Brand: MacNews

Adobe has released a new version of its XMediaUI plug-in for InDesign 2.0 that improves the XML capabilities of itspage layout software. The new version adds the ability to automaticallyexport tagged images in GIF or JPEG format and full support for Shift-JISencoded characters.

MacZone has updated its Apple Hot Deals with new bundles. Examples include the Mac OS X Utility bundle (Drive 10, QuicKeys X, MacLinkPlus Deluxe 13, and StuffIt Deluxe 6.5) for $229.99, a $70 savings; TechTracker Pro/Mac OS X for $149.99, a $20 savings; and the Small Business Value Pack (Virtual PC 5, AccountEdge 2, Office v.X, and FileMaker Pro 5.5) for $999.99 (a $160 savings).

Apple’s flat-panel iMac continues to ship in extremely limited quantities, according to Merrill Lynch analyst Steven Fortuna. As reported by c|net, the brokerage firm estimates that just 5,000 to 10,000 iMacs were shipped in February, after Apple shipped about 5,000 units in January. For the quarter, Merrill Lynch had expected Apple to ship roughly 200,000 systems, a figure that now appears impossible to achieve.

Apple has released Final Cut Pro 3.0.1, an updated version of its professional video editing software for Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X, as noted by VersionTracker. The new version corrects a bug that could cause some dual processor computers to unexpectedly quit if the Internet System Preference pane in Mac OS X contained only partial information. Final Cut Pro 3 sells for US$999.

EZQuest today began shipping a 60GB version of its Cobra Slim FireWire hard drive. The bus-powered unit spins at 5400RPM and features a 28MB/sec transfer rate. The drive sells for US$629.