Mac OS X software updates for Jan. 17
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
Smile (www.smilesoftware.com) has released PDFpen 5.9.4, an update to its PDF editor for Mac OS X. The update improves performance by reducing memory usage.
Pomcast.biz has launched Comments.app 1.0.2, software for viewing your WordPress blogs comments. Version 1.0.2 is a maintenance update.
SourceTree (http://www.torusknot.com), a tool for working with Git and Mercurial, has been updated to version 1.5.7.1. It fixes a default branch selection in the Git push dialog when only a subset of branches should be selected, for example when using the 'current' branch push option.
Maintain (http://maintain.se/cocktail) has served up Cocktail 6.3 (Mountain Lion Edition), the latest maintenance update for users running Mountain Lion. Cocktail is a general purpose utility for OS X that lets users clean, repair and optimize their Mac. This version adds OS X 10.8.3 compatibility and ability to clear the Quarantine Events database.
Dutch court: Galaxy tablets don't infringe Apple patents
A Dutch court, citing previous decisions in British courts, has ruled that some Samsung's Galaxy tablets don't infringe an Apple design," reports "Reuters" (http://tinyurl.com/9wv4avu). The ruling by a district court in The Hague concerned the rounded corners of Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1, Galaxy Tab 8.9, and Galaxy Tab 7.7.
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.
Drobo releases its 5N networked storage device
Drobo is shipping what it says is its fastest and most technologically advanced networked storage device: the new Drobo 5N.
The 5N utilizes Drobo’s technologies, including "traffic light" management; the ability to automatically keep data in a protected state, even withstanding disk drive failures; mix-and-match disk drive support and expansion of system capacity by adding or hot-swapping drives on-the-fly with zero downtime.
Pricing for the Drobo 5N begins at US$599. It's available almost everywhere technology products are sold, including Amazon, B&H Photo Video, CDW and the online Drobo store at www.drobo.com .
Apple introduces installment payment plans in China
Apple has introduced installment payment plans for buyers of iPhones and MacBook laptops in China as it struggles to compete with low-cost devices in the world’s largest computer and mobile-phone market, according to "Bloomberg" (http://tinyurl.com/abrru64).
Payments on purchases costing from 300 yuan (approximately US$48) to 30,000 yuan made via the company’s Chinese website can be spread over as long as two years, according to the site. The plan, which requires a China Merchants Bank Co. (600036) credit card, has fees ranging from zero to 8.5%.
Apple, Samsung file joint stipulation
Apple and Samsung have filed a joint stipulation with the United States District Court for the Northern District of California concerning the addition of new products, or new product versions, to the second case pending between these parties in that district, reports "FOSS Patents" (http://tinyurl.com/bzregvu)
The process to amend the infringement contentions again most recently made headline news when Apple withdrew claims against the Galaxy S III mini on the basis of Samsung's representation that it does not sell that particular device in the U.S., the article adds.
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, Amazon ordered to meet March 21 in 'app store'...
U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Laporte says Apple and Amazon must have to attend a settlement discussion on March 21, with executives present who are in a position to be able to negotiate a binding agreement regarding the ongoing battle over the use of "app store," reports "TechCrunch" (http://tinyurl.com/ayvoape).
Earlier this month Amazon.com won a dismissal of a of a claim by Apple Inc. that the online retailer’s use of the term “app store” for Android device software constitutes false advertising, reports "Bloomberg" (http://tinyurl.com/aox784e).
U.S. District Judge Phyllis Hamilton in Oakland, California, granted Amazon’s request to toss the claim. She said in an order that she found "no support for the proposition that Amazon has expressly or impliedly communicated that its Appstore for Android possesses the characteristics and qualities that the public has come to expect from the Apple APP Store and/or Apple products."
Last year Apple sued Amazon, saying the online retailer...
Coladia announces Fall Trilogy Chapter 3: Revelation for OS X
Coladia's The Fall Trilogy Chapter 3: Revelation for Mac OS X is available for download. It's the last episode of the saga The Fall Trilogy.
Here's how the game is described: "In the previous two chapters, you made it through some strange adventures. First, you were a temple explorer in Asia, and then you were a secret agent in a modern building. Each time you woke up in a new place on a mission that was unrelated to the previous one.
"You solved many enigmas that helped you get some of your memory back. You wake up this time in a Victorian house and a letter from the lady urges you to take care of her husband. Can you face the new challenges, find answers, and come to a revelation?
The Fall Trilogy runs on Mac OS X 10.6 and higher. It can be purchased for US$9.90 at http://www.coladia.com .
WetFish Software revs Chronos for OS X to version 2.0
WetFish Software (http://wetfish.de) has released version 2.0 of their time tracking application Chronos for Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion.
The new version is completely redesigned. It also boasts usability improvements such as an improved CSV export with more filter and customization options, archiving of projects and flagging of invoiced time.
Chronos 2.0 is available on the Mac App Store for US$3.99 until the end of the month. Afterwards it will cost $5.99.
Mac Data Recovery Guru for Mac OS X revved to version 2.0
Mac OS X File Recovery has released Mac Data Recovery Guru 2.0, its data recovery utility for Mac OS X 10.7 or higher.
Mac Data Recover Guru can recover all common file types from any kind of device, due to user error, accidental formatting, hardware malfunction, or any other cause of data loss that does not involve overwriting the original file. Now available in the Mac App Store or directly from the publisher the app features a demo mode, allowing users to preview which files can be recovered before deciding to purchase.
Mac Data Recovery Guru 2.0 costs US$99 and is available directly from the Mac OS X File Recovery website (http://www.macosxfilerecovery.com/). A free demo version is also available.
Paragon releases Sloved 'shell' app for Mac OS X
Paragon Software Group, a multi-platform software developer of dictionaries and reference applications, has announced a free Slovoed "shell" app that gives access to 115 new versions of Slovoed dictionaries for 30 world languages on Mac OS X.
Paragon says it's developed a new way of accessing dictionary content at the Mac App Store, allowing users to test any of its 115 dictionaries free of charge before determining which one to buy. Navigation within the app catalog allows users to search for the dictionary that will best suit their language level, skills and needs. Multiple dictionaries can be used in the same shell, with switching between them.
The Slovoed shell is free and available at https://itunes.apple.com/app/id524941905. Dictionary prices start at US$9.99.
Mac OS X software updates for Jan. 16
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
Twocanoes Software (www.twocanoes.com) has released Winclone 3.7. New to Winclone 3.7 are enhancements to contextual information, French language support and minor bug fixes. Winclone allows users to create an exact snapshot of Windows on the Boot Camp partition and restore snapshots to the Boot Camp partition.
Twocanoes Software (www.twocanoes.com) has also given us Boot Runner 1.2, an update of its startup solution for multiple boot Macs. Version 1.2 offers French language translation, greater compatibility with third party drivers and various bug fixes.
VeprIT (http://veprit.com) has announced Photo Sense 1.9.0, a major update of its flagship product. Photo Sense is a photo editing software for Mac and iOS designed to make photos more attractive quickly and easily. Version 1.9.0 gives the user better control over the automatic processing, extends manual editing capabilities, improves the user interface, and more.
X-Rite (www.xrite....
Apple rumors for Jan. 16
Here are the latest Apple-related rumors from the blog-o-sphere:
"As rumors of an inexpensive iPhone model bound for a 2013 release gain momentum, fresh reports from upstream supply chain sources claim the purported handset's enclosure will be made of plastic by a company based in the U.S." -- "AppleInsider" (www.appleinsider.com)
"Apple is currently testing two prototype iPhones, claims Jefferies analyst Peter Misek. One of these is said to be Apple's next flagship model, nicknamed the iPhone 5S. The nature of the other phone is unclear, but could possibly be the rumored low-end iPhone. In any case Misek expects the 5S to be an incremental upgrade over the 5, and debut in June or July, even though the 5 and 4S were both fall releases." -- "MacNN" (www.macnn.com)
"Struggling PC maker Dell is reportedly in talks with at least two private-equity firms to take the company private." -- "AppleInsider" (www.appleinsider.com)
Apple sides with Ericsson in patent fight against Samsung
Apple has filed a statement on the public interest with the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) in connection with Samsung's ITC complaint against Ericsson, parts of which also apply to Ericsson's own complaint against Samsung while other parts are specific to Samsung, reports "FOSS Patents."
The letter argues that "an exclusion order based on any declared standard-essential patents (SEPs) that Samsung has committed to license on fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms would contravene the public interest". In Apple's view, "the Commission should decline to institute the proposed investigation", or at least ensure that the judge to whom an investigation will be assigned is authorized to develop an evidentiary record and make a recommendation on the public interest issues involved. Read more at http://tinyurl.com/awrb7bh .
In December, Samsung asked for a ban to ban imports and sales of certain Ericsson products in the U.S., alleging that they infringe its...
Pragmatic Studio announces iOS programming courses
The Pragmatic Studio has announced the iOS Programming Studio, which will be held Feb. 11-14 in Reston, Virginia, and April 9-12 in Denver, Colorado.
Participants "will learn how to design and build high-quality iOS apps from start to finish using best practices and expert techniques," according to the folks at The Pragmatic Studio. Participants will spend four days with both Bill Dudney and Daniel Steinberg, two iOS development experts and book authors.
During the course you will: get hands-on experience building six example apps; learn how to use the iOS software development kit, as well as why things are the way they are and how to use that to your advantage; and learn the tools, techniques, and design principles the pros use. For more info go to http://pragmaticstudio.com/ .
FileMaker Design Studios scheduled for Oakland and Seattle
The Craft of FileMaker will be hosting their next two Design Studios for FileMaker Pro Developers March 5-7 in Oakland, Califorina and April 16th - 18th in Seattle, Washington.
This three-day training will be lead by veteran FileMaker Developer's Conference speaker, Don Levan, president of Vanguard Custom Software and founder of the Craft of FileMaker. Attendees will learn a formal process and set of practices for designing exceptional applications and interfaces.
On March 5-7, the Oakland Studio is being hosted by Beezwax Consulting in their new offices in downtown Oakland:
200 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza
7th Floor
Oakland, California
On April 16-18, the Seattle Studio is being hosted by SeedCode, developers of FileMaker Pro Calendar Templates, at the Lake Union Crew on the Waterfront in Seattle:
11 E. Allison Street
Seattle, Washington
For more info go to http://fmcraft.com/ .
Redcort releases Virtual TimeClock ‘13
Redcort Software has released Virtual TimeClock ’13, an update of its Mac compatible software for managing employee time and attendance.
An all new Report Preview is designed to integrate and simplify employee timecard editing, formatting, and printing. All reports can now be printed or saved in unalterable PDF format for electronic storage or secure emailing to supervisors or payroll personnel. Sophisticated employee leave tracking is enhanced with new accrual reporting and options to automatically accrue employee leave on a daily or monthly basis.
Included with the new timecard management tools, Virtual TimeClock ’13 adds new leave award frequencies, updated accrual reports, benefit summaries, and easy access to timecard report settings. A complete list of Virtual TimeClock ’13 new features and a fully functional free trial of Virtual TimeClock software is available at the Redcort Software web site. Free trials are available for the Basic, Pro and Network Editions of Virtual...
Qoppa Software announces PDF Studio 8
Qoppa Software (www.qoppa.com) has announced a new release of PDF Studio, their cross-platform PDF desktop tool. PDF Studio 8 adds JavaScript support in PDF forms, faster rendering, improved text selection, and user interface improvements.
What's more, Qoppa has implemented a new tile based rendering approach that improves the user experience when working with graphically intensive PDF documents and much more. PDF Studio 8's new text model delivers enhancements in the way text is extracted, selected,and marked up in the application:
Text extraction and selection now support column detection in documents with multi-column page layout such as articles, magazines, and other publications. The new cursor-based selection and highlight tool follows the natural order of text within pages and handle selection across columns. An alternate rectangular selection mode is also available as a fall back to when selecting non-consecutive text on a page.
PDF Studio 8 offers new graphical skin options...
Amsys announces iOS security courses
Amsys, which provides iOS security courses in the UK, is taking its iOS training courses on the road starting in February, visiting eight cities across the UK for a two-day bootcamp.
iOS professionals, businesses and educational institutions are invited to attend. The nature of these courses provide businesses and their employees "with an invaluable insight and understanding into the correct processes and features of using iOS devices within the businesses, schools and universities," according to the folks at Amsys.
The agenda will cover key areas such as: creating and deploying configuration profiles; data security; network security; over the air enrollment; integration and management with Exchange Server; understanding the various deployment tools and methods available; and troubleshooting
Full details for the two-day course can be found at http://www.amsys.co.uk .
Russian Railways files lawsuit against Apple
Russian Railways has filed a trademark lawsuit against the iPhone maker. However, the reason isn't clear, notes "TechCrunch" (http://tinyurl.com/arc5qw3).
The public statement released by the RZD (Russian Railways’ abbreviation in Russian) only notes that the infringement relates to the RZD registered trademark, certificate number 341333, and the use of it in the “online Apple Store” in pictures. This may have to do with third-party apps in the App Store that use Russian Railway’s logo without permission, says "TechCrunch."
Belgian consumer protection group sues Apple
Belgian consumer protection organization Test-Aankoop has filed a lawsuit against Apple for not respecting local laws on warranties, reports "The Next Web."
All Apple hardware comes with a one-year limited commercial warranty, but the company is required under EU law to protect buyers with a minimum of two years protection on all consumer electronics. To extend coverage beyond one year, Apple customers are expected to purchase AppleCare.
Test-Aankoop argues that this practice doesn't comply with local laws, and also asserts that Apple isn’t adequately informing consumers of their rights. Read more at http://tinyurl.com/a4nlgbu .
SquidFX releases Borders plugin for Final Cut Pro X
Noise Industries has introduces Borders from SquidFX to FxFactory. It's an effects package designed exclusively for use in Final Cut Pro X and offers 27 preset border effects broken into two groups: basic borders and indented corners.
Border styles can be customized to the user's taste, including control over the width and roundness of Borders and corner flourishes. These effects work on HD video clips and still images of any size.
With SquidFX Borders, you can choose from a variety of corner shapes. It offers controls for border width, corner size and color and has optional built-in and build-out animations. You can customize effects including drop shadow, rough edges and soft edges
Borders is available at FxFactory for US$49. For more info go to http://squidfx.com/#borders .
iPad mini, fourth iPad will be available in China on Friday
Apple says the Wi-Fi + Cellular versions of iPad mini and the new fourth generation iPad with Retina display will be available in China on Friday, Jan. 18.
The iPad mini and the fourth generation iPad are currently available in more than 100 countries worldwide, including the US, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan and the UK.
The iPad mini with Wi-Fi + Cellular models come in black & slate or white & silver for a suggested retail price of US$459 for the 16GB model, $559 for the 32GB model and $659 for the 64GB model. The fourth generation iPad with Wi-Fi + Cellular models come in black or white for a suggested retail price of $629 for the 16GB model, $729 for the 32GB model and $829 for the 64GB model. Additionally, the iPad 2 is available for $399.
Mac OS X software updates for Jan. 15
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
A free update for Calories to version 3.3 is now available from the danholt website (/www.danholt4mac.eu/english/65/65/181001/pdf.html) and the Mac App Store. The software now includes the ability to import data from the VitaDock app.
Mabasoft (www.mabasoft.net) has revved Gorilla, a currently conversion calculator, to version 3.1.8. The automatic update of the Bank of Italy rates has been restored after the Bank of Italy changed the location of the Last foreign exchange rates CSV file. Also, the old Zambian kwacha (ZMK) has been replaced by the new Zambian kwacha (ZMW). The new kwacha was introduced on Jan 1.
Phase One (www.phaseone.com) has released Capture One Pro 7.0.2. It improves stability, fixes some bugs, and adds support for new models of Canon, Olympus, Fujifilm and Sony cameras, and includes new tethered support for Canon EOS 6D and Canon EOS M cameras.
Troi Automatisering (www.troi.com) has given us Troi Dialog Plug-in 5.5....
Apple rumors for Jan. 15
Here are the latest Apple-related rumors from the blog-o-sphere:
"Rumors of a more affordable iPhone for emerging markets took an interesting turn Friday, as the major news organization Reuters opted to rescind a story originally filed, based on comments allegedly made by Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller." -- "AppleInsider" (www.appleinsider.com)
"Apple has begun testing new Retina panels for its upcoming iPad mini 2, according to new reports." -- "Macworld UK" (www.macworld.uk)
"In an interview with All Things D on Thursday, Beats Audio CEO Jimmy Iovine said that he spent three years trying to persuade late Apple cofounder Steve Jobs to start a subscription-based streaming music service over a decade ago." -- "AppleInsider" (www.appleinsider.com)
"A number of resellers have run dry of Apple Thunderbolt Display inventory, suggesting the 27-inch monitor may be due for an upgrade, perhaps with a thinner design that takes cues from the latest iMacs." -- "AppleInsider" (www....
Samsung asks court to stand by its denial of a sales ban
Samsung has urged a U.S. appeals court to stand by its denial of Apple's request to ban sales of the Galaxy Nexus smartphone while Apple challenges its patent, reports "Reuters" (http://tinyurl.com/c6yl632).
In October, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit blocked Apple's bid for a pretrial sales ban. Apple has asked all nine active Federal Circuit judges to reconsider that decision, a process known as "en banc" review.
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.
Realore introduces Farm Mania: Hot Vacation for Mac OS X
Realore has released Farm Mania: Hot Vacation 1.0 for Mac OS X (10.6 or later), a time management title that was previously created for the PC.
It's the third installment in the Farm Mania series about farmer girl Anna. Farm Mania: Hot Vacation features improved graphics, new tasks and upgrades as well as new types of plants to grow. The action takes place in Australia, Egypt and China. There are total 59 levels, including 11 hidden object mini-games. The story can be enjoyed in two modes -- casual and arcade.
Farm Mania: Hot Vacation 1.0 costs US$6.99. It's available worldwide through the Mac App Store in the Games category (http://tinyurl.com/c55t99e).
Oracle releases Java 7 Update 11
Oracle has released Java 7 Update 11 of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) to address a security vulnerability. You can download it at http://tinyurl.com/5vpclzw .
For Java 7, you'll need an Intel-based Mac running Mac OS X 10.7.3 (Lion) and above. Installing Java on a Mac is performed on a systemwide basis, for all users, and administrator privileges are required. Java 7 can't be installed on a per-user basis.
A 64-bit browser (Safari or Firefox, for example) is required to run Java 7 on Mac OS X. 32-bit browsers such as Chrome don't support Java 7 on the Mac platform. When your Java installation completes, you may need to reload (Command+R) or quit (Command+Q) your browser in order to enable Java in your browser.
Person crashes car into Lincoln Park Apple store in Chicago
An elderly person drove a Lincoln Town Car into the Lincoln Park Apple store in Chicago, Illinois, On Jan. 13 leaving one person with minor injures, reports the "Chicago Tribune" (http://tinyurl.com/d3qrnad).
Fire Department paramedics were called to the store at 801 W. North Ave. at about 6:30 p.m. this evening, Chicago Fire Department Spokesman Joseph Roccasalva said. Chicago police were on the scene and investigating the crash, said Chicago News Affairs Officer Joshua Purkiss. The driver was described as elderly, according to the "Chicago Tribune."
Mac OS X software updates for Jan. 14
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
Chromium (http://www.freesmug.org/chromium), an open source web browser, has been revved to version 24.0.1312.52. The new version sports support for MathML.
CodeKit (https://incident57.com/codekit/about.php#navRibbon), a website building tool, has been upgraded to version 1.5.1. Markdown syntax is now fully supported in Haml files.
Houdah Software (www.houdah.com/) has tweaked HoudahSpot, their Spotlight front end for Mac OS X, to version 3.6.3. The upgrade restores compatibility with Mac OS X 10.5.
GI20Editor (web.tiscali.it/farello/gi20/index.html), a software editor for the Roland GI-20 GK-Midi guitar interface, is now up to version 2.1.0. The latest rev is now sandboxed for Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion.
ByteWorks releases techBASIC App Builder
ByteWorks has released techBASIC App Builder, which gives iOS app developers the ability to write a program in techBASIC on the iPhone or iPad, compile it under Xcode with the techBASIC App Builder, and sell it on the Apple App Store.
TechBASIC App Builder takes techBASIC programs written on iOS and converts them into fully functional stand-alone apps, enabling developers to write apps without using Objective C, says Mike Westerfield, president of Byte Works. Once created, these apps can be distributed just like any other app.
They can be submitted to the Apple App Store as free or paid apps, or distributed using ad hoc distribution to any iPhone or iPad. The end product is an app that is indistinguishable from apps written in Objective C, according to Westerfield.
TechBASIC requires an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad running iOS 5 or later. It costs US$14.99 and is available in the App Store Utilities category.
TechBASIC App Builder requires Xcode running on a Mac. Apps require iOS 5...
Dolly Drive launching '15 Minutes on' web series
Dolly Drive, makers of online backup and cloud storage for Mac computers, is launching its new webinar series "15 Minutes on ..." Tuesday, Jan. 15, at 12:15 pm (Eastern).
The 15-minute web sessions will show Dolly Drive users how to make the best use of the app's capabilities. The first three in the series will cover "How to use Dolly Drive's new Space feature for cloud productivity," How to use Dolly Drive for families," and "How to use Dolly Drive for business teams."
Dolly Drive is an application and cloud storage service built specifically for backup and cloud productivity in the Apple ecosystem. For more info go to http://www.dollydrive.com .
Apple wins Tech & Engineering Emmy
Apple was awarded a Technology & Engineering Emmy on Thursday evening during a ceremony at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, reports "Cult of Mac" (http://tinyurl.com/9ww27yw).
The Technology & Engineering Emmy Awards honor “development and innovation in broadcast technology and recognize companies, organizations and individuals for breakthroughs in technology that have a significant effect on television engineering.”
Apple’s award is for its “Eco-system for Real Time Presentation of TV Content to Mobile Devices without the use of Specialized Television Hardware.” It’s not entirely clear which of Apple’s services this relates to, but it’s thought that it relates to one of the Cupertino company’s cloud-based infrastructures, notes "Cult of Mac."
PFSOFT introduces Protrader web-based trading software
The PFSOFT company, a trading technology provider, has introduced an enhanced web trading application that works with Mac, Windows and operating systems.
"As well as our Desktop solution, Protrader for Web allows users to trade professionally over all asset classes from one place,"says Vitalii Ivliev, analyst at PFSOFT. "In addition to basic functionality, web application provides traders with advanced charting, level 2 quotes, option chain, and even automated strategies management. Our team is very proud to have the most advanced web interface on today's market."
In addition to functionality, improvements were made considering application design, he adds. Protrader for web embodies a user friendly interface that has thought-out workspace usability and a great level of flexibility in layout customization, according to Ivliev.
For more info go to http://protrader.net/download/register .
Tim Cook: China will become Apple's biggest market
Apple expects China to overtake the United States as its biggest market, CEO Tim Cook told a Chinese government news agency, as reported by "ABC News" (http://tinyurl.com/b74hbej).
"China is currently our second largest market. I believe it will become our first. I believe strongly that it will," the Xinhua News Agency quoted Cook as saying in an interview.
Apple sales in China more than doubled in 2010 and 2011 though growth has slowed in the past year.
Apple updates printer drivers
Apple has updated its print drivers for various HP and Brother models.
The updated drivers work with Mac OS X 10.6 and higher. You can obtain them via the Software Update component of the Mac OS X Systems Preferences app.
NTT DoCoMo president interested in servicing the iPhone
Katoru Katō, president of NTT DoCoMo=., said that the firm would want to add the iPhone to its lineup of serviced smartphones if it could form a mutually beneficial contract with Apple, according to a "Nikkan Kōgyō Shimbun" report -- as translated by "BrightWire" (http://tinyurl.com/bh5x4pl).
Apple requires that carriers servicing its devices sell a fixed amount per year. Katō said that his company could handle such quotas if iPhones accounted for approximately 20%-30% of its overall smartphone sales.
Interop Las Vegas announces new program partnership
Interop Las Vegas, produced by UBM Tech, has announced a new joint program partnership with the Mac & iOS IT Conference.
Produced by Future Media Concepts (FMC), the Mac & iOS IT Conference will offer thorough coverage and cutting-edge training of Enterprise Apple Deployments in an expanded conference offering at Interop. A technology event for IT professionals, Interop will take place May 6-10 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. For more information visit: interop.com/lasvegas.
Mac OS X software updates for Jan. 11
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
Ambrosia Software (www.ambrosia.com) has announced iToner 3, a ground-up rewrite of the iToner ringtone & text tone product for the Mac. It's now compatible with OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion and iOS 6.
Twitter has revved TweetDeck (http://www.tweetdeck.com) -- software designed to makes it easier for publishers, marketers and power users to track the real-time conversations they care about -- to version 2.3.1. It boasts a performance upgrade for displaying multiple high-velocity columns.
LunarCal (http://www.galaworks.com/lunarcal/index_en.html) -- which places Chinese, Japanese and Korean calendars in your menu bar -- is now up to version 2.1.2. It fixes the pop-up position in full screen mode.
Appgineers (http://appgineers.de/mountain/) has released Mountain 1.4.2, a new version of the app that lets you manage volumes from the menu bar. It's a maintenance update with bug fixes and stabilitiy improvements.
Ripeware has rolled out...
Apple rumors for Jan. 11
Here are the latest Apple-related rumors from the blog-o-sphere:
"Following Tuesday's report of production issues that were causing delays for Apple's new iMac, new information late Wednesday suggests that the holdup is caused by screen lamination problems experienced by Apple supplier LG Display. Sources claim that the problems will be solved by February, enabling much higher yields that will ease supply constraints." -- "AppleInsider" (www.appleinsider.com)
"Apple would love to see China become one of the first countries to sell its new products. The company has been cooperating with the approval process to shorten the period between the marketing in China and the developed markets, said Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, in an exclusive interview with Sina Tech." -- "BrightWire" (www.brightwire.com)
"Apple rumored to be testing Foxconn subsidiary's touch panels for next iPad mini
" -- "App Advice"
PhotoFast to launch i-FlashDrive HD
PhotoFast (www.photofast.tw) has unveiled the second generation i-FlashDrive HD, a two-way storage device between iOS and Mac OS X and Windows devices.
i-FlashDrive HD allows you to transfer, view and share documents, images, video and audio files between a multitude of gadgets and iDevices without the need for Wi-Fi, network signal or battery power. It's compatible with iPhone 5 and other devices with Lightning adapters as well as 30-pin connectors.
i-FlashDrive’s free corresponding app -- available at the Apple App Store -- delivers the ability to upload, organize, edit and manage files across multiple devices, including PC, iPad, iPhone and more. Additionally, you can store and play music and videos directly from the i-FlashDrive.
PhotoFast’s i-FlashDrive features built-in music play from user interface, photo import from camera roll, contact backup protection, voice recording and direct input of files. The 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models are offered as a combo kit, which includes both...
Nektar announces Panorama support for Cubase
Nektar (www.nektartech.com), the company known for the Panorama P4 and P6 USB controller keyboards, has announced Panorama integration with Steinberg's DAW Cubase.
Panorama is designed with DAW navigation and workflow in mind, making it easy to control Cubase while performing or recording without having to reach for the computer mouse or the QWERTY keyboard. Each control, transport or navigation button is automatically mapped to Cubase with a logical layout that's transparent thanks to Panorama's high resolution TFT display.
When changing tracks using the Track -/+ buttons, the track name and the type of track is called out on the TFT display. The Panorama P4/P6 motorized fader automatically adjusts its position according to the volume of the current track selection.
Panorama mainly controls Cubase through 3 dedicated modes; Mixer Mode, Instrument Mode and Transport Mode. Each of which is engaged at the touch of a button.
Panorama will support Cubase, Cubase Artist and Cubase...
Fork Particle announces Fork Particle Mobile SDK Free Particle...
Fork Particle, which specializes in particle effects technology for games and simulations, has released the Fork Particle Mobile SDK [software development kit] for Apple iOS.
It's free for personal and commercial use. Fork Particle Mobile SDK for iOS is designed for content creation by a range of game developers -- from casual to power users. This new addition to the library of Fork Particle applications enables delivery of high-quality particle effects including magic effects, fire effects, explosions, smoke, rain effects, fountain effects, fog effects and firework effects.
Fork Particle Mobile SDK for iOS is a WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) solution. This software development kit (SDK) consists of two major components: Fork Particle Runtime and Fork Particle Studio particle effects editor. To download the free version, or more info info, go to www.forkparticle.com .
Native Instruments announces Scarbee Rickenbacker Bass
Native Instruments has introduced Scarbee Rickenbacker Bass, a new Kontakt instrument featuring the sound of a Rickenbacker 4003 bass guitar.
Sampled by bassist and instrument designer Thomas Skarbye, Scarbee Rickenbacker Bass is also the first software version of this bass to be approved by Rickenbacker.
Rickenbacker Bass features two varieties of picked articulations – open and palm-muted. It's the first bass from Scarbee to offer picked articulations.
Scarbee Rickenbacker Bass is available at the NI Online Shop for US$99. For more info go to www.native-instruments.com/scarbeerickenbackerbass .
Rapoo TV for iOS launches at CES 2013
At this week's Consumer Electronics Show, Rapoo, a manufacturer of wireless peripheral products, announced Rapoo TV -- a receiver and remote solution to make any HDTV "smart." It connects any Wi-Fi enabled iOS or Android device to an HDTV allowing users to search the Internet, download apps and view web or smartphone content.
Rapoo TV can mirror the content from the connected iOS or Android devices onto the HDTV and convert the device into the TV’s remote control. Additionally, users can connect a wireless mouse and keyboard to Rapoo TV to search the web and use the HDTV as a large desktop.
Rapoo TV will be available in black or white in the first quarter of the year. For more info go to Rapoo.com .
Addonics introduces the Mini HDD Duplicator Station
Addonics Technologies has announced the US$45 Mini HDD Duplicator Station (http://tinyurl.com/a2muwqp), a compact storage device about the size of a desktop computer power supply.
The storage device is designed to be used as an 1:1 HDD/SSD duplicator or as a USB 3.0 docking device for up to two SATA hard drives. It's a tool for transferring data between different types of hard drives and flash memory cards, as well as for cloning hard drives or making back up hard drives.
When used as a duplicator, you simply insert the master hard drive into the SOURCE slot and the destination drive into the TARGET slot. You then press the CLONE button and the duplication process starts automatically. All the content, including boot sector and partition table on the master drive, will be copied onto the destination drive sector by sector.
The SOURCE and the TARGET drive slots are designed to accommodate standard 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch SATA hard drives, SSDs, or the Addonics family of 2.5-inch flash...
Apple, photographer settle eyeball image lawsuit
Apple and Swiss photographer Sabine Liewald have settled a lawsuit involving the alleged misuse of an eyeball image used during one of Apple's keynote presentations, reports "CNET" (http://tinyurl.com/avpoytr).
News of the settlement came in a court-ordered dismissal dated last Wednesday. The two parties were scheduled to meet for a pretrial conference earlier, says "CNET." Terms weren't disclosed.
Last October Apple was sued by the photographer who claimed the electronics giant misused one of her images by including it in a promotion for its latest MacBook Pro computers. Liewald said Apple acquired the rights to use the image of a model's eye (complete with make up) for "layout purposes only," as opposed to commercial use.
Global iBrands Top 20 announced
At this week's Consumer Electronics Show, the Global iBrands Top 20 were announced. It's an international competition targeting brands in the Apple-peripheral industrial chain, "aiming to build Global iBrands an authoritative international platform of communication and cooperation and to help brands in the Apple-peripheral industrial chain in their globalization efforts."
The event is sponsored by International Data Group (IDG) and supported by the team of Macworld, research firm IDC, and more than 300 trade media around the world. This international gala event centers on global Apple-peripheral industrial chain brands, and serves as a platform of international communication, display and cooperation for these brands. It "focuses on premium brands, reveals the glamour of technology and arts, and salutes premium quality."
Twenty top companies in the Apple industrial chain beat the others to take the crown at this iBrands awarding ceremony. The winners were: Otterbox, Ultimate Ears,...
Screenshots now locked in iTunes Connect after app approval
Apple has announced on its Developer Portal (http://tinyurl.com/bzhcn5t) that screenshots added to app descriptions will be locked in place once an app has been approved.
"Beginning January 9, app screenshots will be locked in iTunes Connect once your app has been approved," Apple says. "New screenshots may be uploaded when you submit a binary for an update to an existing app or a new app."
For more information on capturing and using screenshots, read the Xcode User Guide (http://tinyurl.com/agpc7hs).
Tim Cook meets with China Mobile chairman
Apple CEO Tim Cook met with China Mobile's Chairman Xi Guohua on Thursday to discuss "matters of cooperation," reports "Reuters" (http://tinyurl.com/a3sktz7).
"In the morning, Apple's CEO Tim Cook visited China Mobile's headquarters. China Mobile's Chairman Xi Guohua and Tim Cook discussed matters of cooperation," said Li Jun, a China Mobile spokesman, in an emailed statement.
No further details will be given due to a confidentiality agreement signed, the statement said.
Apple releases MacBook Air EFI Firmware Update 2.6
Apple has posted MacBook Air EFI Firmware Update 2.6 for mid 2012 models.
This update fixes a color issue with HDMI displays connected to MacBook Air, resolves an issue with Windows which can prevent MacBook Air from booting properly, and also resolves an issue where unplugging a Thunderbolt device may cause the system to freeze when waking from standby. The MacBook Air EFI Firmware Update will update the EFI firmware on your computer.
You can obtain the update via the Mac App Store or the Apple Support Site (http://tinyurl.com/avtr6qz). It requires Mac OS X 10.8.2 or higher.
