Year: 2002

Forbes.com discusses Apple’s recent acquisition of Nothing Real, the company that created the special-effects software used in the past four Oscar winners in the “Visual Effects” category. Several analysts and digital media professionals comment on the profound effect that the acquisition could have on Apple’s business relationships in the movie industry.

Frank Reiff has released A Better Finder Rename 4.5b1, a new version of his Mac OS X utility for quickly and easily renaming multiple files. The new version adds contextual menu integration into the Finder for the first time, and features an improved installer. A Better Finder Rename sells for US$14.95.

Apple UK has launched its Apple Solution Experts program, which connects corporations, small businesses, schools, and universities with experts who have the skills and knowledge to assist in purchasing, installing, learning, and supporting Apple-based solutions, according to Macworld UK. Apple Solutions Experts are acknowledged for their expertise in a particular area, such as video, publishing, or education.

NCsoft Corporation has announced that theopen beta test of the Mac OS X version of massively multiplayer onlinerole-playing game Lineage: TheBlood Pledge will end today. Users who participated in the beta testwill now have a 30-day free trial period before being required to sendmonthly payment to continue their account. New users will also receive a30-day free trial period before being required to pay the monthly subscriberfee of US$15.

Handspring today announced that it will be launching its Treo 180 three-in-one handheld in Canada next month through an agreement with Rogers AT&T Wireless. Both Treo 180 models, which combine phone, Web, and PDA capabilities, will be available for C$749.99 with a two-year service plan, or C$849.99 with a one-year plan.