DevStorm releases DCommander for Mac OS X
DevStorm Apps (www.devstorm-apps.com) has released DCommander 1.0, a two-pane file manager for Mac OS X 10.6.6 or higher.
Optimized for quick access and user-friendliness, DCommander gives you control over your computer's filesystem as soon as your Mac is started. Featuring the naming, size, kind and date sorting of files and folders, the app provides a familiar file management companion for new Mac users transitioning from other operating systems, as well as advanced power users that demand more control of their computer, according to the folks at DevStorm.
DCommander 1.0 is available for US$9.99 at the Mac App Store worldwide in the Utilities category.
Korea: Apple denies Samsung request to see iOS 6 source code
Apple has denied Samsung's request to see the source code for iOS 6, according to "The Korea Times" (http://tinyurl.com/bja3q42). Samsung wants to see the innards of the operating system, purportedly to see whether its technology violates any of its patents.
Officials from the Seoul Central District Court say Samsung’s legal representatives argue that it's impossible to confirm whether its patent has been infringed on or not without Apple providing the source code. Apple legal reps called the request "insane," per "The Korea Times."
"It doesn’t’ make any sense. Samsung is saying that we should give up protecting our most important data," Apple legal eagles are quoted as saying.
Global smartphone shipments reach 700 million in 2012
According to the latest research from Strategy Analytics (www.strategyanalytics.com) , global smartphone shipments grew 43 percent annually to reach a record 700 million units in 2012. Samsung was the star performer, capturing 30% marketshare worldwide and extending its lead over Apple and Nokia, according to the research group.
"Global smartphone shipments grew 38 percent annually from 157.0 million units in Q4 2011 to 217.0 million in Q4 2012," says Neil Shah, senior analyst at Strategy Analytics. "Global smartphone shipments for the full year reached a record 700.1 million units in 2012, increasing robustly from 490.5 million units in 2011. Global shipment growth slowed from 64% in 2011 to 43% in 2012 as penetration of smartphones began to mature in developed regions such as North America and Western Europe."
Samsung shipped a record 213.0 million smartphones worldwide and captured 30 percent marketshare in 2012. This was the largest number of units ever shipped by a smartphone...
Unlocking cell phones will soon be illegal
As noted by "TechNews" (http://tinyurl.com/bfqxxda), as of Jan. 26, it will be illegal to unlock a new mobile phone.
In October 2012, the Librarian of Congress, which determines exemptions to a strict anti-hacking law called the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), decided that unlocking mobile phones would no longer be allowed. But the librarian provided a 90-day window during which people could still buy a phone and unlock it. That window closes this Saturday.
Runware rolls out heart rate monitor for the iPhone 5
Runware has introduced its Runalyzer Blue chest strap for iPhone 5. This heart rate monitor uses Smart Bluetooth technology and purportedly works with more than 100 applications such as 321Run, iSmoothrun, Endomodo, RunKeeper and Runtastic.
An application like Runtastic provides your heart rate and "locates" you on the ski slopes. Features include heart rate, heart rate zones but also distance, altitude, speed, calories burned and more. Plus, voice sports coaching announcements can even alternate with your favorite music.
The Runalyzer Blue runs for up to 18 months with a single battery on a daily use basis,. It has a suggested retail price of US$74. For more info go to http://tinyurl.com/bd7nxe7 .
Mac OS X software updates for Jan. 25
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
SCSC (www.scsc-online.com) has released an update for Scannerz. It includes full support for CoreStorage based file systems including fully encrypted volumes under Mac OS 10.7 and 10.8 as well as integrated support for Apple RAID configurations. Additional support has been added for hardware based RAID and more.
Magican Software (www.magicansoft.com) has announced Magican 1.4, an update of the software that lets you carry out several basic operations in a floating window. The previous "Mini window" has now become a separate monitor to reduce CPU and memory usage. A new Optimizer has been added to manage startup items, set default programs and optimize settings.
Ambiera (www.ambiera.com) has revved CopperCube, which lets you create interactive 3D screens without programming, to version 4. It adds a particle system, customizable loading screens and more.
GreenworldSoft (http://www.greenworldsoft.com) has given us version 2.5 of Sync...
'Take Control of iTunes 11: The FAQ' released
A new ebook, "Take Control of iTunes 11: The FAQ," by Kirk McElhearn, answers common (and not-so-common) questions about Apple's iTunes media management software.
The book walks readers through the process of becoming an iTunes power user, with chapters -- including Play, Rip, Buy, Tag, Organize,
Search, and Sync -- that cover the basics and beyond. Learn more at http://tid.bl.it/tco-itunes11-pr . It costs US$15.
McElhearn is a senior contributor to Macworld, where he frequently pens articles about iTunes, most notably in his "Ask the iTunes Guy" column. "Take Control of iTunes 11: The FAQ" is an ebook with 192 pages.
ITC to review decision in Apple/Samsung case
The U.S. International Trade Commission has decided to review an earlier decision that found Samsung Electronics' products infringed four patents owned by Apple, reports "InfoWorld" (http://tinyurl.com/by27pch).
The four patents relate to the ornamental design of a device, commands through finger contacts on touchscreen displays, a method and apparatus for producing translucent images on a device, and audio I/O headset plug and plug circuitry.
The commission has decided to review a decision in October by the administrative law judge (ALJ), which found that Samsung had infringed four Apple patents in its products, while also ruling that Apple's complaint with regard to two other patents was disallowed, notes "InfoWorld."
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.
Cook congratulates Apple employees on record quarter
Apple CEO Tim Cook sent out an email to employees congratulating the team, reports "9to5Mac."
Within the email, Cook thanked employees for their “incredible hard work and focus” and highlighted that the company sold over 75 million iOS devices during the quarter. The boss is also asking employees to attend an employee communications meeting scheduled for today at 10 a.m. Pacific time, notes "9to5Mac."
Yesterday Apple announced financial results for its 13-week fiscal 2013 first quarter that ended Dec. 29, 2012. The company posted record quarterly revenue of US$54.5 billion and record quarterly net profit of $13.1 billion, or $13.81 per diluted share.
'jOBS' film to open April 19
Following its premiere at the Sundance film festival later this week, "jOBS," the independent film about Steve Jobs starring Ashton Kutcher, is slated to arrive in theaters on April 19, according to "The Hollywood Reporter" (http://tinyurl.com/bfb5aad).
The biopic is directed by Joshua Michael Stern and written by Matthew Whitely. It tells the story of Jobs' ascension from college dropout to one of the most revered entrepreneurs of the 20th century, the article adds. Part of the film was shot in the garage where Jobs first set up shop at his family's home in Palo Alto, California.
Paul Solt announces online iOS development course
Paul Solt has announced a live, online iPhone development class. The three-week iOS development course begins Jan. 18 and goes beyond Objective-C coding to "in-depth topics developers need to know to be successful."
Filled with practical knowledge based on Solt's five apps and over 500,000 app downloads, the 500-plus students will learn about iOS development, coding, Apple App Store specifics and success, marketing, and user interface design, in an interactive learning environment. The class is entitled "Build Your First iPhone App in Three Weeks."
The course requires that you have Mac OS X Mountain Lion (or PC users with MacInCloud online) and iOS 6.0. Tickets are US$49USD for a limited number of seats. Group discount codes are available on request. For more info go to http://tinyurl.com/b8ay7x6 .
Mac OS X software updates for Jan. 24
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
Zevrix Solutions (www.zevrix.com) has announced Deliver 2.4.1, a feature update to its automated file transfer solution for remote and local destinations. The new version adds support for Transport Layer Security (TLS) in SMTP settings, which enables users to use their iCloud email accounts for file delivery notifications.
Nulana has updated Remotix for Mac, their VNC client. The enhanced app fully supports MacBook Pro Retina displays.
Flying Meat has revved Acorn (http://flyingmeat.com/acorn/), a layer-based bitmap image editor, to version 3.5.1. It's a maintenance upgrade.
Gorilla (www.junglesoftware.com), a site of software tools designed to help users make a film or video -- has scampered to version 5.1.0. The upgrade now support the Gorilla Ratebook 2013 edition and integrates with Koala Call Sheets.
Inkstone Mobile's new audio player offers iOS users free downloadable recordings of the Bible. Audio Bibles ($1.99) features...
Apple rumors for Jan. 24
Here are the latest Apple-related rumors from the blog-o-sphere:
"Before Apple swooped in to purchase Siri, U.S. carrier Verizon was working on a deal that would make the intelligent voice-controlled assistant exclusive to Android devices on its network." -- "AppleInsider" (www.appleinsider.com)
"Apple is expected to see the share of its iOS-based iPad and iPad mini in the tablet segment continue to be eroded by an array of Android-based tablets by other branded vendors in the first half of 2013. The iPad and iPad mini saw their combined market share drop to around 50% in the second half of 2012." -- "DigiTiimes" (www.digitimes.com)
"Apple will adopt a Retina display in its next-generation iPad mini." -- "BrightWire" (www.brightwire.com)
Apple retail stores hit all-time high in revenue
For its 13-week fiscal 2013 first quarter that ended Dec. 29, 2012, Apple's brick-and-mortar retail stores saw revenue hit an all-time high of US$6.4 billion.
During the quarter, Apple opened 11 new stores, including four in Greater China. What's more, the company relocated or expanded 14 stores that had outgrown their former space.
The stores saw 120.1 million customers come through them. That's a 7% increase year-over-year.
Apple reports record results for latest fiscal quarter
Apple announced financial results for its 13-week fiscal 2013 first quarter that ended Dec. 29, 2012. The company posted record quarterly revenue of US$54.5 billion and record quarterly net profit of $13.1 billion, or $13.81 per diluted share.
These results compare to revenue of $46.3 billion and net profit of $13.1 billion, or $13.87 per diluted share, in the 14-week year-ago quarter. Gross margin was 38.6 percent compared to 44.7 percent in the year-ago quarter. International sales accounted for 61 percent of the quarter’s revenue.
Average weekly revenue was $4.2 billion in the quarter compared to $3.3 billion in the year-ago quarter. Apple sold a record 47.8 million iPhones in the quarter, compared to 37 million in the year-ago quarter. Apple also sold a record 22.9 million iPads during the quarter, compared to 15.4 million in the year-ago quarter. The company sold 4.1 million Macs, compared to 5.2 million in the year-ago quarter. Apple sold 12.7 million iPods in the quarter,...
Samsung passes Apple as the top global semiconductor customer
Samsung Electronics and Apple both dominated semiconductor demand in 2012, although Samsung overtook Apple as the top worldwide semiconductor customer, according to Gartner (www.gartner.com).
Based on analysis of the design total available market (TAM), Samsung and Apple together consumed US$45.3 billion of semiconductors in 2012, an increase of US$7.9 billion from 2011, to represent 15% of total semiconductor demand, while the total semiconductor market decreased by 3% overall, according to the research group.
"Although Samsung and Apple continue to go from strength to strength, other leading electronic equipment makers fared less well, and six of the top 10 reduced their demand in 2012," says Masatsune Yamaji, principal research analyst at Gartner. "In addition to a weak macroeconomic situation, a dramatic change in consumer demand contributed to a reduction in semiconductor demand in 2012. The PC market still represented the largest sector for chip demand, but desktop and mobile...
Ripple Tools comes to Final Cut Pro X
Noise Industries -- developer of visual effects tools for the post-production and broadcast markets -- is bringing 12 title effects to Apple's Final Cut Pro X with Ripple Tools (http://tinyurl.com/aa2jcge).
Ripple Tools is a US$29 set of plugins that allow the user to accomplish a number of effects and editorial tasks. You can: add split screens; use 8 or 16 point mattes; add adjustment layers to control the look of multiple clips; color balance using traditional color wheels; apply vintage and black-and-white effects; move images in 3D space and use the incredibly useful guides for aligning text and graphic elements on the screen.
MakeMusic to release new Garritan Harps sound library
MakeMusic has announced the upcoming release of Garritan Harps, a new virtual instrument collection.
The virtual harp revolution began with GigaHarp over a dozen years ago. Garritan Harps represents the next step of evolution, taking virtual harps exponentially further, according to Gary Garritan, MakeMusic director of instrumental sciences, and himself a long-time harp performer. In addition to pure pristine recordings of each note and a full range of harp articulations, new technologies allow for advanced glissando emulation, sampled acoustic spaces, and much more.
Garritan Harps features a variety of harps, including Salvi Pedal, Venus Concert Grand and Lyon & Healy. Special features include full-ranged harp articulations --traditional angelic-sounding harp plucks, harmonics, Pres de la table, picked, dampened, and other types of playing techniques. Through a variety of options, Garritan Harps also makes playing glisses accessible to any musician, Garritan says.
The ARIA player...
New Monotype technology supports OpenType features on web...
Monotype Imaging Holdings has announced a new cloud-based technology that allows support for OpenType features in all popular browsers that support Web fonts and HTML5.
Available to all subscribers of Monotype’s Fonts.com Web Fonts service, the capability enables Web designers to use discretionary ligatures, small caps, fractions and other typographic features available in OpenType fonts, regardless of whether full, native support for OpenType features is available through the browser.
Using Monotype’s new solution, Web designers are able to use standard CSS techniques for controlling OpenType features, while relying on Fonts.com Web Fonts to ensure that pages render properly, as intended, regardless of the browser the visitor is using. When working on their Fonts.com Web Fonts project, users can use the OpenType feature control to activate individual OpenType features.
Web designers are able to see which OpenType features are available in a selected font and which features are...
Native Instruments introduces Reverb Classics
Native Instruments has launched Reverb Classics -- two algorithmic reverbs. While each effect has its own distinct sound, both provide a rich, harmonic character that adds dimension and depth to any source, according to the folks at Native Instruments.
The Reverb Classics were created in cooperation with Softube, a Swedish known for their accurate emulations of audio hardware. The Reverb Classics recreate two algorithmic Reverb units that rose to prominence 1980s and 1990s.
The RC 24 provides a rich, dark, and instantly identifiable sound suitable for anything from subtle widening to dramatic sound design, according to Native Instruments. The RC 48, while sharing some similarities, sounds richer, lush, and somewhat brighter by comparison, the company adds.
All three effects run as VST, AU, or AAX plug-ins inside all popular host sequencers. A free demo of each effect is available from the Native Instruments website.
The Reverb Classics bundle is available at the NI Online Shop...
Jobs threatened to sue Palm in anti-poaching brouhaha
Apple co-founder Steve Jobs threatened to file a patent lawsuit against Palm if that company's chief executive didn't agree to refrain from poaching Apple employees, according to a court filing made public, reports "Reuters" (http://tinyurl.com/a49voch).
The communication from Jobs surfaced in a civil lawsuit brought by five tech workers against Apple, Google, Intel and others, alleging an illegal conspiracy to eliminate competition for each other's employees and drive down wages. The defendant tech companies have attempted to keep a range of documents secret, notes "Reuters."
Last May Joseph R. Saveri of the national plaintiffs' law firm Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, says Siddharth Hariharan, a former software engineer at Lucasfilm and founder and CEO of InEarth, today filed a class action lawsuit charging that several of the nation's leading high-tech companies -- including Apple -- violated antitrust laws by conspiring to fix the pay of their employees and entering into "...
iConnectivity announces iConnectMIDI4+
iConnectivity has announced iConnectMIDI4+, their flagship next generation MIDI interface for Mac OS, Windows and iOS systems.
iConnectMIDI4+ is a multi-host MIDI interface that bridges MIDI and audio between multiple computing devices, instruments, and the network by introducing four new technologies. The first of these technologies is multi-hosting. iConnectMIDI4+’s multi-hosting capability allows for up to three computing devices to share the same interface as well as access and share MIDI resources over its four pairs of MIDI DINs and its 60 additional user configurable ports.
As a part of its multi-hosting capabilities iConnectMIDI4+ also features audio pass-through. This technology enables multiple computing devices to not only pass MIDI data but also act as an audio interface between them, bridging each computing device into each other’s audio and MIDI environments.
iConnectMIDI4+ also accommodates for USB MIDI devices such as controllers, synthesizers, drum machines, etc...
Ingram adds new e-book lending model to MyiLibrary
As more libraries develop digital programs as part of their core offering, Ingram Content Group (www.ingramcontent.com) has added a new content access model to its MyiLibrary e-content platform to provide libraries greater flexibility in e-book lending.
"As use of our MyiLibrary solution grows, our ongoing development of the platform continues to be driven in a large part by industry growth and direct library and patron feedback," says Dan Sheehan, vice president and general manager, Ingram Content Group library services. "Patron usage of e-books continues to climb, and the addition of our new multi-user concurrent Access Model gives libraries the flexibility to meet the content requirements of their patrons, and manage budgets effectively."
MyiLibrary's newest model, its Access Model, enables libraries to purchase a set of access credits for an e-book and lend it simultaneously to multiple patrons for a set cost, and lending period. For libraries, the model can easily eliminate...
Mac OS X software updates for Jan. 23
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
Iwaxx (http://www.iwaxx.com) has revved LanScan Pro, which lets you discover the active devices on a network, to version 2.1. Edited hostnames are now colored in gray and the scan is much faster on big networks.
Alekseev Vladislav (http://www.facebook.com/Prototypr) has updated Protoypr, a tool for building iOS app prototypes, to version 1.0.2. It's a maintenance release with bug fixes.
Luma Fung (http://tinyurl.com/8r4mugq) has released FreeSpace 1.2.2, a new version of the app for managing all your connected drives from the menu bar. It adds an eject button for each category and adds a SuperDrive category.
SimpleEdit (http://simpleeditapp.com), a customizable text editor, is now up to version 1.0.4. The upgrade improves encoding detection/handling and LaTeX definition.
Apple rumors for Jan. 23
Here are the latest Apple-related rumors from the blog-o-sphere:
"Apple is planning a new push into Indonesian sales, says NZWeek. Indonesia's Investment Coordinating Board has officially approved an Apple application to enter the country. The board's deputy chairman adds that the company is planning to invest between $2 million and $3 million to launch a retail store in the capital of Jakarta; the store would be Apple's first in the country, and in fact Apple's first in the Asia-Pacific region outside of China or Japan." -- "MacNN" (www.macnn.com)
"Digitimes has now published a new report backtracking on its earlier claim and indicating that Apple only plans to launch two new 4-inch iPhone models in 2013, presumably the iPhone 5S and some form of a new iPhone 5, perhaps revamped into a cheaper form factor based around a plastic shell. A larger iPhone is reportedly still in the works, but will not be seeing a launch this year." -- "MacRumors" (www.macrumors.com)
"The latest iPhone...
Laurene Powell Jobs helps launch 'Dream is Now'...
Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of the late Steve Jobs, and filmmaker Davis Guggenheim (“Waiting for Superman” and “An Inconvenient Truth” ) have launched "The Dream is Now Website" (http://www.thedreamisnow.org). It's a site dedicated to helping undocumented youth earn their citizenship.
Here's part of the site's mission statement: "There are an estimated one to two million undocumented young people living in America who were brought here as children. These young people have grown up here, attended our schools and learned to speak English just like their classmates. The U.S. is the only country they've ever known.
"Current law provides no path for them to remain in the country lawfully. There is no line in which to wait or application for legal status to complete, no matter how exemplary their behavior, how young they were when they arrived in the U.S. and no matter how valuable their potential contributions to our country.
"Both the President and Congress have signaled that...
CS Odessa releases ConceptDraw eLearning for Skype solution
CS Odessa has announced a new solution for ConceptDraw MindMap: eLearning for Skype. It provides a set of features designed to augment and simplify the training process.
Using this Solution will allow users to host content-rich presentations for small groups, remotely, according to the folks at CS Odessa. Now students, instructors, consultants, and subject-matter experts of all kinds can use the power of ConceptDraw MindMap coupled with the low-cost global communications of Skype, to deliver polished and complete lesson-plans that furnish their own documentation during the presentation. Documents can be customized to include embedded files, hyperlinks and mind map objects.
This new solution is now included in the ConceptDraw Solution Park, which is a free set of features included with every ConceptDraw Product. Lecturers and attendees need only have a current license of ConceptDraw MindMap and a Skype account. For more info go to http://www.conceptdraw.com/solution-park/elearning-...
Apple to open retail store, online store in Indonesia
Apple will open its first retail store and an online store in Indonesia, after it filed an application letter with the the country’s Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), receiving permission to begin selling its products direct to consumers.
"NZWeek" reports that the BKPM announced the approval of Apple’s application earlier today, which will see Apple initially open an online sales presence and then look to open its first Apple Store in Indonesia’s capital city, Jakarta. According to officials, Apple will invest between US$2 to $3 million in the venture, contributing towards the development and opening of its first store.
Read more at http://tinyurl.com/ay4urs7 .
IK Multimedia announces iRig BlueBoard
IK Multimedia has announced the iRig BlueBoard, a Bluetooth MIDI pedalboard for iPhone, iPad and Mac. It's designed to give guitarists, bassists and keyboard players hands-free control of mobile and Mac music apps.
Guitar players, vocalists and keyboard players can use it to extend control of their preferred music apps by switching presets, changing sounds or modifying effects parameters -- all hands-free. Any music app or software that is MIDI compatible (the standard communication protocol for musical instruments) -- such as IK’s AmpliTube, VocaLive, SampleTank, iGrand -- or any other Core-MIDI-compatible app like Apple GarageBand, can be operated wirelessly with iRig BlueBoard.
The unit uses Bluetooth 4.0 technology to transmit the actions of its four onboard, backlit footswitches and its two optional external pedals to the mobile device or Mac. Then using the included iRig BlueBoard app and software, the Bluetooth signals are converted into MIDI messages and routed internally to...
JixiPix releases Aquarella watercolor software for Mac OS X
JixiPix Software (www.jixipix.com) has introduced Aquarella, its new, US$7.99 artistic software solution for Mac OS X (10.6 and higher).
Aquarella offers digital artists and photographers a way to create realistic watercolor paintings with all the details true to traditional watercolor media. Featuring a "wet" algorithm, Aquarella can achieve a truly wet and natural appearance, according to the folks at JixiPix. The app boasts a collection of colorful washes and a series of control sliders that allow the fine-tuning of each watercolor creation.
29 free fonts released by 128bit Technologies
128bit Technologies has introduced 29 new fonts to its Free Commercial Use Mac Fonts collection. You can now download all 45 free fonts by visiting the company's MacAppware website (http://www.macappware.com).
All fonts are in OpenType font format and include a 10-computer commercial use license to use in any home or business design project. All fonts are in OpenType font format. Free Commercial Use Mac Fonts support Mac OS X 10.1 and later, and Windows XP and later.
MacDaddy releases Mac Backup Guru for Mac OS X
MacDaddy has announced Mac Backup Guru 1.0 for Mac OS X (10.7 and higher), a utility designed to back up files and disks. With a single Start button, the user can sync the contents of any Source with its backup Destination.
Disk backups of startup drives are bootable with Mac Backup Guru. If there's any inconsistency in the size or modification date between any files, the Source file replaces the outdated Destination file. Following the initial cloning, syncs take minutes instead of hours, according to the folks at MacDaddy.
Disk backup via cloning requires that the entire contents of the Source overwrite the entire contents of the Destination drive. Disk backup via sync requires that only the changes since that last backup overwrite the appropriate part of the Destination drive. Backup via sync requires that the initial backup be cloned, but all subsequent backups can be synced.
Syncing ignores the vast majority of files that are identical on the Source and Destination, and it...
IK Multimedia releases iLoud, a portable speaker for musicians
IK Multimedia has announced iLoud (www.ikmultimedia.com/iloud), portable, battery-powered stereo speakers designed for musicians. There are two models -- the iLoud (US$299.99) and iLoud MINI ($199.99) -- which will be available later this year.
The iLoud model offers 40W RMS of power, and its little brother, iLoud MINI, a robust 12W RMS. The speakers are equipped with onboard DSP, for maintaining accuracy and efficiency at all volume levels, and custom-designed neodymium loudspeakers.
The iLoud is equipped with a bi-amped 4-driver array, and the iLoud MINI with a pair of full-range speakers. The enclosures feature bass-reflex and passive radiators construction.
iLoud also offers the possibility to connect a guitar, bass or dynamic microphone directly to the speaker and process the sound with a multitude of real-time effects apps. Both iLoud models support Bluetooth operation. Users can stream music to them from any compatible mobile device such as an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad for...
Mac OS X software updates for Jan. 22
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
Reggie Ashworth (www.reggieashworth.com) has announced VidConvert 1.4, an update to his video converter for Mac OS X. The new version starts the addition of additional languages with French and Portuguese and more to come.
Postbox Inc. (http://www.postbox-inc.com) has revved Postbox, its email client, to version 3.0.7. It's a maintenance update with some bug fixes.
Steve Barrett (http://www.liv.ac.uk/~sdb/ImageSXM/) has updated Image SXM -- which lets you load, display, and analyze scanning microscope images -- to version 194-1x. RHK Technology XPMPro SM4 images now display image types that are more descriptive of the image data. Files with specific suffixes can be now opened by dragging on to the Image SXM icon, regardless of their file type. Also, two arrays have been added that hold the XY coords of points that are guaranteed to be inside the objects found by particle analysis.
Snail (http://www.snailapp.com) -- a time management...
Apple rumors for Jan. 22
Here are the latest Apple-related rumors from the blog-o-sphere:
"The latest rumors out of Asia claim that Apple will launch three new smartphones in 2013, including a next-generation iPhone, a cheaper model handset and a surprise large-format device with a 4.8-inch screen tentatively dubbed the 'iPhone Math'." -- "AppleInsider" (www.appleinsider.com)
"Apple forced Google's hand on Android." -- "ReadWrite Mobile" (www.readwrite.com)
"Apple again seen cutting iPhone 5 panel orders." -- "iDownloadBlog" (www.idownloadblog.com)
"Thorsten Heins, chief executive of Research In Motion, said on Monday that the embattled BlackBerry maker must ensure that its forthcoming BlackBerry 10 models are successful before the company can consider strategic alliances, such as licensing its software or even selling off its hardware production." -- "AppleInsider" (www.appleinsider.com)
Potatoman Seeks the Troof released for the Mac
Pixeljam Games has introduced Potatoman Seeks the Troof 1.0 for Mac OS X (10.6 and higher). It's availalble for US$2.99 in the Mac App Store.
Here's how the game is described: "Potatoman Seeks the Troof 1.0 is a challenging potatosophical platforming adventure from Pixeljam, the creators of Dino Run and Gamma Bros. Make your way through dry deserts, mysterious forests, busy cities, the tallest mountains and ultimately through your innermost consciousness in search of the ultimate answer! Go forward, seek, and discover The Troof!"
The download link is at http://tinyurl.com/axot2lt .
QuickerTek announced Solar Juicz charger for Apple laptops
QuickerTek (www.quickertek.com) has released the 62 Watt Solar Juicz solar power charger (US$99.99) for the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air.
The 62 Watt Solar Juicz purportedly has an efficiency of more than 39% over QuickerTek's previous Solar Juicz model. Faster charge time is provided by higher wattage (62 watts vs 55 watts of previous model).
The 62 Watt Solar Juicz also comes ready to use right out of the box with both an Apple Magsafe 1 and an Magsafe 2 power cable. It also charges QuickerTek's line of Apple Juicz external battery products.
Mac OS X software updates for Jan. 21
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
SintraWorks (www.sintraworks.com) has announced PDF Nomad 1.6, an update to its PDF editor made especially for Mac OS X 10.7 Lion and up. The new version adds four languages to its user interface (French, German, Portuguese and Dutch) and adds the ability to view and edit PDF document attributes.
MaBaSoft (www.mabasoft.net) has revved Application Wizard -- which provides fast access to your applications, documents, folders, and disks -- to version 3.3.3. It's a maintenance update with some bug fixes.
Sight Control (http://mactaris.blogspot.tw/p/webcam-settings.html), an app that lets you take control of your iSight camera, is now up to version 1.2. You can now save/load the settings. Also, settings of the camera will be stored automatically and restored the next time the app is launched.
SuperSync (www.SuperSync.com), which gives you access to your music library anywhere, has been upgraded to version 5.0.4. It's a maintenance update.
DaVinci Resolve 9.1 adds support for Retina displays
Blackmagic Design (www.blackmagicdesign.com) has announced a major release of DaVinci Resolve 9.1, the latest update to the color correction tool.
DaVinci Resolve 9.1 enables customers to use Resolve with Apple’s Macbook Retina technology. The new version also features support in XML for FCP X Audition, a feature in FCP X that provides the ability to stack and scroll through multiple shots in a single location in a timeline, allowing Resolve users to transfer files between the systems for a highly efficient workflow.
Improvements in mixed frame rate XML integration will allow better workflows between Resolve, FCP X and Final Cut Pro 7 projects. DaVinci Resolve 9.1 also supports improvements for Avid AAF, Sony XAVC and AVC-Intra files and a number of audio and performance improvements.
The new version also includes an enhancement for the CinemaDNG file format, as used by cameras such as the Blackmagic Cinema Camera. DaVinci Resolve now includes a CinemaDNG Input Device Transform (IDT...
South Korean consumers drop lawsuit against Apple
Twenty-nine South Korean consumers have decided not to go ahead with their class-action lawsuit against the electronics manufacturer for allegedly violating their privacy with its location tracking feature, says the "Yonhap News Agency" -- as reported by "ZDNet" (http://tinyurl.com/awzzdcc)
In August 2011 South Korea's communications regulator fined Apple's local operation 3 million won ($2,830) for what it said was the illegal collection of iPhone user location information. The Korea Communications Commission announced in a statement that it's ordered Apple Korea to pay the fine for violating the country's location information laws.
The 29 consumers mentioned above filed their suit in 2011. Each wanted 800,000 won (US$757) in damages after claiming the iPhone's location recognition feature tracked and stored personal data without their consent. However, they dropped the case due to difficulty in proving that their privacy was actually violated, according to the "Yonhap News Agency."
Tim Cook must field questions in anti-poaching hearing
At a hearing in San Jose, California federal court on Thursday, U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh ordered Apple CEO Tim Cook to be questioned by plaintiff attorneys for four hours in regards in an anti-poaching proceeding, reports "Reuters" (http://tinyurl.com/ant9em8).
Internal emails show that executives at tech companies such as Apple and Google believed that an agreement to refrain from poaching each other's workers would bring real financial benefits, the article adds. Koh must decide whether the lawsuit can proceed as a class action, which would give the plaintiffs more leverage to extract a large settlement, notes "Reuters."
Last May Joseph R. Saveri of the national plaintiffs' law firm Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, says Siddharth Hariharan, a former software engineer at Lucasfilm and founder and CEO of InEarth, today filed a class action lawsuit charging that several of the nation's leading high-tech companies -- including Apple -- violated antitrust laws by conspiring to...
TSMC CEO hints at Apple deal
TSMC Chairman and CEO Morris Chang says the company achieved close to 100% market share on its 28nm chip process and should continue to succeed as wafer shipments triple this year, prompting market watchers to predict a crucial deal with Apple for its A series processors, according to "The China Times" -- as noted by "TNW" (http://tinyurl.com/a32pnkw).
According to the article, Chang’s comments led analysts in attendance to believe that TSMC has secured orders from Apple for its upcoming A series processors. Apple’s A6X chip is currently produced on a 32nm process by Samsung, but a reduction to 28nm could result in power savings and improved performance for future devices. Apple is also rumored to be moving away from Samsung for chip production as the two companies wage a global battle over alleged patent infringements.
Sharp drastically cutting back 9.7-inch iPad screen production?
Sharp has "nearly halted" production of 9.7-inch iPad screens as demand shifts to the smaller iPad mini reports "Reuters" (http://tinyurl.com/a49644e).
Sharp's iPad screen production line at its Kameyama plant in central Japan has fallen to the minimal level to keep the line running this month after a gradual slowdown began at the end of 2012 as Apple manages its inventory, the article says, quoting unnamed "industry sources with knowledge of Sharp's production plans." Not surprisingly, neither Apple nor Sharp had any comments.
Mac OS X software updates for Jan. 18
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
St. Clair Software has rolled out App Tamer 1.3.2 (www.stclairsoft.com/AppTamer/), an update of the app that gives you control over your applications so you can save battery and CPU (central processing unit) power. The new version adds Retina display support.
Zevrix (www.zevrix.com) has revved LinkOptimizer Light -- which lets you reduce InDesign link size, convert colors and more -- to version 4.4.10. It fixes an issue in which the "Invalid page range" error could occur with no reason during analyzing on some international systems.
Peacockmedia has updated ClipAssist (http://peacockmedia.co.uk/clipassist/), which lets you access your frequently used text clips -- to version 3.1. The update adds a F-key button to the toolbar for assigning F keys (goes to the appropriate tab of preferences). It also adds optional visual feedback when using F keys (on by default) and flashes a head-up-display window to indicate clip is successfully copied...
Apple files petition for full U.S. appeals court
Apple has filed a petition asking the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, which hears all appeals of U.S. patent infringement cases, for an "initial hearing en banc" on a judge's recent denial of a permanent injunction against Samsung, reports "FOSS Patents" (http://tinyurl.com/ayvjf7x).
The petition also suggests that such a full-bench hearing could address this case as well as the Galaxy Nexus preliminary injunction case, in which the court appears to be contemplating a full-bench rehearing, the article adds.
Last month Judge Lucy Koh, the federal judge presiding over the never-ending Apple/Samsung legal battle entered two crucial post-trial orders. She denied Apple a permanent injunction against Samsung despite a multiplicity of infringement findings by a federal jury in August and then denied Samsung a new trial on the grounds of alleged jury misconduct
This is all part of the ongoing, global legal battle. Apple and Samsung have filed more than 30 lawsuits...
Intel reports full year revenue of $53.3 billion
Intel (www.intel.com) has reported full-year revenue of US$53.3 billion, operating income of $14.6 billion, net income of $11.0 billion and EPS [earnings per share] of $2.13. The company generated approximately $18.9 billion in cash from operations, paid dividends of $4.4 billion, and used $4.8 billion to repurchase 191 million shares of stock.
For the fourth quarter, Intel posted revenue of $13.5 billion, operating income of $3.2 billion, net income of $2.5 billion and EPS of 48 cents. The company generated approximately $6 billion in cash from operations, paid dividends of $1.1 billion and used $1.0 billion to repurchase 47 million shares of stock.
"The fourth quarter played out largely as expected as we continued to execute through a challenging environment," says Paul Otellini, Intel president and CEO. "We made tremendous progress across the business in 2012 as we entered the market for smartphones and tablets, worked with our partners to reinvent the PC, and drove continued...
Tozai announces Lode Runner Classic for iOS
Tozai Games says Lode Runner Classic, a remastered version of the classic Apple II game, will be released worldwide on Jan. 17 for iOS and Android smartphones.
With all-new features and graphics, 150 throwback levels, and authentic gameplay designed specifically for today's technology, Lode Runner Classic will put a "delightfully retro" Lode Runner experience into the palm of any player's hand, says Scott K. Tsumura, Tozai co-founder.
For those who aren't familiar with it, Lode Runner's frantic action takes place in static, maze-like levels, where a single player dodges enemies while running and climbing platforms to reach and claim stacks of gold. Jumping and shooting foes is forbidden, but blocks can be blasted to access lower platforms or trap pursuing enemies.
Although the gameplay remains true to the original Apple II version, there are plenty of new features to enhance the experience, says Tsumura. In addition to two new game modes (Expedition and Time Attack), Lode Runner...
Analyst: iPad sales may be lower than expected
In a note to clients -- as reported by "CNET" (http://tinyurl.com/anm2ffs) -- J.P. Morgan analyst Mark Moskowitz says iPad sales for the last fiscal quarter may be lower than expected due to constrained supplies -- though this is part of a short-term "blip."
He thinks unit sales of the iPad and iPad mini combined will be lighter than expected for the final quarter of 2012. Moskowitz is now predicting unit sales of 18.4 million, down from his previous forecast of 20.1 million.
"Our research indicates that near-term supply constraints impacted iPad sell-in activity during the seasonally-stronger holiday season," the analyst says. "Supply did not improve until early December. In our view, it was a supply, not demand issue."
Survey: Nexus 7 tops iPad in December sales in Japan
Google's Nexus 7 is gaining market share in Japan and topped Apple's iPad in a survey by the BCN research group -- as reported by "CNET" (http://tinyurl.com/bhlzg9n).
Based on a survey of 2,400 consumer electronics stores in Japan, Google's Nexus 7 tablet had 44.4% of the market versus the iPad's 40.1%. The survey was done by BCN in December.
Amazon MP3 Store optimized for iPhone, iPod touch
Amazon.com has announced the launch of the Amazon MP3 store, which is optimized specifically for iPhone and iPod touch. iOS users can discover and buy digital music from Amazon’s 22-million song catalog using the Safari browser.
Customers also have access to favorite Amazon features like personalized recommendations, best-seller lists and Amazon customer ratings. Music purchases are automatically saved to customers' Cloud Player libraries and can be downloaded or played instantly from any iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Kindle Fire, Android phone or tablet, Roku, Sonos home entertainment system, or any web browser, giving customers the freedom to enjoy more music, from more devices than any other major cloud music service.
Customers can begin shopping the Amazon MP3 store from their iPhone and iPod touch web browsers today at http://www.amazon.com/mp3.
