Jef Raskin, the human-computer interface expert who began the Macintosh project for Apple, passed away Saturday, at age 61. Raskin, author of such books as “The Humane Interface: New Directions for Designing Interactive Systems,” reportedly died of cancer. Raskin joined Apple in 1978 as employee No. 31, but left the company in 1982 amid a dispute with Apple CEO Steve Jobs. The Macintosh was launched two years later in 1984.
Read MoreBanc of America Securities analyst Keith Bachman maintains his “buy” rating on Apple, while raising his estimates for the company from US$85 to $97. In a research note published today, Bachman mentions that the 2005 sales estimate for the company’s iPod shuffle product has been raised from 4.4 million to 5 million units. The analyst said the demand for Apple’s Mac mini “continues to be robust” and the sales estimate for the machine has been raised from 305,000 to 900,000 units.
Read MoreOnkyo has announced a remote interactive (RI) dock that interfaces Apple’s iPod with Onkyo receivers and audio-video systems. “The RI dock provides compatibility between specified iPod models and many of the ONKYO products (as many as five million worldwide) produced over the past 10 years. Users of both the iPod and Onkyo products will benefit from even greater flexibility with–and enjoyment of–digital media, as well as superior audio performance.” The dock is scheduled for release mid-2005.
Read MoreApple has updated its Hot Deals Web site with the latest offerings from the Apple Store for Education, MacMall, ClubMac, and Publishing Perfection. Highlighted products include: iPod mini, Epson PictureMate 4″x6″ Photo Printer, Canon PowerShot AS10 Digital Camera, Prosoft Drive Genius, LaCie 80GB SilverScreen, Discreet Combustion 3, and more.
Read MoreAspyr announced today that Doom 3, the blockbuster hit from id Software, has gone gold for Mac and is scheduled to begin shipping Monday, March 14. “Doom 3’s dramatic storyline, pulse-pounding action, and incredible graphics, combine to produce the most frightening and gripping gaming experience ever created. Doom 3 utilizes id Software’s revolutionary new 3D graphics engine to create disturbingly realistic graphics, with never before seen detail and real-time lighting.
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