Brand: MacNews

DivXNetworks, Inc. today released a free alpha version of DivX 5.0 for Mac OS 8/9 and Mac OS X, its video compression technology that has quickly become a leading format for the online distribution of highly compressed, DVD-quality digital video. The initial Mac alpha release features the ability to decode all versions of the DivX codec and support for I-VOP, P-VOP, B-VOP, MPEG-4 Simple Profile, MPEG-4 Advanced Simple Profile, and H.263 video.

William Clarke reports that Apple’s retail store on the third floor of the Lennox Mall in Atlanta is nearing completion. “Black panels cover the shop with an Apple logo and below it, ‘Coming May 11’.” The location is not yet noted on Apple’s retail page.

ClubMac and CompUSA have updated their Apple Hot Deals offerings with new bundles and discounts.

Alex Keresztes and Greg Novick have released Location X, a new Mac OSX utility that allows users to specify network, time zone, and e-mailsettings for different locations. The software features an extensible plug-inarchitecture that allows for additional settings to be changed on-the-fly.Location X sells for US$10; a free demo version is also available.

Cornered Rat Software is now accepting applications from users interested in participating in a closed beta test of its massively multiplayer online game, World War II Online. Interested participants must have at least a G4/400MHz, 256MB RAM, 16MB video card, and Mac OS X. The first phase of the beta test will include approximately 100 testers, while the second phase will incorporate about 1,000.