Brand: MacNews

Pliris has released Firewalk X 2, a new version of its independent, software-based firewall for Mac OS X. Features include TCP, UDP, and ICMP packet filtering; self optimization; interactive, real-time alerting; the ability to restrict network access to specific applications; user and IP address specific application rules; and more. Registered owners of Firewalk X 1.x may upgrade to version 2 for free. Firewalk X 2 sells for US$49.99.

Sharp and Mitsubishi have developed faster laser diodes for rewritable DVD drives that are capable of delivering 4x writing speeds, according to Macworld UK. The new laser diodes will be available by May, paving the way for faster DVD writers to become available later this year. The next speed hike in rewritable DVD drives (6x) is not expected until sometime in 2003. Current DVD recorders, such as Apple’s SuperDrive, top out at 2x, requiring about 30 minutes to burn a full 4.7GB DVD.

Xplain, the sister division to MacTech, has announced the official WWDC Exhibit Fair, which will take place during Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference. The Exhibit Fair allows companies to showcase their products directly to other developers. Developers interested in exhibiting should call Xplain at (805) 435-1004 or send an email.

Don Lehman noticed that Apple’s white Pro Keyboard and Pro Mouse, introduced with the new iMac, are now available for purchase separately from the Apple Store. Both devices sells for US$59 each, the same as their black counterparts.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs saw his fortune shrink by about US$100 million in the past year but remains among the world’s 497 billionaires, according to Forbes. Forbes’ estimates Jobs’ worth at $1.1 billion, placing him 413th on the list. Microsoft chairman Bill Gates remains the world’s wealthiest individual with an estimated fortune of $52.8 billion.