PhotoFast to launch i-FlashDrive HD
PhotoFast (www.photofast.tw) has unveiled the second generation i-FlashDrive HD, a two-way storage device between iOS and Mac OS X and Windows devices.
i-FlashDrive HD allows you to transfer, view and share documents, images, video and audio files between a multitude of gadgets and iDevices without the need for Wi-Fi, network signal or battery power. It's compatible with iPhone 5 and other devices with Lightning adapters as well as 30-pin connectors.
i-FlashDrive’s free corresponding app -- available at the Apple App Store -- delivers the ability to upload, organize, edit and manage files across multiple devices, including PC, iPad, iPhone and more. Additionally, you can store and play music and videos directly from the i-FlashDrive.
PhotoFast’s i-FlashDrive features built-in music play from user interface, photo import from camera roll, contact backup protection, voice recording and direct input of files. The 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models are offered as a combo kit, which includes both...
Nektar announces Panorama support for Cubase
Nektar (www.nektartech.com), the company known for the Panorama P4 and P6 USB controller keyboards, has announced Panorama integration with Steinberg's DAW Cubase.
Panorama is designed with DAW navigation and workflow in mind, making it easy to control Cubase while performing or recording without having to reach for the computer mouse or the QWERTY keyboard. Each control, transport or navigation button is automatically mapped to Cubase with a logical layout that's transparent thanks to Panorama's high resolution TFT display.
When changing tracks using the Track -/+ buttons, the track name and the type of track is called out on the TFT display. The Panorama P4/P6 motorized fader automatically adjusts its position according to the volume of the current track selection.
Panorama mainly controls Cubase through 3 dedicated modes; Mixer Mode, Instrument Mode and Transport Mode. Each of which is engaged at the touch of a button.
Panorama will support Cubase, Cubase Artist and Cubase...
Fork Particle announces Fork Particle Mobile SDK Free Particle...
Fork Particle, which specializes in particle effects technology for games and simulations, has released the Fork Particle Mobile SDK [software development kit] for Apple iOS.
It's free for personal and commercial use. Fork Particle Mobile SDK for iOS is designed for content creation by a range of game developers -- from casual to power users. This new addition to the library of Fork Particle applications enables delivery of high-quality particle effects including magic effects, fire effects, explosions, smoke, rain effects, fountain effects, fog effects and firework effects.
Fork Particle Mobile SDK for iOS is a WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) solution. This software development kit (SDK) consists of two major components: Fork Particle Runtime and Fork Particle Studio particle effects editor. To download the free version, or more info info, go to www.forkparticle.com .
Native Instruments announces Scarbee Rickenbacker Bass
Native Instruments has introduced Scarbee Rickenbacker Bass, a new Kontakt instrument featuring the sound of a Rickenbacker 4003 bass guitar.
Sampled by bassist and instrument designer Thomas Skarbye, Scarbee Rickenbacker Bass is also the first software version of this bass to be approved by Rickenbacker.
Rickenbacker Bass features two varieties of picked articulations – open and palm-muted. It's the first bass from Scarbee to offer picked articulations.
Scarbee Rickenbacker Bass is available at the NI Online Shop for US$99. For more info go to www.native-instruments.com/scarbeerickenbackerbass .
Rapoo TV for iOS launches at CES 2013
At this week's Consumer Electronics Show, Rapoo, a manufacturer of wireless peripheral products, announced Rapoo TV -- a receiver and remote solution to make any HDTV "smart." It connects any Wi-Fi enabled iOS or Android device to an HDTV allowing users to search the Internet, download apps and view web or smartphone content.
Rapoo TV can mirror the content from the connected iOS or Android devices onto the HDTV and convert the device into the TV’s remote control. Additionally, users can connect a wireless mouse and keyboard to Rapoo TV to search the web and use the HDTV as a large desktop.
Rapoo TV will be available in black or white in the first quarter of the year. For more info go to Rapoo.com .
Addonics introduces the Mini HDD Duplicator Station
Addonics Technologies has announced the US$45 Mini HDD Duplicator Station (http://tinyurl.com/a2muwqp), a compact storage device about the size of a desktop computer power supply.
The storage device is designed to be used as an 1:1 HDD/SSD duplicator or as a USB 3.0 docking device for up to two SATA hard drives. It's a tool for transferring data between different types of hard drives and flash memory cards, as well as for cloning hard drives or making back up hard drives.
When used as a duplicator, you simply insert the master hard drive into the SOURCE slot and the destination drive into the TARGET slot. You then press the CLONE button and the duplication process starts automatically. All the content, including boot sector and partition table on the master drive, will be copied onto the destination drive sector by sector.
The SOURCE and the TARGET drive slots are designed to accommodate standard 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch SATA hard drives, SSDs, or the Addonics family of 2.5-inch flash...
Apple, photographer settle eyeball image lawsuit
Apple and Swiss photographer Sabine Liewald have settled a lawsuit involving the alleged misuse of an eyeball image used during one of Apple's keynote presentations, reports "CNET" (http://tinyurl.com/avpoytr).
News of the settlement came in a court-ordered dismissal dated last Wednesday. The two parties were scheduled to meet for a pretrial conference earlier, says "CNET." Terms weren't disclosed.
Last October Apple was sued by the photographer who claimed the electronics giant misused one of her images by including it in a promotion for its latest MacBook Pro computers. Liewald said Apple acquired the rights to use the image of a model's eye (complete with make up) for "layout purposes only," as opposed to commercial use.
Global iBrands Top 20 announced
At this week's Consumer Electronics Show, the Global iBrands Top 20 were announced. It's an international competition targeting brands in the Apple-peripheral industrial chain, "aiming to build Global iBrands an authoritative international platform of communication and cooperation and to help brands in the Apple-peripheral industrial chain in their globalization efforts."
The event is sponsored by International Data Group (IDG) and supported by the team of Macworld, research firm IDC, and more than 300 trade media around the world. This international gala event centers on global Apple-peripheral industrial chain brands, and serves as a platform of international communication, display and cooperation for these brands. It "focuses on premium brands, reveals the glamour of technology and arts, and salutes premium quality."
Twenty top companies in the Apple industrial chain beat the others to take the crown at this iBrands awarding ceremony. The winners were: Otterbox, Ultimate Ears,...
Screenshots now locked in iTunes Connect after app approval
Apple has announced on its Developer Portal (http://tinyurl.com/bzhcn5t) that screenshots added to app descriptions will be locked in place once an app has been approved.
"Beginning January 9, app screenshots will be locked in iTunes Connect once your app has been approved," Apple says. "New screenshots may be uploaded when you submit a binary for an update to an existing app or a new app."
For more information on capturing and using screenshots, read the Xcode User Guide (http://tinyurl.com/agpc7hs).
Tim Cook meets with China Mobile chairman
Apple CEO Tim Cook met with China Mobile's Chairman Xi Guohua on Thursday to discuss "matters of cooperation," reports "Reuters" (http://tinyurl.com/a3sktz7).
"In the morning, Apple's CEO Tim Cook visited China Mobile's headquarters. China Mobile's Chairman Xi Guohua and Tim Cook discussed matters of cooperation," said Li Jun, a China Mobile spokesman, in an emailed statement.
No further details will be given due to a confidentiality agreement signed, the statement said.
Apple releases MacBook Air EFI Firmware Update 2.6
Apple has posted MacBook Air EFI Firmware Update 2.6 for mid 2012 models.
This update fixes a color issue with HDMI displays connected to MacBook Air, resolves an issue with Windows which can prevent MacBook Air from booting properly, and also resolves an issue where unplugging a Thunderbolt device may cause the system to freeze when waking from standby. The MacBook Air EFI Firmware Update will update the EFI firmware on your computer.
You can obtain the update via the Mac App Store or the Apple Support Site (http://tinyurl.com/avtr6qz). It requires Mac OS X 10.8.2 or higher.
Mac OS X software updates for Jan. 10
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
Left Coast Logic (www.leftcoastlogic.com) has rolled out SmartDay 2.0, which uses adaptive logic to schedule tasks into the free time in one's calendar, and syncs to their iOS organizers via their free Cloud hub. The update features one-touch notes and check-lists that can be linked to any combination of tasks, events and dates for true integration.
Thunderbilt, the email client from Mozilla (www.mozilla.org) has flown to version 17.0.2. It fixes some security issues.
Alexander Lindenstruth (http://www.wrench.at/CalendarMenu/) has revved CalendarMenu, which places a small calendar in your menu bar, to version 2.0.1. It adds an option to show vertical separator lines between weekday columsn.
Eternal Storms Software (www.screenfloatapp.com) has updates ScreenFloat, an update of the productivity tool that creates "floating" screenshots. Details on what the upgrade involves weren't available.
Apple rumors for Jan. 10
Here are the latest Apple-related rumors from the blog-o-sphere:
"Apple seeds fifth OS X Mountain Lion 10.8.3 beta to developers, public update near? The latest build hints that the Mountain Lion update could be released for Mac users soon." -- "Macworld UK" (www.macworld.co.uk)
"Apple CEO Tim Cook was seen on Wednesday China local time, visiting an Apple reseller during his recent trip to the country." -- "AppleInsider" (www.appleinsider.com)
"Is this what Apple's iPhone 6 will look like? Designer has created 3D images of an iPhone 6 with a new iPod nano-like shape and 'iOSX' " -- "Macworld UK" (www.macworld.co.uk)
FirmTek announces miniSwap/U3
FirmTek has announced the upcoming miniSwap/U3 for 2.5-inch solid state (SSD) and hard disk drives (HDD). It provides trayless, hot-swap, USB 3.0 external enclosure support for Mac and PC computers.
The miniSwap/U3 can be integrated as a portable on-the-go 2.5-inch enclosure, or as a space saving high performance trayless 2.5-inch desktop drive mounting station. Multiple miniSwap/U3 enclosures can be connected to provide advanced RAID performance, expanded capacity, and simple or complex storage configurations.
The miniSwap/U3 trayless bay design supports standard 2.5-inch Serial ATA SSD or HDD 9.5mm height devices along with 7mm, 12.5mm and even larger disks up to 14.9mm. The silver aluminum chassis features an attractive design made from aluminum to keep weight at a minimum while maintaining firm structural rigidity, according to Chi Kim Stanford, vice president of Business Development, FirmTek. The enclosure supports transfer rates of 500MBytes/sec or 5.0Gbits/sec.
The FirmTek...
Noise Industries releases Impackt Transitions for Final Cut Pro...
Noise Industries has introduced Impackt from Luca Visual FX to FxFactory. It's a plug-in pack that offers a collection of over 30 transitions that provide editors with a range of effects.
Transitions come with a multitude of simple-to-use parameters, allowing editors to create unique effects to fit virtually any type of project. Impackt is available now through FxFactory (http://lucavisualfx.com/Impackt.htm) for US$49.
Vandaurico announces Visio Viewer for Mac OS X
Vandaurico has announced VizMac Visio viewer for Mac OS X. It allows you to view, save and print Visio drawings and diagrams on your Mac.
Visio files saved as binary (.vsd) files must first be decoded using the VizMac web service before being able to view the drawing or diagram in VizMac. This transaction takes place in the background and is transparent to the end user.
VizMac Visio viewer requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher. It costs US$3.99 and is available at http://www.vizmac.com .
Pragmatic Bookshelf releases 'Mac Kung Fu, 2nd Edition'
Pragmatic Bookshelf has released "Mac Kung Fu, 2nd Edition" by Keir Thomas. It offers for over 400 tips, tricks and hints for Mac OS X.
The 424-page book costs US$39. For more information about the book -- including: errata, discussions, full table of contents, excerpts from the book and more -- go to http://tinyurl.com/a7zlxz9 .
Thomas is an award-winning author with more than 10 computing books to his name, two of which have been published through Pragmatic Bookshelf. A former computer magazine editor, his work has been published around the world and translated into many different languages.He has blogged professionally for the MacWorld and PCWorld websites, among others.
CES: Usain Bolt headphones dash onto the scene
At this week's Consumer Electronics Show, SOUL Electronics announced that it's teaming up with Olympic gold medal winner, Usain Bolt, to develop customizable, in-ear headphones made for the runner dubbed the Run-Free headphones.
The design of the Run-Free features flexible ear hooks that can be customized to fit all ear shapes and sizes, which eliminates the hassle of earbuds falling out during movement and strenuous activity, says Lan Kennedy-Davis, CEO of SOUL Electronics It can be customized to accommodate those who prefer the ear-hook clips for extra durability when exercising, or can be worn without them for a lightweight feel.
The Run-Free also features a straight wire cable with inline remote that allows for total control over music playback and smartphone functions. It also has a sweat-resistant design.
The Run-Free retails for US$199.95. It comes in black and black/green as a tribute to Bolt’s home country of Jamaica and is SOUL Electronics’ online store (http://tinyurl.com/...
Monotype announces commercial launch of SkyFonts
Monotype Imaging Holdings has announced the commercial release of its SkyFonts service, a system that enables typographic experimentation by allowing users to try or rent fully functional fonts. SkyFonts debuts with an inventory of more than 8,000 fonts.
Users can try fonts for free for up to five minutes within any desktop application or spend credits to rent fonts for as long as they’re needed. When the trial or rental period expires or if the fonts aren't renewed, they’re removed automatically from the user’s system.
Customers may sign up for a free account on SkyFonts.com . For a limited time, all new accounts will include 10 free credits. Customers can use the same SkyFonts account on up to five workstations. The system software runs in the background of Mac or Windows platforms to activate and deactivate OpenType® fonts downloaded from the SkyFonts portal.
CES: Buffalo introduces service for cloud access
At this week's Consumer Electronics Show, Buffalo Technology (www.buffalotech.com) announced its new BuffaloLink cloud storage solution, offering consumers a way to bridge digital content.
Available on the forthcoming LinkStation 400 Series, BuffaloLink securely connects users to their digital content for easy management and access anytime, anywhere over the Internet, according to CEO Hajime Nakai. BuffaloLink is a service that connects users to the content on their Buffalo network attached storage (NAS) device while away from home and consolidates supported Buffalo NAS devices for easy remote access from a single account.
Hosted by Buffalo on servers in the U.S., Europe and Asia, BuffaloLink is a free service on supported Buffalo products, such as the LinkStation 400 Series of NAS devices, launching in early 2013. BuffaloLink account registration and login to personal content is accessible at one URL: www.BuffaloLink.com .
CES: RODE announces stereo mic for iOS devices
At this week's Consumer Electronics Show, RODE Microphones (www.rodemic.com) announced the iXY, a stereo microphone for iPhone and iPad and iPod touch with 30-pin connector that allows recording at sampling rates up to 24-bit/96kHz.
At the heart of the iXY is a matched pair of half-inch cardioid condenser capsules, fixed in a 90 degree "near-coincident" alignment. The iXY uses its own high-fidelity analog to digital conversion ensuring all recordings are rich, smooth and accurate, according to Peter Freedman, RODE's founder and president.
The iXY’s small form factor and incredibly detailed performance makes it the perfect microphone for recording live music, meetings, lectures, reporting, dictation, sound design, and also is ideal for use on-camera as a dual-system recorder for DSLR, he adds. A foam windshield is provided for outdoor recordings, as well as a zip pocket to ensure the mic is always around when you need it.
The RØDE Rec App is available from the App store on iPhone,...
CES: Mushkin unveils Chronos SATA III 960GB solid state drive
At this week's Consumer Electronics Show, Mushkin (http://www.mushkin.com) has announced the worldwide launch of its new 960GB Chronos solid-state drive (SSD), slated to start shipping this month.
The newest addition to the Chronos line of SSDs offers 960GB of space, almost double the storage capacity of typical 2.5-inch form factor drives.The much higher storage capacity, combined with the performance and reliability benefits of an SSD, make the 960GB Chronos an ideal choice for disk intensive applications like workstations and servers, according to Brian Flood, director of Product Development at Mushkin.
Nasturium Labs releases Nasturtium Player for Mac OS X
Nasturtium Labs has released Nasturtium Player, a minimalist Mac app that plays YouTube music videos alongside your own iTunes tracks. It's available at the Mac App Store for US$2.99 for a limited time; the regular price is $4.99.
A short demo video and additional screenshots can be found at: http://nasturtiumlabs.com/player/press.html. To purchase Nasturtium Player go to http://tinyurl.com/bz688s4 .
Walmart to begin selling the iPhone 5 with no-contact, prepaid...
Walmart announced on Tuesday -- as reported by "AppleInsider" (http://tinyurl.com/aeh3r39) -- that it will be selling the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5 on Jan. 11, with no-contract plans furnished by cell provider Straight Talk Wireless priced at US$45 per month for unlimited talk, text and data.
Walmart's handset selection will be limited to the 16GB iPhone 5 and 8GB iPhone 4, which are priced at $649 and $449, respectively, the article adds.
"We believe customers shouldn't have to choose between saving money and having the latest technology," says Seong Ohm, senior vice president of entertainment for Walmart. "Now customers can have the coveted iPhone with unlimited talk, text and data without a contract for $70 a month thanks to our exclusive Straight Talk plan and industry first financing offer."
Mac OS X software updates for Jan. 9
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
Selznick Scientific Software (www.selznick.com) has announced three new versions of PasswordWallet 4.7.1 for Mac OS X, iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and Windows, updates to its password management solution. The apps allow users to automatically sync all of their passwords between their Mac, iDevices, Windows, and Android devices via Dropbox.
Joe Workman of Aspect Services (http://joeworkman.net) has given us an update to MyNest. With this update, MyNest has a new name, Climate. Climate allows users to manage their Nest thermostats directly from their Mac menu bar. This allows you to glance and verify that your thermostat is setup just as you like it. Climate 1.1 displays the temperature settings of up to three Nest devices in the user's menu bar.
The Firefox web browser (http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/) has been revved to version 18. It adds Retina display support and more.
Adobe (www.adobe.com) has released Reader 11.0.01, the...
Apple rumors for Jan. 9
Here are the latest Apple-related rumors from the blog-o-sphere:
"Apple will roll out a low-cost version of the iPhone for China and other emerging markets in the second half of 2013, according to supply-chain sources." -- "DigiTimes" (www.digitimes.com)
"Intel on Monday demoed a number of upcoming processors set to hit market later this year, including low power versions of the company's 'Haswell' fourth-generation Core series CPUs slated to roll out in Apple's inevitable 2013 MacBook Pro and MacBook Air refreshes" -- "AppleInsider" (www.appleinsider.com)
"Apple's next iPhone could use new touch technology to solve screen glitches in the iPhone 5." -- "Forbes" (http://tinyurl.com/bf9n6tm)
"Sharp this week made its case to CES attendees that IGZO technology is the future of mobile displays, leading one market watcher to believe it's likely inevitable that Apple will adopt them." -- "AppleInsider" (www.appleinsider.com)
Motorola Mobility files petition for review in legal battle with...
Motorola Mobility has filed a 33-page petition for review with the United States International Trade Commission (USITC, or just ITC) concerning a mid-December preliminary ruling by an Administrative Law Judge on the sole remaining patent in Motorola's complaint against Apple, reports "FOSS Patents" (http://tinyurl.com/acoshyn).
In December, Judge Thomas B. Pender, an administrative law judge at the U.S. International Trade Commission has ruled that Apple didn't violate a Motorola Mobility patent relating to a sensor controlled user interface for a portable communication device. This is part of an ongoing battle between the two companies.
Apple has alleged that Motorola infringes 24 of its patents (21 of them with Android-based phones, the remaining three with set-top boxes and DVRs), while Motorola previously asserted 18 patents against a variety of Apple products (mostly but not exclusively iPhone, iPad and iPod). Litigation between the two companies has taken place in several...
Fins-Up releases the FIN for MacBook Air, MacBook Pro Retina...
Fins-Up (www.fins-up.com) has released the US$39.95 FIN, a new aesthetic, single-piece combination handle/stand designed for Retina display MacBook Pros and MacBook Airs.
The streamlined design of the FIN is aesthetically unobtrusive, with only a single piece to install, according to ays Tim Trombly, founder and CEO of Fins-Up. The sand blasted finish is designed to match that of your notebook. Constructed from 100% aircraft-grade aluminum the FIN is designed to help transport your notebook safely.
The FIN easily attaches to the MacBook Pro or MacBook Air and purportedly sports equally easy removal, according to Trombly. When installed, the FIN tilts the notebook to am ergonomic angle for typing and screen viewing. The FIN also serves as a handle that not only makes carrying the notebook easier. When installed, the FIN provides beneficial heat dissipation for the notebook.
Chimp Studios releases Cloud Clip for OS X, iOS
Chimp Studios (www.chimpstudios.com/cloudclip.html) has released Cloud Clip 1.0 for Mac OS X. It's a clipboard management utility that allows users to sync the contents of any Mac clipboard between additional Macs and iDevices via iCloud.
Accessible from the menu bar, the dock, or both, Cloud Clip displays an unlimited scrolling list of items copied to the clipboard. Any item can be chosen to preview, star as a favorite, paste, delete, or share by email, Messaging, Twitter, or Facebook. An additional, universal app is available for syncing the pasteboards of iOS mobile devices.
Cloud Clip requires Mac OS X 10.7 or later. It's available for US$3.99 at the Mac Ap Store in the Utility category (https://itunes.apple.com/app/cloud-clip/id552367503). Cloud Clip Mobile for iOS devices costs $0.99 and is available at the Apple App Store (https://itunes.apple.com/app/cloud-clip-for-mobile/id557362538).
Nisus Software releases InfoClick for use with Apple Mail
Nisus Software has released InfoClick (http://infoclick.com), an US$15 email search tool for use with Apple's Mail application.
It lets you navigate through your emails to see the words, contacts, and information within. According to Nisus President and CEO Jerzy Lewak, InfoClick "knows" precisely what words you've used, so there's no guessing; it offers a guided process of progressively narrowing down the matches in a series of simple choices.
That means you can't ever produce a search with zero matches, he adds For example, when you're searching for all emails containing a particular word, InfoClick would show the completions connection, connexion, and (the misspelled) connecsion, if you'd actually used those words in your emails.
Lewak says that InfoClick offers additional features to make searching your emails easier. For example, to see all emails received from educational organizations in the US, type .edu in the From field. With a single click, you can narrow-down your search...
Boris Continuum Complete 8 FXPlug released for Final Cut Pro X
Boris FX has released Boris Continuum Complete 8 FxPlug (BCC 8 FxPlug) for Apple's Final Cut Pro X and Motion 5 in addition to Final Cut Pro 7.
Boris Continuum Complete is designed to give editors and motion graphics artists the power to create high-quality broadcast graphics and perform project-saving image restorations within Final Cut Pro. Over 200 filters include extruded text, 3D particle effects, image restoration and touchup tools, true 3D lens flares and volumetric lighting effects, keys and mattes, color grading tools, time-based effects, blurs, glows, stylish auto-animating transitions, and cinematic effects such as film grain and film process looks.
Boris Continuum Complete 8 FxPlug is immediately available at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$995. Owners of previous versions of BCC FxPlug may upgrade for $295. For more info, to purchase, or to download a free 14-day trial version, go to http://www.borisfx.com/Apple/bccfxplug/ .
CES: Intel demos new chips for mobile computing
At this week's Consumer Electronics Show, Intel (www.intel.com) is demoing upcoming processors, including Haswell, its forthcoming fourth generation Intel Core processor family targeted at about 10 watt design power.
What's more, Kirk Skaugen, vice president and general manager of the PC Client Group at Intel, says the company is bringing the low-power line of processors into its existing third generation Intel Core processor family. Available now, these chips will operate as low as seven watts, allowing manufacturers greater flexibility in thinner, lighter convertible designs. Currently there are more than a dozen designs in development based on this new low-power offering.
Skaugen says the fourth generation Intel Core processor family enables true all-day battery life -- representing the most significant battery life capability improvement in Intel history. He said the new systems are expected to deliver up to nine hours of continuous battery life, freeing people from some of...
Tim Cook makes second trip to China
Apple CEO Tim Cook has made a second trip to China, reports "Bloomberg" (http://tinyurl.com/bk6vgkb). The article says the exec met Miao Wei, head of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, to talk about the development of China’s information technology industry, global mobile communications and Apple’s business in China.
Cook visited China in March and pledged “greater investment” in the world’s largest market for computers and mobile phones. Since then, Apple has almost doubled its number of stores in China and Hong Kong to 11, from six at the time of Cook’s last visit.
AT&T announces record smartphone sales in fourth quarter
AT&T (www.att.com) says it sold more than 10 million smartphones in the fourth quarter of 2012, topping its previous record quarter of 9.4 million, set in the fourth quarter of 2011. This included best-ever quarterly sales of Android and Apple smartphones.
"We had another incredible quarter of smartphone sales as the mobile Internet continues to drive strong growth in wireless," says Ralph de la Vega, president and chief executive officer for AT&T Mobility. "These are the industry’s most valuable postpaid subscribers with average revenues twice that of non-smartphone subscribers."
Mac OS X software updates for Jan. 8
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
Tumult (http://tumult.com) has released Hype 1.6, an update to its HTML5 animation builder. The new version contains over 35 new features that give animators more control over creating animations. The update also includes support CSS Filter Effects to make the most visually compelling documents.
New Photographers Burning Factory (http://dropnroll.tv) has announced DropnRoll Lite 2.1. The app mashes user's video clips into a movie accompanied by a soundtrack.
Ken Winograd (www.winograd.com) has revved TinyBooks Pro, its family and small business accounting software for the Mac, to version 7.1.2. This version enhances both the handling of recurring transactions and the handling of automatically calculated taxes (specifically, when two different taxes are defined but when only one tax is required for a certain transaction.)
Avenza Systems (www.avenza.com) -- producers of MAPublisher cartographic software for Adobe Illustrator and PDF Maps...
Enolsoft releases XPS Viewer for the Mac
Enolsoft (www.enolsoft.com) has released XPS Viewer for Mac, which helps to open and read XPS files on the Mac, as well as convert XPS to other document formats like XPS, PDF, PNG, TIFF, JPEG, GIF, and BMP.
It also boasts additional features such as like text-search, bookmark, text-copy and zoom-in, zoom-out. With XPS Viewer for Mac, users are able to convert XPS documents to XPS, PDF and image formats, as well as extract images from XPS files to PNG, TIFF, JPEG, BMP and GIF.
Enolsoft XPS Viewer for Mac is available now at the Enolsoft website with a retail price of $29. A demo is available for download.
CES: Belkin updates Thunderbolt Express Dock
Belkin has announced upgrades to its Thunderbolt Express Dock. The latest version of the Thunderbolt Express Dock will be on display at the 2013 International Consumer Electronics Show in the Belkin booth ( #30651), in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, January 8-11, 2013.
The US$299.99 dock eliminates the need to constantly plug and unplug numerous cable connected peripherals to your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air. It provides portability and enables users to instantly access multiple desktop devices with one cable.
The dock allows users to simultaneously connect up to eight desktop devices, watch movies in Full HD 1080p, transfer volumes of data in seconds, and view online content at gigabit Ethernet speeds with just one cable. For more info go to www.belkin.com .
CES: BuQu previews Magnetyze charging system for the iPhone 5
At this week's Consumer Electronics Show, smartphone users will get a sneak peak at the new Magnetyze by BuQu Tech (www.BuQuTech/Magnetyze.com): the Magnetic Charging System for the iPhone 5.
Scheduled for pre-sale availability in the second quarter of the year, it's the latest addition to the Magnetyze family of magnetic charging accessories. Magnetyze by BuQu Tech applies patent-pending magnetics technology to keep iPhone and Android smartphones charged, synchronized and ready to "grab and go," according to BuQu CEO Ophir Marsh. When you upgrade to a new smartphone, only the Magnetyze protective cover needs to be replaced.
Tailored to the iPhone 5’s larger form factor and new Lightning connector, the iPhone 5 bundle contains a Magnetyze protective case, desk stand and magnetic charging and data sync cable. As with the previously released iPhone 4/4S, users simply slide the iPhone 5 into the lightweight Magnetyze protective case and attach the polycarbonate bumper over their...
SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.0) performance to double with new...
The USB 3.0 Promoter Group has announced development of a SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.0) enhancement that will add a much higher data rate, delivering up to twice the data through-put performance of existing SuperSpeed USB over enhanced, fully backward compatible USB connectors and cables. This supplement to the USB 3.0 specification is anticipated to be completed by the middle of this year.
Key characteristics of the higher-rate SuperSpeed USB solution include:
° New 10 Gbps USB data rate;
° Compatibility with existing cables and connectors;
° Improved data encoding for more efficient data transfer leading to higher through-put and improved I/O power efficiency;
° Compatibility with existing USB 3.0 software stacks and device class protocols
° Compatibility with both existing 5 Gbps and new 10 Gbps USB 3.0 hubs and devices, as well as USB 2.0 products.
The 10 Gbps SuperSpeed USB update is targeted for industry review during the first quarter of this year. More info regarding the...
Canon introduces imageFORMULA P-208 Scan-tini
Canon (www.usa.canon.com) has announced a new addition to its Scan-tini lineup, unveiling a compact yet powerful device designed to make scanning documents easy and convenient for users' business and personal lives. It's due later this month for US$229.
The new imageFORMULA P-208 Scan-tini personal scanner handles a variety of documents, such as receipts, business cards, photographs, bills and contracts. These documents are converted into digital information that can easily be searched, stored, and shared.
In addition, when connected to the optional WU10 Wireless Adapter & Battery Pack, the P-208 scanner offers enhanced connectivity, enabling scanned files to be sent wirelessly to a variety of devices and operating systems. This recently introduced adapter allows the P-208 scanner to work wirelessly with Mac and Windows environments, and can also send files to smartphones and tablets when you download the free Canon CaptureOnTouch Mobile app.
The P-208 scanner measures about two...
GrandSoft releases ACCDB Explorer for Mac OS X
GrandSoft has released ACCDB Explorer for Mac OS X. It's available in the Mac App Store for US$19.
ACCDB Explorer is a tool designed to provide a way to view ACCDB and MDB database files without an Access license. The app can be used to open tables from multiple access databases having table structure described in term of column, index and relation.
Data can also be exported into formats such as CSV, TXT, XML and XLS. In addition, users will be able to generate SQL files that are compatible with database systems like MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, SQLite and SQL Server. For more info go to www.accdbexplorer.com/ .
To buy go to http://tinyurl.com/bg3t3un. A demo is available at http://www.accdbexplorer.com/
G-Tech revs G-DRIVE mini and G-RAID mini drives
G-Technology (http://www.g-technology.com) is shipping its G-Technology G-DRIVE mini and G-RAID mini external storage solutions with new 1TB, 2.5-inch 7,200RPM hard disk drives from HGST.
Delivering up to 136MB/s performance, the G-Technology G-DRIVE mini is designed for users demanding high performance and high capacity from their portable storage device, says Mike Williams, vice president and general manager, G-Technology/HGST Branded Business. It features a compact all-aluminum enclosure and storage capacities up to 1TB using HGST Travelstar 7,200 RPM drives. The G-DRIVE mini offers both USB 3.0 and FireWire 800 connectivity and an integrated heat-sink.
Pre-formatted for Mac users, the drive works with Macs right out of the box and is Time Machine ready. The new 1TB G-Technology G-DRIVE mini is now available for a suggested retail price of approximately US$196 for the 1TB version.
The G-Technology G-RAID mini is designed as a companion for video and still shooters or editors...
App Store tops 40 billion downloads
Apple says customers have downloaded over 40 billion apps, with nearly 20 billion in 2012 alone.
The App Store has over 500 million active accounts and had a record-breaking December with over two billion downloads during the month. Apple’s developer community has created over 775,000 apps for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users worldwide, and developers have been paid over US$7 billion dollars by Apple, according to Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services.
The App Store offers more than 775,000 apps to iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users in 155 countries around the world, with more than 300,000 native iPad apps available. App Store customers can choose from a range of apps in 23 categories, including newspapers and magazines offered in Newsstand, games, business, news, sports, health & fitness and travel.
Seagate announces Central storage device, Wireless Plus
Seagate Technology (www.seagate.com) has announced its next-generation, networked home storage solution, the Seagate Central shared storage, and the Seagate Wireless Plus mobile device storage device.
Seagate Central is the first storage device to feature a Smart TV app for access to files on the big screen. It delivers automatic backup for the entire home, access to digital movies and music from networked devices, as well as remote access from outside a home network.
Seagate designed a centralized backup for each computer in the home, regardless of operating system. Seagate retooled the software and user experience for the Seagate Central shared storage so that it provides a backup for each system on a home network, even in a mixed platform environment of Mac and Windows computers. In addition to automatic and continuous backup of all the computers in a home, Seagate Central can also backup photos and videos directly from Facebook.
In addition to its primary role as a total home...
LaCie announces new digital storage solutions
LaCie (www.lacie.com) is rolling out three new digital storage solutions at this week's Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
The 5big Thunderbolt Series (pictured) -- which pricing starting at US$1,199 -- is designed to complement to a Thunderbolt-compatible computer for professional creative workflows. It boasts speeds up to 785MB/s and five-disk capacity up to 20TB.
The LaCie 5big NAS Pro -- powered by Intel’s dual-core 2.13GHz processor and LaCie’s NAS OS 3 -- is a solution for small business storage needs. Thanks to hybrid cloud technology, it lets users collaborate using a single interface for both network/cloud storage as well as remote access. It also lets admins control folder access on the cloud and on the NAS. All with complete data security. Pricing starts at $549.
The $299 LaCie Blade Runner -- imagined by designer Philippe Starck, combines a sharp, cage-like enclosure surrounded by an almost anthropomorphic, liquid metal interior. It sports a 4TB drive and USB 3.0 interface.
Mac OS X software updates for Jan. 7
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
Trailrunner (www.trailrunnerx.com), a Mac OS X solution for folks doing long distance sports, has been updated to version 3.7.710. The upgrade fixes stability issues.
Dropbox (www.dropgox.com), an app/service that lets people store and share data, has been revved to version 1.6.13. It fixes a web log-in that wasn't working in certain cases.
iTrash (www.osxbytes.com), an uninstall utility, is now up to version 1.9.3. It sports an optimized search algorithm, faster searching and more.
CloudPull (www.goldenhillsoftware.com), which lets you back up your Google account to your Mac, has been upgraded to version 2.1.8. The update adds the ability to purchase the app from inside the app itself.
Fusion Drive now available on entry-level iMacs
Apple's Fusion Drive Apple is available as a build-to-order option for the 21.5-inch, 2.7GHz 21.5-inch iMac model. Previously, it was only offered for the high-end 21.5-inchers and the 27-inch iMac.
Apple says the Fusion Drive gives customers the performance of flash storage and the capacity of a hard drive. It combines 128GB of flash with a standard 1TB or 3TB hard drive to create a single storage volume that intelligently manages files to optimize read and write performance. Apple says the Fusion Drive adapts to the way you use your iMac and automatically moves the files and apps you use most often to flash storage to enable faster performance and quicker access.
Best Buy, other retailers accuse Walmart of misleading ads
Best Buy and other retailers have complained to attorneys general in several states, accusing Walmart of misleading advertising in the holiday shopping season, including a discount on Apple's iPhone 5, according to "The Wall Street Journal" (http://tinyurl.com/aar2bxn).
The targeted retailers, including Toys "R" Us and several regional supermarket chains, claim Wal-Mart cites inaccurate prices and compares differing products, such as laptop computers with separate specifications. Wal-Mart defends the ads, begun last year, as accurate.
Best Buy was especially hacked off by a sale in which Walmart sold the 16GB iPhone 5 for $150 -- $50 off its regular price. Best Buy claims it was forced to match Walmart's advertised price, even though the retail giant didn't have enough iPhone 5 inventory to meet demand. Naturally, Wal-Mart denies this.
Apple: we paid $6 billion in federal corporate income taxes in...
Apple has defended its tax arrangements in the U.S. ahead of a Congressional report into corporate finance structures, reports "Sky News" (http://tinyurl.com/apdtmks). In a statement Apple said it paid "an enormous amount of taxes" to local, state and federal authorities.
"In fiscal 2012 we paid $6 billion in federal corporate incomes taxes, which is 1 out of every 40 dollars in corporate income taxes collected by the US government," Apple said.
The statement was prompted by the year-long Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations inquiry into at least six of America's leading technology firms, reports "Sky News."
An estimated 103 million 4G LTE mobile devices shipped in 2012
Apple’s iPhone 5 and Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones have provided LTE-enabled handset shipments a substantial lift in 2012 -- even if it has not necessarily assisted the 4G mobile operators with "each and every" LTE handset sold.
When 3G handsets came into the market in 2003 and 2004, there was pretty much a 1:1 correlation between a 3G handset sold and a subscription upgraded from 2G to 3G.
"That is not happening with every LTE handset sale," says Jake Saunders, vice president of Forecasting at ABI Research (www.abirsearch.com). "But carriers should not be panicking -- it is seeding the market with 4G handsets"
All this purchasing momentum is expected to have boosted LTE-enabled handsets to 91 million units by the end of2012 and the balance coming from other mobile devices. Almost 95% of handsets shipped can be attributed to the North American and Asia-Pacific market. LTE USB-Dongles may have found their way under the Christmas tree for consumers, and also put on IT Department...
