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...
Tenba introduces new Roadie Executive Backpack
Tenba has introduced a new bag to its Roadie collection. The Roadie Executive Backpack was designed to be the ultimate briefcase backpack for the traveling professional, according to the folks at Tenba.
It features an exterior design that matches the rest of the Roadie collection, and is built with three cascading storage sections: first for laptop, iPad and documents; second for tech accessories; and third for core business tools like pens and business cards. The cascading sections nest together when zipped shut, so the bag always maintains a slim profile.
The Roadie Executive sports a dual-pocket computer compartment that will hold both an iPad and a laptop up to 15 inches. The left side of the bag has a stretchy mesh pocket for a beverage or other items for quick access. On the right side there is one of Tenba's signature zippered side pockets that can be accessed even while wearing both sides of the harness, and it fits a wallet and passport for easy retrieval.
The Roadie...
Antitrust: Commission sends Statement of Objections to Motorola...
The European Commission has informed Motorola Mobility of its preliminary view that the company's seeking and enforcing of an injunction against Apple in Germany on the basis of its mobile phone standard-essential patents ("SEPs") amounts to an abuse of a dominant position prohibited by EU antitrust rules.
While recourse to injunctions is a possible remedy for patent infringements, such conduct may be abusive where SEPs are concerned and the potential licensee is willing to enter into a license on Fair, Reasonable and Non-Discriminatory (so-called "FRAND") terms. In such a situation, the Commission considers at this stage that dominant SEP holders should not have recourse to injunctions, which generally involve a prohibition to sell the product infringing the patent, in order to distort licensing negotiations and impose unjustified licensing terms on patent licensees.
Such misuse of SEPs could ultimately harm consumers, according to the Commission. Read more at http://tinyurl.com/...
UnPlugged 3 for OS X adds support for the Notification Center
Briksoftware (http://briksoftware.com) has announced UnPlugged 3 for Mac OS X. It's an update of the power-supply notification system that allows users to know when the power supply of their MacBook changes.
UnPlugged 3 adds compatibility for the Notification Center and adds the ability to have different frequencies of battery charge notifications when the battery charge is low and when it is high. The update also provides localization support for English, German, Italian, Russian and Simplified Chinese.
UnPlugged requires OS X 10.6.6 or later. It costs US$5.99 and is available exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Productivity category (http://tinyurl.com/bpv3lpb).
TinyBooks Pro for Mac OS X revved to version 8.0.3
Ken Winograd and Space-Time Associates (http://www.winograd.com) has updated TinyBooks Pro, its Mac accounting and bookkeeping program, to version 8.0.3. The upgrade includes improvements in the Professional Invoice Printer and the Professional Check Printer windows. It also sports more logical tab-ordering, and new pop-up menus allowing instant access to previously saved invoice or check templates.
TinyBooks Pro is a single-entry bookkeeping and accounting system designed for sole proprietors, home and other small businesses, and family finances. To use you enter your expenses and income, and TinyBooks Pro does the rest. Current and year-to-date on-the-fly totals are continually displayed. Fully automatic bar-charting of all expense and income accounts make the determination of monthly trends intuitively obvious, according to the folks at Space-Time Associates.
TinyBooks Pro 8.0 costs US$79.99 for a single user license. It requires an Intel-based Mac.
PCI Geomatics software now supports KOMPSAT-3 sensor
PCI Geomatics, a developer of remote sensing and photogrammetric software and systems, says it now supports KOMPSAT-3 imagery within its software suite.
KOMPSAT-3, a new satellite built and operated by the Korean Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) was launched on May 12, 2012, from the Tanegashima Space Center of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan. KOMPSAT-3 is an optical imaging satellite capable of imaging the Earth with a resolution of 0.70 m Panchromatic and 2.8 m Multispectral (Blue, Green, Red, Near-IR). KOMPSAT-3 includes the Advanced Earth Imaging Sensor System (AEISS), which is a high-resolution imager (Pan and MS). This prime instrument of the mission was developed by KARI.
"We have worked closely with KARI to validate our software’s support for KOMPSAT-3 imagery," says Dr. Philip Cheng, senior scientist at PCI Geomatics. "Our software includes support for the new Single Pass Stereo Mode, which will be capable of extracting high-resolution DEMs. Users of...
U.S. Cellular to offer Apple products later this year
U.S. (uscellular.com) says it will begin carrying Apple products -- namely the iPhone -- later this year. The wireless carrier made the announcement as part of its quarterly earnings update.
U.S. Cellular reported service revenues of US$996.3 million for the first quarter of 2013, versus $1,023.8 million for the comparable period one year ago. Net income attributable to U.S. Cellular shareholders and related diluted earnings per share were $4.9 million and $0.06 respectively, for the first quarter of 2013, compared to $62.5 million and $0.73, respectively, in the comparable period one year ago.
"We have a number of strategies in progress to increase loyalty and attract more customers, including our announcement today that we will begin offering Apple products later this year," Mary N. Dillon, U.S. Cellular president and CEO, said in a press release. "By further strengthening our device portfolio, we'll give consumers another great reason to switch to U.S. Cellular, and enable our...
Laird Pic's revenue dip due to slowing Apple demand?
Laird Plc, an electrical component maker, says revenue from its largest customer -- "widely assumed to be Apple -- fell 17% in the first quarter from a year earlier, contributing to a 2% fall in overall revenue, according to "Reuters" (http://tinyurl.com/cycxvng).
The company makes electromagnetic shielding and heat control components for wireless devices. Laird told "Reuters" it expects another quarter of declining revenue before growth resumes in the second half of the year as customers and the company itself launch new products.
Pentagon expected to clear iOS 6 devices for use this month
On Thursday the Pentagon cleared BlackBerry and Samsung mobile devices for use on Defense Department networks, reports "Reuters" (http://tinyurl.com/csxzmrk). Apple mobile devices using iOS 6 are expected to receive clearance sometime this month.
"This is a significant step towards establishing a multi-vendor environment that supports a variety of state-of-the-art devices and operating systems," Lieutenant Colonel Damien Pickart, a Pentagon spokesman, said in a statement.
The move to open up Defense Department networks is expected to set the stage for an intensified struggle for Pentagon customers among BlackBerry devices, Apple's iPhones or iPads and units using Google's Android platform such as Samsung Electronics' phones, according to "Reuters." The Pentagon currently has some 600,000 users of smart phones, computer tablets and other mobile devices. The department has 470,000 BlackBerry users, 41,000 Apple users and 8,700 people with Android devices. Most Apple and Android systems...
Maintain serves up Cocktail 6.4 (Mountain Lion Edition)
Maintain has released Cocktail 6.4 (Mountain Lion Edition), the latest maintenance update for users running OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion.
Cocktail is a general purpose utility for OS X that lets users clean, repair and optimize their Mac. This version adds ability to change standby delay and ability to disable shadow in window captures. It also adds compatibility with the latest versions of supported web browsers and contains improvements on the clear system caches procedure.
Cocktail 6.4 (Mountain Lion Edition) requires OS X Mountain Lion or OS X Mountain Lion Server (10.8). Cocktail (Lion Edition) for OS X 10.7, Cocktail (Snow Leopard Edition) for OS X 10.6 and Cocktail (Leopard Edition) for OS X 10.5 are available for download from the Maintain website.
Cocktail costs US$14 for a single user license and is available for purchase from the Maintain website (http://maintain.se/cocktail). The license is valid for Mountain Lion, Lion and Snow Leopard and editions of Cocktail. Cocktail (...
AssistiveWare, Acapela Group unveil Australian children's...
Acapela Group and AssistiveWare say that Australian children's voices are now available in Proloquo2Go, a text-to-speech app for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad designed to provide a voice for children who can't speak.
The companies also announced, Lisa, a new adult Australian female voice to complete the Australian voice family. Version 3.0 of Proloquo2Go for iOS also adds a number of other features, including ExpressivePower and much more.
The Proloquo2Go text-to-speech application is available for US$199.99 from the Apple App Store. For more info go to http://www.assistiveware.com .
Apple releases iOS 6.1.4 for the iPhone 5
Apple has rolled out iOS 6.1.4 for the iPhone 5. According to Apple it sports an "updated audio profile for speakerphone."
To update your iPhone 5 to iOS 6.1.4, open Settings -> General -> Software Update and tap Download and Install when the update appears. You can also connect your phone to your computer and apply the update from iTunes, or download it manually at http://tinyurl.com/bebc5jb .
iMac gets 256GB, 512GB flash storage options
Build-to-order iMac options from Apple's official online store now include either 256GB or 512GB of flash storage for both the 21.5- and 27-inch iMac models, reports "AppleInsider" (www.appleinsider.com).
Until now the 21.5-inch iMac hasn't been offered with dedicated flash storage options. Your choice was the standard 1TB traditional hard drive and a $250 Fusion Drive option. As for the 27-inch iMac, the only flash drive available previously was a 768GB option that cost an additional $900. All iMacs in default configurations are advertised to ship within 24 hours from Apple's online store.
Reggie Ashworth releases VideConvert 1.4.3
Reggie Ashworth has announced VidConvert 1.4.3, an update to his video converter for Mac OS X. The app now has German and Russian localizations for the first time. Also, .trp files can now be added as input and the maximum video bitrate has been raised.
VidConvert is a video converter designed to make converting your videos simple and easy. The software will convert just about any type of video into one of the many popular formats of today.
VidConvert requires Mac OS X 10.5 or higher. It costs US$7.99 for a single user license. A demo is available for download at the product web site (http://www.reggieashworth.com/vidconvert).
Valentina 5.2 adds JSON, MariaDB support to free Studio
Paradigma Software has released database and reports tool, Valentina Studio 5.2 and the enterprise reports and database server, Valentina Server 5.2, for Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux.
Valentina Studio 5.2 lets you manage, query and administer databases including MySQL, Postgre, SQLite and Valentina DB. Valentina DB 5.2 ADK allows developers to build applications with XCode /Cocoa, LiveCode, C/C++ and all major development environments and more. Version 5.2 offers:
° New JSON format text-based dump of Database, Table and SQL results, as a simple dump or as an export;
° The ability to execute in the SQL Editor several SELECT queries at once and have the results appear in separate tabs;
° The capability to show a list of all supported SQLite Extensions;
° Improved Favorites so now you can more easily modify, order and change saved Favorite SQL Queries;
° MariaDB support, which has been added to existing MySQL support;
° Utilization of MariaDB libraries.
Valentina Studio Pro 5.2 has...
FileWave releases version 6.0 of their Systems Management Suite
FileWave has released version 6.0 of its Systems Management Suite with new features and updates for deploying, managing and maintaining a diverse environment of devices and operating systems, including OS X, iOS, Windows and Linux.
Inventory is now built into FileWave, integrating asset and license management. Version 6.0 also features improved mobile device management with optional cloud-based profile storage for enhanced scalability. Other new features include a new web-based, self-service Kiosk Application (iOS 5 and 6 compatible) for a more engaging user experience, and improved tiered administration, that allows for department and classroom level control. For more info go to www.filewave.com .
Apple, Samsung bring the smartphone wars to the Pentagon
According to "The Wall Street Journal" (http://tinyurl.com/ccg3yns), Apple and Samsung are bringing their smartphone war to the Pentagon. The Department of Defense is expected in coming weeks to grant two separate, security approvals for Samsung's Galaxy smartphones, along with iPhones and iPads running Apple's latest operating system, the article says quoting unnamed "people familiar with the matter."
These moves would boost the number of U.S. government agencies allowed to use those devices. Both companies have been pushing hard to win over U.S. defense agencies, some of the government's most security-conscious customers, notes the "WSJ." That market is small and still largely dominated by Research In Motion's BlackBerrys, "so the new security approvals won't likely translate into any immediate, big sales or new customers," the article adds.
iPad mini accounts for 12.5 million of Apple's total iPad...
Apple's total iPad shipments were 19.5 million units from January to March, and the iPad mini accounted for 12.5 million units, according to "DigiTimes" (http://tinyurl.com/d85pwgs). This shows that "the 7- to 8-inch segment has already become the mainstream of the market," the article adds.
The second-generation iPad mini -- expected to sport a Retina display -- could make an appearance as soon as August, says "DigiTimes," quoting unnamed "sources from the upstream supply chain." "As tablet players are turning their focuses from the 10-inch segment to 7-inch for the second half of 2013, sources from the upstream supply chain believe the competition between Apple iPad mini and 7-inch Android tablets will become fiercer than before," the article adds.
Apple sells a record $17 billion in debt
Investors have scooped up US$17 billion in Apple bonds, the largest offering in corporate history. The proceeds will be used to help fund the company's ambitious plan to return value to shareholders through share repurchases and dividend payouts, notes "CNET" (http://tinyurl.com/c3wlbpn).
The bond sale comes on the heels of Apple's plans to double its capital return program, which involves spending an additional $55 billion in dividend payments to investors. Apple also said it would be spending an extra $50 billion in repurchasing company stock along with increasing its quarterly dividend.
The bond offering was split up into six parts with varying maturity dates. Apple benefited from historically low interest rates, which are set by the U.S. Treasury, notes "CNET."
Disk Drill for Mac OS X gets streamlined interface, more
CleverFiles has released Disk Drill 2.0, an update of the free data recovery software for Mac OS X. The upgrade adds a streamlined interface, new methods of lost partition recovery and the ability to rebuild the catalogs of HFS+ partitions that won't mount correctly.
Disk Drill features Quick Scan that recovers files that have been accidentally deleted and helps in less severe data recovery cases. Deep Scan looks for files based on their structure. Disk Drill's Search for Lost Partitions feature offers a way for any file systems still recoverable on a disk. Bonus features include Disk Image Backup, S.M.A.R.T. data monitoring, Live Preview of found items, Portable Mode and more.
Disk Drill is compatible with any Mac running Mac OS X 10.5 or newer (including Mac OS 10.7 and is 64-bit ready. Disk Drill 1.5 basic is free and is available worldwide from the CleverFiles website (http://www.cleverfiles.com). There are also pro ($89), expert ($169) and enterprise ($299) editions.
Monotype unveils Web Fonts Master subscription plan
Monotype Imaging Holdings -- a provider of typefaces, technology and expertise for creative applications and consumer devices -- has enhanced its Fonts.com Web Fonts service to provide greater flexibility and choice to creative professionals. The new Master subscription plan brings together the company’s Web font solution with unlimited access to more than 7,000 desktop fonts.
Combined with Monotype’s Typecast application for designing with Web fonts in the browser, the master subscription is an industry first that provides a comprehensive solution for working with type throughout the digital and print design processes, bringing unparalleled value to customers, says Chris Roberts, vice president and general manager of Monotype’s e-commerce group. The Fonts.com master subscription liberates designers to put type first, and to experiment with, and benefit from, the widest possible typographic palette, he adds.
The Fonts.com Master subscription plan, which Monotype intends to expand...
SecuritySpy for Mac OS X updated to version 3.0.4
Bensoftware has announced SecuritySpy 3.0.4, an update to the multi-camera video surveillance software for the Mac. The new version includes support for more network cameras as well as t improvements to media streaming from network devices.
SecuritySpy boasts features such as motion detection, real-time compression of multiple video and audio feeds, and network video and audio streaming, SecuritySpy is designed for demanding video surveillance applications. The software supports a variety of network cameras and video servers, including the popular ACTi, Axis, Panasonic, Sony and Vivotek ranges, as well as FireWire, USB, and PCI video input devices.
SecuritySpy features motion detection, which can be used to trigger recording as well as email alerts and audio alarms. The built-in web server allows remote viewing of live video and audio, previously captured footage, as well as configuration of the software, from over the internet using a web browser or a mobile device such as the iPhone...
OWC announces Envoy Pro EX for Mac, Windows systems
Other World Computing (OWC) has announced the OWC Envoy Pro EX solid state drive solution. Designed in anodized aluminum to match modern Macs and PCs, the Envoy Pro EX easily into a coat pocket, backpack, or briefcase for high performance storage and/or backup capacity.
Inside the Envoy Pro EX is a SandForce Driven OWC Aura Pro 6G SSD that offers real world sustained reads up to 436MB/s and writes up to 429MB/s. The USB 3.0 interface can bus-power the drive so an AC power adapter isn’t required.
The OWC Envoy Pro EX is available immediately in two configurations: the 240GB Envoy Pro EX for US$319.99 and the 480GB Envoy Pro EX for $599.99. For more info go to http://www.macsales.com .
Apple may have the biggest U.S. corporate offering on record
Apple, seeking to help finance a $100 billion capital reward for shareholders with borrowed money, is selling its first bonds in almost two decades in what may be the biggest U.S. corporate offering on record, reports "Bloomberg" (http://tinyurl.com/cyfujku).
The article notes that Apple intends to issue debt as soon as today, including floating-rate notes maturing in 2016 and 2018 and fixed-rate securities due in 2016, 2018, 2023 and 2043, according to a regulatory filing. Proceeds may help the company avoid repatriation taxes on its $102.3 billion of funds held overseas as CEO Tim Cook returns an additional $55 billion to shareholders through 2015 to compensate for a stock that’s been hammered by signs of slowing growth.
"You’ll see a meaningful amount of interest,” Ashish Shah, the head of global credit investment at New York-based AllianceBernstein LP, which oversees $256 billion in fixed- income assets, told "Bloomberg." “It’s a high- quality name which brings in a lot of...
Wacom announces Cintiq 22HD touch
Wacom has announced the Cintiq 22HD touch, a new addition to its expanding interactive pen display portfolio, now featuring multi-touch. It's due in May for US$2,499. You can order it at select reseller locations and Wacom's eStore (https://store.wacom.com/us/).
Combining multi-touch with Wacom's pen technology, the new Cintiq 22HD touch offers an immersive on-screen experience and a more intuitive and natural way to work, according to the folks at Wacom. Additional features including a 21.5-inch, full HD display, an ergonomic rotating stand and 16 customizable ExpressKeys.
The Cintiq 22HD touch is Mac compatible and works with touch savvy applications such as Corel's latest Painter 12.2 update and Autodesk's Mudbox and Sketchbook Pro. It offers a wide-format, full HD LCD with 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution and 16.7 million colors.
The adjustable stand allows for real display rotation, offering both landscape and portrait viewing angles as well as the option to set an incline between 10...
Judge sets new trial date in Apple vs. Samsung battle
A federal judge has set new trial dates in November to decide whether US$450.5 million of damages awarded by a jury to Apple in a patent dispute with Samsung should stand, reports "Reuters" (http://tinyurl.com/dyl9kkb).
In March, Judge Lucy Koh slashed a $1.05 billion jury award by more than 40% and set a new trial to determine damages. On Monday the judge ordered that the new trial on damages should take place between Nov. 12 and 18.
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.
Apple takes ownership of imaging patents acquired from Kodak
Filings with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office show the transfer of a number of patents from Kodak to Apple has begun, with the letter taking ownership of several patents covering aspects of digital photography, reports "AppleInsider" (http://tinyurl.com/c7dth6b)
The patents in question -- 8,432,479, 8,432,472, 8,432,456, and 8,432,461 -- cover measurement of range using a zoom camera, displaying and sharing digital images, and wireless sharing of digital images via a network. "Apple will likely put the patents to use further protecting from litigation its bestselling line of iOS devices, as well as its Mac computers," notes "AppleInsider."
In 2011 Kodak offered to sell 1,000 patents related to digital photography. The company had been losing money despite its efforts to convert from film to digital photography.
All My Gods Free released for the Mac
Realore has announced All My Gods Free for Macintosh, a free trial version of its god-sim strategy game. It requires Mac OS X 10.6.6 and is available at the Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/d9wx3t9).
Here's how the game is described: "All my Gods allows players to immerse into the atmosphere of Ancient Rome and play as a young aspiring godling. The mission is to develop into a mighty Roman god and build a great Empire. With the release of All my Gods Free players have a chance to feel what it's like to be a Roman god without paying a dime.
"The game begins when one of the oldest gods, Saturn, decides to retire and wants his son to take his place. Other Roman gods decide that first Saturn's heir has to prove that he is worthy of their trust and divine powers he is about to receive.
"All my Gods is a city-building god-sim strategy that allows players to immerse into the atmosphere of Ancient Rome and play as a young aspiring godling. The mission is to develop into a mighty Roman god...
GoZync updated to version 3.172
SeedCode has announced GoZync 3.172. A collaboration between SeedCode and Geist interactive, it's an update of the unlocked framework that lets developers add synchronization to FileMaker Go solutions, enabling their users to work offline.
The latest build of GoZync speeds up synchronization by pulling data down to mobile apps even faster. Also, since GoZync is unlocked and written solely in FileMaker Pro, it is easy to add this speed boost to existing deployments by replacing a few scripts, according to the folks at SeedCode.
Build 3.172 is a free update for existing users. For new users the cost is depends on the version you by. You can find details at http://www.seedcode.com/cp-app/ste_cat/gozync#licenses .
MaxUpgrades announces SSD SATA module for the iMac
MaxUpgrades has announced the SSD SATA Module with heat sink for the iMac 2012 models. It's available in an US$99.95 single SSD drive kit and a $119.95 dual SSD drive kit.
SSD SATA Module with heat sink for iMac 2012 Models enables the iMacs to use dual standard 2.5 inch Form Factor SSDs, or an SSD + HDD configuration. It also fulfills RAID 0 or RAID 1 requirements of identical SSDs of same capacity, make and model,with the highest capacity and maximum Performance SSDs available in standard 2.5-inch form factor (such as the Crucial 960GB M500 Samsung 840 Pro series.) For more info go to www.MaxUpgrades.com .
Kingston Digital releases Wireless Reader, battery charger
Kingston Digital has released the MobileLite Wireless. the next generation of the innovative Wi-Drive portable wireless storage device for Apple iOS and Android devices.
The new reader is enhanced as it wirelessly streams movies, music, photos and documents from USB Flash drives, microSD (with included adapter) and SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, says Craig Tilmont, wireless products business manager, Kingston. MobileLite Wireless also serves as an emergency mobile charger when the user’s phone battery gets low.
Use is as simple as plugging in any USB Flash drive into the USB port to watch and share movies or view and share files wirelessly on mobile devices. The SD/SDHC/SDXC slot enables sharing of images with friends and family by removing the card from a camera and plugging it directly into the MobileLite Wireless. The included adapter allows the same access and sharing for microSD cards used in many mobile phones and tablets.
MobileLite Wireless also serves as an emergency backup battery...
Apple wins court ruling against Golden Bridge Technology
Apple has won a court ruling that it doesn’t infringe patent claims brought by intellectual property licensing firm Golden Bridge Technology, reports "Bloomberg" (http://tinyurl.com/bltvnws). The company sued Apple in 2010 over patents for boosting connections in mobile networks.
U.S. District Judge Sue Robinson in Wilmington, Delaware, also canceled a jury trial that was scheduled to begin today over two patents for 3-G network communications held by Long Branch, New Jersey-based Golden Bridge. Golden Bridge sued Apple in 2010 over patents for boosting connections in mobile networks.
"The record evidence remains consistent with the finding of non-infringement," Robinson wrote in an order April 25 affirming earlier decisions on the patent descriptions, notes "Bloomberg."
Golden Bridge plans to appeal.
Lifeware releases Deluxe Moon Pro for Mac OS X
Lifeware Solutions has announced Deluxe Moon Pro 1.0, a lunar cycle application for Mac OS X (10.6 or higher). It costs US$0.99 and is available at the Mac App Store in the Education category (http://tinyurl.com/cezw5cz).
Featuring an animated interface, Deluxe Moon Pro provides comprehensive information on the Moon, moon phase times via animated interface and multiple interactive tools to explore the Moon. The app includes specific gardening advice based on the current moon phase, precise times of the moon phases, animated Zodiac circles, moon horoscope, calendar and more.
Winter Wolves releases Bionic Heart 2 for the Mac
Winter Wolves has released Bionic Heart 2 for the Mac. It's a "deep and dark, sci-fi visual" novel/game told from four points of view.
Here's how Bionic Heart 2 is described: "Take control of Luke, Tom, Tanya and Tina. Each character has their own personality, complete with quirky traits that could potentially whip the story straight into a plot twist. Bionic Heart 2 is the only visual novel featuring a scene with TWO talking brains! The game also features beautiful manga artwork, a full original soundtrack, and meaningful choices that will have repercussions on the whole universe."
You can download the demo and buy the game from Winter Wolves website at www.winterwolves.com/bionicheart2.htm . It costs US$19.99 to purchase.
Pdf-Office Professional updated to version 11
Universe Software has updated pdf-Office Professional, the PDF form creation software, to version 11. Created PDF forms can be saved locally without restrictions in Adobe Reader XI completed, or be sent as an email attachment.
Additionally, AdobeLifeCycle created PDF forms that can't stored in the reader XI can now be read in and saved again. In pdf-Office Pro 11, editing has been enhanced to provide word processing functions, such as indents, even hanging, tabs, etc. These functions are also available in text boxes, offering professional text formatting. Further improvements have been adapted in almost all program areas.
The pdf-Office Professional interface is similar to that of Microsoft Word. Texts can be entered directly, while form fields, graphics, etc., can be positioned by drag and drop. You can add form fields with additional calculations or JavaScript to the template. Forms created in pdf-Office Professional can be shown using a launcher for Acrobat Reader immediately...
Apple to challenge damages award to VirnetX
Apple will challenge a November 2012 jury verdict that awarded $368 million in damages to Nevada patent-holding company VirnetX, a filing with U.S. regulators showed -- as noted by "Macworld" (http://tinyurl.com/bwfn5qv)
In a Form 10-Q filed this week with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Apple said it had not yet recorded the millions owed to VirnetX on its balance sheet. "The Company is challenging the verdict, believes it has valid defenses and has not recorded a loss accrual at this time," Apple said in the SEC filing.
VirnetX filed its lawsuit against Apple in August 2010. The company claimed that Apple’s FaceTime and Message, a video chat application and SMS text-replacement, respectively, infringed on four of its patents.
Apple offering some developers another chance at WWDC tickets
"MacRumors" (http://tinyurl.com/ba8bg) says that Apple is offering some developers a second chance at tickets to the 2013 Apple Worldwide Developer Conference, which is slated for June. The tickets sold out in under an hour after they went on sale Thursday.
However, developers who tried to purchase tickets got error messages stating that their purchase requests were unable to be processed. Red Sweater Software founder Daniel Jalkut told "MacRumors" that Apple contacted some registered members of its developer program to offer them a second chance to purchase a WWDC ticket.
Apple will hold WWDC 2013 June 10 through June 14 at San Francisco’s Moscone West. At the five-day conference, developers from around the world will learn about the future of iOS and OS X. For more info go to developer.apple.com/wwdc .
By the way, if you going to be in San Francisco during WWDC 2013? MacTech is sponsoring ALTWWDC. Sign up for updates at
http://altwwdc.com/updates/
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