MemoryMixer 2 makes scrapbooking simple...

Lasting Impressions for Paper recently unveiled MemoryMixer 2, an update to its user-friendly scrapbook software. Designed with novice users in mind, MemoryMixer 2 introduces a number of new features, such as cropping and zooming, as well as visual effects like sepia toning. The update includes over 400 digital backgrounds in square, portrait, and landscape orientation, with nature, metal, pattern, and texture designs, and comes with more than 1200 embellishments, ranging from ribbons and braids, to definitions and flourishes. Lasting Impressions is selling the software for $80, and is available from many online and retail stores, including the Apple store.

FixMyMovie.com offers free H.264 conversion, upsample...

MotionDSP today unveiled H.264 support on FixMyMovie.com, its free online one-click video touchup service. Originally designed for military applications, FixMyMovie.com allows users to upload video footage from digital cameras, mobile phones, or webcams and remove pixelation errors, and the service also supports up-sampling – taking low resolution video and retrieving high definition content from it. MotionDSP opted to support H.264, as the format is quickly becoming the standard for broadcasting high quality HD footage.

Apps: Montage, FlightCheck

• Montage 1.3 ($140) tool to create, edit, and manage screenplays on a Macintosh. The new release adds Leopard support, the ability to export Montage scripts to Final Draft (.fdr), the ability to export Montage scripts to .sex format for interfacing with production scheduling applications like Gorilla, EP Scheduling and CompanyMOVE and localized support for French, Italian, German, and Spanish. [Download - form]


• FlightCheck Pro 6.1 ($500) preflighting solution for desktop publishing apps. FlightCheck v6.10 comprises numerous improvements and updates, including enhanced preflighting speed--up to four times faster than previous versions. The solution now recognizes QuarkXPress 7 files, and appropriately reports on font paths. In addition, improvements have been made to the software's PDF Ground Controls. And a new "Get More" button found in the Ground Controls pop-up menu, enables users to immediately access and download pre-defined Ground Controls based on output intentions and file specifications. [Download - form]


• MultitaskingAssistant 1.0.2 ($58) personal information manager (PIM) type of software that functions as a personal organizer of task specific information at the point of interruption. The MultitaskingAssistant's purpose is to facilitate in the recording, tracking, and management of personal information at the point the user gets interrupted during a task. A task, by definition, needs to be accomplished within a defined period of time, tasks get interrupted all the time, and multitasking is a necessity in today's busy world. The MultitaskingAssistant will always have the right information in the right place, in the right form, and of sufficient completeness and quality to quickly bring the user back up to speed on any of there interrupted tasks. [Download - 560K]


• miXscope 3.2.3 ($10) miXscope enables microscope and video camera users to take snapshots, create time-lapse movies, stop motion movies, or image sequences of the world around them. miXscope users can also add time stamps, text comments, image overlays, make measurements, add special effects, and/or draw on the live view images. This release improves the image quality for 60x and 200x magnification settings for the newer Digital Blue QX5 USB microscopes.[Download - 1.1MB]


• message2net 1.2.4 ($25) a universal binary application for SMS- and phonebook management. The new version is ready to work with Leopard and fixes some minor bugs. message2net allows to send, receive and manage SMS-messages on a Mac OS X computer using a connected mobile phone and supports advanced features like multipart-SMS, group-SMS and direct Address Book and SIM card access. [Download - 2.4MB]

Nokia taking on Apple, Google...

Nokia, though far from losing its dominant grip on the mobile handset market, is already engaged in a battle to retain mindshare and keep one step ahead of two relative newcomers to its turf: Apple and Google. In a New York Times interview, Nokia's chief executive, Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, says his company has an "army of software developers," writing applications for the "next generation of mobile telephone services." Though the company has 39 percent of the global cell phone market, it has faltered in the United States (where it holds only about 10 percent of the market), leaving the door open for Apple and Google. "Apple has managed to get operators to pay a bounty for new customers signed up — that is a sea change," said John Tysoe, an analyst with the Mobile World, a research firm in London. Meanwhile, Google plans to create device-non-specific software based on its open-source Android platform.

Leopard spurring Mac sales to new highs...

Adding to the already swelling analyst enthusiasm over Apple's current and future financial prospects, ChangeWave is predicting that Leopard is making consumers more likely to buy Macs now and in the near future, leading to optimistic sales forecasts. "Apple computer sales continue to show strong consumer momentum. Not only is Apple maintaining the highest satisfaction levels among all manufacturers, but consumer purchases over the next 90 days look exceptionally robust." According to the company's survey data, nearly one-in-four respondents (24 percent) say that the release of Apple's new Leopard operating system makes them more likely to buy a Mac in the future.

Refurb Xserves, 40GB and 160GB Apple TVs

Apple's online store is once again offering reconditioned Xserve Quad Xeon server systems, as well as its Apple TV set top box at discounted rates. Refurbished Xserve 2.66GHz Quad Xeon servers each feature 1GB of memory, an 80GB hard drive, and Mac OS X Server 10.4 Unlimited-Client Edition for $2,999. Apple's faster Xserve 3.0GHz Quad Xeon servers with 1GB of memory, an 80GB hard, and Mac OS X Server 10.4 Unlimited-Client Edition are each available for $3,799. Reconditioned Apple TVs with 40GB and 160GB hard drives are also available for $229 and $339, respectively.

iPhone will be hacker's choice in 2008 - report...

The iPhone will be a major target for hackers in 2008, with attacks centered around the included Safari web browser, according to a prediction by Arbor Networks Security. The attacks will most likely be bits of malicious code that, when intertwined with benign digital material such as image files, could be capable of executing various harmful commands on the device. Arbor believes that the prospect of attacking Apple users and being among the first to hack a new platform are both big draws for malevolent hackers.

Cake Mania for Mac hits store shelves...

MacSoft has unveiled a retail version of Cake Mania for Mac, a title developed by Sandlot Games that places players into the shoes of Jill -- a young woman who returns from culinary school to find her beloved grandparents' bakery closed down by the evil new neighborhood Mega-Mart. Players earn money by baking and upgrading Jill's kitchen with state-of-the-art tools while serving her increasingly difficult customers to ultimately earn enough funds to re-open her grandparents' shop. Cake Mania is priced at $20, according to MacSoft, and requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later.

Simplify Media streams music to iPhone...

Simplify Media today released Simplify Media Mobile, a new native application for Apple's iPhone and iPod touch that allows users to access entire music collections from any Wi-Fi hot spot. "Unlike websites and web-streaming, you can listen to remote music and can still surf the Web," the company touts. "Play song after song without having to stop to select a new one." The download is free, and requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later with iTunes 7.x or newer.

H2O Audio debuts waterproof case for iPhone...

H2O Audio has begun shipping its new iFR Sport Combo for Apple iPhones. The new iFR Sport Combo is the latest addition to H2O Audio's Outdoor product line, and uses a water resistant case providing protection against hostile conditions, impact shocks, drops, sweat, marring and scratching. The case utilizes a durable polycarbonate construction for impact and shock protection, has a flip, and a swivel and stow case lid that provides complete access to all iPhone menu functions. The combo pack includes a quick-fit sport armband featuring a unique Dual D-ring design that comfortably fits all arm sizes under or over jackets and coats. The armband provides built-in cord management that eliminates the bother of tangled earbuds.

First Look: Symantec's Norton AntiVirus 11...

Viruses have been of little concern to most Mac users since OS X made its first appearance in 2001. Apple's switch to Intel processors, and the various virtualization processes that exist for running Windows, have eroded that confidence for some users. Although Apple is usually on the ball with fixing system vulnerabilities, some larger problems can go for several days or weeks before a proper fix is available. Symantec's Norton AntiVirus 11 aims to compliment the Mac OS' natural sturdiness by providing anti-viral services and fixes for security holes while Apple works on a true solution for the problem.

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock hits store shelves...

Aspyr Media today announced that Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock for Mac is available on store shelves. Released in partnership with Activision, the Guitar Hero franchise makes its debut on Macs and "gives even more gamers the opportunity to unleash their inner-rock star." Developed and published exclusively by Aspyr, Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock for Mac matches its console counterparts with a set list that includes many of the most popular rock songs ever recorded. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock comes bundled with an X-Plorer guitar controller for $80, requires Mac OS X 10.4.10 or later, and is compatible with Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard.

Office 2008 nears 'gold' (RTM), sneak peek...

As the MacBU's Office 2008 nears its release to manufacturing (RTM), meaning that the code is completed for final release next month. Simultaneously, the company is offering its final sneak peek into the product suite, which will officially launch at Macworld Expo in San Francisco. The final preview provides a look at the Excel 2008 improvements that cater to spreadsheet novices and experts alike with helpful new formula tools and a significantly increased grid workspace.

Goldman sees strong iPod, Mac holiday sales...

Research firm Goldman Sachs is predicting strong holiday sales for Apple's iPods and Macs, and remains confident about the Cupertino-based company's forthcoming products in 2008. Goldman analyst David Bailey foresees the new iPhone arriving in the second half of 2008, with a smaller upgrade and more flash memory surfacing earlier in the year, according to Seeking Alpha.

NBC switches TV shows to SanDisk service...

NBC today announced that it would bring its TV shows to SanDisk's recently unveiled Fanfare video service, significantly expanding the beta-stage video download site's catalog beyond existing offerings from CBS, Showtime, and similar networks. The deal will land much of the content from NBC's main station, including 30 Rock and Heroes; affiliated channels such as Bravo and USA Network will also be available. Fanfare allows viewing on the computer but is primarily designed to pair up with SanDisk's Sansa TakeTV, which serves as a transportable video player for TVs and is hte only device so far that will play Fanfare content.

NI releases KONTAKT 3 demo version...

Native Instruments has released the demo version of KONTAKT 3, its latest pro sampling software. The program is said to have "universal" file import ability, and incorporates a wave editor which goes beyond standard functions such as looping, slicing and tempo sync. Users can draw envelopes directly within the waveform, and apply 18 different effects, such as amp and cabinet simulations. The full version of KONTAKT 3 also has over 33GB of stock samples, with 1,000 instruments in categories such as Orchestral, World, Band and Urban Beats.

Canadian iTunes Store adding TV shows...

Apple is planning to add TV shows to the iTunes Store Canada as early as this afternoon or evening, and will officially launch its television content there on Wednesday, according to sources cited by Ars Technica. Apple may push back the launch date if things don't progress smoothly, but those sources say TV shows are expected to make their debut on Canada's iTunes Store within a few weeks at the latest.

Apple patents freefall detection...

Apple has today been granted a patent by the US Patent and Trademark Office, for a submission called Method and apparatus for detecting free fall. Many notebooks, and smaller devices as well, use hard drives which park their heads when a fall is detected; this prevents the heads from scratching or punching through storage platters. Sensing when to do this requires an accelerometer, and it is here that Apple has laid claim to two different concepts.

Miglia's TVMini2 TV tuner for Mac ships...

Miglia today began shipping the TVMini2 digital tuning device designed specifically for Mac users, and announced new promotions for European as well as UK customers looking to purchase iMacs. The TVMini2 features a stylish ultra-slim design to serve as the smallest USB device of its kind available, according to Miglia. It slots neatly into a USB 2.0 port, without blocking any other ports/outlets, including the MagSafe on MacBook Pro systems. Miglia's TVMini2 is priced at £60 in the UK or €80 for European customers.

Optimus Touch clones iPod touch near $100 mark...

At least one manufacturer is hoping to ride the coattails of the iPod touch through a low-cost alternative, a listing at the online store MP4 Nation reveals. The Optimus Touch is consciously designed to replicate the iPod's touchscreen controls, including very similar icons and music navigation, but includes a few added features common to low-cost players but absent in the iPod touch. A miniSD card slot allows extra storage past the 4GB built into the device; users can also record voice with a built-in microphone, take photos with a 1.3-megapixel camera, and watch DivX- or XviD-formatted video clips at up to 24 frames per second, the manufacturer boasts.

New events to mark bigger Macworld expo...

The organizers of next month's Macworld Conference and Expo have announced a number of new and returning exhibits, which they say coincide with larger-than-average bookings. IDG World Expo notes that while it is only the South Hall of Moscone Center that sells out on a regular basis, the West Hall has just sold out for the first time in Macworld's history. Among the exhibits at the expanded expo will be a Podcast Studio, featuring live broadcasts from popular Mac-themed shows, though no particular names have been mentioned.