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Mar 05
Stock iMac configuration shipping within 24 hours in North...
Stock configurations of the latest gen iMac are now available within 24 hours, at last in North America, according to the shipping times listed at the Apple online store. However, custom built-to-order options take longer. Also, as noted by "MacRumors" (www.macrumors.com) Apple's online stores in other countries still show some lag in availability. Australia is seeing quotes of 3-5 business days for all models while Europe is generally seeing 5-7 business days for 21.5-inch models and 1-2 weeks for 27-inch models.
Mar 05
iBooks 3.1 allows customers in Japan to buy ebooks
Apple has updated iBooks to version 3.1, allowing customers in Japan to buy ebooks rather than just download free or public domain content. The upgrade can be downloaded at the Apple App Store. "The iBookstore in Japan now has hundreds of thousands of books available for purchase, including fiction, manga, light novels and more," Apple says in the iBooks 3.1 release notes. Also, the update says there are reading improvements for "a number of Asian languages."
Mar 05
Oracle releases last of publicly available JDK 6 updates
Yesterday Apple patched Java 6 for OS X, following Oracle's lead and quashing a browser plug-in vulnerability that hackers have been exploiting. Oracle issued the "out-of-band," or emergency, update for Java 6 and Java 7 to patch two critical vulnerabilities, notes "Computerworld" (http://tinyurl.com/addkpz4). Because Apple maintains Java 6 for OS X -- unlike Java 7, which Oracle handles -- it followed with its own update, as usual. However, Oracle also said that Monday's update would be the final for the aging software, says "Computerworld.. "This release is the last of publicly available JDK 6 Updates," Oracle said in its release notes. "Oracle recommends that users migrate to JDK 7 in order to continue receiving public updates and security enhancements."
Mar 05
Smith Micro releases MotionArtist
Smith Micro Software Productivity and Graphics Group has released MotionArtist, an US$59.99 tool that lets users add motion to their comics, create interactive HTML5 presentations as well as uniquely styled photo-shows. It's a composition and presentation application unlike anything that exists in the world of digital comic creation," says Steve Yatson, senior director of Product Marketing at Smith Micro Software. It boasts GPU acceleration for a fast work environment and 3D layering for that cool parallax effect, he adds. Artists of any skill-level can quickly convert their work into digital comics with panel creation, layout tools and the ability to add motion, according to Yatson. Web developers can export projects to HTML5 and deploy them on a website or save them as standard movie formats for sharing directly to Facebook or YouTube With MotionArtists, photographers can create animated "photo shows" by dropping in a folder of images. The app will automatically place the images on...
Mar 05
Samsung to seek further reduction in patent damages award
Samsung will seek a further review of patent damages awarded to Apple even after a reduction of about 45 percent of the original $1.05 billion award, reporst "Korea Joongang Daily" (http://tinyurl.com/b2mbeya). On March 1, U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh in San Jose, California, cut the damages award after finding the jury didn't follow her instructions. “We are pleased that the court decided to strike $450,514,650 from the jury’s award,” Samsung spokesman Nam Ki-yung said in an e-mailed statement yesterday. “Samsung intends to seek further review of the remaining award.” 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.
Mar 05
OCRkit for Mac OS X now up to version 1.1.3
ExactCODE GmbH, releases the next update of OCRkit, a OCR solution for the Mac. The new version (1.1.3) features a new content aware page de-skew option, as well as improved PDF compression and performance. The update also features improved multi core performance and improved stability. OCRKit features optical character recognition technology, allowing you to convert scanned or printed PDF or graphic documents into searchable and editable PDF, RTF, HTML and TXT files. You can use the copy and paste tools on the document, instead of retyping everything to correct it. OCRKit is available at the product web site (www.OCRKit.com) and the Mac App Store. It costs US$49.90.
Mar 05
Bundleecious bundle announced
Bundleecious has announces its first 2013 bundle, including five Mac apps and a three-month license of Backblaze. For a limited time, you can grab a full license of MacPilot, Speedy, Clipbuddy and CollageFactory Pro for Mac at 90% off. Anyone can tweet to get a full free license of Ondesoft Audio Recorder and the first 1,000 customers will also get a three-month license of the Backblaze online backup system. You can get the deal for US$$9.99 from the Bundleecious website (http://www.bundleecious.com). The offer will expire March 17.
Mar 05
Mail Archiver X for Mac OS X revved to version 3.0
Moth Software has announced Mail Archiver X 3.0 for Mac OS X (10.7 or higher), an update to their app designed as an addition to the user's current email application, allowing consolidation, archiving, cleaning, formatting, and permanent storage of email. Email may be saved in its native, Filemaker, or PDF database format. Archiving email from a wide variety of email applications into a single database, the app prevents accidental deletions, facilitates quick searches, and eliminates storage size limits, according to the folks at Moth Software. In version 3.0, mail can be archived automatically using the built-in scheduler. Searching is purportedly more than 10 times faster. Suppport for Filemaker 12 has been added. There's now a setup wizard to help getting started with Mail Archiver X. Mail Archiver X 3.0 costs US$34.95 and is available directly from Moth Software (http://www.mothsoftware.com). A free, fully-functional, 12-day trial version can be downloaded.
Mar 05
Rubitrack for Mac OS X runs to version 3.1
Shiftoption Software has announced rubiTrack 3.1 (www.rubitrack.com) for Mac OS X (10.7 or later), an update to its app that provides an activity tracking and exercise journal for running, cycling, swimming, hiking, lifting weights, or doing yoga. It supports most GPS enabled fitness devices including iPhone, and displays at a glance: distance, duration, speed, pace, ascent, power, heart rate, calories, laps, equipment, sport, weather, track, and street maps. rubiTrack features extensive analysis, comparison charts, and statistics. RubiTrack reads most file formats that contain fitness related data or GPS tracks, including: GPX, TCX, FIT, Sporttracks FITLOG, Sporttracks LOGBOOK, Nike+iPod XML, NMEA GPS Log, Polar HRM, Suunto SDF/XML, Trainingpeaks/Peaksware PWX, and MotoACTV CSV formats. The rubiTrack 3.1 activity chart shows diagrams of data such as speed, pace, heart rate, elevation, and many other values. The layout is freely configurable, and users can split the chart up into...
Mar 05
Telerik Test Studio for iOS adds cloud syncing
Telerik -- an end-to-end provider of software development, lifecycle and content management tools and solutions -- has announced version 2.0 of its Test Studio for iOS. Telerik’s automated testing tool for mobile iOS apps introduces a cloud sync web portal for test automation and user feedback within a single offering and can be used for native, web and hybrid app testing. Test Studio for iOS is currently available for free download on the Apple App Store. With the latest release, Test Studio for iOS is the only solution available with both test automation and user feedback within a single solution, according to Christopher Eyhorn, executive vice president, Telerik Testing Division. This is done via the cloud sync portal, giving developers the opportunity to get real-time feedback from users while tracking automated tests and results. Also, customers can use the Test Studio for iOS API Framework to write automated UI tests of their iOS and mobile web applications. The app features...
Mar 04
Phone unlocking ban opposed by the White House
Responding to a citizen petition, the Obama administration has called for the legalization of cell phone unlocking, reports "TechHive" (http://tinyurl.com/c85qx4g). "The White House agrees with the 114,000+ of you who believe that consumers should be able to unlock their cell phones without risking criminal or other penalties,” R. David Edelman, the president’s senior adviser for Internet, innovation, and piracy, wrote in an official response released by the White House. Edelman was responding to a petition started by 27-year-old app developer Sina Khanifar, opposing the Librarian of Congress’s decision to making unlocking a mobile phone a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. That decision went into effect in January. You can find the petition at the We The People site (http://tinyurl.com/a7khf24).
Mar 04
Global semiconductor sales increase in January year-over-year
The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), representing U.S. leadership in semiconductor manufacturing and design, today announced that worldwide sales of semiconductors reached US$24.05 billion for the month of January 2013, an increase of 3.8 percent from January 2012 when sales were $23.16 billion. Global sales from January 2013 were 2.8 percent lower than the December 2012 total of $24.74 billion, reflecting normal seasonal trends. Regionally, the Americas posted its highest sales total of any January in the last decade. All monthly sales numbers represent a three-month moving average.   "Led by continuing strength in the Americas, the global semiconductor industry has built on its momentum from the end of 2012 with an encouraging start to 2013, but ongoing economic uncertainty is holding back more robust growth," says Brian Toohey, president and CEO, Semiconductor Industry Association (www.sia-online.org). "The across-the-board spending cuts that hit last week and the threat...
Mar 04
Cortado brings security to 128GB iPad business users
Cortado has announced its Cortado Corporate Server protects local data with its mobile device management (MDM) capabilities on the new 128GB version of the iPad. Cortado Corporate Server’s multi-level security options include: complete encryption of local documents, offline password prompts and flexible remote wipes. According to Carsten Mickeleit, CEO of Cortado AG, the on-premise solution, Cortado Corporate Server, supports the secure use of iPads, including the recently launched 128GB version, in corporate environments. The MDM system, with desktop functions, supports the local encryption of data on iOS devices and subsequently prevents unauthorized access to the data. In addition, the Cortado Client on the device is able to authenticate the user without an internet connection, enabling local files to be password-protected without connecting to the server. Any attempt to manipulate the locally stored password in the offline state triggers an immediate deletion of the data. Using...
Mar 04
Amped Wireless announces PLA2 Powerline AV network adapter
Amped Wireless has announced the PLA2 Powerline Nano AV500 1-Port Network Adapter Kit (http://tinyurl.com/c2j4nte) to allow consumers to extend Internet and network access to any room using existing power outlets. The Powerline AV500 standard provides speeds of up to 500 Mbps and includes a pass-through power outlet on each adapter. The PLA2 kit includes two paired Powerline Network Adapters. Powerline turns any home or office electrical outlet into a network connection, according to Jason Owen, president and CEO at Amped Wireless. No electrical wiring is needed. Simply plug one adapter into an available power outlet and connect the adapter to a router. Plug the second adapter into another power outlet and connect the adapter to a network device. The PLA2 comes secured with 128-bit encryption to protect network traffic from outside intruders. The Powerline Network Adapter Kit features an extra "pass-through" power outlet on each adapter. The additional power outlet can be used to...
Mar 04
Mac OS X blocking older version of Flash
Days after Adobe released a patch for flaws being exploited in Flash Player, Apple has begun blocking older versions of the software in an effort to encourage users to update their systems, reports "ZDNet" (http://tinyurl.com/c9yhjjq). "To help protect users from a recent vulnerability, Apple has updated the web plug-in-blocking mechanism to disable older versions of the web plug-in: Adobe Flash Player," Apple says in a support document. If you try to run an outdated version of Flash you'll see a "Blocked Plug-in" if you attempt to view Flash content in Safari and a pop-up window prompting them to "Download Flash." For info go to http://tinyurl.com/bmqw6y5 .
Mar 04
Market witnessing an increased replacement of PNDs by...
According to Research and Markets (www.researchandmarkets.com) TechNavio's analysts forecast the Global GNSS market to grow at a CAGR [compound annual growth rate] of 20.98% over the period 2012-2016. One of the key factors contributing to this market growth is the growing popularity of location-based services (LBS). The Global GNSS market has also been witnessing the increased replacement of PNDs by smartphones. However, the reduced investments due to global recession could pose a challenge to the growth of this market. The key vendors dominating this market space are Apple, Garmin, Tomtom N.V., Broadcom Corp., STMicroelectronics, Navteq Corp., Google and Samsung Corp. Commenting on the report, an analyst from TechNavio's Telecom team said: ''One of the major trends being witnessed in the Global navigation satellite system (GNSS) market is the increase in the replacement of PNDs with smartphones. The demand for personal navigation devices (PNDs), which was high initially, is...
Mar 04
Dailies Creator served up for Mac OS X
Drylab R&D has introduced Dailies Creator 1.0 for Mac OS X. The app "ingests" newly created digital video files, transcodes them into H.264, organizes footage into Shots, Scenes, and Takes, embeds Camera Report metadata, and performs encrypted distribution of the resulting iPad-ready dailies via WiFi or Dropbox. Tailored to the needs of professional DITs working on-set or in post, Dailies Creator interfaces with two iOS apps, Dailies Viewer and Cam Report, to form a complete system. You can import all common QuickTime files and export H.264 (640 pixels wide) Dailies Creator requires Mac OS X 10.7.3. It costs US$69.99 and available exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Video category (http://tinyurl.com/blsvz8z). Dailies Viewer 1.0 for iOS is $69.99 in the Photo & Video category of the Apple App Store, and Cam Report for iOS is $29.99. Creator can be extended with an in-app purchase to support up to 50 paired iPads per production.
Mar 04
AppDelete for Mac OS X gets new interface, more
Reggie Ashworth (www.reggieashworth.com) has announced AppDelete 4.0.6, a new version of his application deletion utility. The upgrade sports a new user interface and more. You can drag any item that can be uninstalled onto AppDelete: spplications, widgets, preference panes, plugins, screensavers, etc. You can also activate AppDelete in many ways: dragging items onto main window, onto dock icon, selecting in menu, right-clicking using AppDelete workflow, dragging from Launchpad, and throwing items in the trash. When the preview screen appears you can uncheck any items you would like to exclude. You also have several choices: delete the items, log only the items, or archive (copy) the items to a .zip file for safekeeping or reinstall at a later date. The items you delete will be moved to the trash and arranged in a folder so that you can see exactly what was deleted and you know exactly where it came from. The items will not be removed from your computer until you empty them from your...
Mar 04
Type2Phone for Mac OS X revved to version 2.0
Houdah Software (www.houdah.com) has announced Type2Phone 2.0, a new version of the app that turns your Mac into a Bluetooth keyboard for your iPhone, iPad or Apple TV. The upgrade adds dictation support, enhances keyboard shortcut support, expands AppleScript support and more. On the Mac, Type2Phone shows every character it has sent to the iOS device. An animated display of key tiles serves as typing history. Type2Phone supports the following 2.0 iOS keyboard layouts: U.S American, Arabic, Belgian, Brazilian, British, Canadian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Dvorak, French, German, Hebrew, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Polish, Polish Pro, Portuguese, Serbian, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish, Swiss-French, Swiss-German, Turkish, and Turkish QWERTZ. Type2Phone 2.0 is priced at US$4.99. A free upgrade for current customers, it's available exclusively from the Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/botkuto).
Mar 01
Judge strikes down more than 40% of damages awarded to Apple
Judge Lucy Koh has struck down more than 40% of the $1.05 billion in damages a jury awarded to Apple in its patent infringement case against Samsung. Vanessa Blum, federal courts reporter for The Recorder in San Francisco tweeted (https://twitter.com/vanessablum) today -- as noted by "AppleInsider" (www.appleinsider.com) -- that Koh had struck roughly $440 million off the damage award Apple won in its case against Samsung. Koh has reportedly ordered a new trial for the $440 million. 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.
Mar 01
David Einhorn drops his lawsuit against Apple
Hedge fund magnate David Einhorn has dropped his lawsuit against the company in which he holds some 1.3 million shares, reports "AllThingsD" (http://tinyurl.com/ch79fr4). Einhorn’s Greenlight Capital has withdrawn the suit it brought against Apple over a proxy proposal that would have allowed shareholders to vote on eliminating preferred stock from the company charter. Greenlight has been urging Apple to share its cash with investors by issuing high-yielding preferred shares, alleged in the now-dropped lawsuit that the company unfairly lumped a stock restriction with two other corporate governance matters set for a vote by investors at the Feb. 27 shareholders meeting (the proposal was then yanked). Lawyers for Greenlight Capital argued that putting into one proposition three separate items -- two of which Einhorn supported and one (which barred Apple's board from issuing preferred shares without a shareholder vote) he vehemently opposed -- was a clear violation of SEC regulations...
Mar 01
India jacking up taxes on high-end phones
Smartphone sales in India may suffer from a higher tax on handsets costing more than US$37 just as Apple beefs up efforts to tap demand for data services in the world’s second-largest mobile-phone market, reports "Bloomberg" (http://tinyurl.com/c3fpoue). Finance Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram says he will raise the excise tax on high-end phones to 6% from 1% to help finance welfare programs for the country’s poor and fund the widest budget deficit among the largest emerging economies. India’s government, after attempting to squeeze wireless operators including the Vodafone Group, Bharti Airtel with higher license fees and airwave tariffs, is now targeting handsets for revenue from an industry that has boomed since Prime Minister Manmohan Singh opened the economy more than two decades ago, notes "Bloomberg."
Mar 01
ChordLab for Mac OS X released
RoGame Software has released ChordLab for Mac OS X. It's a music application that tackles advanced concepts in harmony. For example, instead of displaying two or three diagrams for that E chord ChordLab puts it into context, lets you play around with it by applying inversions, voicings or adding tensions. The software always displays all inversions of a chord in music notation and is designed to make it easy to to step through all possible voicings. Fingerings are then generated based on root note, type of chord, inversion and voicing. Another tool found in ChordLab is the Circle of Fifths, which not only allows users to look up key signatures for major and minor scales, but all modes derived of the major scale, like dorian, phrygian. So it's possible to display key signatures for all mixolydian scales for example and simultaneously highlight the other degrees for that mode. Additionally ChordLab displays degree structures for a key in standard Roman numerals. ChordLab requires Mac...
Mar 01
Home Inventory for the Mac revved to version 3
Binary Formations has announced Home Inventory 3, the latest version of its home inventory management application for the Mac. Used by homeowners, collectors, and inventory professionals, Home Inventory lets you create a catalog of your possessions. Version 3 has a new interface and sports new features such as support for some of the latest capabilities in OS X and Retina displays found on newer Mac laptops. Home Inventory requires Mac OS X 10.7.4 or later. It's available forUS $19.99 (USD) in the Mac App Store and from the Binary Formations website (http://machomeinventory.com/).
Mar 01
NeoFinder 6.2 (formerly CDFinder) now catalogs fonts
Norbert M. Doerner has released NeoFinder 6.2 (formerly known as CDFinder) which now catalogs fonts and uses color labels. NeoFinder is designed to help you keep track of your digital files, photos, songs, movies, fonts, on hard disks, CDROMs, Blu-ray disks, DVD-ROMs, server disks, and any other digital media. It catalogs this metadata and clearly arranges in the user interface, and they can be extensively searched. NeoFinder generates thumbnails during cataloging. NeoFinder 6 (http://www.cdfinder.de/) is a paid update to licensed users of CDFinder with pricing starting at approximately US$25. Cross-grades for users of competing applications (DiskLibrary, FileFinder, CatFinder, Canto Cumulus, iView Media Pro, and more) are available. A free demo version can be downloaded from the NeoFinder website; the price for new users starts approximately $38. Multiple user packs are available for network users. NeoFinder 6.2 is a free update to all NeoFinder customers.
Mar 01
MediaFire launches redesigned interface
MediaFire, an online storage and collaboration provider, has announced a major design and features update. Designed to simplify online collaboration, the site-wide update features a new file management home-screen, simplified photo management, and an updated online document editor with full support for Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, as well as a Text and Source Code editor. MediaFire’s source code editor supports a variety of code file types including txt, PHP, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and more.   MediaFire offers users 50GB of lifetime storage for free. For more info go to www.mediafire.com/software/ .
Feb 28
Griffin MouthStick Stylus debuts at HIMSS13
Griffin Technology is introducing the Griffin MouthStick Stylus at HIMSS13. Engineered for those with fine motor impairments, to provide manipulation of both touchscreens and buttons, Griffin's MouthStick Stylus is designed to provide comfort, stability and control while being held in the mouth.   "Everyone wants access to tablet technology," says Melissa Lapsley, B2B Education & Assistive Technology Product Specialist at Griffin Technology. "With our MouthStick Stylus, we’re providing a customized tool that allows people with motor disabilities the ability to have complete control and access to modern-day technology."   Compatible with touchscreen interfaces, laptop keyboards, and Apple's Magic Trackpad, the Griffin MouthStick Stylus enables individuals lacking fine motor skills easy access and control to touch-technology. The design allows the stick to be held comfortably in the mouth without causing strain or discomfort. Griffin's MouthStick Stylus comprises four parts: the...
Feb 28
DH_CounterX released for Final Cut Pro X, Motion 5
Digital Heaven has released DH_CounterX, a new FxPlug generator plug-in for Final Cut Pro X and Motion 5. It's designed to make it easy to add an animated counting display over your footage. DH_CounterX lets you create an animated counting display over video footage in Final Cut Pro X and Motion 5. Among other things, it can be used to create a countdown timer to the start of an event or for coverage of sporting events such as races and against-the-clock challenges. Due to current limitations between FxPlug plug-ins and Final Cut Pro X, DH_CounterX uses a fixed list of standard fonts which are installed by default with OS X 10.6, 10.7 and 10.8. Custom installed fonts will not be usable by DH_CounterX. DH_CounterX requires Final Cut Pro X (10.0.6 or later) or Motion 5. It costs US $29.99 and is available for purchase at www.digital-heaven.co.uk . For the first 30 hours after release, customers can get a 30% discount on the plug-in by using the coupon code shown on the Digital Heaven...
Feb 28
Samsung loses SEP lawsuit against Apple in Japan
As noted by "FOSS Patents" (http://tinyurl.com/bmadw5u), various news agencies including AFP report on a statement that Samsung sent to the media, according to which statement the company lost a cellular standard-essential patent (SEP) lawsuit against Apple in Japan. No infringement was found, which suggests that the patent wasn't as essential as Samsung thought it was, notes "FOSS Patents." Of the 25 SEP assertions by Samsung against Apple that have either been dropped or come to judgment by now, only three have been successfu 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.
Feb 28
DEVONthink gets teamwork functions
DEVONtechnologies (www.devontechnologies.com) has added teamwork functions to its document and information manager, DEVONthink, with version 2.5. Databases can be kept in sync via the local network or cloud services like Dropbox or WebDAV. Other users can also directly access DEVONthink Pro Office databases using a rewritten web sharing. DEVONnote, DEVONthink’s little brother, gets an update, too. The update to version 2.5 is free and recommended for all users. All the apps require OS X 10.6.8 or later and an Intel-based Mac, and can be downloaded from www.devontechnologies.com. DEVONthink and DEVONnote can be test-driven for free for 150 hours of non-continuous runtime until they need to be properly licensed.  DEVONnote and DEVONthink Personal are also available in the Mac App Store.
Feb 28
iTunes U content exceeds one billion downloads
Apple says iTunes U content downloads have topped one billion. iTunes U features the world’s largest online catalog of free educational content from top schools and prominent libraries, museums and organizations helping educators create courses including lectures, assignments, books, quizzes and more for iOS users around the world. More than 1,200 universities and colleges, and 1,200 K-12 schools and districts host over 2,500 public and thousands of private courses encompassing the arts, sciences, health and medicine, education, business and more. Universities including Duke, Yale, Cambridge, MIT and Oxford continue to extend their reach by enrolling more than 100,000 students in single iTunes U courses, with Stanford University and The Open University each surpassing 60 million content downloads. The Ohio State University’s Matthew "Dr. Fus" Stoltzfus’ General Chemistry course enrolled over 100,000 iTunes U students in the first year it was offered. Over 60%of iTunes U app downloads...
Feb 28
Apple is 'Most Admired Company'
Apple has topped FORTUNE's list of the "World's Most Admired Companies." It's the 30th such list compiled by the magazine. Apple is followed by Google, Amazon.com, Coca-Cola and Starbucks. It's the sixth consecutive year that Apple has topped the list. Also in the top 10 (in spots 6-10) are IBM, Southwest Airlines, Berkshire Hathaway, Walt Disney and Fed Ex. You can see the full list of companies and sort by rank, industry or location, at http://cnnmon.ie/WihZmH .
Feb 28
Zevrix updates LinkOptimizer for InDesign
Zevrix Solutions (www.zevrix.com) has announced LinkOptimizer 4.7.16, a feature update to its workflow automation solution for Adobe InDesign. The new version introduces multiple preview sizes in the list of optimized links helping users identify images with specific processing options. LinkOptimizer allows users to reduce the size of InDesign links and speed up processing by eliminating excess image data. It performs essential image adjustments; converts image formats; and more. LinkOptimizer works automatically with Photoshop to eliminate the excess image data of InDesign links, perform essential image adjustments and convert image formats. LinkOptimizer can be purchased from the Zevrix website for US$259.95 USD (there's a "lite" version for $179.95) as well as from authorized resellers. A demo is available for download. The update is free for LinkOptimizer 4.x users and $98.78 to upgrade from previous versions. LinkOptimizer is available for Mac OS X 10.4.2 and higher and works...
Feb 27
SACOM: Apple's China-based suppliers still treating workers...
A report from a Hong-Kong watchdog group accuses suppliers of "military-style management of workers," despite Apple's code of conduct, reports "CNET" (http://tinyurl.com/crxga6k). The Student & Scholars Against Corporate Misbehavior (SACOM) accused three of Apple's Chinese suppliers -- Foxlink, Pegatron, and Wintek -- of inhumane worker conditions. The three suppliers have failed to provide for basic human needs and continue to use student workers, according to the watchdog group. In recent yearsApple has increased its audits of Chinese factories and taken action against those that violate its supplier code of conduct. Regardless, SACOM's report asserts that some conditions have worsened due in part to heavier demand for Apple products.
Feb 27
All of Apple's board members re-elected
Shareholders voted to reelect all eight of Apple's board members at today's shareholder meeting. That includes Andrea Jung, Apple's only female board member, who was forced to resign as the chief executive of Avon last year and now serves as a senior advisor for the beauty products company, reports "CNET" (http://tinyurl.com/c8cv7e7). The company also said majority voting on preferred shares will be coming in the future and that it's committed to majority voting on various proxy items. However, no stock split has been announced.
Feb 27
Judge upholds VirnetX victory over Apple
An U.S. District Court judge has upheld an US$368.2 million prior judgment against Apple in a suit with VirnetX, finding that Apple infringed networking patents with its FaceTime video chat feature, reports "AppleInsider" (www.appleinsider.com). Last November VirnetX was awarded the judgement in its patent lawsuit against Apple. In November 2011 VirnetX (www.virnetx.com) filed a lawsuit against Apple in the US District Court in the Eastern District of Texas, alleging that Apple violated its US patent (number 7188180) for "method for establishing secure communication link between computers for virtual private network." The invention describes a technique "for establishing a secure communication link between a first computer and a second computer over a computer network." This is accomplished by establishing a "secure communication mode of communication" at a first computer without the need for the user to enter any cryptographic information." VirnetX's claims the iPhone 4S, iPhone 4,...
Feb 27
Inpaint 5.0 released for Mac OS X
TeoreX has released a new version (5.0) of Inpaint 5.0, a Mac OS X compatible photo retouching application with a choice of tools for removal of unwanted objects from pictures. The update features Lasso and Polygonal Lasso Selection tools, an enhanced interface and reworked algorithms that purportedly provide even better retouching quality in less time. The price for a single license of Inpaint is US$19.99. For more info go to http://www.theinpaint.com/ .
Feb 27
KnowledgeMiner for OS X revved to version 1.4
KnowledgeMiner Software has announces KnowledgeMiner 1.4 for Mac OS X, an update to its data mining application. With Knowledge Miner, users in nearly any field can analyze noisy data sets and build models, which help to gain new insights into complex phenomena, predict future behavior, simulate "what if" questions, and identify methods of controlling processes. KnowledgeMiner is currently used by NASA, Boeing, Mobil, Pfizer, and Apple. KnowledgeMiner requires Mac OS X 10.7 or higher. Pricing starts at approximately US$119. The software is available worldwide exclusively through the KnowledgeMiner Software website (http://www.knowledgeminer.eu/store.html). A free demo version is available for download.
Feb 27
Adobe brings the power of Photoshop to mobile phones
Adobe has announced the availability of a new version of Adobe Photoshop Touch, optimized for iPhone, iPod touch, and Android smart phones. Inspired by the Photoshop Touch for tablets, the phone app brings core features of Photoshop desktop software to mobile devices and offers similar intuitive, touch-based gestures and features. According to Winston Hendrickson, vice president products, Creative Media Solutions, Adobe, Adobe Photoshop Touch for phone lets users: ° Enhance images using popular Photoshop features such as layers, selection tools, filters, tonal and color adjustments; °  Apply effects and add graphical text for endless creative possibilities; ° Edit images as large as 12 megapixels with layers; °  Combine images together quickly using the Scribble Selection feature, and easily refine your selection with the Refine Edge tool; ° Automatically sync images to Adobe Creative Cloud™ with free 2GB of storage   Photoshop Touch for phone is integrated with Adobe Creative Cloud*...
Feb 27
Booq releases the Boa laptop bag
Booq has announced the Boa courier messenger bag. It's available at www.booqbags.com for US$99.95 (for 10-inch devices), $109.95 (for 13-inch laptops), or $129.95 (for 15-inch laptops). The Boa courier is encased in a sleek exterior featuring booq’s water-repellent ballistic nylon and night-time reflective binding. The split-opening design made from nylon herringbone includes numerous pockets for quick access to frequently used items such as your laptop, iPhone and other essentials. The Boa courier messenger bag incorporates a densely padded protective fit and soft nylon lining. It comes in a graphite color, with an adjustable, seatbelt nylon shoulder strap and non-slip silicon that can be carried across the chest or over the shoulder for ultimate comfort. All Boa courier messenger bags are tagged with a Terralinq serial number. Once registered the booq Terralinq service may help reunite you with your lost & found bag.
Feb 27
Epic Adventures: Cursed Onboard available at the Mac App Store
A 3D first person adventure, Epic Adventures: Cursed Onboard has launched on the Mac App Store, courtesy of G5 Entertainment and Urchin Games. Here's how the game is described: "A great ship called the Jangada set sail in the 1970s but was never seen again. The fate of the crew remains shrouded in mystery and whoever tries to reveal it, vanishes forever. You receive a letter from a rich media tycoon, Jonathan Brown, who is in search of a brave investigator willing to look into Jangada's disappearance. Embark on a dangerous trip to the Amazon Jungle to uncover the 40 year-old secret. "With the help of a child ghost Anna you'll finally unravel the mystery of the long lost Jangada, stranded in the Amazon Jungle. Take on the quest, undo an old curse and bring peace to a tormented soul" Epic Adventures: Cursed Onboard is developed and published on Mac OS by G5 Entertainment under license from Urchin Games. Gamers can try the game for free and unlock the full version through an in-app...
Feb 26
Open-E strategy to be unveiled at CeBIT
Open-E, a developer of data storage software used for building and managing centralized storage servers, has announced its next generation strategy to bring Enterprise class storage management to the SMB and SME markets. At CeBIT 2013, Open-E will introduce Open-E Data Storage Software (DSS) V7 with Hyper-V Cluster Support and the new product Open-E Multiple Storage Server Manager (MSSM) for simplified central management of all storage resources, enabling virtualized storage management for Big Data and Cloud Computing. Open-E can be found at CeBIT in Hall 2, Stand A43 from March 5-9. Open-E is providing optimization of virtual storage environments by releasing full Hyper-V Cluster Support for Windows Server 2008 R2 and 2012 soon. In addition, Open-E is presenting MSSM to provide a centralized management tool. The MSSM dashboard creates a single view of all storage servers and resources saving time and operating expense by simplifying the process of managing tasks on selected servers...
Feb 26
IK Multimedia releases AmpliTube Orange
IK Multimedia has announced the AmpliTube Orange, a complete set of 17 officially certified models of Orange amps and cabinets for AmpliTube 3 (standalone or plugin). First introduced during London’s "swinging ‘60s" era, Orange amps are renowned for their warm and luscious tube tone and characteristic crunch. AmpliTube Orange features models of seven amp heads, nine cabinets, and one combo. It offers a variety of authentic tube tone, "great for screaming leads, fat power chords, chunky rhythm parts, smooth bass lines, and much more."  The cabinets can be mixed and matched with the amp heads -- or any other amp in a user’s AmpliTube 3 collection -- to create a huge range of custom sounds. The cabinets cover a range of configurations, and include models of the 1x12 PPC112; the 2x12 PPC212 Open-Back, PPC212, and AD30TC; the 4x12 PPC412; the 4x10 OBC410, the 8x10 OBC810; and the 1x15 OBC115.   All the Orange models are also available à la carte in the AmpliTube Custom Shop, along with...
Feb 26
HELIOS Software releases Virtual Server Appliance
HELIOS Software (www.helios.com) has released its Virtual Server Appliance, a turnkey file server solution for Mac, Windows and Web clients. The VM server images run within the major VM environments: VMWare ESX Server, Citrix XenServer, and Microsoft Hyper-V. Incorporating an optimized Linux runtime, the HELIOS Virtual Server Appliance file server solution includes HELIOS EtherShare UB2, PCShare UB2, and WebShare UB2, which are ready to use within minutes. The included Linux runtime is highly optimized for the HELIOS file server products. A special configuration assistant enables integration with any existing network environment within minutes, with no need to install software on the clients.
Feb 26
U.S. Department of Defense going platform agnostic
The U.S. Department of Defense will open its networks to smartphones and tablets from Apple and Android device manufacturers beginning in February of 2014, reports "AppleInsider" (www.appleinsider.com). One component of the DoD's plan will be to move away from its current BlackBerry standard and toward a more "platform agnostic" policy, integrating devices running Apple's iOS as well as Google's Android operating system. A DoD representative told "AppleInsider" that this does not mean a full abandonment of BlackBerry's platform, as was the case with other large organizations such as Home Depot.
Feb 26
Fishbone Diagram solution is free for ConceptDraw PRO 9 users
The new Fishbone Diagram solution is a no-charge download for users of ConceptDraw PRO 9 and can be downloaded from the ConceptDraw Solution Park. It extends ConceptDraw PRO 9 giving users the ability to draw fishbone diagrams. Fishbone diagrams are often used for cause and effect analysis. The diagrams can display the identified causes of a particular event. For more info go to www.conceptdraw.com/solution-park/business-fishbone-diagram .
Feb 26
Our Last Hope - XCOM: Enemy Unknown coming to the Mac
Feral Interactive says award-winning strategy game XCOM: Enemy Unknown will be released on the Mac this spring. Developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K Games for PC and consoles, XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a re-imagining of X-COM: UFO Defense. Here's how the game is described: "XCOM: Enemy Unknown expands on the X-COM legacy with an entirely new story, enemies and technologies to fight hostile aliens and defend Earth. In XCOM: Enemy Unknown, players oversee combat strategies and individual unit tactics, as well as base management and resource allocation while playing as the commander of a secret global military organization, XCOM. With equal emphasis on deep strategy and intense tactical combat, XCOM: Enemy Unknown allows gamers to control the fate of the human race by defending against a terrifying global alien invasion. "The Mac release of XCOM: Enemy Unknown is the Elite Edition, and contains all previously released add-on content and updates. XCOM: Enemy Unknown – Elite Edition...
Feb 26
Pick a Bundle launches with 10 Mac apps
The Pick a Bundle for Mac launched this week. It's a three-week bundle sale on 30 premium Mac applications and games. You can visit the Pick a Bundle site and browse a selection of the titles. You ocna curate a personalized bundle of 10 products that take your fancy. The Pick a Bundle promotion ends on March 18. for more info go to http://www.pickabundle.com/ .
Feb 26
Virtual 3D package mockup tool revved to version 4.0.22
Applications for Life has announced Boxshot 4.0.22 (http://boxshot.com/boxshot/), an update to their Mac compatible utility that makes virtual shots of 3D shapes. Using ray-tracing rendering technology, Boxshot lets you render software boxes, book covers, magazines, CD, DVD and Blu-Ray boxes, cans, bottles, mugs, bags and more.Version 3.0 boasts a simplified lighting scheme. Boxshot 4 features a real-time preview, runs on Mac and Windows computers and doesn't require Adobe Photoshop or any other software. It comes comes in three editions -- Home, Professional and Ultimate -- with pricing starting at US$49. A demo version is available for download.
Feb 26
Apple settles lawsuit over apps aimed at kids
Parents frustrated that their kids racked up iTunes bills without their permission may be in luck. Apple is offering to pay up to many of those affected, reports "Gigaom" (http://tinyurl.com/bgmb9k2). Under the terms of the settlement, Apple will offer a $5 iTunes credit to those who claim that a minor bought in-game items without their knowledge or permission. If the amount in question is more than $5, Apple will offer a credit for that amount. If the amount in question is over $30, an Apple user can claim a cash refund. The proposed settlement comes after parents sued Apple in 2011 upon discovering that their minor children had racked up credit card charges in supposedly free games.
 
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Software Updates via MacUpdate

SketchUp 13.0.3688 - Create 3D design co...
SketchUp is an easy-to-learn 3D modeling program that enables you to explore the world in 3D. With just a few simple tools, you can create 3D models of houses, sheds, decks, home additions,... Read more
SteerMouse 4.1.6 - Powerful third-party...
SteerMouse is an advanced driver for USB and Bluetooth mice. It also supports Apple Mighty Mouse very well. SteerMouse can assign various functions to buttons that Apple's software does not allow,... Read more
Google Chrome 27.0.1453.93 - Modern and...
Google Chrome is a Web browser by Google, created to be a modern platform for Web pages and applications. It utilizes very fast loading of Web pages and has a V8 engine, which is a custom built... Read more
Labels & Addresses 1.6.5 - Powerful...
Labels & Addresses is a home and office tool for printing all sorts of labels, envelopes, inventory labels, and price tags. Merge-printing capability makes the program a great tool for holiday... Read more
Delicious Library 3.0.2 - Import, browse...
Delicious Library allows you to import, browse, and share all your books, movies, music, and video games with Delicious Library. Run your very own library from your home or office using our... Read more
KeyCue 6.5 - Displays all menu shortcut...
KeyCue helps you to use your OS X applications more effectively. Just hold down the Command key for a while - KeyCue comes to help and shows a table of all currently available keyboard shortcuts.... Read more
HoudahSpot 3.7.8 - Advanced front-end fo...
HoudahSpot is a flexible file-search tool based on Apple's powerful Spotlight engine. Keep frequently used files within reach Retrieve the files you didn't know you still had Don't waste time... Read more
Cobook Contacts 1.2.6 - Intelligent addr...
Cobook Contacts is a better address book that makes contact management enjoyable for millions of people every day. Find contacts faster and organize them with tags. Get integrated social profiles... Read more
AppDelete 4.0.7 - Delete your unwanted a...
AppDelete is an uninstaller for Macs that will remove not only applications but also widgets, preference panes, plugins and screensavers along with their associated files. Without AppDelete these... Read more
OnyX 2.6.9 - Maintenance and optimizatio...
OnyX is a multifunctional utility for OS X. It allows you to verify the startup disk and the structure of its System files, to run miscellaneous tasks of system maintenance, to configure the hidden... Read more

Epic Review
Epic Review By Blake Grundman on May 23rd, 2013 Our Rating: :: PREDICTABLY PREDICTABLEUniversal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad While this may not be a truly epic kingdom, there is unquestionably more than enough depth to more... | Read more »
Karateka Classic Review
Karateka Classic Review By Carter Dotson on May 23rd, 2013 Our Rating: :: VINTAGEUniversal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad Karateka Classic is a port of a classic fighting game that holds up rather well today.   | Read more »
Poker Night 2 Review
Poker Night 2 Review By Carter Dotson on May 23rd, 2013 Our Rating: :: GO TEAM VENTUREUniversal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad Poker’s just better when Brock Samson is involved.   | Read more »
Logitech To Release Wired Keyboard With...
Logitech To Release Wired Keyboard With The Classroom In Mind Posted by Andrew Stevens on May 22nd, 2013 [ permalink ] Logitech has created a wired keyboard for the iPad which | Read more »
Pocket Informant Pro Completely Redesign...
Pocket Informant Pro Completely Redesigns Interface In Latest Update Posted by Andrew Stevens on May 22nd, 2013 [ permalink ] | Read more »
Warhammer 40,000: Armageddon Brings The...
Warhammer 40,000: Armageddon Brings The Second War of Armageddon To iOS, Next Year Posted by Andrew Stevens on May 22nd, 2013 [ permalink ] Strategy game creator, Slitherine, unleashes Armageddon, its firs | Read more »
World of Aircraft MMO Flies Into Action
World of Aircraft MMO Flies Into Action Posted by Andrew Stevens on May 22nd, 2013 [ permalink ] Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad | Read more »
iBillionaire Compares Your Stock Market...
iBillionaire Compares Your Stock Market Portfolio To Actual Billionaire Portfolios Posted by Andrew Stevens on May 22nd, 2013 [ | Read more »
Greedy Grub Gets A Nature Filled Gamepla...
Greedy Grub Gets A Nature Filled Gameplay Trailer, Launches This Week Posted by Andrew Stevens on May 22nd, 2013 [ permalink ] Greedy Grub, a fun simulation game based on the work of comic artis | Read more »
OmniPresence Automatic Document Syncing...
OmniPresence Automatic Document Syncing Is Now Available Posted by Andrew Stevens on May 22nd, 2013 [ permalink ] The Omni Group has released OmniPresence, bringing automatic document syncing to OmniGraffle, OmniOutliner, a | Read more »

Price Scanner via MacPrices.net

Mac mini on sale for $25 off, free shipping, NY ta...
B&H Photo has the 2.5GHz Mac mini available for $574.98 including free shipping and NY sales tax only. Their price is $25 off MSRP. B&H will include free copies of Parallels Desktop and Bento... Read more
Updated iPad Price Trackers
We’ve updated our iPad Price Tracker and our iPad mini Price Tracker with the latest information on prices and availability from Apple and other resellers. Read more
Take $20 off with Apple refurbished iPod nanos
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 16GB iPod nanos available for $129 including free shipping and Apple’s standard one-year warranty. That’s $20, or 13%, off the cost of new nanos. All... Read more
Apple TV (refurbished) available for $85, 14% off
The Apple Store has Apple Certified Refurbished 2012 Apple TVs available for $85 including free shipping. That’s $14 off the cost of new models. Apple’s one-year warranty is standard. Read more
27″ iMacs on sale for $100 off MSRP
Amazon has 27-inch iMacs on sale for $100 off MSRP: - 27″ 3.2GHz iMac: $1899.99 - 27″ 2.9GHz iMac: $1699.98 Shipping is free Read more
Platform Wars: Tablets Triumphant, But Don’t Write...
The Register’s Paul Kunert says it’s finally official – the epic battle of legendary Apple CEO Steve Jobs is finally won, now that he has toppled the PC platform from beyond the grave, in the UK, at... Read more
Apple Tops 100 Most Valuable Global Brands 2013 Su...
MarketingWeek’s Lou Cooper reports that this years BrandZ ranking of the top 100 valuable global brands sees Apple maintain its reign as number one, ahead of Google and IBM in second and third and... Read more
How To Create A 4GB/S RAM Disk In Mac OS X
TekRevue notes that RAM Disks, as the name indicates, are logical storage volumes created using a computers memory (RAM) instead of a traditional hard drive or solid state drive. Back in the day, RAM... Read more
How To Factory Reset On An iPhone or iPad
PC Advisor’s Jim Martin notes that when you come to sell your iPhone or iPad – or even give it to a family member – you should erase all the data and restore it to factory settings to avoid handing... Read more
HGST Launches 1.5TB Capacity in Standard 2.5-inch...
HGST (formerly Hitachi Global Storage Technologies and now a Western Digital company) continues to push technology innovation by offering the highest storage density (MB/mm3) of any hard disk drive (... Read more

Jobs Board

*Apple* Account Executive - CompuCom (U...
Apple Account Executive Job Location US-IL-Des Plaines Posted Date 3/27/2013 Req # 2013-4905 Apply/Socialize: * Apply Now! * Email this opportunity to a friend or Read more
*Apple* - Solution Architect - CompuCom...
Apple - Solution Architect Job Location US-TX-Dallas Posted Date 4/18/2013 Req # 2013-4932 Apply/Socialize: * Apply Now! * Email this opportunity to a friend or Read more
Mac/ *Apple* Specialist Needed - Enterp...
Mac/ Apple Specialist Needed - Enterprise iPad Deployment A prominent Robert Half client is seeking out a Mac/ Apple Specialist to assist with an iPad deployment Read more
Mac/ *Apple* Specialist Needed | Enterp...
Mac/ Apple Specialist Needed | Enterprise iPad Deployment A prominent Robert Half client is seeking out a Mac/ Apple Specialist to assist with an iPad deployment Read more
Class 1 District *Apple* Technician -...
QUALIFICATIONS: High School diploma Associate Degree in Technology preferred. Apple Certified Support Professional Mac OS X 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 Apple Certified Read more
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