet spent four years at Xerox PARC, then joined NeXT in 1989. He resigned from Apple in March 2011. Serlet holds a doctorate in Computer Science from the University of Orsay, France.

Apple has announced that Bob Mansfield, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, will retire and the role will be transitioned to Dan Riccio, Apple’s vice president of iPad Hardware Engineering, over several months. The entire hardware engineering team will continue to report to Mansfield until his departure. "Bob has been an instrumental part of our executive team, leading the hardware engineering organization and overseeing the team that has delivered dozens of breakthrough products over the years," says Apple CEO Tim Cook. "We are very sad to have him leave and hope he enjoys every day of his retirement. Dan has been one of Bob’s key lieutenants for a very long time and is very well respected within Apple and by the industry. Our hardware engineering team is the best engineering team on earth and will not miss a beat during the transition." As senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, Mansfield has led Mac hardware engineering since 2005, iPhone and iPod hardware...

Macmanus has released Clipart Collection 1.0, which contains more than 400 clipart pictures, on the Mac App Store. It requires Mac OS X 10.6 or later and costs US$7.99. Clipart Collection is compatible with Mac OS X applications like Keynote, Pages, Numbers, iWeb, iBooks Author, Word or PowerPoint and can be used to illustrate the content of various documents and to emphasize their specification. What's more, images with transparent backgrounds are sorted into more than 20 categories and are available in two file formats: PDF and PNG. The pictures in Clipart Collection cover topics from science and nature to food or business. All include all the necessary elements for common topics.

Griffin Technology has released the Kiosk (http://www.griffintechnology.com/business/kiosk), a display mount for all iPad models. It's designed for use in retail, restaurants, museums, hotels, classrooms, medical offices and other highly trafficked settings. Also available is the Kiosk App, which helps create a controlled interactive experience desired for Kiosk users. The Kiosk provides protection and security while maintaining access to the iPad tablet's Multi-Touch display, according to J. Curtis, director of Griffin’s B2B Product Development. Impact-resistant PC housing and included security screws lock the iPad in place, while a durable, flexible arm adjusts the viewing angle, he adds. The included power cable runs through the center of the steel arm, keeping it fully enclosed. The Kiosk displays an iPad in portrait or landscape orientation and is available in two height options: Floor Mount (47.5 inches to the center of the iPad, US$299) or Table Mount (12 inches to the center...

Just Mobile (http://www.xtand.net/) has launched the Just Mobile Gum, a pocket-sized power pacs for mobile devices. It's available now for US$49.95. The Gum packs a 2,200mAh capacity under its aluminum shell, and is designed for use with an iPhone or any other micro USB compliant device. Included is a micro USB-to-USB cable and a micro USB to Apple Dock Adapter. Three LED power indicators keep you updated on the Gum’s remaining power.

Aspyr Media says Activision Publishing's Call of Duty: Black Ops will be coming to the Mac. Developed originally by award-winning studio Treyarch and brought to the Mac by Aspyr Media, the Mac version will be available on Macs worldwide in digital and boxed formats this fall. Here's how the game is described: "Call of Duty: Black Ops takes players to conflicts across the globe as elite black operations forces fight in the deniable operations and secret wars that occurred under the veil of the Cold War. Featuring an adrenaline-pumping single-player campaign, out-of-this-world Zombies co-operative game mode, and an incredibly deep multiplayer experience, Call of Duty: Black Ops delivers the complete Call of Duty experience with amazing enhanced graphics, streaming texture technology, and superior lighting effects for the most immersive and cinematic action." Pricing and system requirements haven't been announced. For more info on Call of Duty: Black Ops Mac, go to http://www.aspyr.com/...

Runesoft has updated Topware's RTS Classic Earth 2140 for OS X and has released it as a digital download. It requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher and costs US$14.99. 
Here's how the game is described: "After numerous wars and several environmental disasters, only two world powers remain; The United Civilized States ("UCS") and the Eurasian Dynasty ("ED"). The damage caused by the long wars forced both world powers to evacuate the population to recently built underground cities. "Natural resources are becoming scarce and have to be extracted above ground. There have been a number of small conflicts between the UCS and the ED, the last of which escalated and became a fierce and bitter war - the final world war. Only one side can win. This final war will decide who will get the last of the available natural resources and ultimately rule the world. "Earth 2140 is a real time strategy game involving the high tech warfare of the 22nd century. More than 120 exiting missions, an unprecedented...

Gertrudis Graphics has released the latest version (2.0) of its flagship product, GMX-PhotoPainter, for Mac and PC systems. It's available for US$49.99 for a limited time at http://www.gertrudisgraphics.com ; a demo is available for download. GMX-PhotoPainter is a digital photo-painting package with a paint engine that enables the user to customize and transform any photograph into original artwork. You start with any existing digital image and y add paintbrush strokes manually or with the "Auto Painting" feature. Each brushstroke is rendered by using the original source photograph and color information.

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 Nicolas Rochard, Product Marketing Simon Bennett, Product Manager of VMware Fusion at WWDC. Nicolas Rochard, Product Marketing was kind enough to tell us about their thoughts on the announcements on WWDC, and how it will affect their plans moving forward.

Runesoft has updated Topware's RTS Classic Earth 2140 for OS X and has released it as a digital download. It requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher and costs US$14.99. 
Here's how the game is described: "After numerous wars and several environmental disasters, only two world powers remain; The United Civilized States ("UCS") and the Eurasian Dynasty ("ED"). The damage caused by the long wars forced both world powers to evacuate the population to recently built underground cities. "Natural resources are becoming scarce and have to be extracted above ground. There have been a number of small conflicts between the UCS and the ED, the last of which escalated and became a fierce and bitter war - the final world war. Only one side can win. This final war will decide who will get the last of the available natural resources and ultimately rule the world. "Earth 2140 is a real time strategy game involving the high tech warfare of the 22nd century. More than 120 exiting missions, an unprecedented...

Yesterday Apple won an injunction stopping the sale of Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 in the United States. Now Apple has posted the necessary US$2.6 million bond to block the sales, reports "FOSS Patents" (http://macte.ch/60g8R). The $2.6 million bond posted by Apple is necessary to protect Samsung in the event that the Korean electronics maker appeals the injunction and succeeds. If the current injunction is found to have been improperly granted, Samsung could be awarded that money to compensate for any losses, notes "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.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.

Conditions at China's Foxconn facilities -- which manufactures, among other things, iPhones and iPads for Apple -- are still far from satisfactory, wrote Li Qiang, executive director of China Labor Watch, in a letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook, reports the "IDG News Service" (http://macte.ch/u7J4S). China has filed a 132-page report on an investigation by the group. However, Qiang says Foxconn is better in treatment of workers than some of Apple’s other suppliers in China. Apple’s suppliers in China mistreat workers, making them work overtime beyond legal limits, paying them low wages, and exposing them to dangerous working conditions, according to the report released Wednesday. The Fair Labor Association (FLA) conducted a month-long investigation on Foxconn factories and issued a report in March revealing underpay, worker abuse and health and safety risks for workers. Based on recommendations in the study, Foxconn and Apple pledged to take steps to address the issues, notes the IDG News...

If it's true that Apple is launching a 7-8 inch iPad Nano device later this year, it would create tremendous obstacles for Amazon and Barnes & Noble, the current leaders in this subcategory, according to, “Will Apple Hit Amazon Where it Hurts With An iPad Nano?” from the Strategy Analytics (http://www.strategyanalytics.com) research group. "If industry speculation is true, Apple will release a smaller version of the iPad later this year, directly challenging the Kindle and the Nook, creating an entirely new market segment for Apple," says Matthew McKee, analyst at Strategy Analytics. "Assuming a price of as little as $299, the smaller device would offer cost and portability advantages, which could propel Apple to the top of the 7-inch tablet space, in addition to its number one position for 10-inch tablets.” “Device value is determined by what consumers can read, play, or watch on their tablet, and about the user experience, something that has been sadly lacking in the $200...

Pioneer Electronics (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com) has expanded its line of USB-powered computer speakers with the introduction of the S-MM251. The company has also introduced new wireless music speaker systems. The S-MM251 (pictured) offers a built-in audio DAC and a cool bass-reflex enclosure designed to enhance lower bass frequencies. The S-MM251 is designed to connect quickly to virtually any laptop. It's convenient to use with a simple plug-in through a USB port, without the need for AC power or batteries, according to Chris Walker, director AV marketing and product planning for the Home Electronics Division of Pioneer Electronics. The S-MM251 has a modern form factor that resembles small domes, and features 1.75-inch metal drivers and control buttons for volume up, volume down and mute. For increased low frequency response, the speakers use bass-reflex enclosures. The speakers are connected and powered using an included USB cable, and the integrated blue LED in front of...

Zevrix Solutions (http://www.zevrix.com) has introduced BatchOutput PDF 1.0 for Mac OS X, a solution to printing multiple PDF documents. The app is another addition to the company's suite of OS X automation software for graphics, print and file delivery. Designed as an affordable solution for printers, publishers, ad agencies, and offices, BatchOutput PDF allows users to print unlimited PDF files in a queue, saving the time and effort of opening and printing each document manually, according to the folks at Zevrix. BatchOutput PDF can be purchased from Zevrix website for US$24.95 (USD), as well as from authorized resellers. A demo is available for download. BatchOutput PDF is a Universal Binary and works with Mac OS X 10.5 and higher.

Here are the latest incremental updates for Mac OS X apps: Tension Software (http://www.pomola.com) has updated Email Obfuscator, a tool for anyone creating and editing web pages, to version 1.1. It's a maintenance update. Rogue Amoeba (http://www.rogueamoeba.com) has revved AirFoil -- which lets users send any audio to the AirPort Express from media players like RealPlayer and QuickTime to audio web sites like Pandora and Last.fm -- to version 4.7.1. The Menu Bar Mode now offers a source selector, among other tweaks. Rogue Amoeba has also kicked Nicecast -- its software that allows users to broadcasta audio -- to version 1.10.5. The Instant On component has been updated to version 6, with improvements to System Audio capture and more. This update also includes preliminary support for Mountain Lion. publicspace.net has updated its "A Better Finder Attributes" utility (http://www.publicspace.net/ABetterFinderAttributes/) -- which can change Finder attributes, such as creation and...

U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh in San Jose, California, backed Apple's request to stop Samsung from selling its Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet in the U.S., reports "Reuters" (http://macte.ch/BO6Wx). The judge had previously denied Apple's bid for an injunction on the tablet and multiple Galaxy smartphones. However, a federal appeals court instructed Koh to reconsider Apple's request on the tablet, notes "Reuters." "Although Samsung has a right to compete, it does not have a right to compete unfairly, by flooding the market with infringing products," Koh wrote on Tuesday, adding the order should become effective once Apple posts a $2.6 million bond to protect against damages suffered by Samsung if the injunction is later found to have been wrong. 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 has launched the iTunes Store in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and nine additional countries in Asia today. The iTunes Store features local artists including Jay Chou, Girls Generation and Andy Lau, international artists including ADELE, The Beatles and Jason Mraz, and classical musicians including Lang Lang, Yo Yo Ma and Yuja Wang. Customers can choose from over 20 million songs available to purchase and download on the iTunes Store. Apple is bringing the iTunes Store to music fans in Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. Customers can also rent or purchase movies from the iTunes Store, with many available in stunning HD, from major studios including 20th Century Fox, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, The Walt Disney Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures. The iTunes Store joins the Apple App Store, which offers more than 650,000 apps to consumers in 155 countries.

WaterField Designs has announced 10 cases and bags sized to fit Apple's new 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display. The products range from custom-fitted sleeves and portfolios to larger laptop-specific bags, Custom-fitted MacBook Pro Retina cases include: the SleeveCase, Outback Sleeve, Suede Jacket, Smart Case, CitySlicker and Travel Express. Fifteen-inch specialty laptop bags include: the Racer-X, HardCase, Muzetto (Leather and Outback styles) and the large VertiGo. Each MacBook Pro Retina laptop case offers unique functionality and style. Go to http://sfbags.com/products/macbookair-cases/macbookair-cases.php for details.

Kensington Computer Products Group has released a selection of physical security solutions for Apple devices. They offer a range of solutions for the iPad, iMac, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, Pricees range from US$44.99 to $99.99. The products are currently available for pre-order at http://www.kensington.com, Amazon.com, and major resellers.

RedleX has announced Mellel 3.0, an update to its word processor for Mac OS X. The upgrade offers Live bibliography, Lion compatibility, enhanced full-screen support, revamped palettes, and 60 other new features. Version 3.0 comes with a free upgrades for life guarantee, and is a free upgrade to current users. For new users the cost is US$39 for a downloadable version, $64 for a shipped version (CD and guide) and $29 for a downloadable education license. For more info go to http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mellel/id415467848?mt=12 .

Soundfreaq (http://www.Soundfreaq.com) has announced the US$99 Sound Rise, a Bluetooth-enabled bedroom speaker with alarm clock and FM radio. It will launch exclusively at Target stores on Sept. 30.   Sound Rise features a 2.1 speaker configuration for sound projection, dual alarm clock, USB device charging and digital FM radio. All these features are controlled through a touch panel user interface that appears when you need it and disappears when you don’t.   All Soundfreaq products allow users to stream music wirelessly from any Bluetooth compatible device including the iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Android, Windows Phone and Blackberry.