January 2009
Creaceed has announced Hydra 2.0, an update to its high dynamic range (HDR) photograph application. The latest version offers new advanced configuration options, a redesigned tone-mapper and an improved user interface. The program allows users to combine up to ten underexposed and overexposed pictures to create HDR images, while automatic alignment capabilities eliminate the need to use a tripod...
Filemailer 2.0 ($15) is a utility that helps users share files between computers. The content can be dragged to the desired recipients name and the software will then automatically compress the file, enter its information in the subject line, insert the pre-composed message into the body, and send the file. The 2.0 update now features support for TLS authentication, and includes a new option to...
iPuhelin has released Safari+, a set of JavaScript bookmarklets that brings several desktop browser features to Mobile Safari on the iPhone or iPod touch. The bookmarklets can be saved as bookmarks in the browser to provide quick links for a variety of functions including opening links in new or existing windows, listing all links, displaying all images, or duplicating pages. The utilities can...
SolidThinking has announced a free personal-use version of its industrial design software, solidThinking 7.6, for architecture, industrial design, and fine arts students. The program allows users to create 3D models that can be exported into HTML pages, while offering capabilities such as animation, photo and sketch rendering, reverse engineering, and QuickTime VR movie output. The...
Tiki Towers ($1) allows players to travel between five tropical islands, eventually leading a tribe of monkeys to safety. To reach their final destination, gamers must build bridges and towers out of bamboo, coconuts and vines. By clearing all the levels, players will acquire the ceremonial masks of an ancient tribe and discover their mythical lost treasure….
December 2008
Apple will likely offer a new iPhone in the first half of 2009, with a lower price-point and new baseband processor, according to analyst Craig Berger of Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co. The forecast adds more fuel to the speculation of an iPhone “nano”, to which Berger noted that “we believe this device is on its way.” He expects the new phone to be preceded by a...
Ambrosia Software has added universal binary support to its Escape Velocity Nova 1.1.0 update, along with several bug fixes and feature improvements. The space-based strategy shooter game also now supports MacBook and MacBook Air systems with Intel GMA X3100 video cards. The game is the third in the Escape Velocity series featuring warring galactic factions pitted against one another. The...
Steve Wozniak will be making an appearance at next week’s Macworld Expo, an announcement has revealed. The Apple co-founder will not be appearing on behalf of his former company, however, but rather as a member of the board of advisors for Axiotron, builder of the Modbook MacBook conversion. Together with other people in Axiotron, Wozniak will help to unveil new technology at...
DigiFi has launched its Opera wireless earphones in the United States market. The system, previously only available in Korea, features Kleer wireless technology that is claimed transmit uncompressed CD-quality audio over the 2.4GHz band, with a frequency range of 20Hz to 20KHz and an 86dB signal to noise ratio. Users can connect the transmitter to any iPod, PMP, or laptop, without requiring any...
Garmin has posted screen captures for its upcoming GPS-based cellphone, the nuvifone, providing hints as to the handset’s features and capabilities. The screenshots come ahead of an expected official look at the device at next week’s CES expo in Las Vegas. The nuvifone features a 3.5-inch touchscreen, the same size as that the screen on Apple’s iPhone; the interface also appears...
India has postponed the auction of its 3G spectrum from an original date of January 16th to the 30th, following requests from potential bidders to have more time to review related documents and rules. At the same time, the deadline for applications to become a bidder has been extended from the 5th to the 15th. The auction will give domestic and foreign companies the option to acquire the 2.1GHz...
The lawsuit against military religious proselytizing has been
expanded by the Military Religious Freedom Foundation. Cross-posted from “Secular Discrimination Report” Although in
the last post on this subject I didn’t focus specifically on the
current lawsuit, John Hanna of the AP reported two days ago on
the lawsuit’s recent expansion (from the “Kansas City...
Time has published a list of its ten favorite App Store downloads. Pandora Radio ranked highest and was considered “the all-time best free app for music lovers.” The streaming music service also scored the top position in Apple’s overall comparison of free apps. Users can enter an artist, song, album or genre, and Pandora then creates a station that provides similar music from a...
Urban Design Limited has released Qu-s, a desktop utility that can be used for organizing information. The program offers tools for taking notes, storing Internet links and scheduling tasks. Users can create numbered or structured lists that include check boxes or graphic pointers, with options for automatic storage and clearing of finished tasks. Previews are available for images, QuickTime...
Hundreds or thousands of Zunes appear to be failing simultaneously, according to accounts from official forums and other websites. The errors began at approximately midnight Eastern time, after which turning on a number of 30GB players results in them locking and hanging towards the end of the initial boot process. Critically, none of the standard reboot or reset commands appear to be useful in...
Mophie has launched a new series of protective iPhone and iPod cases, under the Hardcase, Screen Shield and Hardcase Plus lines. The Hardcase is designed for Nano 4G, Touch 2G or iPhone 3G devices, and provides a clear plastic casing made from shatterproof polycarbonate….
Amid the speculation of a possible Apple netbook, rumors suggest that the company may be working on a large form-factor iPod touch that features a seven to nine inch screen, according to TechCrunch. Three separate sources have allegedly corroborated the story, including one that claims to have handled a prototype and suggested that Apple is in the process of communicating with Asian OEMs to work...
An Apple netbook may yet be in the works, wording from the Taiwanese government suggests. The country’s Government Information Office recently issued a new report, in which it claims that local manufacturer Quanta is “expected to add Sony and Apple as clients for the contract manufacture of Netbook computers in 2009.” Although the Sony netbooks could likely be from the new VAIO P...
Sena Cases, a luxury handheld device accessory designer, is debuting its 2009 products, with full customization options, at Macworld 2009 next week. With the new line, Sena customers will be able to pick a design, leather type, a specific color or pattern and add or remove features like clips and closure systems. Laser Engraving of text, logos or graphics will also be offered. At Macworld booth...
Despite Apple’s pullout of future Macworld Expo’s and swirling rumors about update products, IDG Expo is hoping that the annual event will continue in some way and is looking to the community to help it continue and shape future events. Acknowledging that the even will look different in a post-Apple era, IDG is turning to the loyal Apple fan base for direction on the annual event and...
In this article your author is back after a long absence, minus
one usable arm, and he discusses the future of religious and
nonreligious freedom in the military. Cross-posted from “Secular Discrimination Report” First, yes I
am back after a long absence. I recently had shoulder surgery,
which although I only have one hand to type with, has given me a
lot of time to work on my own...
Album Artwork Assistant 2.1 (Free) uses the internet to find album cover artwork and then adds the information to music files within iTunes. Version 2.1 adds an embedded web browser that can be used to select images directly from web pages. The application also now stores queue contents every time an item is added, deleted or processed and not just when the application quits. [Download -...
Today’s DealNN deals include a variety of products from solid state drives and printers to flash drives. First up is the 32GB Cavalry Pelican solid state drive priced at $79.99 at Buy.com. Get VMware Fusion 1.0 with free upgrade to version 2.0 at MacMall.com for $14.99 after mail in rebate. RadioShack.com is offering a buy-one-get-one deal on two different products, the 4GB SanDisk Cruzer...
Email Group - Distribution List - Creator ($1) lets users create email groups for distribution of emails to multiple contacts. Groups can be created from existing contacts, while new entries can also be added manually. The lists can then be used in any e-mail application by adding the group to either the “to”, “cc” or “bcc” line of a message….
Today at the Apple store there is a vast selection of refurbished products that include Apple TV, iMacs and the aluminum cased MacBook. Apple TV in both 40GB and 160GB configurations are available for $199 and $279 respectively. Two MacBook models are currently being offered: the white 2.4GHz MacBook with 2GB of memory and 160GB hard drive is $949 and the aluminum 2.4GHz MacBook with 2GB of...
iLuv has unveiled its latest audio device, the iHD171 HD Radio that integrates a dock for an iPod or iPhone. The device features TV connection capabilities for watching videos and iTunes tagging that will save HD radio song information on the mobile device. Station, song title, band and frequency information is displayed on the front LCD panel. The clock automatically syncs to match the time on...
A beta version of the Microsoft’s next operating system, Windows 7, has been leaked online and is available for download, according to a Tuesday report. Labeled “Build 7000,” a 32-bit version of Windows 7 is currently being distributed via BitTorrent networks, with available copies numbering in the thousands. Those who have downloaded the illegal software are said to believe the...
iCustom, a Russian manufacturer, has announced a clear iPhone 3G replacement case. The case displays all the inner workings of an iPhone via a see-through backing, although owners may have to sacrifice their camera lens. Along with the clear case, iCustom also offers a variety of color, wood or custom design cases, for different iPhones, iPods, and MacBooks….
Adding to recent iPod figures, new data suggests that the iPhone sold well throughout the Christmas shopping season as well. During the week of Christmas, iPhone browser share is said to have risen 35.7 percent over the week before, reaching 0.57 percent of all browser use. This figure is also more than 50 percent higher than the average iPhone share in November, which was 0.37 percent….
In brief: Several companies are still offering a few holiday promotions; Mariner Software is offering a 40 percent discount on all its software till the year’s end, and MacZOT has released a software bundle that is available until January 4th. MacNN has meanwhile posted a review of the iLuv i399, finding that the system looks good but its performance does not quite live up to expectations. A...
Amid the speculation surrounding Apple’s decision to leave Macworld and feature Phil Schiller for the keynote address, a source has indicated to Gizmodo that Steve Jobs’ declining health was the real reason for the company switching its speaker. “Apple is choosing to remove the hype factor strategically vs letting the hype destroy Apple when the inevitable news comes later this...
Kevin Martin, Chairman of the FCC, has dropped the content filtering provisions from the proposal for free wireless broadband service, according to an interview with Ars Technica. Previous drafts of the plan required protection methods to prevent users from accessing objectionable content such as pornography. “I’m saying if this is a problem for people, let’s take it away,”...
DJ equipment and accessories maker Numark has unveiled its HDMIX DJ computer, which acts as a DJ mixer for files sourced from CD-RWs, DVD-RWs, a hard drive or any USB-connected device such as a flash drive. It comes with an 80GB hard disk that locks in place, and can be quickly swapped out for one with up to 1TB of capacity. Users browse files from a high-resolution color LCD, and can sort...
Sony Japan has posted a teaser page for what is believed to be the VAIO P, an upcoming netbook. Shown briefly in the page’s Flash montage is a new keyboard, with raised keys similar to those on the VAIO TZ and TT. The updated keyboard has a trackball in the middle however, which may indicate that that the P is too small to fit a conventional trackpad….
People may be able to see a variety of new Apple products at this year’s Macworld Expo, despite the company’s diminishing emphasis on tradeshows, says Kaufman’s Shaw Wu. The analyst notes that while the focus of Apple’s keynote will likely be on new Macs — and a preview of Mac OS X Snow Leopard — sources indicate the possibility of a new “consumer...
Apple has managed to find its way into two positions in Fortune’s Dumbest Moments in Business list for 2008, the magazine notes. While many of the moments are connected to the credit crisis and the subsequent fallout, the sixth choice was Apple’s approval of the “I Am Rich” iPhone app. Although costing $1,000, the app did nothing except display a red jewel, scamming eight...
Intel has launched a new, low-cost quad-core mobile processor, as well as its latest mobile dual-core chipsets. The 2.53GHz Q9000 quad-core processor is significantly cheaper than the existing QX9300 and Q9100, but offers just 6MB of cache memory as opposed to the 12MB in its siblings. Acer has already announced a notebook with the new technology, the Aspire 8930G-7665. Designed for gaming, the...
Agent18 makes a variety of iPod cases for almost every iPod ever made, and unlike some companies, still sells cases for older iPods. Instead of reviewing different cases for different models, we look at their full range of cases for the iPod touch. The materials used, basic design, and fit for each iPod are the same, so you can assess their other cases from the descriptions below also. Iíve...
Apples release of its Mini DisplayPort to dual-link DVI adapters has apparently been having some distortion problems. According to users, shortly after hooking the DisplayPort up to various Dell displays, and in some cases Appleís 30-inch cinema, problems regarding loss of half the display information takes place. Seeming as if one of its dual “links” has failed, the problem can be...
Webify 1.1 ($16) is intended for users that prepare content for internet publication. Groups of images can be simultaneously resized, flipped, scaled, or rotated, saving time over single image editing. Webify works as an image browser, with a drag-and-drop interface claimed allow for faster work. The 1.1 update now properly handles the Rotation effect on rectangular shaped images, as well as...
The Prime Gaming Laptop concept seen here sports three organic LED (OLED) displays to provide users with multiple screen sizes and variable aspect ratios. The 10-inch central display has a 16:10 aspect ratio, while each of the two 8-inch OLED screens flanking it forming one image and expanding the overall aspect ratio to an ultra-wide 32:10. The notebook, again just a prototype, was designed by...
The upcoming XPERIA range of handsets from Sony Ericsson will be built in conjunction with Taiwan’s Mobinnova, which itself has recently introduced its Windows Mobile based smartphone, the ICE. It features a 3-inch touchscreen that responds to users’ touch with a tactile response courtesy of Mobinnova’s mobiFeel technology. The quad-band GSM handset also supports the 900MHz,...
Professional audio-equipment manufacturer Alesis is shipping its MasterControl audio interface. The new controller features 44.1 to 92KHz recording capability via FireWire and full control of HUI-compatible digital audio workstations and external MIDI devices. It features XLR and TRS inputs and has outputs for 5.1 sound, or discrete feeds. The MasterControl has nine 100-millimeter motorized...
USBfever has launched a new USB LED light and new iPhone camera lens attachments. In addition to the LED light, the company has released a Magnetic / Detachable Wide Angle Lens for iPhone, a Magnetic / Detachable Telephoto (2X) Lens for iPhone and a Magnetic / Detachable Fish-Eye Lens for iPhone. The USB LED desktop light features a thermometer and hygrometer, which measures humidity in the air,...
SonicMule has released Zephyr
, a new iPhone app featuring a touch-based, wind-sound generating message creator. Users create snowflake movements using touch gestures generating accompanying wind based music, recorded into a message that is sent out anonymously to other users. Recipients can label it with a heart-icon tap if they like it. The app can track a song’s progress and responses...
In brief: Apple has begun shipping its Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapters ahead of schedule, according to a MacNN reader. A recent order that was quoted to ship from Apple sometime between January 5th to the 7th actually arrived on December 26th, almost two weeks ahead of schedule. The connector is required for new MacBooks, MacBook Airs and MacBook Pros with the new Mini DisplayPort...
Ultimate Voice Recorder ($5) is a voice recorder that can transfer recordings to a computer via Wi-Fi or cellular network connections. The application features play, pause, fast forward and rewind controls along with a support function. Another feature is silence skipping which automatically removes any silent time from recordings….