LightTable is a virtual canvas application for Mac OS X
Einstein's legacy (www.einsteinslegacy.com) has released LightTable 1.0.2, an update to its virtual canvas application for Mac OS X. It requires Mac OS X 10.7 or higher and is available for US$39.99 at the Mac App Store in the Photography category (http://tinyurl.com/bx3c8ar).
Designed for photographers, graphic designers and other creative professionals alike, it allows anyone to move, resize, stretch, stack and align images just like they would on a physical light table. The app is designed to make it easier to identify the visual dynamics created when images are aligned in a two-dimensional space.
Lightable's dynamic canvas sizing allows users to change the canvas size to fit any content they are working with. Its flexible lets users move, resize, stretch, stack and align one of more images anywhere on the canvas.
Lightable's multiple resolution support provides control over the pixel density used to display the canvas. Sharing enables users to drag'n drop items from image...
Adobe to quit selling boxed copies of Creative Suite software
Adobe will stop boxed sales of its Creative Suite software, making its packages for creative pros available online or by subscription only, reports "TechHive" (http://tinyurl.com/a8vp32o).
"As Adobe continues to focus on delivering world-class innovation through Creative Cloud and digital fulfillment, we will be phasing out shrink-wrapped, boxed versions of Creative Suite and Acrobat products," an Adobe spokesperson told the publication in an email. The company continued, "Electronic downloads for Creative Suite and Acrobat products will continue to be available -- as they are today -- from both Adobe.com, as well as reseller and retail partners. We are in the process of notifying our channel partners and customers, as plans solidify in each region."
Cook to be deposed in ebook legal brouhaha
A judge has ruled that Apple CEO Tim Cook must sit for a deposition in the U.S. government's lawsuit against the company over alleged price-fixing in the ebook market, reports "Reuters" (http://tinyurl.com/d5888dg).
U.S. District Judge Denise Cote in Manhattan granted the Justice Department's request to compel Cook to testify for four hours in the lawsuit, which accuses Apple of conspiring with five publishers to raise e-book prices. The government had argued that Cook likely had relevant information about Apple's entry into the e-books market.
Apple fought the request, saying Cook's testimony would be "cumulative and duplicative" since the government had already deposed 11 other executives at the iPad maker, notes "Reuters."
Matrox announces Avio F125 dual video KVM extenders
Matrox Graphics (www.matrox.com) has announced the Matrox Avio F125, a fiber-optic KVM extender, which separates dual HD video, keyboard, mouse, stereo analog audio and USB 2.0 devices from a workstation.
The Avio F125 features flexible connectivity options. Its transmitter/receiver pair extends two single-link DVI (2x1920x1200) or one dual-link DVI (2560x1600 or 4096x2160) video, and multiple high-speed USB 2.0 compliant devices from the host computer by up to 1,312 feet over multimode cable and 2.5 miles over single-mode cable.
The Avio F125 stands out for its ability to transmit all signals with zero compression and zero latency on a single duplex LC-LC fiber-optic cable, according to Caroline Injoyan, business development manager at Matrox Graphics. Designed for high-performance environments, Avio F125 delivers fluid graphics and video playback making it ideal for broadcast, post production, Pro A/V, industrial process control, oil and gas, 3D design and visualization, and...
'Old Clockmaker's Riddle' comes to the Mac, iOS
Old Clockmaker's Riddle, from G5 Entertainment & Dava, is now available for Mac OS X -- and iOS users can enjoy the match-three puzzle game in a full version, as well.
Here's how the game is described: "Life changes instantly in a small country village when the town's massive clock tower suddenly stops working. The place suddenly falls into decay. Intrigued by the riddle of the dying town, you head on an adventure to help the city. You'll play over 50 tantalizing levels to remove the curse and return the town to its former glory. Mr. Ryan, who lives in the only intact house, will help you unfold the story and make useful tools for you to progress in the game.
"You need to drag and swap shining gems to make a match of at least three in a row and reveal a proper number of clock hands to restore one of the destroyed buildings. There are obstacles and bonus gems aplenty, as you'll encounter pieces that can be swapped by frozen pieces. Frozen parts will simply fall to the bottom of the...
Small wireless providers backing bills to unlock mobile phones
Regional and rural wireless providers are backing several bills in Congress that would let consumers unlock mobile phones and tablet computers -- such as the iPhone and iPad -- without carriers’ permission, reports "Bloomberg" (http://tinyurl.com/bb9z33g). Big phone companies such as AT&T and Verizon often land exclusive rights to offer the hottest devices, and U.S. rules currently prohibit altering software to let new phones from one carrier to work on other networks, the article notes.
"Smaller carriers have a very difficult time getting access to smartphones and handsets," Steven Berry, president of the Competitive Carriers Association, which represents such companies as U.S. Cellular and Bluegrass Cellular, told "Bloomberg." "The unlocking is one way the consumer can make the decision that I can try someone else who has better coverage in the area where I live or play."
The Washington-based trade group is seeking to undo a Library of Congress decision, backed by largest U.S....
Panel Pop Transitions released for Final Cut Pro X
Noise Industries is bringing 26 panel transitions with Panel Pop from Stupid Raisins. It allows editors to drag and drop effects in Final Cut Pro X for fluidity throughout their entire show.
Panel Pop offers the ability to change direction, timing, and motion for each transition. Features include 348 animated presets and customizable panel direction, motion, and timing.
Panel Pop is available for US$49 from the Noise Industries website (http://tinyurl.com/d62k2o4). It comes with a 30-day money back guarantee.
Researchers: Macs aren't immune to malware
Mac computers aren't immune to malware, despite popular opinion to the contrary, Zheng Bu, senior researcher for FireEye (a company that makes anti-malware products), tells the "San Jose Mercury News" (http://tinyurl.com/afvpq8k).
Some Mac users have this perception that the Mac is free from hacks "and that is completely wrong, he says. Kevin Haley, Symantec director of product management for security response, told the "Mercury News" that some Mac users "have let their guard down."
The article says that the Mac is becoming a more attractive target for hackers. Last year, the Flashback Trojan malware infected an estimated 600,000 Macs by appearing to be a browser plug-in but actually stole personal information. In February, Apple said Macs operated by Apple employees were infected with Java-related malware when they visited a software development website.
"Both Apple and Windows need to work closely with third-party (software makers) to make safer software," Haley told the "Mercury...
AKVS HDRFactory for Mac OS X gets new Crop tool
AKVIS has released AKVIS HDRFactory 3.5 for Mac OS X and Windows. The new version adds a new Crop tool, which helps to remove unwanted areas and reduce image size.
HDRFactory creates HDR images from a series of photographs taken at different exposures. It can also imitate the HDR effect on any single photo.
AKVIS HDRFactory can be used as a standalone program and as a plugin to image editors. It sells for US$69 for the Home version, $99 for the Home Deluxe, and $189 for the Business version. For more info go to http://akvis.com .
Simon 3.5 includes Mountain Lion improvements
Dejal Systems (www.dejal.com/simon) has released version 3.5 of Simon, its server monitoring tool for Mac OS X. It checks websites and many other kinds of services for changes or failures, with lots of notification and reporting options.
Version 3.5 includes a number of improvements and fixes for OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion) support. It also includes improvements to the Web (HTTP) Twitter, Calendar, Script, Email and Speech plug-ins.
Dejal Simon 3.5 costs US$49 for new users; a full-featured demo is available for download. This is a free update for licensed Simon 3 users; upgrades from version 2 start at $19.
Voila for Mac OS X gets beefed up recording features
Global Delight (www.globaldelight.com) has rolled out the latest version of Voila, their productivity utility software tool for Mac OS X 10.5.8 or later. The free update contains improvements to the video recording capabilities with pause/resume option, menu only icon for capture/record features when the program is quit from running and more.
Voila is a screen-capture, recording and annotation tool designed as a replacement for Mac OS X's screen-capture and screen-recording capabilities. It has a large set of editing, organizing, annotation and effects tools that allows the user to create and add details to screenshots, tutorials, videos and presentations.
Voila is priced at US$29.99 and is available for immediate download on the Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/bk2ffqe) and the Global Delight web site. A demo is available for download at the Global Design site.
MoneyWiz 1.4 for Mac updated with more than 50 new features
SilverWiz (http://silverwiz.com) has released MoneyWiz 1.4 for Mac OS X 10.6 and higher. The update to this personal finance software, adds more than 50 new features and is free for all existing customers.
MoneyWiz is a complete personal finance software that allows people to manage accounts, budgets and bills, generate reports and much more. It features a custom made cloud syncing solution that allows people to automatically synchronize their financial data across multiple devices.
MoneyWiz costs US$24.99 and is and available through the Mac App Store in the Finance category (http://tinyurl.com/a49v5ok). iPad and iPhone versions are also available.
SCSC adds how-to section to their web site
Software and Computer Systems Company has created a new how-to section for their web site, with its first entry titled "Analyzing Mountain Lion Performance Problems with Activity Monitor."
The document describes some of the performance problems in Mountain Lion that currently plague some of the OS users, and gives examples of how to identify them using Activity Monitor. The article also includes a list of common problems and even a bug or two that many people may run across. For more info go to http://scsc-online.com/How-To.html .
Excel Software releases OfficeProtect 2.0
Excel Software (www.excelsoftware.com) has announced OfficeProtect 2.0 to protect Microsoft Office documents with a secure software license. Using OfficeProtect with either QuickLicense or AppProtect, a user-editable Excel spreadsheet is converted into a protected application.
OfficeProtect now supports two protection models: the VBA Bound License and Encrypted XLSM. A VBA Bound License uses password protected VBA code to bind an Office document to the QuickLicense runtime file. The Encrypted XLSM approach allows an Excel spreadsheet to be distributed as an application that's activated for a specific computer, but allows editing changes to be saved as encrypted documents.
The VBA Bound License supports Excel spreadsheets, Macros or Add-Ins for Excel, Word or PowerPoint. OfficeProtect includes ready-to-paste Visual Basic code and step-by-step instructions to bind a document to a license configured with the QuickLicense protection and licensing system. OfficeProtect supports documents...
GRID for Mac arrives March 28
Feral Interactive says that BAFTA award-winning racing game GRID will be released for the Mac on March 28. Developed and published by Codemasters for PC and consoles, GRID is part of the celebrated TOCA Touring Car series and comes to the Mac under the Feral Legends label.
Here's how the game is described: "Style meets substance in GRID, an exhilarating mix of sublime handling, dazzling visuals and extreme speed that puts players behind the wheel of massively race-tuned road cars by manufacturers such as Porsche, Lamborghini and Aston Martin. With a sophisticated damage model, adjustable difficulty settings and a handy 'Flashback' feature, GRID rides the sweet spot between sim realism and full-on arcade racing.
"GRID World is an extensive career mode that sees players race their way around the world from the US to Europe to Japan on spectacular tracks ranging from city streets to mountain roads to famous circuits such as Spa and Le Mans. Players are challenged to advance from rookie...
Satchi ships 10-port USB 3.0 hub
Satechi has released the 10-port USB 3.0 Hub, a Mac/PC accessory that allows users to connect an array of devices including digital cameras, printers, external hard drives, keyboards, flash drives, smartphones and tablets in one easy solution.
It features nine USB 3.0 ports compatible with most USB-based devices and one 2.1 Amp charging port that's powerful enough to charge iOS and Android tablets. The nine USB 3.0 ports are divided in sets of three, each with an on/off switch and blue status indicator lights for each connected device to maximize efficiency. The 2.1A charging port also has an on/off switch to distribute the additional power to other ports when not in use.
Additionally, the hub is equipped with its own power supply. The Satechi 10-Port USB 3.0 Hub is available for an introductory price of US$49.99 at Satechi.net and Amazon.com .
FileMaker announces Developer Conference schedule highlights
FileMaker, Inc. has announced schedule highlights for the FileMaker Developer Conference 2013, the largest annual gathering of worldwide FileMaker independent and corporate database developers, trainers and users.
"Platform for Innovation" is the theme of the 18th annual conference, which features two new tracks and will be at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront hotel in San Diego, Calif., Aug. 12-15. Attendees will see live demonstrations by FileMaker staff and exhibitors and learn the ins and outs of creating custom solutions using the FileMaker Platform.
In addition to increasing their technical expertise, developers can network, get ideas, and exchange tips with over 1,200 FileMaker enthusiasts, from more than 36 countries during the four-day event. Developers can set their own agendas to focus on their most pressing interests and needs. Concurrent tracks include:
° New Design Track (11 sessions): "Discover the business benefits of great design and learn how to create eye-catching and...
App Studio pricing for InDesign users now starts at $99
App Studio (www.AppStudio.net) has announced new pricing plans for InDesign users. Now, for US$99 per month, designers who work with InDesign can create multi-issue native iOS apps for iPad and iPhone, or can create single issue apps for a one-time charge of $199.95 per app.
With App Studio designers use the layout tools they already know to create interactive content for tablet and smartphones with no coding required, according to App Studio. Designers only need InDesign and an App Studio account to get started. App Studio works with InDesign CS5, CS5.5 and CS6.
Interactive content can be previewed and tested in-full on iOS and Android devices using the free App Studio Issue Previewer app. InDesign layouts can be enhanced with slideshows, video, audio, native animation, 360º photography, hot buttons, cross-linking, swiping, scrubbing, pinching, tilting and more
Learn more about App Studio pricing plans at http://www.appstudio.net/Plans/ .
Skycure: iOS feature 'could' pose a security problem
Researchers from security company Skycure say they’re concerned about a feature of iOS that could be used by malicious actors to read information, passwords and even encrypted data from devices without customers knowledge, reports "The Next Web" (http://tinyurl.com/d297f5k).
Provisioning Profiles (mobileconfigs) are small files installed with a single tap on iOS devices. Their use is officially approved by Apple and there is nothing innately malicious about any given profile.
"But, if put to the right uses, they do open up the ability to read usernames and passwords right off of a screen, transmit data that would normally be secure (over HTTPS) to a malicious server where it can be read and a lot more," notes "The Next Web."
You can read more about Skycure's findings at http://blog.skycure.com/2013/03/malicious-profiles-sleeping-giant-of.html .
Qantas provides passengers with iPad
Passengers flying Australian carrier Qantas will now be provided with individual iPads which can stream more than 200 hours of movies, TV shows and music, reports "Hindustan Times" (http://tinyurl.com/bwmhtbd).
The new service will supply an iPad for use during the flight and is being offered in all classes on flights between Sydney and Honolulu on the airline's Boeing 767 aircraft. Entertainment programs are streamed directly to the Apple tablets using the aircraft’s inflight entertainment technology, Q Streaming, which taps into the plane’s onboard WiFi. Over the next few months, new interactive games, travel and business-related apps, as well as digital newspapers and magazines will be added, according to Qantas.
RAM Electronics announces new Apple-compatible cables
RAM Electronics (http://www.ramelectronics.net/) -- a manufacturer and distributor of home theater, audio and video cabling and connecting equipment -- has created a new series of high performance cables. The iPRO2 Series is a high performance docking cable for Apple devices.
The cables are made in the U.S. and will soon be available through the RAM Electronics website. The USB-compatible connection option allows continuous charging while playing when used with a standard 12VDC or 120VAC 1-amp to USB accessories adapter. Users looking for the highest quality sound can use these audio cables to connect their iPad, iPhone and iPod to their guitar amplifiers, radio and TV equipment, studio or PA mixing boards, car stereos, mobile device recorders, boating units and other audio equipment, says Steve Misbin , president of RAM Electronics.
Different iPRO2 series cable connectors are compatible with various input and output plugs. Choices include 30-pin dock connector with Lightening...
PCI Geomatics, GeoImage to offer free workshops in Australia
PCI Geomatics, a developer of remote sensing and photogrammetric software and systems, has announced that, together with its Australian Reseller, GeoImage, will offer a series of free workshops in Perth (March 22), Brisbane (March 26) and Canberra (March 28).
The workshops are designed to provide a better understanding of the variety of offerings from PCI Geomatics and how you can use the software to gain operational efficiencies. Informative sessions will be delivered on: PCI’s Desktop Image Processing software and Geomatica Discover, a new, standalone software tool for automated data discovery on local or network storage devices.
To attend the free workshops, you must RSVP. For more info go to http://tinyurl.com/b6f6xmb .
CNS Barcode plug-in for FileMaker Pro revved to version 1.4
Comm-Unity Networking Systems has released version 1.4 of CNS Barcode, the FileMaker Pro plug-in that provides scanning and generating barcodes.
This version fixes a few bugs and modifies how the plug-in handles Number data from FileMaker when generating barcodes. CNS Barcode is available immediately at http://cnsbarcode.cnsplug-ins.com/ for both Mac OS X and Windows
A single-user license for the client version of CNS Barcode is US$85. To use the Server Edition of CNS Barcode, you will need to purchase at least a 10-User License for $417. There are several other price points and information for educational/non-profit institutions on the purchase page for the plug-in.
If you already own a license for the plug-in, the update to 1.4 is completely free. All you need to do is download and install the latest version of the plug-in. A demo is available for download.
Native Instruments announces Komplete 9, Komplete 9 Ultimate
Native Instruments has announced the latest generation of its two industry-standard Komplete software bundles.
Komplete 9 includes 33 instruments and effects with six new additions, including the new Monark monosynth, plus the completely redesigned Battery 4 drum sampler. Komplete 9 Ultimate includes all 65 current Komplete Instruments and Effects at the time of release and over 370GB of content.
Each bundle now also features studio effects. And Komplete 9 and Komplete 9 Ultimate are available for the same prices as their predecessors Komplete 9 is available for pre-order at a suggested retail price of US$559. Komplete 9 Ultimate is available for a suggested retail price of $1,099. Updates for owners of Komplete 2 through 8 are available from $149. For more info go to www.native-instruments.com/Komplete .
CPUG Network announces the Las Vegas SuperMeet on April 9
The CPUG Network says the Twelfth Annual Las Vegas SuperMeet will take place on Tuesday, April 9, at the Rio Hotel and Convention Center's Amazon Ballroom in Las Vegas Nevada.
Doors open at 4:30 pm and presentations will begin at 7. The Las Vegas SuperMeet promises to be the single largest gathering of Final Cut, Adobe, Avid and Autodesk editors, gurus and digital filmmakers during the 2013 Nab Show.
Tickets are on sale online for the "early bird" price of US$10 each, plus ticket fee and $10 for students with valid student ID. It is expected this SuperMeet will sell out as historically every Las Vegas SuperMeet sells out. Early bird pricing ends March 12.
The SuperMeet agenda has not been announced and will not until shortly before the event, but will feature user driven presentations from the likes of Blackmagic Design, Adobe, Avid, Autodesk and Red Giant Software. In addition there will a featured industry guest and much more.
Rounding out the evening will be the "World Famous...
Second Apple-Samsung case gets the green light
Judge Lucy H. Koh of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, San Jose division, has ruled that a patent infringement lawsuit between Apple and Samsung may continue, reports "AllThingsD" (http://tinyurl.com/b6lnwax). Last Friday she had said she might consider putting the case on hold pending resolution of an appeal in another lawsuit.
Evidently, Koh decided there’s little to gain by postponing Apple’s second suit against Samsung until an appeals court renders a decision on the first, notes "AllThingsD." However, she decided that the case would benefit from a little streamlining, and Koh told both companies to "significantly" reduce the scope of the case by trimming down its claims and expert witness testimony.
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...
World Clock Deluxe for Mac OS X ticks to version 4.9.2
MaBaSoft (http://www.mabasoft.net) has released World Clock Deluxe 4.9.2, an update of its Mac OS X tool for companies and organizations regularly communicating with people across the world, for frequent travelers, and for home users having family or friends in other countries or time zones. Daylight-saving time information for Cuba and Paraguay has been updated. For more info go to www.mabasoft.cnet .
With World Clock Deluxe you can display multiple clocks in a configurable horizontal or vertical palette, in the menu bar, and in the Dock, and show the time in over 1,600 cities and 200 time zones, including Greenwich Mean Time and Coordinated Universal Time. The app also lets you calculate time conversions between different cities or time zones and show the current weather all over the world.
World Clock Deluxe requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later. It costs US$19.
Microsoft changes licensing agreement for Office
Microsoft has changed the license agreement for Office for Mac 2011, Office Home & Student 2013, Office Home & Business 2013 and Office Professional 2013 and standalone applications purchased through retail/resellers.
Based "on feedback from our customers who asked for additional flexibility," the company says the changes allow customers who have already purchased, or newly purchase, the WinOffice 2013 or MacOffice 2011 suites to transfer the software from one computer to another, effective immediately, says Microsoft. For the last several months, users were previously able to install on one computer, but not transfer to another.
Customers can now transfer their license and activate it on a new or different computer as many times as they want but not more than once every 90 days. In the event of a computer failure within 90-day period, the customer should call Microsoft customer support. Also, Office can be reinstalled on the same computer, as needed.
To transfer a Office...
Jumsoft updates Toolboxes for Pages, Keynote
Jumsoft (www.jumsoft.com) has released the first batch of new designs for Toolbox for Pages 1.1 and Toolbox for Keynote 1.1 apps.
The two updates feature a total of 74 new templates and 55 sets of illustrations. The designs are built for creating and illustrating brochures, newsletters, slide presentations, and various other types of content.
MoneyWiz 1.4 adds more than 50 new features
SilverWiz (http://silverwiz.com), creator of the personal finance software, MoneyWiz for iPhone, iPad and Mac, has announced update 1.4, which adds than 50 new features and is a free upgrade for existing customers.
MoneyWiz allows people to manage accounts, budgets and bills, generate reports and more. It also features a custom made cloud syncing solution that allows people to automatically synchronize their financial data across multiple devices. Among the new features in version 1.4 is the:
° Ability to auto-pay scheduled transactions;
° Ability to convert normal transaction to a scheduled transaction;
° Ability to split income transactions;
° Ability to make Scheduled split transactions (expenses & incomes);
° Ability to duplicate scheduled transactions;
° Ability to hide an account from the list of accounts;
° Ability to set the language of MoneyWiz within the app itself.
For new users MoneyWiz costs US$4.99. It's available in the Apple App Store (for iOS) and the Mac App...
Service release of Capture One adds new support for legacy...
Phase One (http://www.phaseone.com) has updated its Capture One 6 software with the release of Capture One 6.4.5. While the company has recently introduced Capture One 7, this release is in response to the needs of its legacy software customers.
Capture One 6.4.5 update provides several key bug fixes including support for Canon tethering on Mac OSX 10.8 and better support for Samsung EX2F files. This update is free to existing owners of all versions of Capture One 6, including Capture One Pro 6, Capture One Express 6, and Capture One DB 6 (digital back) software.
ATTO Technology to showcase latest products at NAB 2013
ATTO Technology will showcase its line of high-performance storage and network connectivity products in interactive workflow demonstrations at the 2013 NAB Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, April 8 through April 11.
Wayne Arvidson, vice president of marketing at ATTO Technology, says ATTO’s booth will feature the industry’s only complete line of 16Gb/s Fibre Channel solutions, including Celerity Host Bus Adapters (HBAs), FastStream RAID Storage Controllers, and FibreConnect Switches. Also on display will be ATTO’s ExpressSAS/SATA HBA and RAID Adapter family, including exciting next-generation SAS technology.
Additionally, ATTO will exhibit their FastFrame line of Network Interface Cards (NICs) and Converged Network Adapters (CNAs) that leverage ATTO’s expertise in FibreChannel and Ethernet technologies to support the increasing demands of network and storage bandwidth. ATTO is also showcasing their Thunderbolt technology-enabled Desklink devices, ThunderLink and ThunderStream, that enable...
iOS continues to consolidate its grip on the enterprise
As noted by "TechCrunch" (http://tinyurl.com/botllys), Apple’s iOS is consolidating its grip on the enterprise market and taking share from Android, according to customer data Egnyte, an enterprise file sharing and hybrid cloud storage company that offers cloud back-up and storage services.
In 2012, iOS marketshare rose to 69% (the iPhone and 42%; the iPad, 27%) compared to 30% for Android phones and tablets. Early 2013 data from Egnyte shows that for this year so far, the iOS has 78% marketshare (48% for the iPhone and 30% for the iPad) compared to 22% for Android phones and tablets.
"Apple seems to have at least temporarily won the hearts and minds of business users with its products accounting for about 70 percent of our traffic," Egnyte told "TechCrunch."
Trakdot luggage tracking device available for pre-order
Trakdot is now taking pre-orders for the Trakdot Lugage device. Created by GlobaTrac, fits into a checked bag, and reports city/airport location in real time to any cellular telephone. Those early adopters who place an order on Trakdot.com before April 27, 2013 will have their activation fee waived and will be among the first to receive the device.
Trakdot Luggage was designed to provide peace of mind over one’s valuables and take the stress out of travel. Once the tracker is registered, turned on, and placed in a piece of luggage, the technology takes over the rest of the work. Rather than utilizing GPS technology, Trakdot operates on cell technology to triangulate an active device’s location.
It will turn itself off just before takeoff, and then turn back on upon landing to confirm which city the bag is currently in and text the owner that information. Alternatively, users can visit the website to locate their luggage.
The product will be available in late June at a manufacturer...
Aquafadas rolls out new AVE AppFactory template
Aquafadas (www.aquafadas.com) -- a developer of digital publishing solutions and creative software for HTML5 creation -- has announced that ePublishers can now consolidate multiple magazines, newsletters, dailies and more publications into a single app using the new Aquafadas multi-title AVE AppFactory template.
A tool that allows independent publishers to create multi-title kiosk apps, the new template lets users manage title purchases via one single app rather than creating a dedicated App for each individual title. With only one app to manage all titles, publishers have many more opportunities to cross-market titles and strengthen brand recognition, says Aquafadas CEO Claudia Zimmer.
Once a customer downloads the publisher’s app, they are able to browse through and purchase titles in one outlet. The Aquafadas multi-title app template offers banners that can be easily managed, says Zimmer. Publishers can target messages or showcase issues, offering a more engaging experience to...
Sonnet announces 10-Gigabit Ethernet PCI Express Network Adapter...
Sonnet Technologies has announced the launch of its Presto 10GbE 1-Port and Presto 10GbE Server 2-Port 10-Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) PCIe cards.
These Sonnet adapter cards enable users to connect their computers and servers to high-speed infrastructure and storage systems using the 10GbE standard, which offers up to 10 times the performance of Gigabit Ethernet.
Both Presto 10GbE network adapters are low-profile x8 PCIe adapter cards that install easily into the PCIe slot of a computer or Thunderbolt™-to-PCIe expansion chassis. Both cards connect to a switch or other 10GbE interface via fiber-optic or copper cable (sold separately).
The Presto 10GbE 1-Port (part number G10E-SFP-E) and Presto 10GbE Server 2-Port (part number G10E-SFP-2X-E2) cards, and the 10GBase-SR SFP+ (part number G10E-SFP-SR) and 10Base-LR SFP+ (part number G10E-SFP-LR) transceivers are available now. More information on these products and pricing is available at www.sonnettech.com/product/computercards/index.html.
Free trial of Access Database Reader MDB ACCDB Viewer available
Egger Apps is now offering a free trial of MDB ACCDB Viewer, which the company says has helped 13,000 Mac users reclaim the data stored in Microsoft Access databases.
Previously, MDB ACCDB Viewer was exclusively available as a paid application on the Mac App Store. In addition to the free trial, customers now have the option of purchasing the app outside the Mac App Store.
What is MDB ACCDB Viewer? Access databases (ACCDB and MDB files) are ubiquitous in the Windows world. They're used for everything, ranging from personal expenses to medical databases to genealogy research. Novice Mac users are often taken by surprise when they learn that they can no longer access their data after switching to the Mac. MDB ACCDB Viewer allows them to view databases on the Mac, and to export the data for other applications such as Filemaker or Bento.
MDB ACCDB Viewer 2.2.2 includes bug fixes and adds support for exporting to the newer XML based Excel format. It requires Mac OS X 10.6.6 or higher. MDB...
Default Folder X 4.5.5 adds QuickLook when Saving
St. Clair Software has released Default Folder X 4.5.5, an update to their utility for Mac OS X. The new version corrects reliability issues with two features and adds QuickLook previews to Save dialogs.
Default Folder X enhances the file dialogs in all Mac OS X applications. Its custom keyboard shortcuts put your favorite and recent folders at your fingertips. It provides fast navigation to your files, convenient previews, integrated Spotlight tagging, and more.
Default Folder X 4.5.5 requiresMac OS X 10.5 or higher. It's a free update for existing version 4 users. The price is $14.95 or users who bought licenses before June 1, 2007, and costs $34.95 for new users. For more info go to http://www.stclairsoft.com/DefaultFolderX/index.html .
iPad shipments affected by lack of touch screen sensors?
iPad and iPad mini shipments may be affected by a lack of touch screen sensors, according to "DigiTimes" (http://tinyurl.com/adhdwhy)
Japan-based Nissha Printing, Apple's main supplier of thin-film touch sensors for the iPad mini, may not be able to supply enough of the sensors for Apple's next-generation tablets due to a lack of production capacity, the article adds, quoting unnamed "industry sources."
According to "DigiTimes," the next-gen, full size iPad is expected to use the same touch sensors as the iPad mini's thin-film DITO (G/F2) touch panel structure. This means that Apple will be looking mostly to Nissha to supply the touch sensors for both devices as the Japan-based firm is a leading provider of the technology, the sources said.
Nissha currently has an annual production capacity for 60 million 9.7-inch equivalent touch sensors, per "DigiTimes." Approximately 33 million iPads are expected to be shipped during 2013 while shipments of the 7.9-inch iPad mini are expected to...
Apple manufacturers reach 99% Supplier Responsibility rate in...
Apple has updated its Supplier Responsibility webpage to reflect a change in how manufacturers deal with the company's 60-hour work week limit, noting that a 99% rate of compliance was achieved in January, reports "AppleInsider" (www.appleinsider.com)
According to Apple's Supplier Work-Hour Compliance study, which as of January 2013 tracks over one million employees, the 99% compliance rate factors into a 92% average of suppliers that adhered to the company's Code of Conduct over all work weeks. Over the same period, the average time an employee worked per week was under 50 hours.
UK judge rules in favor of Apple in Samsung case
Judge Christopher Floyd ruled in a London court that Apple's products don't infringe Samsung's patents around the ability to send and receive information from a device over a 3G network, reports "ZDNet" (http://tinyurl.com/dy5owaz).
"We are disappointed by the court's decision. Upon a thorough review of the judgment, we will decide whether to file an appeal. For decades, we have heavily invested in pioneering the development of technological innovations in the mobile industry, which have been constantly reflected in our products," a Samsung spokeswoman said in a statement.
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.
PandaWare for Mac OS X receives update to version 9.0.5
The PandaWare Company has updated TimeCache, its comprehensive Macintosh time and expense billing application, to version 9.0.5. The update includes improvements to report and invoice display, and some bug fixes.
TimeCache is available as a free download from The PandaWare Company's Web site (www.pandaware.com/downloads.htm)l, and can be used to save up to 20 days' worth of data in trial mode. An US$70 license unlocks it for unlimited use.
Registered users of TimeCache 9.0 can update to version 9.0.5 for free automatically from within the application, or by downloading it from The PandaWare Company Web site. Other Mac OS X users can try PandaWare TimeCache 9.0.5 for free. Registered users of TimeCache 8.0 can upgrade for $40.
TMC brings Steve Wozniak to ITEXPO Las Vegas
TMC has announced that Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, will deliver the keynote presentation at their ITEXPO Las Vegas 2013, a communications and technology trade show.
Wozniak’s extensive background in computing science gives him a unique and profound perspective on technology, and ITEXPO Las Vegas attendees will gain the exclusive opportunity to access his insight on the evolution of the technology industry as well as his entrepreneurial advice, according to Rich Tehrani, TMC CEO and ITEXPO conference chairman. ITEXPO Las Vegas will be held Aug. 27-29, at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Conference Center in Las Vegas. Wozniak’s keynote address will be held on Thursday, Aug. 29, at 10 am.
Registration for ITEXPO Las Vegas is now open. For more info go to http://itexpo.tmcnet.com/west13/ .
Final Cut Pro X camera transitions released by idustrial...
Noise Industries, developer of visual effects tools for the post-production and broadcast markets, has brought XEffects Camera Transitions for FCP X to FxFactory.
An US$49 plugin package from idustrial revolution, XEffects Camera Transitions offers 28 different effects that reproduce still and movie camera film effects as well as still and movie projector effects. From a simple iris to a frame grabbing motordrive to a full "sprockets on show" projector film slip, this pack contains a collection of popular film and camera effects that will give footage an interesting vintage look.
Effects are customizable with direction changes, frame width, sharpness and roundness control, and adjustable blur. For more info go to www.idustrialrevolution.com .
Apple introduces education-only iMac
Apple has introduced an iMac especially configured for the education market, reports "Digital Trends" (http://tinyurl.com/azrkmu8). The all-in-one is US$150 less than its closest non-education counterpart.
For $1,100, schools and colleges can get a 3.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i3 machine with 4GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive. The $1,100 desktop computer happens to be $100 more expensive than the education-only iMac it replaces, which was introduced over 18 months ago. The new machine, however, comes with a faster processor, more RAM and twice as much storage space.
Analyst: consumer interest in the iPhone 5, iPad may be waning
In a note to clients -- as reported by "CNET" (http://tinyurl.com/aj59llz) -- Citi analyst Glen Yeung thinks consumer interest in the iPhone 5 and iPad may be waning. He bases his assumption on a lower demand for parts.
"In conducting our regular field work with the hardware supply chain, we again find evidence of reduced demand to Apple's suppliers for iPhone 5 related components," Yeung says. "While production does not directly translate to sales (for example, we estimate Apple finished 1Q13 (Dec) with [around] 10M iPhone units in inventory), we suspect this is an indication of softer demand for iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S."
As a result, Yeung has lowered his iPhone unit sales estimates for the current quarter to 34 million from 35 million. Wall Street is eyeing around 37 million in sales, notes "CNET." Yeung's June quarter estimate remains the same at 25 million, which is below Wall Street's consensus of 32 million.
The Citi analyst does hint that the reduced supplier orders could be a...
Apple asks judge to dismiss iPhone monopoly case
Apple has urged a federal judge to dismiss a consumer lawsuit alleging the company maintains a monopoly over iPhone applications, reports "Bloomberg" (http://tinyurl.com/b7nofad).
Attorneys who filed the suit in 2011 claim that a monopoly exists because an iPhone user who doesn’t want to pay what developers charge for applications available through Apple’s App Store can’t go anywhere else to buy them. Apple requires iPhone software developers to turn over 30% of what they charge for an application, increasing prices and excluding competitors from the iPhone “aftermarket” of applications, they claim.
As noted by "Bloomberg," Apple doesn’t set the price for paid applications. Charging a price for distribution of a product on a new and unique platform doesn’t violate any antitrust laws, says Apple attorney Dan Wall.
MacUpdate bundle lets you save on Parallels Desktop, more
MacUpdate's newest bundle packs 10 top Mac apps together for a savings of over US$550. You can find it at http://deals.macupdate.com/affil/6603 for just US$49.99.
The titles include Parallels Desktop 8, which lets you run Windows apps on your Mac; DEVONthink Pro 2, an information organizer; MotionComposer, for creating professional Web animations; Prizmo 2, which lets you scan/OCR any document or photo;1000 OpenTypeFonts Collection, which is complete with commercial-use and WebFont licenses; iStat Menus 4, which lets you monitor your Mac from the menubar; PhotoStyler 6, which allows you to add effects and personalize your photos; DiskAid 6, an utility for iPhone, iPad, and iPod owners; Intego Mac Internet Security 2013 (3-Pack), the malware solution, rebuilt for 2013; and MacUpdate Desktop (six months), which lets you keep all your apps up-to-date
As with all MacUpdate bundles, the apps included represent the newest versions. They're identical to individually purchased versions,...
Apple launches iBookstore in Japan
Apple has launched the iBookstore in Japan featuring titles from major and independent publishers, including a selection of books from Kodansha, KADOKAWA, Bungeishunju, Gakken and Gentosha. It allows book lovers to browse, buy and read books on an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.
The iBookstore in Japan has a wide selection of emerging and established authors including Shyotaro Ikenami, Jiro Akagawa, Atsuko Asano and Ryu Murakami, according to Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. Customers can choose from a selection of enhanced books, as well as digitally exclusive titles including Ryu Murakami’s fiction novels "At the Airport," "Exodus of Middle-School Students" and "I’ll Always Be With You, Always," which has interactive emails in each chapter to bring you even deeper into the story.
Children’s books including "Piyo-chan: A Letter for Piyo" come to life with interactivity, transitions and audio, while new favorites including “Toy Story 3: So Long...
Steve Jobs' biographer dropped from ebook case
Walter Isaacson -- the author of "Steve Jobs," the bestselling book about the late Apple founder -- won't have to share his notes or testify in a case about alleged price-fixing between Apple and book publishers, reports "paidContent" (http://tinyurl.com/af66t6v).
Class action lawyers had earlier demanded that Isaacson provide evidence, based on his interviews with Steve Jobs, about why Jobs asked publishers to sell books on the iPad. However, the author refused to hand over his notes and invoked a New York law that allows journalists to shield their sources in many situations.
The lawyers, who want Apple to pay for allegedly fixing book prices, had subpoenaed Isaacson and said the reporters’ shield didn't apply. However, court documents show the parties agreed to drop Isaacson from the case, notes "paidContent."
