WWDC Interview: TUAW and MacTech
While in San Francisco, TUAW and MacTech Magazine teamed up to speak to developers at Apple's WWDC 2013 about the keynote and how Apple's new technologies will help them and their customers. In the weeks to come, we'll bring you those videos on TUAW, MacTech and MacNews.
If you aren't currently a reader of MacTech Magazine, check out the special WWDC free MacTech on iPad issues for MacTech Magazine here.
This video features Neil Ticktin of MacTech Magazine and Victor Agreda, Jr. of TUAW at WWDC 2013. The two Editors-in-Chief discussed the announcements Apple made, and the reactions of developers to that announcement -- and in the end, how that will impact users.
File2Folder released for Mac OS X
Nikolai Nagornyi has announced File2Folder 1.0 for Mac OS X. It's an application that is designed to sort files.
File2Folder allows you to sort hundreds, or even thousands, of files with a single click. Users may move, copy, or delete files according to user rules. The interface features fast sorting.
File2Folder 1.0 costs US$5.99 and requires Mac OS X 10.7.3 or higher. It's available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Utilities category (http://tinyurl.com/k2wrdzg).
iHome introduces first docks to handle both 8- and 30-pin...
iHome has introduced their new line of Lightning docks that are capable of charging and playing both 8-pin Lightning and 30-pin iPad, iPhone and iPod models.
The iDL45 Dual Charging Stereo FM Clock Radio with Lightning Dock and USB Charge/Play for iPad/iPhone/iPod transforms the iHome dock into an alarm clock speaker system fit for both the Lightning pin connector as well as the legacy 30-pin connector. A special universal USB port charges and plays all Apple devices, while the Lightning dock accepts the iPhone 5, iPad mini, fourth generation iPad, and the new iPods. The US$99.99 iDL45 (pictured) also contains an FM radio.
The iPL10 Dual Charging Stereo FM Clock Radio with Lightning Dock and USB Charge/Play for iPhone/iPod is a compact alternative to the iDL45. It sports an USB port for charging and playing both Lightning and 30-pin powered iPad, iPhone and iPod models. You can wake or sleep to your favorite iPhone or iPod tunes or FM radio stations through high fidelity drivers...
Keynote Zone releases Tiles Keynote theme
Keynote Zone has released a Tiles Keynote theme designed to help users organize all their data. The theme includes 33 layouts, custom designed charts and tables.
It's available in both standard and HD versions for Mac OS X. From a range of photo layouts, users will be able to choose elements for their presentation.
The Tiles standard version theme for Mac comes in two sizes (800x600 & 1024x768) and is available for US$16 at the Keynote Zone site (www.keynotezone.com). Tiles HD version theme for Mac comes in five sizes (800x600, 1024x768, 1280x720, 1680x1050, 1920x1080) and is available for $20.
Tiles HD version theme for Mac is also included in the Collection for Keynote 12. It includes 12 HD Keynote themes, Extras slides and demo files and is available for $69.99 at the Keynote Zone site or at Mac App Store.
Flexibits releases Chatology for the Mac
Flexibits has introduced Chatology, a Mac OS X app that allows to you quickly find all of your messages in Messages or iChat. It allows instant searching with multiple filter options including filtering by image or link.
"We made Chatology because we were so frustrated searching for our messages," says Michael Simmons, co-founder of Flexibits. "There were no solutions to fix this so we created one, and we think all Messages and iChat users are going to love Chatology as much as we do."
Chatology is localized in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish. It's available for US$19.99 from the Flexibits Store (http://flexibits.com/chatology). Chatology requires Mac OS X 10.7.5 or later.
Researchers say they can predict iOS-generated hotspot passwords
Although iOS generates seemingly random passwords for its hotspots to eliminate the use of "default" passwords, researchers at a German university have found that they are able to break these passwords in under a minute, reports "ZDNet" (http://tinyurl.com/n7haj5f).
Researchers at the University of Erlangen in Germany say they've found a flaw in the automatically generated pre-shared keys used in Apple's iOS hotspots. They say the method in which these passwords are generated leaves them vulnerable to attack.
According to their paper, "Usability vs. Security: The Everlasting Trade-Off in the Context of Apple iOS Mobile Hotspots," the passwords are a combination of a short dictionary word followed by a series of random numbers. This does allow each password to be different, but, according to the researchers, an attacker can easily determine what passwords iOS uses for its defaults, because there's a limited list of words that are used to generate the password, notes "ZDNet."
Mac OS X increasingly attractive to cybercriminals
Security specialist Kaspersky is warning of the increased vulnerability of Mac systems to malware, reports "betanews" (http://tinyurl.com/kzgp5ok).
The firm says there are now more than 63 million OS X users in the world and that since 2010 the number of antivirus signatures for Macs has increased more than six times. According to Kaspersky the top five threats include becoming part of a zombie network via a compromised WordPress site, fake antivirus products like MacDefender and MacGuard, exploitation of software vulnerabilities, targeted attacks and network infections.
Update to Adobe Creative Cloud available
Adobe has announced that a "major" update to Adobe Creative Cloud, the company’s flagship offering for creatives, is now available. This release reimagines the creative process through a set of "CC" desktop applications and cross-device collaboration and publishing capabilities, according to David Wadhwani, senior vice president and general manager, Digital Media, Adobe.
Creative files can be stored and shared, via Creative Cloud, on Mac OS X, Windows, iOS and Android. Behance, an online creative community, is now integrated with Creative Cloud, so customers can showcase work, get feedback on projects and gain global exposure.
According to Wadhwani, the core features of the Creative Cloud update include:
° Creative Cloud experience on the desktop. With the new Creative Cloud desktop app, your entire creative world is synced and organized across your desktop, website, and mobile device. You can stay connected to work on Behance; track feedback; and install and manage apps and updates...
Eduoard for OS X gets sales return, partial sales credit notes...
Flying Pig (www.flyingpigcorp.com) has released Edouard 1.3, an update to its business management system for Mac OS X. The upgrade brings bug fixes and improvements such as sales returns and partial sales credit notes.
The software is designed for small and medium-sized businesses. Edouard supports classic business needs such as inventory management, contacts, purchases, sales, production, accountancy and more..
Edouard runs on OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion and has satellite apps running on iOS. Its license price is $1,299 per simultaneously connected user with volume licensing discounts. Licenses can be purchased at any time using Flying Pig's online store.
vjoon Overset Manager now compatible with Adobe Creative Cloud
vjoon has stepped up its support for customers who use Adobe Creative Cloud for professional purposes. The latest version of the vjoon Overset Manager plug-in now supports Adobe InDesign CC and InCopy CC.
Efficiency-enhancing plug-ins such as vjoon Notes Manager and vjoon Content Activator are to follow and will also be compatible with Adobe Creative Cloud products. vjoon Overset Manager measures the length of a specific text frame, column or the entire text flow on the fly without interrupting the writer or editor’s creative process. It also counts overset text in real time and shows this overflow in a special frame highlighted with a background color.
A demo version of Overset Manager is available at http://tinyurl.com/lobvwpg . Registration is approximately US$105.
MMColor for Mac OS X gets new GetScreenColor function
Comm-Unity Network Systems (http://mmcolor.cnsplug-ins.com/) has updated MMColor, an interface plug-in that allows you to create and edit color in FileMaker Pro, to version 1.6.3. The upgrade introduces a new GetScreenColor function that returns the color of the point under the mouse cursor from any part of the screen. This version also includes several bug fixes and improvements imported from other CNS plug-ins.
MMColor is a user interface plug-in that allows users to work with color palettes as they would in any professional design application. The software has functions for bringing up the system color picker as well as custom sliders for adjusting any component of any color space used by MMColor right in FileMaker Pro. MMColor supports the RGB, HSV, HSL, CMY, and CMYK Color Spaces.
Version 1.6.3 a free upgrade for anyone with a 1.x.x license. However, if you haven't upgraded to 1.6.x, you will need a new license key for this version.
A single-user license for the client version...
PhotoMarks is new photo watermarking app
PhotoMarks is a new photo watermarking program for that Mac and PC with a companion iOS app for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. It enables photographers, web designers, business people, and families to protect their copyrighted images.
The desktop version has a wizard-like interface with previews available for every step of the process. The iOS version has a beautifully designed interface, completely optimized for touch-screen devices and with support for multi-touch gestures.
PhotoMarks can completely customize the appearance of text and logo marks, as well as perform additional edits like resize, rename, auto rotate, or decorate photos with graphical frames, all in the same session. It works by editing photos in batch mode and takes advantage of multi-core processors for speeding up the process. Settings can be saved as profiles to be easily reused later.
The Mac version requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher and costs US$29.95. A demo is available for download at www.bitscoffee.com/...
D-Link gaming router available for pre-order
D-Link has announced the pre-order availability of its D-Link Gaming Router with Qualcomm StreamBoost technology (DGL-5500). It will begin shipping Aug. 1; you can pre-order at at newegg.com for US$199.
The D-Link Gaming Router offers AC1300 wireless speeds with traffic shaping and bandwidth management coupled with four gigabit Ethernet ports.
"The Gaming Router represents the ultimate in high-performance connectivity to give power users the ability and control they need to do what they love online without the concern or interruption of buffering and lag," says Daniel Kelley, vice president of marketing, D-Link Systems. "Today’s action role-playing games and MMOs are more competitive than ever and with limited bandwidth coming into the home, gamers need to ensure they’re making the most of their connectivity to maintain an advantage. With Qualcomm StreamBoost technology, the new Gaming Router is designed to do just that -- shape the network traffic to help gamers do more and lag less...
Apple issues statement concerning NSA, FBI tapping into servers
Apple has issued a statement regarding reports that the National Security Agency and the FBI are tapping directly into the central servers of nine leading U.S. Internet companies, including Apple, to obtain data. Apple's statement reads:
"Two weeks ago, when technology companies were accused of indiscriminately sharing customer data with government agencies, Apple issued a clear response: We first heard of the government’s 'Prism' program when news organizations asked us about it on June 6. We do not provide any government agency with direct access to our servers, and any government agency requesting customer content must get a court order.
"Like several other companies, we have asked the U.S. government for permission to report how many requests we receive related to national security and how we handle them. We have been authorized to share some of that data, and we are providing it here in the interest of transparency.
"From December 1, 2012 to May 31, 2013, Apple received between...
Power Manager gets on-demand scheduling tasks
DssW has released Power Manager 4.1.4 for Mac OS X. This release adds new on-demand scheduling tasks and addresses bugs.
Power Manager is an automation and energy saving solution for Mac OS X. It boasts a range of energy saving events, including the ability to run applications and scripts to a schedule.
For more information, and to download a 30-day demo version of Power Manager, go to http://www.dssw.co.uk/powermanager/ . Registration is approximately US$53 and $398 for Power Manager Professional.
System requirements are Mac OS X 10.6 or later for Power Manager, and Mac OS X 10.6 for Power Manager Professional. Version 4.1.4 is free for users of Power Manager 4.x. Existing users can update using Power Manager's automatic software update.
Microsoft releases Office Mobile for iPhone
Microsoft has announced Office Mobile for iPhone. It's available at no extra charge from the Apple App Store for Office 365 Home Premium and Office 365 ProPlus subscribers.
Similar to Microsoft's free Office Mobile for Windows Phone that ships with every handset, the iPhone app enables great Office content viewing and on-the-go content editing capabilities. After signing in to an Office 365 account, you can access, view and edit Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents from anywhere.
And, according to Microsoft, you can "count on Office Mobile to keep all your content and formatting intact so the document still looks great when you're back on your PC or Mac." For more info go to http://tinyurl.com/lms3xsq .
VPN Tracker 7 for OS X gets Network Scanner, more
Equinux (http://www.equinux.com) has released VPN Tracker 7.0, the newest version of its IPSec-based VPN client for Mac OS X. Key features of VPN Tracker 7 are Network Scanner, Accounting and an even easier rollout and license management.
VPN Tracker simplifies the roll-out of VPN software through a licensing and deployment system, according to equinux CEO Till Schadde. The Mail based software distribution automatically creates a special disk images that includes the correct edition of VPN Tracker, a pre-configured Secure Desktop and VPN Connection as well as the software-license. The software distribution is based on a voucher-system that makes licensing VPN Tracker child's play.
VPN Tracker is available in three editions. Existing VPN Tracker customers can purchase an upgrade to VPN Tracker 7 starting at US$49.90. Full versions start at $99.90. VPN Tracker Protection Plan members can upgrade to VPN Tracker 7 free of charge.
RaySupreme 1.1 for OS X gets 10 new modeling tools, more
BrainDistrict (http://www.braindistrict.com) has rolled out RaySupreme 1.1, an update of the 3D modeling and rendering program for Mac OS X, Windows and Linux systems. The upgrade sports: up to 10 new modeling tools; viewport background references; true point and spot lights; a revamped render dialog; global cut/copy/paste functionality for geometry; new OBJ Export functionality; and render quality improvements.
RaySupreme enables users to create 3D work by simply typing English text. People who are not experienced in 3D can quickly and easily create complex scenes and environments, according to Ritchie Lopez of BrainDistrict. This new approach to 3D graphics is called Text-to-3D.
RaySupreme includes: primitive objects, polygonal modeling, lathe, extrude, Boolean operations, smoothing, materials, and more. The rendering engine includes final gathering for global illumination, caustics, photon mapping, time-based lighting, procedural sky, simulated effects such as sun, stars, fog and...
Artboard for Mac OS X introduces social sharing
Mapdiva has updated Artboard (http://mapdiva.com/artboard), their vector drawing software for Mac OS X, to version 1.8. It's available exclusively on the Mac App Store in the Graphics & Design category.
The update introduces social sharing of drawings, new power-features, and enhanced performance. It requires Mac OS X 10.6 and costs US$25.99.
Artboard includes over 1,700 styles and fully editable clip art, including speech bubbles, buttons, maps and flags, people factory, and home planning, plus a library to store your own creations. The software features a style generator and stacked styles, providing a range of effects. It takes advantage of a Core Image-supported graphics card. A demo version, tutorials and more can be found at the Mapdiva web site.
Keyboard Maestro for Mac OS X revved to version 6.0
Stairways Software (http://www.stairways.com) has released Keyboard Maestro 6.0, a new version of its productivity enhancer for Mac OS X. The update includes the following: Macro Syncing Across Macs, Plug-In Actions, Styled Text, Control over Safari and Chrome, New Icons, Icon Chooser/Creator, and a Macro Debugger.
It also adds control flow such as While loops and If/Then/Else statements, as well as permanently stored variables and a complete calculation engine. Version 5 also includes an extensible library of pre-made macros, with a variety of macros that you can build upon. Also new is undo/redo support and revisions, so you can try out new macros with confidence.
Using Keyboard Maestro's macros you can: control applications, windows, or menus; insert text; open documents, applications or URLs; execute scripts; control the system or iTunes; and more, all with the touch of a key, click of the mouse, periodically or at specific times, when an application is launched or running, or...
ITC recommends import ban against Android-based Samsung devices
The International Trade Commission (ITC) staff has rejected Google's public interest arguments and recommends an import ban against Samsung, according to "FOSS Patents" (http://tinyurl.com/lsbdgof).
An Administrative Law Judge had found Samsung to infringe four Apple patents (three utility patents, one design patent), the article adds. His findings are now being reviewed by the Commission, the six-member decision-making body at the top of the U.S. trade agency.
"Some of the submissions discourage an exclusion order (import ban) against Android-based Samsung devices, while many just warn against the impact of an order that, due to insufficient clarity, might lead in seizures of non-infringing Samsung products by U.S. customs officers," Florian Mueller writes for "FOSS Patents."
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-...
P.I.S.D. releases Title Bout Championship Boxing 2013 for Mac OS...
P.I.S.D. has released its boxing simulation, Title Bout Championship Boxing (TBCB) 2013, for the Mac. The game features thousands of real boxers, with the ability to re-stage classic bouts or create "What if?" scenarios, such as pitting Sugar Ray Robinson against Marvin Hagler. TBCB can even be used to forecast upcoming fights.
Here's how the game is described: "Title Bout Championship Boxing also features Top Ten lists, complete statistics, revised and multiple ranking systems, full editing capabilities, and much more. Trainers, corner men, and referees are all part of the simulation, adding an extra dimension of realism.
"Title Bout Championship Boxing 2013 adds many new features, including: enhanced radio-style commentary; more realistic crowd noises; pseudo-animated fighters who throw punches, clinch, and get knocked down; ring girls who parade between rounds; organisational rankings; the ability to import multiple images of each fighter, as well as pictures of famous boxing...
WhereCloud Releases its AppCoreKit Framework
WhereCloud, a mobile development studio, has released its AppCoreKit iOS application framework as an open source project to help iOS developers transition to Apple's newly announced iOS 7 mobile operating system.
The framework is the result of WhereCloud's experience building great apps in a variety of business domains. The framework is already powering more than 50 applications currently available on the Apple App Store.
"We've packaged great implementations of the most common design patterns right into AppCoreKit, so you don't have to reinvent the wheel every time you sit down and start a new iOS project," says WhereCloud Chief Technical Officer Fred Brunel.
The framework and a number of high quality samples are already available on GitHub. iOS developers can quickly start evaluating and integrating the framework in new applications they are building, says Brunel. For more info go to http://www.appcorekit.net .
fScan Home Edition for Mac OS X adds support for more scanners
Elevated Software Development has updated fScanX Home Edition (http://tinyurl.com/ylnqlfq), their scanning solution for Mac OS X, to version 1.7.6. It adds support for new scanners
fScanX Home Edition was developed specifically to provide native Mac OS X support for high-speed Fujitsu scanners. The app's command-line utility gives developers the ability to control the user interface completely.
fScan X 1.7.6 requires Mac OS X 10.6.8 or higher. It's available at the Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/maf53fq) for US$39.99.
Enterprise Mobile launches consulting, managed services for Mac...
Enterprise Mobile, a business unit of Intermec Technologies, says it has added managed services support for the Mac OS X platform. Enterprise Mobile works with enterprise customers to plan, execute, support, and manage mobile device deployments, including smartphones, rugged handhelds, and tablets.
The steady strength of the bring-your-own-device trend has prompted more enterprise technology leaders to evaluate the use of personal devices at work. Along with the proliferation of iPhones, enterprise IT organizations are dealing with rising demand among employees to swap company-issued Windows PCs for Apple Macs.
In a 2012 survey, one leading analyst firm found that more than 60 percent of businesses reported plans to allow for a greater use of Macs over the next several years. This will amplify the need for provisioning, configuration, and support requirements specific to Mac environments, as well as depot capabilities for replacing lost or broken devices, says Bill Pratt, general...
ECBC introduces K7 Color Collection of laptop backpacks
ECBC has announced the K7 Color Collection of laptop backpacks. This collection of lightweight laptop, backpack and messenger bags are now available in a variety of stylish colors including berry, linen, green, blue and black.
Constructed of "Outdoor Industry Tested" 1000d Kodra material, these water-resistant coated K7 backpack and messenger bags are abrasion-resistant, and come in multiple sizes for added versatility. Each bag includes a high density foam compartment for laptop protection, a zip-away water bottle pocket and water resistant zippers. The collection is on sale starting at US$119.99 from EC-BC.com .
Klayman sues Apple, Obama, NSA and others for privacy abuse
Having already filed an US$3 billion dollar class action with regard to the alleged government privacy abuse by the Obama administration and Verizon, Larry Klayman, founder of Judicial Watch and now Freedom Watch, and a former Justice Department prosecutor, filed a new US$20 billion dollar companion class action suit in DC federal court today.
Like the prior class action suit concerning Verizon, this new case names President Obama, Attorney General Eric Holder, the heads of the NSA and the 12 other companies (including Apple) who have collaborated with the government in violating the privacy and other constitutional rights of American citizens.
The companies named in the suit which are tied to the government's PRISM- NSA scheme are: Apple, Sprint, T-Mobile, AT&T, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Skype, YouTube, PalTalk, AOL, and Yahoo. Larry Klayman issued the following statement in the wake of filing this new class action:
"This and the Verizon class action will serve to unify all...
EditShare announces expanded Ark Tape library options
EditShare has announced the expansion of its Ark Tape library product offering. EditShare Ark Tape is a media backup and archiving solution that integrates with the company’s high-performance shared storage and asset management solutions.
Powered by HP's LTO technology, the new Ark Tape libraries are available in 2U/24-slot and 4U/48-slot configurations, and offer a choice of storage capacity and interfaces. The units support LTO-6 or LTO-5 tape drives with SAS or Fibre Channel connectivity. For more information on the EditShare Ark product line including the Disk and Tape, go to http://tinyurl.com/kwg3reg .
ATTO announces support for new Apple products
ATTO Technology has confirmed continued commitment to the newly announced line of product updates from Apple, including OS X Mavericks, the radically redesigned Mac Pro, and the updated MacBook Air.
As a pioneer in Thunderbolt enabled solutions, ATTO has worked closely with Apple to provide connectivity to high-performance Fibre Channel and SAS/SATA storage, as well as 10Gb/s Ethernet networks in their ThunderLink Desklink line, supporting Apple’s full range of platforms, says Timothy J. Klein, president and CEO at ATTO Technology. For more info go to www.attotech.com .
Sonicmoov opens pre-registration for closed beta of Herlock game...
Sonicmoov has opened pre-registration for the closed beta version of Herlock, a JavaScript based cross-platform game engine. It's a development environment that supports simultaneous development of iOS and Android native apps.
Herlock provides an ideal environment for game development due to its ability to employ OpenGL with JavaScript, making it possible to perform high-speed rendering easily, according to the folks at Sonicmoov. Development time can be greatly reduced by eliminating the need to develop in each platform's language.
Fast development flow, they add.
You can gain access to the closed beta version by registering your e-mail address using the pre-registration form (http://herlock.do/en/). Sonicmoov will contact you via the e-mail address provided, regarding launch dates for the closed beta version.
FileMaker Technical Network welcomes 50,000th member
The FileMaker Technical Network -- a community for anyone who creates custom solutions for iPad, iPhone, desktops and the web with the FileMaker product line -- has reached 50,000 members. The FileMaker Technical Network offers free technical resources for FileMaker developers and users, all at no charge to members.
Geared to help members hone their FileMaker solutions and skills, membership in the FileMaker Technical Network includes: access to hundreds of downloadable scripts; calculations and functions; how-to articles; technical briefs and white papers; members-only webinars; development resources for FileMaker Go for iPad and iPhone; and access to an online developer forum for sharing FileMaker tips, ideas and expertise. Members can search for content on specific topics in English, French, Italian, Japanese and German.
Continuously updated with fresh content, additions in the past 90 days include new technical briefs and integration guides, webinars and multiple session...
Gefen releases DVI ELR Lite
Professionals requiring high resolution video extension in the workspace now have a new option for DVI extension. Gefen has announced the availability of its US$479 DVI ELR (Extra Long Range) Lite extender.
This new extender provides a less expensive option for many applications in smaller venues that don’t require the full 100 meter distance while maintaining the same level of quality. Distances up to 230 feet (70m) can be reached using one CAT-6 cable, and distances up to 200 feet (60m) can be reached using a single CAT-5 cable. The DVI ELR Lite Extender supports resolutions up to 1920x1200. ELR technology from Gefen uses HDBaseT to extend high resolution data using industry standard, unshielded cable.
Installation requires a connection of the computer or video source to the sender unit, and the extended display to the receiver unit. One CAT-5 cable connects sender to receiver, delivering high resolution video with zero delay. Sender and receiver modules have a small footprint...
Righteous Kill comes to the Mac
A thriller adventure, Righteous Kill has launched on the Mac App Store, courtesy of G5 Entertainment and Starz Media. You can try the game for free and unlock the full version for US$2.99 through June 13 (it's regularly $4.99).
Here's how the game is described: "The game is a hidden object mystery inspired by the film of the same name. You are a police detective in NY and have been just assigned to Vigilante Unit, a squad created to apprehend people who decide to take the law into their own hands. Your first case puts you on the trail of a husband who's suspected of trying to kill the people responsible for murdering his wife and daughter.
"It's up to you to find this man before he commits any more heinous crimes and bring him to justice. Follow the twists of the story and find out the truth about the killer. Search over 70 locations through 15 animated levels, play forensic based mini-games, find all the clues and stop the creep before he has another opportunity to kill!
"Righteous...
WaterField Design's CitySlicker case fits new MacBook Airs
WaterField Designs has announced the US$129 CitySlicker, a protective case that complements the MacBook Air's thin, light body and features lightweight layers of padded lining, neoprene, and impact-resistant plastic.
Measuring just an inch-and-a-half wide, the CitySlicker MacBook Air Case keeps the laptop snug in lightweight layers of padded lining, neoprene, and impact-resistant plastic. The black ballistic nylon exterior sports a supple leather flap that snaps into place. Customers can choose from a variety of leather colors. Small, stretchy pockets underneath the flap and a backside, semi-opaque pocket with self-locking zippers keep accessories organized. Options include adding a handle, a strap, or both.
What's more, WaterField offers nine additional sleeves and bags for Apple's newly-upgraded 11- and 13-inch MacBook Air models. For more info go to http://www.sfbags.com/ .
PipelineFX releases Qube! 6.5 for OS X, Windows, Linux
PipelineFX (www.pipelinefx.com), creator of render farm management software for digital media creation, has released Qube! 6.5 for Mac OS X, Windows and Linux systems. It includes new tools for job tagging, configuration, and reporting; the upgrade also sports improvements to Smart Farming functionality.
"In this time of industry turmoil, understanding the real economics of visual effects has become more important than ever," says Richard Lewis, CEO of PipelineFX. "Tools like cost accounting and the ability to Smart Farm actionable intelligence from your render pipeline offer proven methods for accurately assessing and correcting inefficiencies."
Qube! 6.5 now works with Autodesk 2014 products, and supports Maxwell Cooperative Rendering with "resume rendering" support. Customers currently on subscription can download version 6.5 immediately from the PipelineFX web site.
CS Odessa announces flowcharts solution for ConceptDraw PRO
CS Odessa (www.conceptdraw.com) has unveiled its newest solution for ConceptDraw PRO v9. The Cross-Functional Flowcharts Solution contains new tools for producing detailed process diagrams that can model business processes across any number of resources.
Cross-functional flowcharts are a standard diagramming technique. The new CS Odessa solution is designed to give user the tools to represent a process. Once a process is accurately represented, users can assess to see which parts of the process should be changed in order to boost efficiency.
The Cross-Functional Flowcharts Solution is a no-charge upgrade to ConceptDraw PRO v9 and is the latest addition to the ConceptDraw Solution Park. ConceptDraw PRO v9 retails for US$199, and competitive upgrade pricing is available upon request.
ConceptDraw PRO v9 is a cross-platform vector diagramming tool for business and office productivity. It works with Mac OS X and Windows.
iResizer for OS X revved to version 2.3
TeoreX has updated iResizer -- an utility designed to intellectually resize pictures and remove undesired objects, persons or empty space from photographs by "folding" photos -- to version 2.3. The update sports a one-click approach to the process thanks to smart analysis of the image and unique "folding" algorithms.
iResizer 2.3 virtually "folds" the image so that some parts of the frame overlap others, making them "invisible." This allows users to, effectively, shorten a space between objects or persons, hide unwanted pieces of the composition, exclude certain persons from the photo and more.
In addition to concertina folding of pictures, iResizer offers other image resizing tools. It's available for Mac OS X 10.7 or higher and costs US$19.99 for new users. Learn more at http://www.iresizer.com/ .
Epson announces new Expression Home XP-410 Small-in-One
Epson America has introduced a new addition to its Expression line – the Expression Home XP-410 Small-in-One for families and students. Designed as a complete wireless solution, it's a compact, sub-$100 device.
The Home XP-410 is Wi-Fi Cerfified n1, Wi-Fi Direct and Epson Connect™ for mobile printing from an iPad, iPhone, or Android tablet or smartphone.
The Expression XP-410 sports a 2.5-inch color LCD and touch panel and provides computer-free photo editing using built-in card slots. It comes with bonus templates for printing lined school paper, graph paper, calendar pages, and custom note paper with personal photos, all without a computer.
The Epson Expression Home XP-410 Small-in-One will be available in June through major retailer stores nationwide and Epson’s retail site (www.epsonstore.com).
iOS 7 Tutorials available today at iOS Guides
iOS Guides -- a provider of tutorials, Q&As and news for the iPad and iPhone -- has introduced iOS 7 tutorials.
Found within a new iOS 7 section, the tutorials reveal how to use Apples latest iOS update. They reveal new features such as Control Centre, how to use Spotlight search and more. Also available are detailed comparison features that reveal the design changes between every icon and app. Learn more at http://www.iosguides.net/ .
Pet Doc is new pet-raising simulation game for OS X
Runesoft has introduced Pet Doc 1.0, its brand new pet-raising simulation game for Mac OS X (10.4 or higher). It costs US$14.99 and is available worldwide through the Mac App Store in the Games category (http://tinyurl.com/kankmna).
Here's how the game is described: "Grow your own vet clinic to a thriving business and become every animal's best friend. In Pet Doc, players have to nurse cats, horses, dogs, birds, guinea pigs and rabbits back to full health. Build new kennels; expand existing buildings to provide more services. Nurse all the animals back to health in over 20 cases and more.
"Sometimes it might become necessary to accommodate the animals and take care of them for a couple of days, so that they get well again. You can build extra stables and accomodations for them. Playing with the pets and bear company are among your daily duties as well as feeding them, cleaning up and the daily treatment of your little patients. But although working with these lovely pets is a lot of...
Templates for MS Word Mix for OS X available
Infinite Loop Apps is expanding its assortment with anew product for users of Microsoft Word. Templates for MS Word Mix 1.0 offers a new look for your MS Word documents.
The application includes a collection of 60 document templates for commercial and personal use. The templates contain multiple layouts; currently there are more than 140 layouts.
Designs are sorted into 10 categories, including: Brochures, Business Cards, Calendars , Cards & Invitations, Envelopes, Flyers, Forms, Letters, Newsletters and Reports. The Templates for MS Word Mix gives you a selection of designs ranging from modern to retro, vintage. Also, specific documents like Newsletters, Reports or Brochures have different layouts.
All the objects used in the MS Word Templates Mix can be moved, resized, removed. All templates are available in the A4 and US Letter sizes, except for items like envelopes and business cards that come in the specific size.
MS Word Mix requires Microsoft Office 2008 or later and OS X...
Alien Skin Software ships Exposure 5
Alien Skin Software has shipped Exposure 5, the new version of its flagship photography effects software. Exposure 5 enables digital photographers to achieve accurate film simulation, using a wide range of creative effects in a simple interface, according to Terence Tay, designer of the software.
It can be used as a plug-in with host software or as a stand-alone program. The new version brings creative tools of traditional film photography to the world of digital, such as the look of discontinued films, darkroom tricks, and lo-fi camera quirks. Classic films like Kodachrome, Polaroid and even Panatomic-X are also simulated. Hundreds of preset effects can be applied. Exposure 5 includes both Color and black-and-white processing so there’s no need to switch between tools.
The entire user interface has been redesigned. Exposure 5 includes many new textures for a greater variety of vintage and "lo-fi" looks. There are now separate controls for adding borders, dust & scratches, and...
Monotype releases FontExplorer X Pro 4.0 for Macs
Monotype Imaging Holdings -- a provider of typefaces, technology and expertise for creative applications and consumer devices -- has introduced version 4.0 of its FontExplorer X Pro font management solution for the Mac.
The upgrade adds support for Web fonts, OpenType features and Monotype’s SkyFonts technology. It's available separately or as part of Monotype’s top-level Fonts.com Web Fonts subscription plans. Customers are able to take advantage of capabilities for selecting, accessing and managing large numbers of fonts.
Fonts.com Web Fonts Master and Professional subscribers are provided access to version 4.0 for the Mac and version 2.4 for Windows systems, which includes the capability to connect with SkyFonts technology. FontExplorer X Pro for the Mac may be purchased separately for US$89 through the fontexplorerx.com store.
Customers using FontExplorer X Pro Mac 2.0 or later can upgrade to version 4.0 for $39. FontExplorer X Pro licenses purchased on or after March 1, 2013 may...
Kdan Mobile launches Mac file management solution
Kdan Mobile has launched a new file management system, PDF Reader 1.0, for the Mac. It includes a proprietary reading engine, a full-fledged file tagging system and a set of editing tools.
PDF Reader is designed to complemented the pre-installed Preview on Macintosh computers. It provides an interface to help users organize, categorize, edit and transfer files. It can be used as a PDF file manager, annotation marker, and page editor.
PDF Reader requires Mac OS X 10.7 or later. It costs US$19.99 and is available worldwide through the Mac App Store in the Productivity category (http://tinyurl.com/l3gf9q6).
Native Instruments announces Traktor Kontrol Z1
Native Instruments has announced Traktor Kontrol Z1, a professional mixer and audio interface that connects to both the Traktor DJ App for iPad and iPhone, and Traktor Pro 2.
When combined with the Traktor DJ App, the Z1 adds headphone cue, and dedicated faders, filter and effects controls, and 3-band EQ for each channel. The integrated audio interface boosts audio output to club-ready levels. It also offers Traktor Pro 2 DJs a portable mixing interface.
Traktor Kontrol Z1 connects to iPad, iPad mini, iPhone or iPod touch with an included 30-pin connector. Using the Z1 with a fourth gen iPad, iPad mini, iPhone 5 or fifth gen iPod touch requires an Apple Lightning to 30-pin Adapter, which must be purchased separately from Apple.
Traktor Kontrol Z1 is available at retailers and at the NI Online Shop for US$199; a $50 e-voucher will also be sent to users upon registration of the included Traktor LE software.
The Traktor DJ App for iPad is available for $19.99 from the Apple App Store....
Intel announces Solid-State Drive Data Center S3500 series
Intel has announced the Intel Solid-State Drive DC S3500 Series, its latest solid-state drive (SSD) for data centers and cloud computing.
Designed for read-intensive applications such as Web hosting, cloud computing and data center virtualization, the Intel DC S3500 Series is designed as a replacement for traditional hard disk drives (HDD). Intel SSDs, including the Intel SSD DC S3500 Series, enable transformational improvements in cloud infrastructure, fostering new and enriching Web experiences, says Rob Crooke, Intel corporate vice president and general manager for the Non-Volatile Memory Solutions Group.
"Intel SSDs have enabled our chip designers to gain up to 27% performance throughput in our massive design distributed computing environment," adds Kim Stevenson, chief information officer at Intel. "In fact, we are increasing our deployment of Intel SSDs in our data centers from 10,000 units to 40,000 by the end of this year to enable our global design team to help bring...
Apple announces 2013 Design Award Winners
Apple announced the winners of the 2013 Design Awards at this week's Worldwide Developer Conference. They "recognize the apps that raise the bar in design, technology, and innovation."
The winners are WWF Together, Procreate, Badland, Yahoo! Weather, Letterpress, Ridiculous Fishing, Sky Gamblers, Coda 2, Evernote, Finish., and mosaic.io. You can learn all about them at http://tinyurl.com/phvy3tm .
AirPort Utility 6.3 for Mac released
Apple has released AirPort Utility 6.3 for Mac. You can use AirPort Utility to set up and manage your 802.11n and 802.11ac AirPort base stations, including AirPort Express, Extreme, and Time Capsule.
AirPort Utility 6.3 allows you to configure and manage the new AirPort Extreme and AirPort Time Capsule with 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and includes enhanced remote management capabilities. Learn more at http://tinyurl.com/m69fen7 .
'MacObserver' posts close-up photo of the new Mac Pro
"The MacObserver" has posted a close-up photo of the new Mac Pro. You can see it at http://tinyurl.com/m3v9obs .
The upcoming, totally revamped professional Mac desktop was unveiled on Monday at the Apple Worldwide Developer Conference. It will be released later this year. Pricing hasn't been announced.
ConceptDraw PRO and ConceptDraw Solution Park get new additions
CS Odessa (www.conceptdraw.com) has announced a new Workflow Diagrams Solution for ConceptDraw PRO v9, the new templates and libraries provide a new set of tools and features for ConceptDraw PRO to allow users to accurately diagram workflow scenarios.
The new Workflow Diagrams solution makes it easy to represent the transferring of data, documents, and tasks during performance of a work process, according to the folks at CS Odessa. A workflow diagram is a specialized type of flowchart.
ConceptDraw PRO is compatible with Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows. It retails for US$199.
