Free guide to self-publishing eBooks, iPad apps available
Quark has released a new, free resource for self-publishers from graphic design expert and self-publisher Jay Nelson.
Titled "Jay Nelson’s Guide to Self-Publishing," the guide outlines everything self-publishers need to know about getting digital projects, like ePubs and iPad apps, started and finished -- without programming. The guide is free in ePub format or as a PDF and can be accessed at http://www.quark.com/selfpublish .
With the guide to publishing eBooks and iPad apps, authors and designers working on digital magazines, books, journals, newsletters, and other publications will learn how to:
° Prepare projects properly with the right tools for success;
° Create eBooks and get them to the Apple iBookstore;
° Publish eMagazines and create iPad apps for the App Store;
° Reach a break-even point on costs faster.
The guide walks readers through the most popular formats currently in use for digital publications, how to convert or create those publications, and gives a breakdown...
Analyst: iOS to account for 2% of Google's 2012 revenue
In a note to clients -- as reported by "Fortune" -- Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster says the looming map wars (or perhaps that should be "reported" Map wars -- in which Apple is reportedly planning to replace Google Maps as iOS's default mapping app -- isn't likely to tip the balance one way or the other.
If Apple does drop Google Maps from the iPhone and iPad, Google will probably stick around, turning it into stand-alone app on the Apple App Store, the analyst thinks. Munster estimates that Google will generate about US$4.5 billion in gross mobile revenue in 2012 -- $4 billion) from search ads and the rest ($500 million) from display. He believes that iOS is likely to remain the biggest or close to the biggest source of that revenue, generating roughly 40% of the total (or $1.6 billion). Assuming Google keeps half (after subtracting so-called acquisition costs), iOS would generate about 2% of Google's total revenue in 2012.
For more info go to http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2012/06/...
Mac OS X software updates for June 8
Here are the latest incremental updates for Mac OS X apps.
Houdah Software (ttp://www.houdah.com/) has announced Type2Phone 1.5, an update of the software that turns your Mac into a Bluetooth keyboard for your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad. The upgrade expands AppleScript support, adds a Polish keyboard layout and includes bug fixes.
Aquafadas (http://www.aquafadas.com) has released version 2.0 of its Digital Publishing System is now available. The upgrade includes ePub3 support, 6 new games and 40 additional new features.
Reggie Ashworth has updated VidConvert (http://www.reggieashworth.com/vidconvert), the video converter for Mac OS X, to version 1.3.2. The upgrade adds: support for adding DVD's directly; support for Apple ProRes; support for .webm and .dvr-ms; and the ability to copy multiple audio streams and subtitles.
Apple wins aplestore domain name
Apple has won a dispute over the domain name aplestore.com as a World Intellectual Property Organization panel ordered the domain name transferred to the iPhone maker, reports "DomainNameWire" (http://macte.ch/vGr2i).
The typo of AppleStore.com was registered to a man in Poland. This is the first case Apple has won under the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) this year, notes "DomainNameWire."
However, other cases were resolved prior to the UDRP panel handing down a decision. For example, Apple took control of iPhone5.com in May.
Judge cancels Apple's patent-infringement jury trial...
Apple's patent-infringement jury trial against Google’s Motorola Mobility unit scheduled for June 11 was canceled by a U.S. judge after he rejected each side’s damages arguments, reports "Bloomberg" (http://macte.ch/VxpAj).
You have to prove injury," U.S. Circuit Judge Richard A. Posner told the companies’ lawyers on Thursday at the end of what was to be the last pretrial conference. Posner’s ruling scraps what would have been the first patent trial between them since Google completed its $12.5 billion acquisition of Motorola Mobility Holdings in May, notes "Bloomberg."
Posner said he was still considering whether to go forward with an Apple request for injunctive relief and that he would issue a decision later today.
HTC: hey, Apple, our devices are in compliance with ITC ruling
Yesterday Apple filed (http://macte.ch/ZtZhq) its third International Trade Commission (ITC) complaint against HTC in as many years. Apple says HTC's new devices infringe its data tapping patent. Not surprisingly, HTC disagrees.
Apple is asking the ITC for an emergency proceeding and enforcement action to prevent further infringement. The filing targets 29 devices. An HTC spokeswoman told "CNET" that the company "has completed the review process with U.S. Customs, and HTC devices have been released as they are in compliance with the ITC's ruling."
More details can be found at http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57448838-37/htc-our-phones-dont-infrin... .
CIRP: iPhone luring customers from Android, BlackBerry devices
A new survey of American iPhone buyers by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) -- as reported by "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com) -- shows the 73% choose the high-end iPhone 4S, while 38% of those buying Apple's smartphone reported switching from Android or BlackBerry.
The latest data from the research firm (http://macte.ch/x3TAR) found that the number of customers switching from Android and BlackBerry to iPhone has increased from 29%in the previous survey conducted in February. The new data comes from a survey conducted in April of 7,348 U.S. subjects, 521 of which qualified to respond.
Flurry: iOS continues to garner more developer support than...
Flurry (http://www.flurry.com), a cross-platform mobile application analytics provider, says a new study shows that Apple's iOS platform continues to garner more support from developers than Google's Android operating system.
For every 10 apps that developers build, roughly seven are for iOS. While Google made some gains in Q1 2012, edging up to over 30% for the first time in a year, Flurry says it believes this is largely due to seasonality, as Apple traditionally experiences a spike in developer support leading up to the holiday season. Apple’s business has more observable seasonality.
Among the reasons iOS appears more attractive to developers is the dominance by Apple in the tablet category, according to Flurry. Not only does Apple offer a large, homogenous smartphone base for which to build software, but also when developers build for smartphones, their apps run on Apple’s iPad tablets as well. That's like getting two platforms for the price of one, says Flurry. Apple offers...
Apple number five on most reputable companies list
Apple ranks number five on the "Global RepTrak Pulse" (http://macte.ch/37ZtA) survey by the Reputation Institute, a global private consulting firm based in New York.
The annual study surveys how stakeholders perceive companies and how those perceptions affect purchasing behavior. The Global RepTrak 100 study measures 100 of the most highly regarded companies across 15 countries. It identifies what it takes to have a strong global reputation, and how leading companies are perceived.
ore than 100,000 interviews were conducted in April of 2012 across the largest 15 markets in the world.
"Apple proved that a strong reputation platform could carry it through crisis as they maintained a top spot on the list despite the loss of their iconic leader, Steve Jobs," says the Reputation Institute.
With a global score of 78.49, Apple ranked in the top 10 in eight countries and all seven dimensions of reputation. It was the winner in three of those categories; performance, leadership and...
Samsung to fight Apple's move to ban new Galaxy phone
Samsung says it will fight Apple's move to stop U.S. sales of its new Galaxy phone, reports "Reuters" (http://macte.ch/0fr1g). The company says will vigorously oppose Apple's request for a court to ban sales of the Galaxy S III smartphone and still plans to go ahead with the device's scheduled release in the U.S. on June 21.
The South Korean company said in a statement that it will "demonstrate to the court that the Galaxy S III is innovative and distinctive." On Monday Judge Lucy Koh of the United States District for the Northern District of California denied, for the time being, Apple's post-appeal push for an injunction against the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 over an iPad-related design patent., reports "FOSS Patents" (http://macte.ch/Wv7LI).
"This is unrelated to the merits of the motion. Apple is invited, and definitely won't decline the invitation, to renew its motion after the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC), which published its opinion on Apple's...
Gartner: Macs making headway in the enterprise
The era of "no Macs need apply" in the enterprise is coming to an end in the Windows-dominated work world according to the Gartner research group (http://www.gartner.com), as reported by "NetworkWorld' (http://macte.ch/YdxKP).
The enterprise is still a Windows PC-dominated world, but Windows is not only being challenged by newer tablet technologies," a subtle shift is also happening that sees users demanding Mac computers, and IT managers no longer can turn that request down so easily, and probably shouldn't anyway," says analyst Michael Silver.
"[The desktop] is still 90-something percent Windows," he adds, adding that "thin clients will have 4% or so by the end of the year."
At most, there might be a 5% installed base of Macs, Silver says. The Gartner survey found 60% of enterprise still "limit" Macs, but more and more are "embracing" them. And 64% said they will likely allow more Macs into the enterprise over the next few years.
Virgin Mobile USA to offer the iPhone on June 29
Virgin Mobile USA says it will offer iPhone to its prepaid customers beginning Friday, June 29. The carrier will offer the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S with its Beyond Talk unlimited data and messaging plans as low as US$301 per-month on the Sprint Nationwide Network.
The iPhone will be available without a contract and with no fees for activation or roaming. New and existing customers can purchase the Apple smartphone at at http://www.virginmobileusa.com, RadioShack, Best Buy and select local retailers.
WWDC preparation photos from Moscone Center
E. Werner Reschke of "Three Guys And a Podcast" has posted several pictures of the Moscone Convention Center as it's being prepared for next week's Apple Worldwide Developer Conference. You can view the photos at http://t-gaap.com/2012/6/7/WWDC-2012-Photos.
The 2012 WWDC will run June 11-15 in San Francisco.It will kick off with a keynote at 10 am (Pacific), Monday, June 11.
Samsung leads Sony, HP, Apple in technology brand preference
Hard as it is to believe, Samsung is the most preferred consumer technology brand, ahead of Sony, HP and Apple, according to the "ConsumerMetrix Technology Brand Preference Index" just released by Strategy Analytics (http://www.strategyanalytics.com).
In a survey of more than 6,000 consumers in the US and Europe, Samsung received the highest overall preference rating of +41%, followed by Sony at +29%, HP at +20% and Apple at +19%. The lowest brand preference ratings were given to Lenovo (-37%), RIM (Blackberry) (-28%) and Sanyo (-26%). Respondents were asked to consider how likely they would be to choose each of more than twenty global brands when buying technology products such as computers, mobile phones and TVs.
The study identified significant regional and demographic variations in brand preference. Apple is the third most preferred brand in Italy but ranks only eighth in Germany. Apple’s popularity also diminishes in line with age: it is the second most popular brand with under-...
Yodot Data Recovery released for the Mac
Yodot Software (http://www.yodot.com) has introducedYodot Mac Data Recovery for Mac OS X. As a launch offer this product is currently on a discount and is available on the merchant site for US$69.
Yodot Mac Data Recovery can recover deleted and lost files, photos, videos and volumes. It sports file scan techniques to find and retrieve files based on their unique extensions and exact size.
According to the folks at Yodot Software, Yodot Mac Recover incorporates all the features of file recovery and photo recovery aspects along with advanced scanning methods and several special features to recover data from volumes apart from support of recovery of additional file types. The software can recover entire data from accidental format or after reinstalling of the Mac OS X.
Analyst: Next gen iPhone will be LTE-enabled
In a note to clients -- as reported by "Barron's" (http://macte.ch/avNAe) -- Jefferies & Company Peter Misek says “the iPhone 5 will be LTE-enabled and that the subsidy reallocation will likely help rather than hurt Apple.”
He thinks the “bulk of subsidies” could go to handsets with LT with the result that “iPhone prices to the consumer could be lower than prices for mid-range Android devices and other handsets,” referring to Google‘s Android operating system for phones. Misek has a Buy rating on shares of Apple, and an US$800 price target.
Sony introduces new camcorder, digital camera
Sony has unveiled a first for its lineup of Handycam camcorders -- a waterproof model that lets you capture high-quality video or still photography. It also introduced a new Cyber-shot digital camera.
The new HDR-GW77V camcorder can capture full HD video and 20.4-megapixel photos in extreme conditions. Waterproof down to 16 feet, the camcorder's 3.0-inch (16:9) Xtra Fine LCD touch screen (921K) remains fully operational when submerged and it also has an "Underwater Mode" thath adjusts the white balance for underwater conditions to make colors appear natural.
The HDR-GW77V Waterproof Handycam camcorder will be available later this month for about US$700, at http://store.sony.com, Sony retail stores and other authorized retailers nationwide.
The Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 is Sony's new flagship compact camera. The aluminium-built RX100 camera inherits many advanced imaging features from Sony's a range of A-mount and E-mount cameras, delivering still images and full HD videos.
At the heart of...
Wahoo Fitness unveils iPhone accessories
Wahoo Fitness (http://www.wahoofitness.com), which specializes in fitness technology, has announced theWahoo Fitness Blue SC, a Bluetooth 4.0 bike speed and cadence sensor for the iPhone or iPad.
With no additional hardware needed, the US$59.99 Wahoo Blue SC wirelessly connects to your iDevice via Bluetooth 4.0 technology. By pairing with cycling apps including Cyclemeter and Strava, cyclists can monitor their critical cycling data all from their iPhone
Coupled with the Wahoo Blue SC, the iPhone can provide cyclists with all their critical workout data including speed, cadence, location, map, time, pace, calories, workout history and more. With a built-in internal odometer, the Wahoo Blue SC records lifetime bike mileage and allows cyclist to see week, month and year totals. Featuring a replaceable battery, the Wahoo Blue SC requires no charging between rides for up to two years, says Chip Hawkins, CEO of Wahoo Fitness. “
Wicked Audio delivers new headphone designs
Wicked Audio (http://wickedheadphones.com/) has unveiled four new lines of "radical" earbuds and headphones: The Heist, Deuce, Mojo, and Evac. Each of the new headphones/earbuds are available in a variety of color choices, and are crafted with a noise isolation feature.
The US$29.99 Heist Earbuds are crafted with a dual-jack, offering users a method to listen to tunes together. They're available in Slate/Yellow, Rust/Ivory, and Black/White.
The Deuce Earbuds come in 10 color options and a petite form (20.3 mm x 12.4 mm). They’re also packaged with three bud sizes and have the option of a vocal cord to receive calls while rocking out. The Deuce Earbuds cost $9.9 -- or $14.99 with a mic.
The $24.99 Mojo Earbuds incorporate its color finish from the bud to the cord and is available in seven different shades such as red, purple, yellow and more. They also feature enhanced bass. Three bud sizes are included in the package.
The $49.99 Evac Headphones have a canvas material headband, soft...
Mariner launches Navigator Dashboard Platform
Mariner has announced its dashboard development platform, Navigator. Designed to quickly put actionable metrics in front of business people, the combination of tools, methods and subject matter expertise enables solutions to be delivered in as little as six weeks, according to Philip Morris, Mariner CEO and co-founder.
The platform delivers dashboards to any device: smartphone, iPad, laptop and desktop. Users get rapid, relevant answers to their most pressing business questions, according to Morris. Navigator also has a flexible infrastructure and can be delivered on-premises or in a private cloud -- both in a rapid implementation and a firm-fixed price engagement.
As part of the Navigator roll out, Mariner is offering introductory pricing for its Navigator Pilot Projects. In these brief 2-3 week engagements, Mariner will work with customers to build a dashboard prototype. For more info go to http://www.mariner-usa.com/navigator .
Pioneer receivers have AirPlay support
Pioneer Electronics integrates Class D3 digital amplification into two of its flagship Pioneer branded receivers, the SC-1222 (7.2-channel) and SC-1522 (9.2-channel), bringing audio and video performance with increased customization capabilities to a wider audience of home theater enthusiasts for the first time.
The receivers are built with custom installation features that offer users and installers multi-room setup options, multiple HDMI inputs and PC Setup control. They also include support for Apple’s AirPlay, DLNA 1.5, Windows 7 compatibility, Internet radio and Advanced MCACC auto room calibration. For more info go to http://www.pioneerelectronics.com .
CSR debuts RoadTunes ADK 3.0
CSR plc has unveiled RoadTunes ADK 3.0, a new application development kit (ADK) for its Bluetooth hands-free solution for in-car infotainment systems.
This latest ADK release includes the latest version of CVC, CSR’s echo and noise suppression solution, and wireless control of iOS-based products with the Made for iPod/iPhone/iPad feature. Version 3.0 is the first production-ready release of RoadTunes to offer customers the Livio Connect API [application programming interface]
RoadTunes ADK 3.0 is designed for tighter integration of smartphones to in-vehicle systems such as steering wheel switches, head unit controls or vehicle touchscreens, enabling drivers to control smartphone apps without diverting their attention to the smartphone touchscreen. It's delivered as a fully tested, production-ready ADK with a list of compatible Bluetooth handsets representing the most popular devices on the market. For more info go to http://www.csr.com/products/24/roadtunes .
Mac OS X software updates for June 7
Here are the latest incremental updates for Mac OS X apps.
SoftRAID (http://www.softraid.com) has announced SoftRAID version 4.3.2 for Mac OS X. It's compatible with the final developer Preview for Mountain Lion (Mac OS 10.8). Version 4.3.2 also includes a fix for a bug in the Mac OS X kernel that Apple introduced with the update to Mac OS X 10.7.4.
Smile (http://www.smilesoftware.com) has released PDFpen 5.8.2, an update to its PDF editor for Mac OS X. The update features several bug fixes.
Maintain (http://maintain.se/cocktail) has served up Cocktail 5.3.1 (Lion Edition), the latest maintenance update of Cocktail for users running OS X Lion. Cocktail is a general purpose utility for OS X that lets you clean, repair and optimize your Mac. Version 5.3.1 (Lion Edition) adds the ability to disable automatic termination of applications and ability to enable text selection in Quick Look previews. It also fixes miscellaneous bugs discovered in the previous release.
Tropical Software has...
Apple files third ITC complaint against HTC
Apple has filed its third International Trade Commission (ITC) complaint against HTC in as many years, reports "FOSS Patents" (http://macte.ch/7Tm9X). Apple says HTC's new devices infringe its data tapping patent.
Apple is asking the ITC for an emergency proceeding and enforcement action to prevent further infringement. The filing targets 29 devices.
Last December Apple won an exclusion order banning the importation of HTC Android devices at the International Trade Commission. The ITC found that Android's messaging app and browser infringed upon Apple patent #5,946,647. On Wednesday Apple won its request to have a trial filed by Motorola Mobility in the Southern District of Florida consolidated with a second lawsuit that also involves HTC. The consolidated case is now scheduled to go to trial in April 2014.
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...
Apple to open two more stores in China
Apple plans to open flagship stores in the major Chinese cities of Chengdu and Shenzhen even as it continues to fight Proview Technology, a Chinese company over the use of the iPad trademark, reports "Reuters" (http://macte.ch/PlcTc)
Currently, Apple only has five stores on the mainland -- three in Shanghai and two in Beijing. However, the possibility of selling iPads in Shenzhen could lead to more legal action after Roger Xie, a lawyer for Proview Technology told "Reuters" that if Apple tried to sell the popular tablets there, Proview would seek an injunction to stop them.
Apple and Proview are in a legal battle over the iPad trademark on the Chinese mainland. Two expert reports filed by Proview in October failed to comply with Hong Kong court instructions, making the evidence inadmissible in an upcoming trial between the company and Apple, according to a June ruling by Judge Justin Ko. Proview hasn't decided whether to appeal the ruling, Chairman Sun Min said.
Last month a...
Next iPhone to sport HD front camera?
In a note to clients -- as reported by "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com) -- KGI analyst Mingchi Kuo says the next gen iPhone may include a front-facing camera capable of HD resolution.
He thinks Apple will also employ a flip-chip (FC) solution for the front-facing camera with the camera moved to the middle of the phone. Kuo noted that an HD front camera would better suit the 4-inch display that he thinks the next iPhone will have.
Regarding the rear-facing camera, Kuo said Apple will likely retain the 8-megapixel camera while improving the aperture range to go up to f/2.2. The iPhone 4S has a maximum aperture of f/2.4.
Matthew Modine to play John Sculley in Jobs biopic
Actor Matthew Modine's agency announced he'd be playing John Sculley, one-time Apple CEO, in the upcoming film, "jOBS," which starts Ashton Kutcher as Steve Jobs, reports "CNET."
Actor Josh Gad will play Apple co-founder Steve "Woz" Wozniak, with "The Help" star Ahna O'Reilly reportedly playing Chris-Ann Brennan, Jobs' girlfriend, and the mother of his daughter Lisa, the article adds. "jOBS" is one of two films about Steve Jobs in the works.
Last month, Sony said it had signed on "The Social Network" and "The West Wing" writer Aaron Sorkin to pen that screenplay. The company had already secured the rights to Walter Isaacson's best-selling biography "Steve Jobs."
For more info go to http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57447911-37/matthew-modine-to-play-joh... .
Battery Guru 1.0 released for Mac OS X
Mac OS X File Recovery has introduced Battery Guru 1.0 for Mac OS X (10.5 or higher). It's free and available from the Mac OS X File Recovery website (http://macosxfilerecovery.com/free-stuff/).
Battery Guru 1.0 is a battery status utility app that sits in the Mac menu bar and displays advanced information about the current state of the device's battery. it will monitor and present real-time information on exactly how many milliamps, a unit of electrical current, a battery is using at any given moment and display it in the menu bar, allowing users to monitor battery life and manage applications that may be draining the battery.
Battery Guru also provides a secondary function. By providing info that users don't usually have access to, this app gives users the tools to optimize their battery life and function. It will show the current battery capacity compared to the capacity it had when it was new. It also provides information on the number of times a battery has been discharged and...
Apple updates Apple TV software, MainStage 2
Apple has released Apple TV Software Update 5.0.2. The firmware, for second and third gen models of the set-top box, fixes some bugs.
To install version 5.0.2 on your Apple TV, navigate to the "Update Software" menu option under Settings > General.
Apple has also released version 2.2.2 of MainStage 2, software that lets you take your Mac to the stage with a full-screen live interface, hardware control, and a massive collection of plug-ins and sounds. The upgrade addresses a stability issue and improves performance. MainStage 2 can be downloaded at the Mac App Store.
Cloud-based font server released by Insider Software
Insider Software has announced FontAgent Pro CloudServer, which it says is the first cloud-based font server offered as an Internet service. According to the hfolks at Insider Software, using CloudServer, organizations can get the power of enterprise font management as they:
° Maintain a centralized, cloud-based library of verified fonts;
° Synchronize fonts across all their users;
° Avoid the cost and administration of font server hardware and software;
° Get free client and server software updates immediately upon availability;
° Enjoy free access to a vast range of print and web fonts;
° Subscribe to font management services for a low, predictable fee;
° Eliminate separate software maintenance costs.
With FontAgent Pro CloudServer users don't need to purchase, manage and maintain server hardware and software to manage your fonts and creative workflow across the enterprise. It provides font management on a subscription basis. No server software installation or network configuration...
Pong unveils new iPad case
Pong Research Corp. (http://www.pongresearch.com) has introduced the New iPad Case, which protects the latest Apple tablet, but also boosts its 3G/4G and Wi-Fi reception, improves its signal strength and download and upload speeds, and increases its range, according to says Dr. Shannon Kennedy, president and CEO, Pong Research.
It does all this while reducing the user's exposure to Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR), she adds. EMR is a form of microwave energy that mobile devices use to communicate.
Kennedy says that, acording to side-by-side tests performed in independent laboratories certified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Pong's New iPad Case enables the iPad to deliver up to a 10X increase in cellular signal strength over any other case; up to a 9X improvement in Wi-Fi reception and download and upload speeds, and a 2X increase in range, over other leading brands; and up to 1.6X greater range than the iPad alone.
Each New iPad Case features a protective Lexan...
Yummy FTP Watcher, Yummy FTP Alias released for OS X
Yummy Software has introduced two new products in their range of FTP-related software. They require Mac OS X 10.6.8 or higher.
Yummy FTP Watcher (pictured) automates uploads, downloads and syncs between your Mac and any number of FTP, FTPS and SFTP servers, watching the chosen folders for changes and acting upon them. Yummy FTP Alias brings drag 'n drop FTP to your desktop. You can drag your files onto an FTP Alias icon in the Finder or Dock to upload them to your FTP/SFTP/FTPS server.
The products cost US$4.99 each. They're available from the Mac App Store or directly from Yummy Software (http://www.yummysoftware.com).
Mophie releases juice pack PRO
Mophie (http://www.mophie.com/)has announced a new battery pack: the US$129.95 juice pack PRO (pictured).
The case packs a 2500 mAh capacity battery, providing users with 150% extra battery for the iPhone 4/4S. In addition, the case boasts an impact and environmental-resistant design that purportedly exceeds military specification MIL-STD 810G, which tests products across a broad range of conditions including altitude, shock, and exposure to high and low temperatures, rain, humidity, sand, dust, and even gunfire vibration.
MacUpdate's new bundle launches
MacUpdate has launched its newest bundle of Mac software. It includes software worth a total of US$456.80 for $49.99. You can find it at http://mupromo.com/?ref=6603 .
The MacUpdate bundle includes:
Here's a quick lineup of apps:
Parallels Desktop 7 ($79.99) - http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/21252/parallels-desktop
BusyCal ($49.99) - http://macupdate.com/app/mac/31936/busycal
ScreenFlow 3 ($99.00) - http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/26915/screenflow
Civilization V ($39.99) - http://macupdate.com/app/mac/35971/civilization-v
Jaksta ($49.95) - http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/36681/jaksta
Espionage 3 ($19.99) - http://macupdate.com/app/mac/29384/espionage
Attachment Tamer 3 ($14.99) - http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/17261/attachment-tamer
Speed Download 5 ($25.00) - http://macupdate.com/app/mac/4710/speed-download
KeyCue 6 ($28) - http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/14861/keycue
A Better Finder Rename 9 ($19.95) - http://macupdate.com/app/mac/6322/a-better-finder-rename
11) My Living...
AKVIS ArtWork gets new Gouache effect
AKVIS has released version 7 of its ArtWork software, which applies different painting techniques to digital photos. The upgrade introduces the Gouache style that lets creating a gouache painting from a photo.
Also, the new version adds the preview images for the AKVIS presets. The update is free for all registered users. ArtWork is available in Mac and PC versions as a standalone program and a plug-in for Adobe Photoshop.
The software runs on Mac OS X and higher and Windows XP/Vista/Win 7, both 32 and 64 bit. A fully featured free evaluation download of AKVIS ArtWork is available at http://www.akvis.com; registration for a home license is US$72.
Future Media Concepts announces training sessions for DV Expo...
Future Media Concepts (FMC), a digital media training organization, has partnered with NewBay Media to offer two half-day training sessions for video professionals June 20 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City, in conjunction with DV Expo East.
Co-location with DV Expo East means attendees can receive expert training and still have time to explore the show floor. The sessions are entitled "Intro to 4k Workflow," which will cover the fundamentals of shooting, editing, and delivering content in 4k resolutions and beyond; and "HDSLR Cinematography," which will address the strengths and weaknesses of using DSLR cameras to produce content.
Both sessions will be taught by Yan Shvalb, an FMC certified instructor. More info is available at http://www.dvexpo.com/content/dvexpo_east/FMC_The_DV_EXPO_EAST_Conferenc... .
iPresentee offers new themes for iWeb
iPresentee (http://www.ipresentee.com/) has introduced five new themes for iWeb, Apple's entry level, web site building application.
New themes are Baby Album, Hunt, Jazz, Personal Page and Ufo. They extend iPresentee's iWeb themes collection up to 165 themes. What's more, iPresentee has reduced bundle prices of iWeb themes up to 30%.
The themes require Mac OS X 10.4.3 or higher and iWeb 2.0 (iLife 08) or later. iWeb Themes bundle may be purchased for US$19.99. The five new themes are available for $7.99.
CRU-DataPort ships ToughTech Duo 3SR
CRU-DataPort (http://www.cru-dataport.com) is shipping the US$349.99 ToughTech Duo 3SR, which adds USB 3.0 to the ToughTech series of storage drives.
The new ToughTech Duo 3SR portable RAID storage system works with two 2.5-inch notebook or solid state drives and is designed to simplify data redundancy by writing the same information in real time to both drives with RAID. It sports a ruggedized, hand-sized chassis (measuring 6.3 x 3.5 x 1.4 inches) weighing just over a pound and a half.
Features include an LCD menu to monitor drive health and configure RAID with soft-touch navigation. The all- aluminum ToughTech Duo 3SR stays cool without fans, making the unit extremely quiet., according to the folks at CRU-DataPort.
Public beta of PluralEyes 3.0 available
Singular Software has announced a public beta of PluralEyes 3.0 for Adobe Premiere Pro editors for Mac OS X 10.7.4 or higher.
This upgrade features a new, interactive workspace that displays the syncing process as it happens, giving editors more control and confidence that footage is syncing accurately. The new PluralEyes Connector for Adobe CS6 is designed to save time by completing many intermediate workflow steps automatically rather than manually.
This release supports Premiere Pro from CS5.0 and forward. Just remember: beta software is unfinished software so use with care. You can download the beta at http://www.singularsoftware.com/downloads.html#pe3_m .
Mac OS X software updates for June 6
Here are the latest incremental updates for Mac OS X apps.
Tension Software has released version 1.2 of Date Time Calc, a small utility able to calculate future and past dates using a given time interval from an assigned date. The upgrade is now sandboxed under Mac OS X Lion and available in the Mac App Store.
Mac OS X File Recovery has announced Data Recovery Guru 1.4 (http://macosxfilerecovery.com/) for OS X, their Mac data recovery utility that recovers all common file types from any kind of device, due to user error, accidental formatting, hardware malfunction, or any other cause of data loss that does not involve overwriting the original file. Version 1.4 is a maintenance update.
Coppertino has rolled out Focus 1.4 (http://www.coppertino.com/focus/), an update to their effects application for Mac OS X. The update receives an improved interface and a new way to add more accurate and refined depth effects to your photos with Custom Focus tool.
Publicspace has served up Vitamin-...
Apple, Samsung boast 52% of smartphone market through 2013
In a note to clients -- as reported by "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com) -- Canaccord Genuity analyst Michael Walkley predicts that Apple and Samsung will represent more than half of all global smartphone sales through the year 2013.
He thinks Apple will account for 21% of smartphone sales in 2013, with total iPhone unit sales of 204.1 million. Samsung is projected to have a 31.3% share in 2013, on sales of 304.4 million smartphones.
These figures would place both Apple and Samsung in control of 52.3% of the total global smartphone market. That's an improvement from the 49.7% both companies are expected to control through the end of calendar 2012, notes "AppleInsider."
Virgin Mobile USA to offer iPhone with no contract staring July...
Sprint Nextel is set to become the second U.S. mobile phone service -- following Cricket (http://macte.ch/CY2qa) -- to offer the iPhone without a wireless contract, reports "MarketWatch" (http://macte.ch/YmZdC). This week the carrier will announce that it will offer the Apple smartphone on its Virgin Mobile pay-as-you-go brand starting as soon as July 1, the article adds.
"By offering the iPhone, Sprint may help satisfy its commitment to Apple to buy $15.5 billion of the phones over four years, an aggressive bet as more carriers are getting access to the once-exclusive device," opines "MarketWatch." "Sprint's prepaid service, which also includes the Boost Mobile brand, has been its lone area of growth as contract customers have fled."
ChangeWave: iPad to still dominate the tablet market going...
A May survey of 2,893 consumers ChangeWave research group (http://www.changwave.com) shows the iPad continuing to dominate consumer buying habits of tablets going forward. The only other manufacturer showing signs of momentum is Samsung.
Seventy-three percent of planned tablet buyers report they'll purchase an iPad. Amazon (8%) remains a distant second, followed by Samsung (6%). The latter, though still in single digits, has managed to double its share of purchases since last quarter and is the only other manufacturer besides Apple showing signs of market strength going forward.
A key ChangeWave findings is the diminishing strength of Amazon in the tablet market. The research company says the Kindle Fire launch in November 2011 was highly successful, but the number of tablet purchases planning to buy a Fire has dropped from 22% in November 2011 to 85 in May 2012.
Judge denies Apple post-appeal injunction push in Samsung battle
On Monday Judge Lucy Koh of the United States District for the Northern District of California denied, for the time being, Apple's post-appeal push for an injunction against the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 over an iPad-related design patent., reports "FOSS Patents" (http://macte.ch/Wv7LI).
"This is unrelated to the merits of the motion. Apple is invited, and definitely won't decline the invitation, to renew its motion after the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC), which published its opinion on Apple's appeal in mid-May, has issued a formal mandate to the district court," Florian Mueller writes for the web site.
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.
FileTrek releases management tool on the iPad
FileTrek, Inc. (http://www.filetrek.com) has released FileTrek for iPad, a management dashboard tool designed for workgroup managers and other team members to transparently track the flow of projects, data and collaborative activity while on the go.
FileTrek for iPad provides live activity updates of projects, displays how project files are related and how those files are being changed, with real-time data syncing and updates. The FileTrek iPad app is built for members of workgroups that require timely distribution of frequently updated files and the ability to track those files and data wherever it resides. Follow this link for a demo, according to Carol Mason, director of Product Management at FileTrek.
"Managers want to view data and activity while on the go, and team members want to report the status of their work without having to write a report or make a phone call. FileTrek for iPad simultaneously presents three up-to-date feeds of information -- people, projects and data,...
Apple tops 'most vibrant' brands list
Apple has topped the list of most "culturally vibrant brands" as compiled by Added Value, a marketing insight company, and reported by "SciTech" (http://macte.ch/fgFhR).
The "vibrancy" of each brand is measured across four dimensions, each of which represents a statistical clustering of culturally-significant attributes that describe how Visionary, Inspiring, Bold and Exciting (VIBE) a brand is perceived to be by consumers. The purpose of the survey is to measure cultural relevance as an early indicator of brand success,
Added Value’s American office studied 50 brands across nine broad sectors including apparel, automotive, beer and technology to provide a quantitative understanding of a brand’s relevance in a market’s "cultural zeitgeist," "SciTech" adds. According to Added Value’s Inka Crosswaite, although the study was done in the US, it certainly has relevance for local brand managers.
Novus Scan is plagiarism checker for Lion
Terra Novus Labs has announced Novus Scan, plagiarism checker for Mac OS X Lion. It costs US$16.99 and is available exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Utility category.
Novus Scan, an offline plagiarism checker, enables users to build a database of documents and then scan the database, searching for copied text. Users can import documents into its database using drag 'n drop or a file open dialog, import text that they'd like to scan, and Novus Scan compares the text to its document database using a two-step, word-by-word scanning algorithm.
Novus Scan can detect exact matching phrases at least eight words long and inexact phrases that are longer than eight words. The search results are shown in an user interface that displays the user's document and the potential source documents side-by-side. A report generator enables users to create a printed or PDF format record of the scan results.
Joystick Mapper released on the Mac App Store
Rodrigo Rocha has released Joystick Mapper 1.0, his keyboard mapping utility for Mac OS X (10.6 and higher). It costs US$4.99 and is available exclusively through the App Store in the Utilities category.
Compatible with USB or Bluetooth joysticks and gamepads, Joystick Mapper allows anyone to configure their joysticks or gamepads to simulate keyboard keys/mouse movement/mouse click/mouse scroll. Joystick Mapper offers ready-to-use examples and is modifiable. Players can control any app or game using any of these controllers -- even the controllers without built-in support.
Griffin debuts earbuds made from reclaimed wood
Griffin Technology (http://www.griffintechnology.com) has launched WoodTones, US$29.99 earbuds made with wood reclaimed from other manufacturing processes. They come packaged inside a drawstring carrying pouch made of natural hemp fiber.
These left-over bits of responsibly harvested wood, which would have otherwise been burned or tossed in a landfill, are polished to a smooth satin finish, displaying the singular qualities of the woodgrain, according to Ehtan Opell, line manger of Griffin's Audo category. No two pieces are alike, he adds.
ATTO Technology to provide expanded Thunderbolt connectivity
The folks at ATTO Technology say they'll provide connectivity on their Thunderbolt technology-enabled Desklink devices in conjunction with Intel’s showcasing of workstations, servers, ultrabooks, and all-in-one devices with Thunderbolt ports at Computex 2012, Taipei, China, June 5-9.
Desklink devices are ATTO’s next-generation, high-performance storage and network connectivity offerings. ATTO’s Desklink devices are currently comprised of the ThunderLink and ThunderStream product lines. They incorporate Thunderbolt technology, which allows connection to computers at 10Gb/s in each direction at the same time.
The ThunderLink family allows access to Fibre Channel and SAS/SATA storage, as well as Ethernet network connectivity. This was previously unavailable for many platforms, particularly portable devices, according to Wayne Arvidson, vice president of marketing at ATTO Technology. They're an ideal solution for environments such as video rendering and medical imaging, or where people...
