Elgato, Siano partnering on digital TV products for iOS devices
Elgato (http://www.elgato.com),which specializes in digital entertainment products for Apple devices, and Siano, a supplier of mobile broadcast DTV solutions, have signed a collaboration agreement whereby both companies will jointly deliver solutions for viewing digital TV on Apple devices, including the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
This collaborative venture is based on Siano's global family of receiver chips for mobile DTV and digital TV middleware for iOS, and on Elgato's EyeTV suite of software applications for TV over Apple devices. Some products from this partnership are already available in the market today, while others are still in the development stage.
For example, EyeTV Mobile is a TV tuner that connects directly to the iPad 2. It's powered by Siano's SMS1140 chipset and manufactured by Taiwan-based Dexatek. Similar products for ISDB-T (Latin America, Japan), ATSC-MH (USA), and CMMB (China) markets are close to launch. Siano and Elgato will showcase their digital TV...
White paper looks at delivering business data to iOS devices
"How to Deliver Business Data to iPad and iPhone Quickly and Easily" is the topic of a new white paper authored by Ziff Davis Enterprise working with FileMaker, Inc.
The white paper lists the key requirements for tools for delivering business data to iOS devices:
° A quick development cycle. Users want results in days, not weeks.
° Easy import of data in a range of native formats from SQL databases to spreadsheets.
° Painless serving of data to the iPad and iPhone with forms optimized for those screens.
° The ability to deliver not just raw data but charts and reports.
The white paper describes the advantages of using FileMaker Pro database software and the FileMaker Go app to aggregate and deliver data to iOS devices. You can download the free white paper, watch a demo, see videos of real iPad and iPhone customer solutions at http://www.filemaker.com/r/ios_wp_pr .
VooMote Zapper on the way to the iPhone, iPad
Zero1.tv (www.zero1.tv) has announced the VooMote Zapper, along with a free iOS app that you can download at the Apple App Store.
This all-in-one solution is as small as a paperclip and fits in the dock connector of your iPhone, iPod and iPad to turn your device into a universal remote. It can then be used for a variety of infrared electronics including TVs, DVD players, DVRs and more. Users download the free app to enjoy tailor-made universal remote control functionality.
The VooMote Zapper is available in eight different colors including blue, green, pink, red, and more. It can either be purchased by itself or coupled with a matching iPhone or iPad case.
The VooMote Zapper dongle is available for US$69.99. The VooMote Zapper with the iPhone 4 case is $79.99, and the VooMote Zapper with the matching iPad case is $89.99. Both of these bundles will be available in January 2012.
TextExpander for OS X beefs up Dropbox support
SmileOnMyMac (http://www.smileonmymac.com) has updated TextExpander, a Mac OS X utility that lets users define abbreviations for frequently-used text strings and images, to version 3.4 The new version adds a "Sharing Snippet Groups with Your Team" help section, a Tweet My Stats button to the Statistics window and more
TextExpander 3.4 also supports selecting a local Dropbox folder for Dropbox 1.2 and later. It also adds QuickLook support for .textexpander files. TextExpander 3.3 allows keypress macros (tab, return, escape, enter) to be nested in fill-in snippets. Also, automatic capitalization at sentence start now works with contractions of "I" (I'm, I'll, I'd, etc.),
For users with more than one Mac, TextExpander offers two ways to sync snippets: MobileMe and Dropbox. With a single-user license, an individual user may install and use TextExpander on multiple computers, provided they are used primarily by that individual.
The regular cost is US$34.95 for a single user license or $44....
CameraBag 2 public beta released
A free, fully-functional public beta of CameraBag 2 for Mac and PC is now available at nevercenter.com/camerabag/beta .
It's designed to handle all photo tasks, from basic adjustments and cropping to powerful high-end controls. Just remember: beta software is unfinished software, so use with care.
Justice Dept. looking into ebook pricing by Apple, publishers
The U.S. Justice Department confirmed that it's conducting an antitrust investigation into the pricing of electronic books, the latest antitrust watchdog to probe whether there was improper collusion by publishers and Apple to prevent discounting, reports the "Wall Street Journal" (http://macte.ch/pdROi).
At a congressional hearing, Sharis Pozen, the Justice Department's acting antitrust chief said they were also investigating the electronic book industry. Apple's iBookstore features books from major and independent publishers. Once you’ve bought a book -- or download a free one -- it’s displayed on your Bookshelf. Just tap it to start reading.
Also, on Tuesday it was announced that Apple and five publishers -- Hachette Livre, Penguin, Harper Collins, Simon & Schuster and Verlagsgruppe Georg von Holzbrinck -- will be investigated by the European Union's anti-trust watchdog. over anti-competitive practices in the e-book market, reports the "BBC" (http://macte.ch/PbSg0).
The...
Apple Store Grand Central opens Friday, Dec. 9
The Apple Store Grand Central, Apple’s fifth store in Manhattan, will open Friday, Dec. 9, at 10 a.m. It overlooks the historic Main Concourse from the East and North East balconies of the Grand Central Terminal, and has two Genius Bars for free tech support and advice.
Services at the Apple Store Grand Central include Personal Pickup, a feature of the free Apple Store App that lets iPhone users shop and buy from anywhere they are, then pick up their purchase when they reach the terminal. Customers using the Apple Store App can even scan and pay for accessories with their iPhone using the new EasyPay function.
New 15-minute Express Workshops offer tips and tricks in a streamlined format to serve customers on a tight schedule. The store’s team numbers 315 employees.
Beyond the balcony overlooking the expansive Main Concourse, the Apple Store Grand Central offers rooms dedicated to some of Apple's most popular services, including the largest area in the world dedicated to Personal...
Apple's 'spaceship' campus to be 'extremely...
Apple submitted a new proposal Apple to the City of Cupertino (California) on Monday for its planned "spaceship" campus. The proposal has been made public at the City of Cupertino web site -- although as I was writing this article, trying to access the site continually resulted in an error message.
The campus "will be extremely green and have beautiful natural surroundings," reports "iPhoneinCanada" (http://macte.ch/QG2So). Six thousand species of trees will adorn the entire campus, as implemented by the senior arborist from Stanford hired for the project.
Located on a former HP property, Apple wants to build a spaceship-looking headquarters that will hold 12,000 employees.According to "TechCrunch" (http://techcrunch.com/2011/06/07/steve-jobs-cupertino/) key facts about the new Apple campus are:
° The design will include a courtyard in the middle and curved glass all the way around.
° Apple will transform an area that’s 20% landscaping to 80% landscaping by putting most of the...
Analyst: Mac, iPhone sales exceeding expectations for holiday...
In a note to clients -- as reported by "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com) -- Sterne Agree analyst Shaw Wu says holiday Mac and iPhone sales are ahead of expectations, though iPad sales a little "light."
The analyst says indications from Apple's supply chain have led him to raise his projected Mac sales from 5 million to 5.2 million. Wu says the MacBook Air in particular is a big seller.
Wu says his checks within the company's global supply chain found that iPhone momentum has been strong across the board, with strong sales of the iPhone 4S, as well as the iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS. He's raised his forecast for iPhone sales for Apple's current quarter from 26 million to 28 million.
On the slightly downside, Wu says iPad shipments seem to be "a little light" in the current quarter; he's reduced projected sales from 15 million to 13.5 million. Why? Wu says the Kindle Fire is proving a serious iPad competitor and also because some consumers are choosing a more full-featured...
AT&T expects record smartphone sales in fourth quarter
John Stephens, AT&T senior executive vice president and chief financial officer, says the company is on track to break its single-quarter record for smartphone sales.
Speaking at the UBS 39th Annual Global Media and Communications Conference in New York, Stephens said that AT&T sold about six million smartphones in the first two months of the fourth quarter. Because December is traditionally one of the strongest sales months, AT&T now expects to break the previous single-quarter smartphone record of 6.1 million.
AT&T’s strong smartphone sales in part reflect a higher number of handset upgrades from customers who were waiting for the launch of a new iPhone. AT&T previously announced that it activated more than one million iPhone 4S’ in the first five days the device was available. AT&T said iPhone 4S sales remain strong.
Apple updates iBooks, Cards
Apple has released iBooks 1.5 and Cards 1.0.1. Both are available in the Apple App Store for free.
The update of the iBooks ebook reader app for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch adds a new Night reading theme (which displays white text on a black background that’s easier to read in low-light conditions), along with several new font choices: Athelas, Charter, Iowan, and Seravek. However, it removes these fonts: Baskerville, Verdana, and Cochin.
iBooks new Full Screen option that lets you get rid of the rounded corners, stacked pages, book jacket graphic, and other attempts to make reading in iBooks seem more like reading a printed book. Apple has also rolled out new classic covers for public domain books.
Cards 1.0.1 -- an update for the greeting card and postcard maker app for the iPhone -- includes a redesigned text editor. It also purportedly improves the mailing address verification and checkout process.
Gradient for OS X is new tool for web designers
Jumpzero has released Gradient 1.0 for Mac OS X (10.6 or higher). It's available for US$4.99 in the Mac App Store.
It's a tool for web designers. Gradient streamlines the creation of CSS3 gradients by taking care of writing the vendor prefixes needed to build a gradient that's compatible with modern browsers.
You only need to pick the colors you're after from your mockups (or fill the fields in the input pane) and tweak the gradient properties, selecting linear or radial type and deciding the direction or the center position. The rest is taken care of by the application. What's left is copying the resulting code and pasting it in your text editor of choice.
Fun Greetings 1.0 offers card printing for Mac OS X
Ohanaware has rolled out Fun Greetings, a photo greetings Card printing product for Mac OS X 10.5 or later. It costs US$9.99 and can be obtained at the Ohanaware web site (http://www.ohanaware.com/fungreetings/); a demo is also available for download.
Fun Greetings is a card printing program in which the emphasis is on photos of the user's family, kids, pets and other personal photos. The app enables the user to print their own photo greetings cards at home on their Mac and printer.
Fun Greetings' printing engine can compensate for printer margins (so there isn't a huge gap down one side of the card), and it can print to a variety of card sizes. The print engine even includes a custom card size option, allowing for other card sizes to be specified. The print engine also contains a feature whereby the user can enter the dimensions of a envelope, and Fun Greetings will calculate the optimum card size.
New DevilRobber trojan pops up
Intego’s (http://www.intego.com) malware researchers have found a new variant of the DevilRobber Trojan horse, which they first discovered in October. The latest variant -- DevilRobber.D -- has been spotted in three Mac applications distributed via BitTorrent trackers.
The applications in question are Writer’s Café, EvoCam and Twitterrific, says Intego. The security software specialist says it's important to note that the original applications, obtained from the developers’ web sites, aren't infected, but that malicious users distribute infected versions via BitTorrent trackers. If you use these applications, and have purchased them from the developers, you have nothing to worry about, says Intego.
The company's VirusBarrier X6 protects against this Trojan horse. Intego updated its malware definitions to recognize this malware, but the existing malware definitions, for previous variants, already blocked it.
Q4'2011 to see 453 million handsets ship worldwide
The quarter quarter of the year (Q4'2011) will see handset shipments of over 453 million units, according to a new research report from Signals and Systems Telecom (http://www.researchandmarkets.com).
2010 shipments of handsets globally reached an all time high of 1366.80 million units. Since then, the first three quarters of 2011 have totaled 1111.93 million units with Q3' 2011 alone accounting for 393.96 million units and a rise of 453.34 million units expected for Q4'2011 will see the 2011 full year shipments outstrip those of 2010.
Within this overall rise in Q3'2011 handset shipments globally, volumes fell in North America by -6.60% over the same period of 2010, by -10.82% in Western Europe and by -1.49% in Central and Eastern Europe but these declines were more than compensated for by the dramatic rises of in Asia Pacific (+24.91%) as well as in Latin and Central America (23.28%) and in the Middle East and Africa (45.38%) resulting in overall Q3 shipments worldwide that grew...
Bracketron releases SuiteGear Kit for the iPad 2
Bracketron (http://www.bracketron.com) has announced the SuiteGear Kit, an all-in-one solution for protective care and productivity for your iPad 2. The set includes a clear polyurethane protective case, a black stylus and a cleaning kit.
The SuiteGear Kit is available now for $19.95 at Bracketron.com . The clear polyurethane case -- which can be used with or without an Apple Smart Cover -- is lightweight yet strong, and protects the device from scratches and scuffs while maintaining its low-profile design, according to Christian Johnson, vice president of marketing at Bracketron. The snap-in case also provides full access to all device controls and ports such as the camera, volume and syncing.
The SuiteGear Kit also includes a black stylus that provides added control on your iPad 2 or touchscreen device while keeping it fingerprint- and smudge-free. The built-in clip lets you store the stylus in your pocket, briefcase or notepad.
The SuiteGear Kit also features a cleaning set...
Disney characters find an iHome for the holidays
iHome has unveiled a new line of audio products featuring Disney characters (https://www.ekids.com/). The products include noise isolating earphones, over-the-ear headphones, a portable speaker system and an iPod docking alarm clock speaker system.
All are available between US$19.99 and $49.99. The new iHome line featuring Disney characters can be purchased at a variety of retail outlets throughout North America including select Toys ‘R’ Us, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Barnes & Noble stores. For more info go to iHomeaudio.com/Disney . Additional products are planned for 2012.
ZOMM announces Wireless Leash Plus
ZOMM (http://www.zomm.com) has introduced the Wireless Leash Plus, a new optimized version for the iPhone. The ZOMM Wireless Leash Plus uses Bluetooth technology to prevent users from losing or misplacing their mobile phone by vibrating, flashing lights and sounding an alarm when users separate too far from their phone.
The Wireless Leash Plus connects with the new myZOMM iPhone app that features geo-tagging. It also features a fully functioning speakerphone and noise-canceling microphone to talk hands free, safely, even while driving.
A panic button feature allows users to sound an alarm with one button press to deter potential attackers and notify others of distress. By continuing to hold the panic button, the Wireless Leash Plus will also dial local emergency assistance from anywhere in the world without having to touch the phone. The user may customize any emergency number for their Wireless Leash Plus to dial.
The myZOMM iPhone app -- a free download at the Apple App Store --...
Griffin launches GuitarConnect Pro for iOS devices
Griffin is launching the US$79.99 GuitarConnect Pro (http://store.griffintechnology.com/guitarconnect-pro), which adds an instrument input to iPad and iPhone allowing users to gain an all-digital connection from guitars and other instruments directly into GarageBand and most Core Audio apps.
It adds a standard quarter-inch instrument jack with a built-in gain control to an iPad or iPhone. GuitarConnect Pro was created to turn iPad or iPhone into a compact performance or practice rig. A built-in gain control wheel allows the user to adjust the strength of the instrument’s input signal.
At one end, it has a quarter-inch mono jack to fit standard instrument cables. At the other end is a dock connecter for the iPad and iPhone. You can listen with speakers or headphones from the headphone jack of the iOS device.
New ebooks look at iO 5
TidBITS Publishing has just released two new ebooks: "Take Control of Your iPad" and "Take Control of Mail on the iPad, iPbone and iPod touch, Third Edition."
"Take Control of Your iPad" (http://www.takecontrolbooks.com/ipad) by Tonya Engst is an US$15, 170-page ebook that covers setup, syncing, apps, and more. Among other things the author explains how to configure an original iPad or iPad 2 correctly, both through the new Setup Assistant and with key options that require extra effort. She also offers skills that make gesturing, typing, and navigating more enjoyable and effective. Plus,
readers will find tips for setting up and getting more out of many of Apple's apps, and real-world advice on buying and managing third-party apps. The ebook is available for $15 at
In "Take Control of Mail on the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch, Third Edition" (http://www.takecontrolbooks.com/iphone-mail) tech writer Joe Kissell provides thoughtful and thorough explanations of how to set up an optimal...
Saelig introduces iPhone-based Wi-Fi spectrum analyzer
The Saelig Company (http://www.saelig.com) has introduced the US$199.99 WiPry-Combo, a dynamic power meter and spectrum analyzer accessory for the iPad, iPod touch, and iPhone.
It turns an iOS device into a portable spectrum analyzer and dynamic power meter. WiPry-Combo brings RF power measurements to a graphical interface to show RF waveforms like an oscilloscope; instead of showing voltage, RF amplitude is displayed on an iOS portable device.
Actual power output can be triggered, captured, and recorded for protocol verification or for troubleshooting wireless devices. Data is collected at up to 12 MSa/s, allowing analysis and verification of the smallest protocol level on/off times. WiPry-Combo offers data logging in csv format, while screenshot results can be instantly emailed via the iOS host phone.
In its spectrum analyzer mode, WiPry-Combo offers a solution for identifying interference or open channels in the 2.4GHz ISM band, or for identifying unauthorized WiFi access points...
MacMall to open retail store in Huntingdon Beach
MacMall (http://www.macmall.com), which has operated an online Apple superstore since 1995, has announced that the grand opening event for its new retail store located at 16929 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, California, will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10.
The event will feature a 10 a.m. ribbon cutting with local Chamber of Commerce officials, including outgoing Huntington Beach mayor Joe Carchio, incoming Huntington Beach mayor Don Hansen, and council member Connie Boardman. The first 300 people to visit the store will be entered into a drawing to win one of several hot technology products valued at over US$3,500 in total, including a MacBook Air, three iPod touch players, five iPod nanos, and five Apple TVs.
The store will open at 9 a.m. and the MacBook Air drawing will be held at 10 a.m., immediately after the ribbon cutting. Throughout the day there will be additional drawings for iPad and Mac accessories, product demos, and special discounts. The first 100 people who purchase...
Real Studio 2011 Release 4 sports improved support for Cocoa-...
Real Software has released the latest version of its flagship product, Real Studio. The new Real Studio 2011 Release 4 -- updating both the Web and Desktop Editions -- contains more than 200 improvements and 26 new features, including improved support for Cocoa on Mac OS X.
There are more than 60 Cocoa-specific bug fixes in this release. Additionally, this release offers upgraded Linux support for printing and graphics.
Graphics now have support for opacity allowing colors to be drawn that are anywhere from totally opaque to completely transparent. Prepared Statements are now supported for ODBC which improves security. What's more, the Real Studio IDE has now been fully localized into Portuguese.
Real Studio 2011 Release 4 is now available to all current and new Real Software customers. To download 2011 Release 4, visit http://www.realsoftware.com/download. All editions of Real Studio are available in a free 30-day trial edition.
Real Studio is a full-featured cross-platform...
Boris Soundbite add support for Final Cut Pro X
Boris FX (http://www.borisfx.com) says Boris Soundbite 1.1 is now available, adding support for Apple Final Cut Pro X and Adobe Premiere Pro CS5.5 for Mac.
Powered by patented dialogue search technology from Nexidia, it's a tool for locating footage by finding any word or phrase spoken in multimedia files. A standalone Mac OS X application, Boris Soundbite finds any word or phrase spoken in QuickTime media files. With Soundbite, video editors, producers, and journalists can instantly play all occurrences of a spoken phrase in their media, then insert the perfect take into their Premiere Pro CS5.5, Final Cut Pro X, or Final Cut Pro 7 project. They can also organize clips around keywords and even find replacement words for problematic audio.
Soundbite 1.1 is immediately available through the Boris FX worldwide reseller channel and direct from the Boris FX website for an introductory price of US$295. It's a free downloadable update for all Boris Soundbite users. A fully functioning, 14-...
Transport cases designed to provide safe delivery of iPads
Schools, businesses and other organizations that have to carry iPads between locations now have a new option: transport cases with charge and sync configurations.
The new cases from Datamation Systems are designed for classrooms, conferences, trade shows, travelling labs and training centers. One model (the DS-IP-TC16) handles up to 16 iPads and a MacBook in a case that meets military and airline specifications. It also includes yncing and charging using USB technology from Cambrionix.
Another (DS-IP-TC38) provides storage and charging capabilities (but not syncing) for up to 38 iPads or tablets in a custom-built case. These new iPad and tablet transport cases and other products are available from major computer companies or directly from Datamation Systems (http://www.ipadcarts.com).
IntelliJ IDEA 11 blasts off from JetBrains
Developers, take note: JetBrains has released IntelliJ IDEA 11, an update of their IDE for JVM-based and polyglot development.
The newest installment of IntelliJ IDEA reveals a custom, streamlined user interface, along with IDE performance optimizations and numerous adjustments throughout the whole environment. Many platform-specific features have been added, such as Mac OS X Lion full-screen support.
To contribute to faster development of technologies, IntelliJ IDEA 11 brings improvements for its many integrated tools and frameworks including
Spring, Groovy/Grails, AspectJ and others. It also sports improvements for Android development. For info on the new pricing and licensing options for IntelliJ IDEA, go to http://www.jetbrains.com/idea/buy/?IJ11PR .
TechSmith launches Camtasia 2 for the Mac
TechSmith has released Camtasia 2, an update of the screen recording and editing solution for the Mac. The new version includes new graphic annotations, mobile device frames and blur functionality.
It's designed for Mac users and non-video professionals who want to create professional, informational screencasts. Camtasia for Mac enables users to record, edit and publish videos without the cost and complexity of professional systems, according to Shane Lovellette, Camtasia for Mac product manager at TechSmith.
A free, 30-day trial of Camtasia for Mac 2 is available at http://www.techsmith.com/camtasia.html . New users can purchase the software for US$99; existing users can upgrade to version 2 for $49. Camtasia for Mac will also be available in the Mac App Store soon.
Spy Cam for OS X sneaks up to version 1.1
The Alice Dev Team has updated Spy Cam 1.1 for OS X (10.6 and higher), their utility app for Mac OS X that allows Mac owners to use the computer's webcam to secretly record surveillance video with sound, to version 1.1. The app costs US$9.99 and is available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Utilities category.
Spy Cam can automatically record movies of 5-60 seconds at intervals of 1-30 minutes. Videos are sent to the user's free Dropbox account, and Spy Cam is password protected.
SpyCam automatically records videos (including sound) in 320240 format. It can purportedly be completely set up and ready to put on automatic protection in just 1 minute.
MergeMill Pro for Mac OS X gets beefier, faster
Cross Culture has released the 4.2 update to Mergemill Pro for Mac OS X. The release is purportedly more powerful and can complete its tasks up to 100-times faster.
Mergemill Pro takes diverse sources of data -- such as databases, web pages, e-mails and more -- and merges them with templates to produce the desired output, from web pages to customized e-mails. The program features data-processing capabilities such as data filters, multi-level data sorting, BASIC scripting, and multiple search-and-replace actions.
Mergemill Pro supports Unicode and other text encodings, and has project scheduling and auto-run functionality. Users can control output in templates through scripting with tags for content insertion, arithmetic expressions, looping, branching, statistic calculations and for marking text blocks for variable assignment or special output actions.
Mergemill Pro 4.0.1 is available for Macs running Mac OS X 10.5 or higher. It can be purchased online from Cross Culture's website (...
AppyDays for Mac OS X updated to version 1.5
Slappstick has updated AppyDays for Mac OS X (10.6 or later) to version 1.5. It costs US$0.99 and is available at the Mac App Store in the Reference category. Version 1.5 includes discounts from MUPromo.
AppyDays for Mac tracks currently discounted apps in the Mac App Store as well as the iOS App Store. With AppDays one click directs you to the Apple App Store or Mac App Store immediately. The small application window can be left open while people work on their computers.
AppDays displays discounted apps in the stores. It sports filters available for price (Mac and iOS) and category (iOS only).
Apple dominates PC World Reliability, Service survey
Apple pretty much cleaned up in the latest customer Reliability and Service survey from "PCWorld" (http://www.pcworld.com).
Apple ruled the desktop computer category, with top marks in reliability, service, and features (from product design to ports and connectivity). On the survey's reliability measures, three desktop manufacturers -- Apple, Asus, and Dell for business -- earned above-average marks on two or more measures. Apple was the runaway winner with four above-average scores and an average score on the fifth ("Dead PC").
The happiest desktop users in the survey worked with machines from Apple or Asus. On the "PCWorld" features questions, Apple desktops scored above average on six measures and below average on one (expandability). However, on the service and support measures for desktops, "Apple hogged all of the better-than-average ratings, sweeping the field and leaving the other four vendors to scrabble for what was left," notes "PCWorld."
Survey participants' overall...
Intel, Micron announcement may mean beefier iOS drives
Intel and Micron say they've started mass production of the world’s first 20 nm, 128GB, multi-level cell flash memory storage device. I'd expect the iPad 3, which should arrive sometime next spring, to have a 128GB hard drive. Perhaps the iPhone 5, as well.
Developed through Intel and Micron's joint-development venture, IM Flash Technologies (IMFT), the new 20nm monolithic 128GB device is the first in the industry to enable a terabit (TB) of data storage in a fingertip-size package by using just eight die.
It also provides twice the storage capacity and performance of the companies' existing 20nm 64GB NAND device. The 128GB device meets the high-speed ONFI 3.0 specification to achieve speeds of 333 megatransfers per second (MT/s), providing customers with a more cost-effective solid-state storage solution for today's slim, sleek product designs, including tablets, smartphones and high-capacity solid-state drives (SSDs.)
"As portable devices get smaller and sleeker, and server demands...
Chinese court rejects Apple's lawsuit over iPad moniker
A court in southern China has rejected a lawsuit by Apple that accuses a Chinese technology company of infringing its iPad trademark, reports "Reuters" (http://macte.ch/tclid).
In the lawsuit over the use of the iPad name, the Intermediate People's Court in the southern boomtown of Shenzhen rejected Apple's complaint against Proview Technology (Shenzhen). The court said Proview lawfully registered the iPad trademark as long ago as 2000 for products in a number of countries, including China.
"The right to use the iPad name in China is crucial for Apple, where the company is in the process of opening more stores," "Reuters" adds. "Executives have said they have just scratched the surface in China in terms of sales."
'Steve Job's is Amazon's best-selling book of...
Walter Isaacson's authorized biography of Steve Jobs has become the retailer's best-selling book of 2011 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/2011/books/).
"Steve Jobs" went on sale in late October, rising to #13 on the list following its debut. By mid-November the title had risen to #2, then jumped to number one shortly thereafter.
Verizon tops, AT&T bottoms out in 'Consumer Reports...
"Consumer Reports" -- as reported from "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com) -- has revealed the results of its annual survey of US carriers, which found Verizon ranking highest and AT&T coming in last among America's four largest wireless providers.
AT&T done poorly across the board, earning the worst possible score in all categories related to value, service and customer support, except for the "texting" service category. Verizon maintained its place atop the big four U.S. carriers this year, though the nation's largest wireless provider was followed closely in the rankings by Sprint.
Analyst raises iPhone sales to 30.5 million for the quarter
In a note to clients -- as reported by "Barron's" (http://macte.ch/1bJfy) -- Canaccord Genuity analyst Mike Walkley has reiterated a Buy rating on Apple shares after rising his estimates for the company’s sales of the iPhone this quarter from 29 million units to 30.5 million units.
"Our November checks indicated strong global iPhone sales with Apple share gains versus Android smartphones in the US and Western Europe," he says. The analyst also cut his quarterly estimate for the iPad to 14 million units from 13 million.
Why? Walkey thinks inventory is being drained ahead of the introduction of the next iPad, in March. He also notes that the iPad is facing hot competition from the Kindle Fire.
Apple, publishers being investigated for ebook practices
Apple and five publishers -- Hachette Livre, Penguin, Harper Collins, Simon & Schuster and Verlagsgruppe Georg von Holzbrinck -- will be investigated by the European Union's anti-trust watchdog. over anti-competitive practices in the e-book market, reports the "BBC" (http://macte.ch/PbSg0).
Apple's iBookstore features books from major and independent publishers. Once you’ve bought a book -- or download a free one -- it’s displayed on your Bookshelf. Just tap it to start reading.
The Commission will focus on alleged illegal agreements restricting competition in the EU. The UK's Office of Fair Trading has already carried out a similar inquiry. The character and terms of agreements that the companies made with agencies are to be examined for breaches of EU rules on cartels, notes the "BBC."
In a statement, the Commission says it will "in particular investigate whether these publishing groups and Apple have engaged in illegal agreements or practices that would have the object or the...
NetSpot is new, free WLAN site survey software for Mac OS X
NetSpot 1.0 (http://www.netspotapp.com/) is a new, free app that lets you conduct a wireless site survey of almost any complexity for free. It's compatible with Mac OS X 10.6.x and 10.7.x
NetSpot allows collecting, visualizing and analyzing Wi-Fi data using any Apple laptop. It lets you conduct a wireless site (WLAN) survey of almost any complexity without the need of purchasing specific hardware.
All you have to do is to take your MacBook, load your area map, point your location on the map and NetSpot starts collecting Wi-Fi data around you. The software uses the standard Wi-Fi network adapter and its AirPort interface to map radio signal strength and other wireless network parameters and build reports on top of that. It lets you see how your wireless network operates in your office, house, campus, cafe, airport, or just about any building or area.
Modest Mouse to headline Macworld / iWorld kickoff celebration
IDG World Expo says indie rock powerhouse Modest Mouse will headline the Macworld | iWorld 2012 launch party on Wednesday, Jan. 25 at The Warfield in San Francisco.
IDG World Expo, which owns and produces Macworld | iWorld, also announced its partnership with Superfly Productions, the entertainment and marketing agency responsible for music festivals such as Bonnaroo, Outside Lands and Life is Good. Superfly and IDG World Expo will produce the opening night kick-off concert with Modest Mouse and host two special Tech Talks sessions that will focus on the impact of Apple technology on the film and music industries, respectively.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111205/NE17208 )
"We see this kick-off celebration with Modest Mouse as a perfect way to launch the new Macworld | iWorld," says Paul Kent, vice president and general manager of Macworld | iWorld. "Veteran and new attendees alike will enjoy this event. Modest Mouse has become an indie rock standard and one of the...
Mobile shopping goes mainstream
ComScore (http://www.comscore.com), a company that "measures the digital world," has released a study on U.S. mobile retail usage based on data from the new comScore Mobile Retail Advisor report.
The results showed that 38% of smartphone owners have used their phone to make a purchase at least once in the course of their device ownership. The most popular products purchased on smartphones during the month of September included digital goods, clothing/accessories, tickets and daily deals.
"Fueled by smartphone adoption, mobile is becoming a central part in the shopping funnel for many consumers," says Mark Donovan, comScore senior vice president for mobile. "In September we saw two-thirds of all smartphone owners perform shopping activities on their phones, including comparing products and prices, searching for coupons, taking product pictures or locating a retail store."
Digital content purchases, such as music, eBooks, TV episodes and movies, were the most popular mobile purchases...
Companies have long term plans to invest in data centers
A new survey conducted by CoreNet Global and Newmark Knight Frank shows that despite increases in cloud computing, 50% of companies are investing and planning over the long term to build or expand data centers that they manage as a corporate entity. (Apple opened a 500,000-square-foot data center in Maiden, N.C., earlier this year.)
The survey pointed out that companies are most concerned with risk management and business continuity when deciding where to locate their data centers. One result is a preference for most companies to maintain management of data center operations internally, and not to outsource the function.
"Data centers are the digital-age equivalent of the engine room driving today's globally networked corporate enterprise," observes Bryan Loewen, senior managing director, Data Centers, for Newmark Knight Frank Global Corporate Services. "The reliable, secure, continuous and efficient operation of data centers has thus become a function vital to the profitability of...
PhotoBrain is new image identification software for Mac OS X
PhotoBrain is a new image search engine from Matlab-K for Mac OS X (10.6.6 and higher). It costs $8.99 USD and is available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Photography category.
PhotoBrain on a local drive uses image/picture/photo identification technology, rather than keywords or metadata. The folks at Matlab-K say that Mac users will find it handy when the same images and photographs are multiplied in the hard drive, because they are duplicated, copied or simply renamed.
Pelican unveils five HardBack cases
Pelican Products (http://www.pelican.com) has introduced a range of HardBack Protector Cases as travel armor for portable electronics from 7-inch and 10-inch tablets to 14-inch and 15-inch laptops.
Produced from a design partnership with BMW DesignWorks, the HardBack series cases are built with all the legendary features of a Pelican case: crush resistant, watertight and an automatic pressure equalization valve that prevents vacuum lock to make it easier to open at any altitude, says Dinis Jablonski, director of Product Management.
In addition, all cases in the series offer anti-scratch foam inserts to add another layer of protection for delicate electronics. To ensure that they stay shut in tough conditions, they also sport stainless steel hardware and easy-snap latches.
The Pelican 1055 HardBack case is designed to protect tablet-type computers and eReaders up to 8-inches including the Kindle Fire, NOOK Color, BlackBerry Playbook and Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.1.
The Pelican 1065...
Print version of 'Xcode Tools Sensei' available
Me and Mark Publishing has released the print version of Mark Szymczyk’s book "Xcode Tools Sensei." The book is a guide to Apple’s developer tools for building Mac and iOS applications. In addition to covering Xcode 4 and Interface Builder, the book covers Instruments, OpenGL tools, and command-line tools.
The print version of the book costs US$40. You can buy it at Amazon or directly from the publisher. An electronic version of "Xcode Tools Sensei" is available for $20 (US). More information about the book, including a sample chapter, is available at http://www.meandmark.com/xcodebook.html .
Kaspersky Lab Virus Scanner available in Mac App Store
Kaspersky Lab, a developer of secure content and threat management solutions, is says Kaspersky Virus Scanner, a new and lightweight application to secure Mac computers, is now available at the Mac App Store for US9.99.
Kaspersky Virus Scanner detects and removes both Mac and Windows-based malware that may be hiding on machines. This ensures Mac users will not inadvertently store or spread Windows and Linux malware to other computers on their home network, or using shared storage, according to the folks at Kaspersky Lab.
When running an on-demand scan, the software will automatically update itself with the newest malware databases to identify and eliminate any emerging threats. When not in use, Kaspersky Virus Scanner purportedly won't impinge on the Mac’s system performance.
It has a multilingual interface that supports English, German or French. Kaspersky Virus Scanner is sold with a life long license in all European countries, so no annual renewal is required.
LifeProof offers new iPhone accessories
LifeProof (http://www.lifeproof.com) has introduced belt clips and bike mounts for the iPhone.
LifeProof is an everyday case that protects the iPhone from any usual hazard encountered in daily life. Using LifeProof in Motion accessories, LifeProof users can swim laps in the pool, bike through rugged terrain, drive cross country on a motorcycle using GPS, stay connected on the work site and more, while having full access to all iPhone functions.
All accessories are fully compatible with Bluetooth headsets and provide a one-handed release latch for fast insertion and removal of the LifeProof case. They include:
° LifeProof belt clip 1.5 (US$29.99): Made of lightweight, honeycomb construction, the LifeProof belt clip fits securely onto a belt and features high-impact materials for optimal strength-to-weight ratio. Both the LifeProof 1.5-inch and 2-inch belt clips include an integrated lock switch to prevent unwanted removal of the iPhone.
° LifeProof belt clip 2.0 ($29.99): The larger...
InfoWallet for Mac OS X revved to version 1.3.17
InfoWallet (http://www.infowallet.com) -- a software program that keeps a person's information private, yet available, and works on any USB flash drive or computer -- has been updated to version 1.3.7. It's a maintenance release.
InfoWallet consolidates, organizes, and provides access to all of the user's most sensitive, private information in one place. It has interactive templates for the recording of personal information.
InfoWallet 1.3.17 available as a free trial download. Individual licenses are US$19.99, "couple licenses" are $29.99, family licenses are 39.99, and group licenses are $19.99 to $11.99 each, depending on quantity
ActionStep targeting Mac-based businesses
SaaS provider ActionStep is now actively targeting Mac users. The company ActionStep gives small and medium-sized businesses the ability to manage all areas of their organization online, in a single system.
Features include sales/CRM, marketing, accounting, time recording, workflow, document management, intranet, email, calendar and more. The software is highly configurable, so ActionStep can be quickly adapted to meet the needs of most companies, across a wide range of industries, according to CEO Ted Jordan. The company's website (http://www.actionstep.com) presents a range of case studies and a free 30 day trial (http://setup.actionstep.com/).
TAB Rest is new wrist rest for the iPad
NewMacgadgets has introduced TAB Rests (http://macte.ch/2fRMC) for the iPad. They're a foam cushioned base with wrist rest support designed to provide a better way to hold your tablet.
The soft foam base sits on your lap to provide a better viewing angle. TAB Rests cost US$14.95 each.
Norman announces cross-platform online backup service
Norman has announced the global availability of Online Backup for consumer personal computers, delivering storage with flexible access from Macs and PCs, as well as mobile platforms including iOS and Android devices.
A free introductory version of Norman Online Backup is immediately available with a purchase of Norman Security Suite and Norman Security Suite Pro. Norman Online Backup is also sold separately in 20GB, 100GB and unlimited storage versions. Existing Norman security customers are offered a 60-day free trial on the unlimited plan. To purchase Norman Online Backup, go to http://www.norman.com .
