MacCentral News

Google confirms Google Desktop for Mac

Sat, 30 Oct 2004 01:10:00 GMT

According to a Reuters story, Google CEO Eric Schmidt confirmed on Friday that the company intends to build a Mac version of Google Desktop, which enables users to search their e-mail messages, files, Web browser histories, chat logs and more. He admitted, however, that such an undertaking will require the Mac version to be "rebuilt from the ground up" because of the "fundamental differences" between Mac OS X and Windows. No timetable was set for its release. The Windows version was published earlier this month.

MacSOS ships database query tool SyBrowser 6

Fri, 29 Oct 2004 20:50:00 GMT

Australian developer MacSOS has released SyBrowser 6.0, the latest version of its tool for querying Sybase, Oracle, PostgreSQL and MS SQL databases. Among Sybrowser 6.0's many new features are the ability to undo actions multiple times when creating ER diagrams, auto-completion of SQL commands, a context-sensitive pop-up menu that displays text to be selected and inserted into the SQL edit field and more. In addition, this upgrade offers faster loading and saving of query files, bug fixes and an improved XML format. Pricing is US$89 for the full version and $49 for upgrades, with anyone who purchased the software during 2004 receiving a free upgrade. System requirements were not provided.

Marware intros MetroVue, TrailVue iPod cases

Fri, 29 Oct 2004 19:25:00 GMT

Marware Inc. has added a pair of new cases to its line of iPod accessories: MetroVue, which fits only the iPod mini, and TrailVue, which comes in sizes for iPod mini and the 4G iPod. Currently, only the TrailVue for iPod mini is available for purchase; Marware says the others are coming soon and promises to add the relevant product pages to its Web site when they're ready. The TrailVue is a nylon case with open sides, access to the hold button and ports at the top and a low-profile spring-loaded clip on the back. It sells for US$29.95 and comes in seven color schemes. MetroVue will be available in three packs for $39.95.

Inside Mac Radio: Copeland, Ihnatko, Oppenheimer

Fri, 29 Oct 2004 18:35:00 GMT

This Saturday, Scott Sheppard's Inside Mac Radio show will welcome Stewart Copeland, former drummer for The Police and Mac user; Chicago Sun-Times and Macworld magazine columnist Andy Ihnatko; and Alan Oppenheimer, co-creator of AppleTalk, as well as other networking technologies, and currently the CEO of Open Door Networks. Sheppard will also bring in Sam Levin for another list of "cool Mac product picks for the week." You can listen in from 1:00 to 3:00 PM Pacific time over the Web or on KNTS 1220 AM, if you're in the San Francisco Bay Area. KNTS will re-broadcast the show Sunday at the same time.

Wash., Iowa, NY get new Apple Stores next week

Fri, 29 Oct 2004 17:10:00 GMT

Lynnwood, Wash., West Des Moines, Iowa and Syracuse, New York welcome new Apple Stores to their areas next week -- Apple plans to open the Alderwood Mall location in Lynnwood on Thursday, November 4, 2004. The Jordan Creek and Carousel locations in West Des Moines and Syracuse, respectively, are both set to open on Saturday, November 6th.

Review: DV Camcorders

Fri, 29 Oct 2004 16:40:00 GMT

If you've been hesitant about retiring your antiquated VHS or Hi8 camcorder and springing for a DV model, now may be a good time to take the leap. We looked at a host of recent offerings that cost less than $1,000: the Canon Optura 40, the Canon ZR-90, the JVC GR-DX97, the Panasonic PV-GS200, the Samsung SC-D6040, and the Sony DCR-PC109. While all offer a menagerie of features (such as in-camera effects and nearly infinitesimal digital zooms), some tout features formerly found only in professional DV camcorders, such as three CCDs (charge-coupled devices -- the camera's image sensors) and 16:9, or wide-screen, mode.

Internet Cleanup update fixes NetBlockade issue

Fri, 29 Oct 2004 16:30:00 GMT

A maintenance update to Internet Cleanup from Allume Systems (formerly Aladdin Systems Inc.) fixes an issue with NetBlockade and SpyAlert and updates the IM Log Finder and Spyware databases. Internet Cleanup is a privacy tool that enables Mac users to block suspicious data transmissions, cookies, referring URLs, spyware, ad banners and pop-up windows. Internet Cleanup v2.0.3 is a free update for registered users. Internet Cleanup costs US$29.99.

flexDock mini debuts, for iPod minis

Fri, 29 Oct 2004 16:05:00 GMT

Navipod maker TEN Technology on Friday introduced the flexDock mini, a combination charger and holder for the iPod mini designed for use in automobiles. The dock rests on a flexible metal arm that enables users to secure and position their iPod mini, while the other end plugs into a standard cigarette lighter or accessory socket. The flexDock mini also has a 3.5mm line-out jack, suitable for connecting to a car stereo using the included cassette adapter or self-powered FM transmitters. TEN's Web site had not yet been updated with information about the flexDock mini as MacCentral posted this article, but the company indicated that it will begin shipping the new accessory in November. The flexDock mini will cost US$49.95.

Native: Guitar Rig 1.2, Absynth 3, Traktor Beatport

Fri, 29 Oct 2004 14:40:00 GMT

Music software maker Native Instruments ends October with a slew of product update and new product announcements. The company has taken the wraps of synthesizer Absynth 3 and the Traktor Beatport Player, and has also announced the forthcoming release of an update to Guitar Rig.

Radical Breeze offers DeskDoodle, RadicalSafe

Fri, 29 Oct 2004 13:45:00 GMT

Radical Breeze on Friday announced the release of two new utilities for Mac OS X: DeskDoodle and RadicalSafe. DeskDoodle lets users draw images on their screen above or below other running applications, while RadicalSafe stores serial numbers, passwords and other sensitive information. Each utility costs US$5, or can be combined for $35 as part of the Radical Breeze 10 Pack. They require Mac OS X v10.3 or higher.

RadioSHARK software update improves AM, more

Fri, 29 Oct 2004 13:15:00 GMT

Griffin Technology Inc.'s radioSHARK turns your Mac into a radio receiver -- it's a USB-based antenna and software application that enables you to tune in to your local radio station, schedule recordings and "pause" live radio too. On Friday Griffin posted an update to the radioSHARK software that "dramatically" improves AM radio performance and reception, adds an "on/off" option for the blue light on the side of the radioSHARK antenna, and makes a number of bug fixes. The radioSHARK costs US$69.99.

Aspyr, Wideload offer Rebel Without a Pulse details

Fri, 29 Oct 2004 13:00:00 GMT

In late August Aspyr Media Inc. and Wideload Games first announced plans to collaborate on a new game release. On Thursday Aspyr and Wideload Games offered the first details about the game, including platform information and a release schedule. Stubbs the Zombie in "Rebel Without A Pulse" is the game, and it'll be published worldwide for Mac, PC and Xbox consoles in the summer of 2005.

Eggplant 2 adds new cross-platform testing tools

Thu, 28 Oct 2004 20:55:00 GMT

Redstone Software Inc. on Tuesday announced that Eggplant 2.0 will be released in early November. The upgrade to its cross-platform testing software adds such new features as a full-featured script debugger; auto-completion of commands, functions, variables and other keywords; one-click look-up of script resources; and Rendezvous support, which enables Eggplant to discover available test machines running Redstone's OSXvnc 1.4 server or Apple's Remote Desktop 2.0 client.

RIAA files 750 new file-trading lawsuits

Thu, 28 Oct 2004 19:25:00 GMT

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on Thursday announced it has filed 750 new lawsuits against alleged file-traders using peer-to-peer (P-to-P) software. The 750 new lawsuits were against "John Doe" defendants not yet identified by the RIAA. In addition to those new lawsuits, the RIAA filed another 213 lawsuits against named defendants who declined or ignored RIAA efforts to settle their cases.

BIAS releases SoundSoap 2

Thu, 28 Oct 2004 18:55:00 GMT

Berkeley Integrated Audio Software (BIAS) Inc. on Thursday announced the release of SoundSoap 2, a major new version of its audio noise reduction and restoration software for Mac OS X and Windows XP. The new US$99 software will be widely available in November, 2004 and costs $49 to upgrade from previous versions.

Apple Store Hot Deals updated

Thu, 28 Oct 2004 18:00:00 GMT

Apple's Hot Deals Web site has been updated, this time with new content from the online Apple Store itself. The Apple Store currently has special pricing on refurbished Apple hardware, including eMacs starting at US$549, a 12-inch iBook G4 1GHz for $799 and much more. Apple makes sure that refurbished equipment meets stringent guidelines before being resold, and covers all such equipment under its one-year limited warranty. AppleCare -- Apple's extended warranty service -- is available for these units for an additional fee. Visit the Web site for all the details.

R-4 portable digital recorder offers 40GB drive

Thu, 28 Oct 2004 17:50:00 GMT

Edirol on Thursday announced its latest digital audio product: the R-4, a four-channel portable digital recorder and .WAV file editor with a 40GB hard drive and USB 2.0 connectivity. It can hold up to 17 hours of recordings at maximum quality -- 24-bit/96kHz -- and up to 58 hours at 16-bit/44.1kHz CD quality. The R-4 features a built-in limiter and five processors -- a three-band parametric equalizer, a six-band graphic equalizer, a noise gate, an enhancer and a compressor/desser -- as well as four XLR/TRS combo microphone jacks, RCA analog output, S/PDIF coaxial input and output and built-in stereo microphone and speakers. It can also operate as a mass storage device for transferring any types of files between computers, and it has a CompactFlash slot for using that media to move data.

Barcode Readers.com ships Eagle II reader

Thu, 28 Oct 2004 17:10:00 GMT

Barcode Readers.com on Thursday announced that it is now shipping its Peninsula Eagle II barcode reader, which can read barcodes up to 24 inches wide from up to 36 inches away. It reads all standard 1D barcodes, including ITF, UPC-A and -E and EAN128 codes, and comes with a copy of QuickTrack Start tracking software. The Eagle II connects to your Mac via USB and requires Mac OS X v10.3. Pricing is US$348.

'A Tale in the Desert' MMORPG available for Mac

Thu, 28 Oct 2004 16:15:00 GMT

eGenesis has released a Macintosh version of its collaborative Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game (MMORPG), "A Tale In the Desert, The Second Telling." With the Mac version's release, the game is now playable on all three major computing platforms -- Mac OS X, Windows and Linux.

Mac Night Owl: mp3.com, Symantec, Star Wars

Thu, 28 Oct 2004 16:10:00 GMT

The Mac Night Owl, which now broadcasts over the Internet from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Pacific time, 9:00 to 11:00 PM Eastern, on Thursday nights, will welcome three guests to tonight's show. Hosts Gene and Grayson Steinberg will talk to Eliot Van Buskirk, technology editor for mp3.com, about Apple's latest music-related announcements; discuss Mac OS X security with Symantec's Mike Romo; and get Lowry Digital Images' Pat Cooper to explain how the company employed an army of Power Mac G5 computers to restore the Star Wars trilogy for its recent DVD release. An archive of the show will hit the Mac Night Owl Web site within eight hours of its broadcast.

Lynx offers Aurora AD/DA converters

Thu, 28 Oct 2004 15:55:00 GMT

Lynx Studio Technology on Thursday introduced its new Aurora line of Analog-Digital/Digital-Analog (AD/DA) converters designed for use in professional audio studios. The converters are designed to work in a standard 19-inch equipment rack and take up 1U of space. Available in eight and 16 channel models, the Aurora converters feature 192kHz analog to digital and digital to analog conversion, with front panel control for routing and sample rate options. More of the Aurora converter's functions can be controlled through a Mac or PC using Lynx's AES16 interface -- Lynx released Mac OS X drivers for the AES16 this past June. The rear panel of the Aurora converters sport MIDI in and out connectors and an LSlot bay compatible with ADAT, FireWire and other audio interface cards. The Aurora 8 costs US$2,195; the Aurora 16 costs $3,295. The company's Web site was not updated with information about the new Aurora converters as MacCentral posted this article.

Playlist: iPod Photo: First Impressions

Thu, 28 Oct 2004 13:30:00 GMT

Playlist Magazine editor Chris Breen has an iPod Photo, and has posted his first impressions.

Apple Ships Logic Express 7

Thu, 28 Oct 2004 13:10:00 GMT

Apple on Thursday announced that it is shipping Logic Express 7, a streamlined version of its music composition and production software developed for education customers and advanced hobbyists. Logic Express 7 features Apple Loops support, the ability to open songs from Apple's GarageBand software, includes software instruments and effect plug-ins and more. Logic Express 7 also features a studio-style mixer, movie scoring capabilities, and editing and printing using music notation.

4D 2003.5 fixes over 50 bugs

Wed, 27 Oct 2004 22:35:00 GMT

4D Inc. released on Wednesday 4D 2003.5, an update to the previous version of its database software. This download, which is free to current 4D 2003 customers, contains more than 50 bug fixes. 4D 2003 is US$349 for the Standard Edition and $899 for the Developer Edition -- upgrades to 4D 2004, which runs only on Mac OS X, are $175 and $399, respectively.

Print Shop OS X Halloween Collection now online

Wed, 27 Oct 2004 22:05:00 GMT

Software MacKiev on Wednesday announced the release of the Halloween Collection, a free add-on for owners of the company's Mac OS X edition of The Print Shop. The collection includes Halloween-themed greeting cards, online e-cards you can send by e-mail, CD labels and cases, photo album pages and more.

PhotoBooth prints cropped pics, leaves original

Wed, 27 Oct 2004 21:20:00 GMT

Stunt Software has released PhotoBooth, a utility that prints full-size or cropped pictures directly from iPhoto while conforming them to a specified photo paper size. Images don't have to be permanently cropped before they're printed, allowing you to retain the original while producing the desired section. It integrates with iPhoto and offers a preview before you finalize the print job. Pricing is US$19.95, with a 20-day trial available. Mac OS X v10.2 is required, but v10.3 is recommended.

iVideo shares movies on a LAN, more

Wed, 27 Oct 2004 21:05:00 GMT

Canadian developer Waterfall Software has released iVideo 2.5, an update to its video clip organization software that features the ability to share movies on a local area network (LAN), support for multiple libraries, live searches, three library types and more. This is a free update; the full version is US$19.95. Mac OS X v10.2 is required. A demo that's limited to a library of 10 movies is available on the Waterfall Web site.

Apple posts Security Update 2004-10-27

Wed, 27 Oct 2004 21:00:00 GMT

Apple on Wednesday posted Security Update 2004-10-27. Also available for download through the Software Update system preference pane, the update "delivers a number of security enhancements and is recommended for all Macintosh users," according to Apple. The release includes an updated version of Apple Remote Desktop v1.2.4 running on Mac OS X v10.3.

Canon intros new multi-function business printers

Wed, 27 Oct 2004 20:05:00 GMT

Canon USA Inc. on Wednesday introduced four new systems in its ImageRunner series of multi-function devices aimed at business users. The 2270 (US$5,800) and 2870 ($7,200) models were designed with small businesses and workgroups in mind while the 3570 ($8,800) and 4570 ($11,200) models are meant for mid-sized corporate departments. While they're available now, product pages were not on the Canon Web site as MacCentral posted this article.

Submersible intros DrumCore 1.5, new DrummerPacks

Wed, 27 Oct 2004 19:00:00 GMT

Developer Submersible Music has announced that DrumCore 1.5 will be available during the first quarter of 2005. The new version of this drum track creation tool features the ability to create custom drum kits, support for dragging files between DrumCore and DAW applications and DrummerPacks, a way to add to the software's library with new content. The first two DrummerPacks will be DrummerPack AL, which includes loops and fills played by such professionals as Alan White (Yes, John Lennon) and Matt Sorum (Velvet Revolver, Guns 'n' Roses), and MattPack I, which features a wide variety of Sorum's drumming styles.