Penclic releases the Bluetooth B2 Mouse
Penclic has released the Bluetooth B2 Mouse, it's available at Amazon.com for US$89.95. It's Mac and PC compatible.
The Bluetooth B2 Mouse wirelessly connects to your computer. It sports five click buttons with a scroll wheel and laser pointer. The mouse operates without the use of a mouse pad.
According to the folks at Penclic, the Bluetooth B2 Mouse -- available only in white -- will run two months on one charge with its rechargeable battery. It has a wireless reach of up to 16 feet.
EditShare ships Field 2 portable shared storage
EditShare has released the Field 2, its next-generation portable shared storage solution with integrated asset management.
The turnkey platform includes file ingest, advanced project sharing/bin locking, and archiving capabilities in an all-in-one, high-performance and rugged chassis. Designed for on-location shoots, ENG trucks and remote offices, the new Field 2 is durable, light and compact and meets airline carry-on regulations.
With an optional integrated Flow SDI ingest card, users can record up to two channels of HD in industry-standard codecs such as XDCAM-EX35, Avid DNxHD and DVCProHD. Flow’s edit-while-capture capability lets users start editing the moment they begin recording.
With an optional lightweight expansion unit, a single Field 2 configuration can scale to 32 terabytes. And using the integrated EditShare Sync Tool, users can send data from a remote location back to home base over a simple Internet VPN connection. For more info go to http://tinyurl.com/bpj3j7b .
Bits&Coffee brews BatchPhoto 3.7 for the Mac, PC
Bits&Coffee has released BatchPhoto 3.7, an update of its all-in-one photo manipulation program for Mac and PC that lets photographers, web designers, business people, and families enhance photos. To use you select a group of photographs, and, with a single operation edit, resize, convert, watermark, and rename every image in the group.
BatchPhoto Enterprise takes batch photo editing one step further by completely automating the process. All the user needs to do is to create a "hot folder" for the program to monitor. BatchPhoto can monitor several folders at once, either on the computer, network or FTP sites, and apply custom edits for the newly added or modified images in each one of them.
For example, with BatchPhoto Enterprise the user can transfer hundreds of RAW images from a DSLR digital camera to a "hot folder" and have all the images automatically resized, rotated, watermarked with a logo, renamed, converted to TIFF and uploaded to a site via FTP or to Facebook. All of...
AppDelete optimized for Mac OS X Lion
Reggie Ashworth (www.reggieashworth.com) has announced AppDelete 3.2.9, a new version of his application deletion utility. The upgrade has been optimized for Mac OS X 10.7, supports new languages and more.
You can drag any item that can be uninstalled onto AppDelete: spplications, widgets, preference panes, plugins, screensavers, etc. You can also activate AppDelete in many ways: dragging items onto main window, onto dock icon, selecting in menu, right-clicking using AppDelete workflow, dragging from Launchpad, and throwing items in the trash. When the preview screen appears you can uncheck any items you would like to exclude.
You also have several choices: delete the items, log only the items, or archive (copy) the items to a .zip file for safekeeping or reinstall at a later date. The items you delete will be moved to the trash and arranged in a folder so that you can see exactly what was deleted and you know exactly where it came from. The items will not be removed from your...
Petition launched to keep Adobe Creative Suite perpetual license...
Adobe's announcement that it will drop its traditional, perpetual license model for Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and its other professional creative apps in favor of a Creative Cloud software subscription model rubbed lots of folks the wrong way. Now there's a petition to keep the Creative Suite perpetual license model alive, notes "The MacObserver" (http://tinyurl.com/bpox6gd).
The petition, started by Berek Schoffstall at Change.org, can be found at http://tinyurl.com/d7kzz4f . Schoffstall has this to say: "You should support this petition because Adobe is making their already expensive products even more expensive in the long run. Adobe is robbing small business, freelancers, and the average consumer. They do not seem to understand that every company is a not multi-national, multi-billion dollar corporation that has an infinite amount of resources."
Big changes reportedly coming to AppleCare
Last week Apple informed its tech staff that major changes to the AppleCare and AppleCare+ service programs will be enacted starting this fall, "with a broadening of current policies likely to cut costs and make the service more attractive to consumers," according to "AppleInsider."
The article says there will be changes to the way repairs for iPhones will be handled. In addition, employees will have access to advanced diagnostics tools that can remotely assess hardware issues and relay the data directly to technicians, according to "AppleInsider." Finally, Apple will reportedly reconfigure its paid AppleCare service as a subscription model, or introduce a new tier, which will be attached to a customer rather than a specific product.
The new in-house repairs are to be rolled out across the U.S., with international support coming online soon thereafter. Apple expects to save nearly $1 billion per year with the change in policy. Read more at http://tinyurl.com/d6n7h8l .
oneSafe, the password manager app, is now on the Mac
Lunabee Pte has released the Mac version of their password manager app, oneSafe. Along with the iOS version, it allows users to sync their sensitive information across all their devices using iCloud.
oneSafe for Mac also boasts features such as automatic backup, the ability to drag and drop files into the app, a high encryption level (AES 256), over 100 card templates for entry and retrieval of information, double protection categories and more. It requires Mac OS X 10.8 or higher.
oneSafe 1.0 for Mac OS X costs US$12.99. It's available worldwide through the Mac App Store in the Productivity category (http://tinyurl.com/ccubhrz).
Foundry376 releases Spark Inspector for iOS developers
Foundry376 has announced Spark Inspector, a tool that brings realtime introspection to the world of iOS development. It's available for download immediately (www.sparkinspector.com/).
Here's how the folks at Foundry376 described Spark Inspector: "Apple provides great developer tools, but interface bugs can be tricky to uncover. The Spark Inspector changes the game with an entirely new debugging perspective: a stunning, three-dimensional view of an app's interface that updates in real-time as it runs. Pan and zoom around your interface to reveal how layouts are structured, and unearth bugs quickly using Spark's powerful display options. Fine-tuning views?
"The Spark Inspector mimics Interface Builder, and allows you to preview adjustments to your app's views in real-time. Make runtime modifications to everything from button frames to CALayer shadows and transforms, right from the Inspector's sidebar! We spent more than a year developing the Spark Inspector for our internal use, and it...
Remoter for Mac OS X upgraded to version 1.4
Remoter Labs has announced Remoter 1.4 for Mac OS X (10.6 and higher), an update of the productivity app that allows users to remotely control Macs via Screen Sharing, and Windows or Linux PCs using the VNC or RDP standards. The new version sports an updated icon, font smoothing support, a session editor option and more.
Remoter offers one of the fastest implementations of the VNC and RDP protocols on the Mac platform, according to the folks at Remote Labs. It uses Bonjour for set-up. Features include sound redirection, RDP, Telnet and SSH, which also allows for secure VNC/RDP over SSH.
Port-forwarding and/or dynamic DNS is no longer needed in order to establish connections from outside the computer's network. Servers can be sorted by name, type or usage, and a search box allows to easily find the desired server.
Wake-on-LAN support is also built-in. When the server session is setup using Bonjour or NetBIOS, the MAC address is automatically populated. Otherwise the field is provided...
Judge upholds Apple's request for a peak at Google's...
Judge Paul S. Grewal has upheld Apple’s request that Google reveal its search methodology for collecting Android documentation for the iPhone maker’s upcoming patent infringement trial against Samsung, reports the "Wall Street Cheat Sheet" (http://tinyurl.com/c6qhjvg)
The judge dismissed Google’s claims that Apple was overreaching, by compelling the Internet search giant to reveal the search terms and methods it is using to compile the requested Android documentation, the article adds. Google argued that Apple’s pretrial information request was unduly burdening the company, but the judge disagreed with this perspective.
Apple posts Thunderbolt Firmware Update 1.2
Apple has released Thunderbolt Firmware Update 1.2 (http://tinyurl.com/ctyjsoe). It provides stability fixes for Thunderbolt and Target Disk Mode.
It's a 1.22MB download and requires Mac OS X 10.8.3 or higher. When your computer restarts a gray screen will appear with a status bar to indicate the progress of the update. Don't disturb or shut off the power on your computer during this update. Note: Your computer must be plugged into AC power for the update to install.
QuickerTek releases new Quicky Jr 3 WiFi adapter
QuickerTek has released the Quicky Junior 3 USB wireless network adaptor designed for the MacBook user that needs a "little extra boost in power, but doesn't need a full blown system enhancement."
It's the third generation in Quicky Junior line. The company says it's improved in both the physical and electronic arenas.
Redesigned with the antenna actually folding into the body, the Quicky Junior 3 adds capability to use the 802.11 a 5.8Ghz band wireless specification. After the initial installation simply plug it in to any available USB port and start using your network.
Priced at US$79.95, the Quicky Junior 3 comes with a small USB a/b/g/n remote stand adaptor. For more info go to http://tinyurl.com/br7z7ts .
HoudahGeo for the Mac revved to version 3.4
Houdah Software (http://www.houdah.com/) has updated HoudahGeo, a geocoding solution for the Mac, to version 3.4. The new version can load track logs from QR codes created by the gps4cam iPhone application, can now infer camera clock settings when given the exact time a photo was taken and more.
HoudahGeo costs US$29 for a single-user license for new users. Version 2.8 is a free update for registered users. HoudahGeo requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher.
TopXNotes for Mac OS X updated to version 1.7.5
Tropical Software's TopXNotes (http://www.tropic4.com/) note manager for the Mac has been updated to version 1.7.5. The upgrade offers performance enhancements and bug fixes.
TopXNotes will now keep your notes synchronized between TopXNotes for Mac and TopXNotes Touch for the iPhone and iPod touch. Version 1.7.2 includes a new Preference for setting vertical and horizontal text margins and a new Preference to choose manual or automatic note delete.
TopXNotes 1.7.5 requires Mac OS X 10.6.6 or later. It costs US$39.99 and is available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Productivity category and at the Tropical Software (http://www.tropic4.com).
Together 3.0 for Mac OS X adds thumbnails, tax expose, more
Reinvented Software (http://reinventedsoftware.com/) has announced Together 3.0 for Mac OS X. The new version adds thumbnails, tab expose, stationery, history, autosave and versions, along with improved favorites, previews and Shelf, all wrapped up in a smart new design. Also, exclusive to the Mac App Store version, Together 3 can now sync libraries with iCloud.
Together 3 requires Mac OS X 10.8 or later and is available with iCloud support from the Mac App Store, or without iCloud as a 15-day trial from the Reinvented Software web site. Version 3.0 is a paid upgrade for all previous versions of Together.
A full license will cost US$39.99 and an upgrade (not available from the Mac App Store) is $19.99, with free upgrades for anyone for purchased Together 2.x from the Reinvented Software web site within three months of version 3.0's release. For 15 days after Together 3's launch, the Mac App Store version will be available for just $19.99.
Sonnet releases enhanced xMac mini Server
Sonnet has introduced an upgrade of its xMac mini Server, a Thunderbolt-to-PCI Express (PCIe) expansion system and 1U rackmount enclosure for a Mac mini with a Thunderbolt port.
The xMac mini Server accommodates one full-length, full-height PCIe card and one half-length, half-height (low-profile) card. The updated xMac mini Server now supports a double-width PCIe card's daughter card and includes BNC connector mounting holes on the enclosure's rear panel. In addition, the length of the xMac mini Server is now just 15.8 inches.
The enhanced xMac mini Server (part number XMAC-MS) is now available at a suggested retail price of US$1,295. The xMac mini Server 2H (part number XMAC-MS-2H) is also available now for $1,295. The xMac mini Server Quiet Fan Module (part number XMFAN-Q) is available for $79.95. More information on these products and compatible PCIe expansion cards is available at http://tinyurl.com/chunw6u .
Apple I computer to be auctioned on May 25
Last November Auction Team Breker of Cologne, Germany, made international news for selling an original 1976 Apple I computer for the world record price of US$640,000
On May 25, collectors and Apple-aficionados will have the chance to buy another of the six surviving Apple I computers still in working order. You can find more details at http://www.breker.com/ReadMore/ .
Goal Zero rolls out solar recharger for laptops
Goal Zero has released the US$399.95 Sherpa 50 Solar Recharging Kit for tablets and laptops. It can purportedly extend the life of a laptop by two hours or a tablet by 15 hours.
The Sherpa 50 weighs less than a bottle of water, fits in a backpack or briefcase, and refuels from the sun in five hours with the Nomad 13 Solar Panel, or a wall outlet or car adapter in two hours.
The Sherpa 50 Recharger features a variety of outputs, including USB and DC ports with an option for AC power (110V or 220V) through the Sherpa Inverter (sold separately.) One of the most unique aspects of the Sherpa 50 is its “Power Port” that enables you to power laptops directly from the recharger, eliminating the need for an AC inverter as well as the computer’s bulky AC powering cable, says Joe Atkin, president and CEO of Goal Zero.
Instead, directly plug your laptop into the Power Port on the Sherpa 50 with one of Goal Zero’s Laptop Charging Kits. For more info go to says Joe Atkin, President and CEO of...
ArcSoft releases Photo+ for Mac OS X
ArcSoft has released Photo+, a new photo viewer for Mac OS X that pulls directly from any folder or drive. It's normally US$9.99, but it's being offered at a limited time for $1.99.
By dragging or selecting a single image, Photo+ automatically displays every image from the same folder. You can browse and display thousands of photos . You can rotate portrait oriented photos when importing.
Photo+ provides fundamental editing tools such as crop, rotate and zoom are built in. It allows you to set up a full screen photo slideshow with music and 10-plus transitions
With Photo+, you can use a track-pad with multi-touch and finger gestures, or a standard mouse. The software is compatible with over 35 formats, including RAW files and animated GIF.
Photo+ is available at http://www.arcsoft.com/photoplus/ or the Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/cbx5xzh). It requires Mac OS X 10.7.3 or higher.
DYMO introduces label maker with wireless networking
DYMO has launched the USS$95 LabelManager Wireless PnP, the first DYMO label maker with wireless networking that enables multiple users to share printing capabilities.
It has built-in wireless networking to enable easy sharing and on-demand printing for an entire office of users, says Julie Hibbard, marketing director at DYMO. It also sports customized labels with any fonts and graphics through Mac or PC connections, and labels with clear graphics, bar codes and logos at 300-dpi resolution.
The LabelManager Wireless PnP is compatible with Mac OS X 10.5 or higher and Microsoft Windows Vista/7/8.XP. The multi-label printing capability comes with an automatic label cutter that creates a variety of DYMO D1 labels. For more info go to http://tinyurl.com/c6hxa2g .
iPhone shipments soar in China
Apple retook its spot as China's fifth largest smartphone vendor in the first quarter, as the country's market grew to triple the size of the U.S.'s, reports "PCWorld" (http://tinyurl.com/cjj9xhj)
Apple had an 8% share of the smartphone market, while Samsung continued to lead all vendors with a 20%share, according to research firm Canalys. Trailing behind Samsung were Yulong Computer Telecommunication Scientific, Huawei, and Lenovo.
In last year's third and fourth quarter, Apple fell to the sixth spot. But iPhone 5 sales, along with price cuts to older iPhone models, propelled the company's smartphone shipments in China's intensely competitive market, Nicole Peng, an analyst with Canalys, told "PC World."
Absolute Software launches Computrace MTM for iOS devices
Absolute Software Corp. has launched Computrace Mobile Theft Management (MTM), which the company says is the "first and only" iOS loss management and theft recovery service on the market for the enterprise.
Computrace MTM allows organizations to safeguard the iPad and iPad mini devices in their deployment. Based upon the same investigative techniques used by the Absolute Investigations and Recovery Services team for Absolute Computrace theft recoveries, customers now have the infrastructure and support to prevent and respond to iOS loss and theft, says John Livingston, CEO of Absolute Software.
The Computrace MTM service provides two components: loss prevention and theft recovery. The loss prevention program provides customers with the tools to implement best practices within their organization and amongst users to ensure these iOS devices are handled responsibly, according to Livingston.
The theft recovery component is an extension of the loss management program. If an iPad is...
AKVIS Refocus 3.5 sees improves image processing speed
AKVIS (www.akvis.com) has released AKVIS Refocus 3.5 for Mac and Windows systems. The software improves sharpness of out of focus images. Version 3.5 offers an advanced algorithm with the improved image processing speed for Tilt-Shift and Iris Blur modes.
AKVIS Refocus works in three modes. Refocus mode makes blurred photos sharper. You can re-focus the entire image or only selected parts.
Tilt-Shift mode allows leaving a sharp strip in the image, adding gradual blur at the edges, with smooth transitions between the regions and with bokeh effects. This mode gives the objects on the photo a "toy" look. It blurs the outer parts and makes the objects appear as if they are miniature models.
Iris Blur mode creates shallow depth-of-field effect, blurring the background while keeping the subject in focus. In contrast to the previous mode, this one lets you specify the shape of the sharp area (ellipse, rectangle). (This mode is only available under Home Deluxe and Business licenses.)
A...
Event-Driven Process Chain Diagrams available for ConceptDraw...
The new Event-Driven Process Chain Diagrams Solution extends ConceptDraw PRO 9 software with EPC (Event-driven Process Chain) templates, samples, and vector shape library for the drawing of EPC diagrams.
An EPC diagram is a systematic visualization of business events and functions. The libraries are designed to support alternate and matching implementation of designated processes. Using EPC flowcharts is a widely-accepted technique to depict and optimize business processes.
The Event-driven Process Chain Diagrams Solution is the first addition to the new Business Process section of ConceptDraw Solution Park. It's a plug-in for ConceptDraw PRO 9. For more info go to http://tinyurl.com/blvxlqh .
Blacklining Plug-in for InDesign CS6 shipping
ThePowerXChange and XChange UK have announced that Blacklining for Adobe InDesign CS6 is now shipping.
In conjunction with the release, two promotions are available that offer users huge savings for a limited time. New, full versions of Blacklining are "Buy One Get One Free, so users save up to US$760. Additionally, users can upgrade from any prior version of Blacklining for $460 and receive a free upgrade for a second license.
Blacklining means including marks within text that highlights or shows the changes that have been made. If a run of text or word or letter is deleted it will be marked as "struck-through" -- that is a line through the center of it in a bold format or color that shows it as being struck out. New text that is inserted will be marked as underlined, again in bold or colored so that it is apparent to the reader that it is a new insert. The Blacklining plug-in allows users to retain a complete audit trail of all changes made to the text of an InDesign document....
Embarcadero introduces embedded SQL database for iOS
Embarcadero Technologies, a provider of software solutions for application and database development, has announced InterBase ToGo for iOS, an embeddable, high performance, secure and scalable relational database.
Designed for developers who are looking to embed a low cost, zero-admin, lightweight database into their multi-device applications, InterBase ToGo is available for Mac OS X, Windows, and, now iOS. In addition, Embarcadero is also announcing a new, free version of InterBase, called IBLite, an embeddable database for iOS that can be freely deployed.
Designed for ISVs, enterprises and app development shops, InterBase ToGo provides a common relational database across iOS, Mac OS X and Windows. The goal is to improve development efficiencies and speed to market. InterBase ToGo also uniquely delivers automatic, end-to-end encryption and powerful transaction support on mobile devices, says Michael Swindell senior vice-president of Products for Embarcadero Technologies.
IBLite is...
MMScript FileMaker Pro plug-in updated to version 1.1.3
Comm-Unity Networking Systems has released MMScript 1.1.3, a maintenance release of the FileMaker plug-in to trigger and schedule scripts. It's compatible with FileMaker Pro 8.5 on Mac OS X and Windows.
MMScript allows you to create a whole calendar of events. You can trigger a script in the present or at any time in the future. For example, you can set up a script to trigger in five minutes or five days.
MMScript is available immediately at http://mmscript.cnsplug-ins.com/ for both Mac OS X and Windows. You can download a demo copy of the plug-in to test it out before purchasing.
A single-user license of MMScript is US$35. You can find a purchase link on the website. There are several other price points and information for educational/non-profit institutions on the purchase page for the plug-in.
If you own an existing license for MMScript 1.0.x, this is a free upgrade. However, you will need a new license key for this version. When you first run MMScript 1.1.x, it will prompt you to...
Native Instruments releases Kaoz Theory Expansion for iMaschine
Native Instruments has launched a new range of iMaschine Expansions with the release of Kaoz Theory. It's created by DJ and producer Kerri "Kaoz" Chandler.
These new iMaschine Expansions will be created in collaboration with artists from different genres, and will be available for iMaschine only. However, users can export their iMaschine projects to the Maschine software for further editing and arranging. Native Instruments will continue to release compact iMaschine versions of their iMaschine Expansions.
Kaoz Theory is available for iMaschine for US$0.99. For more info go to http://tinyurl.com/c5h8rpy .
Apple wants a peek at Android source code
Apple wants a U.S. judge to force Google to turn over documents related to its Android operating system, according to "Bloomberg" (http://tinyurl.com/cgpvzeb)
The article says Apple told U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul S. Grewal in San Jose, California, that Google is improperly withholding information about what terms it’s using to find the documents Apple has requested in pretrial information sharing. Apple says the Android OS is used in all of Samsung’s allegedly infringing products and "provides much of the accused functionality" in Apple’s claims.
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.
Newer Technology adds optical drive choices to miniStack MAX
Newer Technology (NewerTech) says its miniStack MAX, is now available in DVD/CD only read/write optical drive models for those computer users that don’t require the Blu-ray functionality other miniStack MAX models provide.
As the only four-in-one external drive, optical drive, SD card reader and USB powered hub solution on the market, the miniStack MAX supports multiple interfaces for plug and play storage of entire music, photo and video libraries, as well as burning backups via the internal optical drive, with new and legacy Macs or PCs.
OWC is offering a limited time rebate offer on both versions of Roxio Toast 11 Titanium with savings of up to US$110 off retail prices with sales of the miniStack MaX. Toast 11 Titanium is a versatile multimedia application that lets users read, burn, capture, copy, convert and share digital media. With the purchase of any of the new miniStack MAX models, including the 0GB enclosure kits, this ultimate media toolkit is available for US$29 for the...
T-Mobile sells 500,000 iPhone 5s
T-Mobile US, the combined company resulting from the recently completed combination of MetroPCS Communications (MetroPCS) and T-Mobile USA has reported first quarter 2013 results and announced the first positive branded customer growth in four years. Among other things, the iPhone has been a hit for the company.
T-Mobile USA (www.t-mobile.com) reported 3,000 branded net customer additions for the quarter, resulting from a 61% year-over-year improvement in branded postpaid net customer losses due primarily to improved branded postpaid churn performance, combined with branded prepaid customer growth.
On March 26, 2013, T-Mobile USA launched the Un-carrier value proposition by introducing its "Simple Choice" service plan. On April 12, 2013, T-Mobile USA began selling the iPhone at all company-owned stores in combination with the new Simple Choice service plan. To date the company has sold approximately 500,000 iPhone5's to new and existing customers.
Graphic Node launches new template set for Pages
Graphic Node has further expanded its assortment of iWork templates with their release of Mix for Pages 1.0. The new collection is designed to help Mac users produce modern and polished content without the help of hired designers.
This pack for Apple's Pages features a set of 50 customizable document templates from business cards and brochures to letters and envelopes. All templates are available in the U. S. and in international paper sizes.
Virtually all objects in Mix for Pages can be recolored, moved, or removed. Users can type or paste in their own text, add or remove text boxes, and change fonts. Stock images can be replaced with users' own photos or pictures.
Mix for Pages 1.0 require Mac OS X 10.6.6 or later and Pages '08 or higher. It costs US$4.99 and is available worldwide through the Mac App Store in the Productivity category (http://tinyurl.com/bqqz7rc).
Synology launches DiskStation DS213j
Synology has launched the DiskStation DS213j, a 2-bay NAS server dedicated to backup and data sharing for the home and small office.
"With advanced hardware integration the DS213j is designed to work as an efficient private cloud for home and small office users, letting them access their stored data with ease," says Chad Jiang, product manager of Synology. "The DS213j delivers read and write speeds of over 100MB/sec and 70MB/sec respectively. With such capabilities, file transfers have become an easy task allowing you to share a Blu-ray quality video in less than three minutes."
The built-in Floating-Point Unit (FPU) CPU and 512MB of RAM further enhance the performance of intensive applications, such as thumbnail creation and multitasking, he adds. The DS213j purportedly only consumes 3.65 watts when hard drives enter hibernation mode and no more than 20 watts under full operation. Support for Wake on LAN/WAN and multiple scheduled power on/off further reduces power consumption.
The...
DayMap for Mac OS X updated to version 1.6
Whetstone Apps has rolled out DayMap 1.6 (http://whetstoneapps.com/), an update to their personal productivity application for Mac OS X (10.7 or higher). Recurring tasks can now be scheduled to repeat daily, weekly, monthly, etc.
DayMap offers a way of organizing and scheduling projects and tasks in a visually intuitive Project Outliner and Weekly Scheduler. Version 1.6 sports a simplified look, a "Show Backups" item to the Help menu, and the ability to archive projects by minimizing to a narrow column.
DayMap 1.6 is regularly priced at US$12.99 and is available for purchase from the Mac App Store in the Productivity category (http://tinyurl.com/dxce8d3). It's being sold for a limited time for $4.99.
Dot Hill offers new 4TB disk options
Dot Hill Systems, a provider of SAN storage solutions, says its AssuredSAN and AssuredSAN Pro storage solutions are among the first in the industry to ship with 4TB SAS hard disk drives. They support raw capacities of up to 384TB.
"High capacity drives are well-suited for the numerous vertical markets that Dot Hill serves, such as media and entertainment, big data/data analytics, oil & gas, and digital image capture," says Jim Jonez, senior director of marketing, Dot Hill. "With the 33% increase in maximum, raw capacity of 4TB drives, Dot Hill AssuredSAN arrays can reduce customer price-per-gigabyte by up to 14%from $.43/GB to $.37/GB on the AssuredSAN 2333 system."
Dot Hill has standardized on the SAS interface for all hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs). AssuredSAN solutions feature a number of eco-friendly enhancements such as drive spin-down capability and 595-watt 80 PLUS-rated (greater than 80% energy efficiency) power supplies for reduced operating...
World Clock Deluxe for Mac OS X ticks to version 4.10
MaBaSoft (http://www.mabasoft.net) has released World Clock Deluxe 4.10, 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. Version 4.10 adds the possibility to show medium, long, and full dates in clocks and supports non-Gregorian calendars and date and time formats using non-European scripts.
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$10 for registered users of version 3.x and higher and $19 for new users....
Pixelmator for Mac OS X adds new Paint Selection tool, more
The Pixelmator Team (http://www.pixelmator.com) will release Pixelmator 2.2 -- an update of its GPU-powered image editing tool for creating, editing and enhancing still images -- on Thursday. The upgrade, free to registered users, offers state-of-the-art shapes, a new Smart Move Tool, the new Paint Selection Tool, and more.
Pixelmator is based on Core Image and OpenGL technologies that use Mac's video card for image processing. Core Image and OpenGL utilize the graphics card for image processing operations, freeing the CPU for other tasks. The software Pixelmator supports more than 100 different file formats, including Photoshop images with layers, and it comes with more than 15 color correction tools and 50 Core Image-powered filters, transform tools, fill and stroke, gradients, QuickMask mode, full-screen editing mode, Automator support, ColorSync support, Spotlight support, and more.
Pixelmator 2.2 is available from the Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/cu59q3a) at a promotional...
iWork, Microsoft Office templates released for OS X
Made for Use has introduced a suite of Mac OS X templates for use with Apple iWork and Microsoft Office. They were previously available only for iOS.
The templates are packaged individually or in a choice of two bundles: Templates for iWork Pro -- Pages, Numbers, and Keynote; or Templates for Office Pro -- Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Every template contains customizable slides for tables, pictures, charts, diagrams, quotes, and more.
Templates for Pages Pro 1.0 costs US$19.99 and is available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Productivity category. Templates for Numbers Pro is $19.99, and Templates for Keynote Pro is $19.99. Templates for iWork Pro (Bundle Edition) includes all three sets of templates for $49.99.
Templates for Word Pro 1.0 is $19.99 and is available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Productivity category. Templates for Excel Pro is $19.99, and Templates for PowerPoint Pro is $19.99. Templates for Office Pro (Bundle Edition)...
Seagate unveils SSD product line
Seagate Technology has announced its new portfolio of flash-memory solutions: its first client solid state drive (SSD) and its next-generation enterprise SSDs.
Featuring the Seagate 600 SSD, Seagate 600 Pro SSD, and the Seagate 1200 SSD, the new line of drives are engineered to deliver "ultra-fast speed and high data integrity," says Gary Gentry, senior vice president and general manager of Seagate’s solid state drive business. Rounding out the portfolio, Seagate also announced the new Seagate X8 Accelerator, a storage class memory PCIe card powered by Virident enabling the company to offer all key interfaces including SATA and SAS solutions.
Designed for laptops, the Seagate 600 SSD delivers faster boot-up speeds, shorter application load times, and improved system responsiveness, Gentry says. Laptop users can boot up nearly four times faster and load applications more than two times faster than with a standard hard drive, he adds.
The Seagate 600 SSD is available in multiple z-...
Etón Corp. releases the BoostSolar backup battery pack
Etón Corp. has released the Etón BoostSolar (http://bit.ly/10kx5JJ), a splash-proof, solar-powered backup battery pack designed to provide power to handheld devices. It's available at Amazon.com and REI stores at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$99.99.
Equipped with an interchangeable, rechargeable lithium battery (5000 mAh) to fully charge most smartphones two and one half times, it also features a 5V/2A USB port for charging tablets. The BoostSolar will fully charge in 16 hours via the sun, or in seven hours by way of the Micro-USB DC input.
It can also charge multiple backup batteries in succession. Simply snap in a removable battery pack and allow it to charge, and then immediately replace it with another to gain unlimited backup power. Other features include a LED battery charge indicator, a rubberized and IPX-4-rated splash-proof exterior in addition to fastener holes and straps to hook to a backpack for portability.
Digital Treasures announces Props power, keyboard case for the...
Digital Treasures has integrated a keyboard nto its latest iPad case -- the Props Power and Keyboard Case -- and ups the ante by also adding a built-in 8000mAh battery.
The keyboard includes 79 keys as well as 13 custom iPad keys. A spring mechanism underneath each key ensures a tactile response for faster and more accurate typing, according to Brian Austin, president of Digital Treasures. An included wrist rest allows the user to comfortably type for longer periods of time, he adds.
When traveling, the wrist rest folds up for protection by providing a barrier between the keyboard and iPad screen. Additionally, the easel adjusts to offer optimal viewing angles as you browse the web, type emails, watch movies and much more.
The Props Power and Keyboard Case boasts a built-in 8000mAh battery to keep your device charged. An LED battery status indicator on the side of the case offers a visual display on how much juice is left in the battery before it needs to be recharged. You can...
German court tells Apple to change rules for handling customer...
Apple has been told by a German court to change its rules for handling customer data, reports "Bloomberg" (http://tinyurl.com/bqm6fno)
A Berlin court struck down eight of 15 provisions in Apple’s general data-use terms because they deviate too much from German laws, the Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverbandconsumer group said in a statement on its website. The court said Apple can’t ask for "global consent" to use customer data or use information on the locations of customers.
The German press office of Apple declined to comment. The ruling, which only applies to Germany, can be appealed, notes "Bloomberg."
Apple's share buyback jump starts its price shares
The US $60 billion share buyback announced by Apple two weeks ago has helped drive strong gains and high trading volumes for the stock, reports "MarketWatch" (http://tinyurl.com/czpdp4u).
Shares are up more than 13% since April 23, the last day of trading before the company announced its fiscal second-quarter earnings and stepped up its “capital return” program. That program included the addition of $50 billion to an existing $10 billion buyback program.
The buyback announcement appears to have driven significant activity in the stock. Trading volumes in four of the last nine sessions have exceeded the stock’s 90-day average, according to FactSet. The stock price has jumped from its $406.10 closing price to its Monday closing price of $460.71 in that time, notes "MarketWatch."
Google, HTC side with Samsung against Apple
Google, HTC, Red Hat, and Rackspace all filed friends of the court briefs on behalf of Samsung on Monday urging the U.S. Federal Court of Appeals to rule against Apple's request for a Android device sales ban in the two company's ongoing patent infringement fight, reports "The MacObserver" (http://tinyurl.com/ccme6zb)
Apple has been pushing for a permanent injunction blocking the sale of some Samsung devices following a win in court. Naturally, Samsung doesn't want to see a permanent injunction over concerns that retailers and consumers will be intimidated into staying away from its products, notes "The MacObserver."
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.
Nektony updates VSD Viewer for Mac OS X
Nektony (http://nektony.com) has updated VSD Viewer for Mac OS X (10.8 and higher) to version 2.0.1. The update offers a set of enhancements that add usability and convenience to viewing Visio drawings on the Mac.
Designed for anyone who use Visio drawings as a reference, VSD Viewer allows Mac users to open vsd files created with Visio 2000 - 2010, a file extension for a vector graphics format developed and owned by MS Visio.
Opening a Visio drawing on Mac with VSD Viewer is as simple as drag and dropping the file to its application window. VSD Viewer allows viewing of common document formatting.
VSD Viewer costs US$9.99 and is available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Business category (http://tinyurl.com/c2ba83y).
Intel launches Silvermont microarchitecture
Intel has taken the wraps off its new, low-power, high-performance microarchitecture named Silvermont. The technology is aimed squarely at low-power requirements in market segments from smartphones to the data center.
Silvermont will be the foundation for a range of innovative products beginning to come to market later this year, and will also be manufactured using the company's leading-edge, 22nm Tri-Gate SoC manufacturing process, which brings significant performance increases and improved energy efficiency, according to Dadi Perlmutter, Intel executive vice president and chief product officer.
The Silvermont microarchitecture delivers industry-leading performance-per-watt efficiency, he adds. The highly balanced design brings increased support for a wider dynamic range and seamlessly scales up and down in performance and power efficiency, according to Perlmutter. Intel’s Silvermont microarchitecture was designed and co-optimized with Intel’s 22nm SoC process using 3-D Tri-gate...
Shape Pop Transitions for Final Cut Pro X released
Noise Industries, developer of visual effects tools for the post-production and broadcast markets, has added Shape Pop from Stupid Raisins to its range of plug-ins offered through FxFactory.
Shape Pop, available for Final Cut Pro X, consists of 30 customizable transitions that break up video into shapes to reveal the incoming clip. Users can drag and drop transitions for straightforward projects, or fine-tune transitions with Shape Pop's custom tools to achieve a desired look.
Shape Pop costs US$49 and can be downloaded at http://tinyurl.com/d46bmhm . A demo version is available for download by installing FxFactory, which you can download at http://tinyurl.com/bmaa9gh .
Adobe accelerates its shift to the cloud, announces Photoshop CC
At Adobe MAX, The Creativity Conference, Adobe says it has accelerated its shift to the cloud with a major update to Adobe Creative Cloud, the company’s flagship offering for creative professionals. Adobe has also announced Photoshop CC.
The update to Creative Cloud is packed with features that re-imaging "the creative process through a new set of 'CC' desktop applications and enhanced cross-device collaboration and publishing capabilities," according to Adobe. With this update, creative files can be stored, synced and shared, via Creative Cloud, on Mac OS X, Windows, iOS and Android. What's more, Behance, an online creative community, is integrated with Creative Cloud, so customers can showcase work, get feedback on projects and gain global exposure. For more info go to http://tinyurl.com/c5cly75 .
As part of the update to Creative Cloud, Adobe has announced Photoshop CC, which includes new tools and workflows. Adobe Photoshop CC will be available, exclusively to Creative Cloud...
MacTuneUp tuned up to version 7.0
Macware has updated MacTuneUp, its Mac utility software, to version 7.0. The software discovers and fixes problems, restores hard disk space, maximizes Internet performance, securely erases files and folders, removes unwanted apps, guts unnecessary language files, makes Macs boot faster, and more.
Features of version 7.0 include:
° More in-depth and faster scanning of your Mac;
° Removal of unnecessary language files that come preloaded and take up hard drive space;
° A scheduling tool that allows for automatic cleaning of your system.
MacTuneUp 7.0 is available at Macware online (www.macwareinc.com/) for a special price of 50% off the regular price of US$39.99 through May 15. It requires Mac OS X 10.6.8 or higher.
ShoreTel Dock transforms an iPad and iPhone into a desk phone
ShoreTel has announced the ShoreTel Dock, which it says is the industry's first business-grade docking station that transforms iPhones and iPads into desk phones when paired with ShoreTel Mobilit
Users simply slide their ShoreTel Mobility enabled iPhone or iPad into the ShoreTel Dock and get instant access to the battery life and call quality of a business desk phone. The ShoreTel Dock only requires a single power adaptor and automatically keeps Apple handheld devices charged so employees. When combined with ShoreTel Mobility and conferencing applications, users can take advantage of voice, instant messaging (IM), presence and conferencing on their iOS device.
"ShoreTel is the only unified communications provider delivering an intuitive and easy-to-use solution that truly optimizes how end users communicate for work," says Pejman Roshan, vice president of product management at ShoreTel. "We didn't try to change or replace devices users already love, but instead enabled those same...
