Symantec recommends users tighten security on Macs...

Apple's operating system has a reputation for being secure and free from malicious users causing headaches, but with Apple's popularity on the uprise, users should learn basic maintenance and security procedures for their favored operating system. Tech news site CIO recently spoke with Ollie Whitehouse, architect for Symantec's Advanced Threat Research Team, about OS security, especially in regards to large corporations. Whitehouse says that Macs are safe mainly due to a smaller marketshare, but as Apple's popularity increases, so will the threats against the company's operating system.

iPowerRush extends battery life on iPhone, iPod...

The iPowerRush brings 10 to 15 hours of additional playtime to iPods and iPhones by using six AAA batteries, and provides an extra 120 hours of standby time for iPhone users. The unit features a slip design, measured at 2-inches by 3 5/8-inches by 0.5-inch, making it very compact, with a push-button that shows remaining battery power, and also features a built-in voltage limiter that prevents it from over-charging the iPod's battery. The iPowerRush is currently available for $30 from iPowerRush.com.

Apple snags Nike+iPod patents...

Apple has been granted two patents for the technology used in its collaboration with Nike in the Nike + iPod product line. The first patent deals with the way signals from the transmitter are intercepted and decoded, using the length between data bits and other information to determine the pace of the runner and other information. For the technically inclined, the apparatus calls for, in part, a timer for determining the time between adjacent transitions; logic for determining the maximum period in the data stream without a transition and for determining a first threshold corresponding to a period of time less than the maximum period and greater than the data bit period; and a filter for determining whether a considered transition corresponds to a data bit or a preamble.

Two new alleged iPhone unlocks surface...

Two new apparent unlocking solutions for Apple's iPhone firmware v1.1.2 have surfaced, allowing owners of the cellular handset to sign up for wireless service with carriers other than Apple's exclusive partners. The new techniques, dubbed SonicSIM and StealthSIM, both claim to unlock iPhone v1.1.2 for use with all wireless carriers that use the same technology as Apple's cellphone. SonicSIM is a special card rumored to partially unlock the iPhone by tricking the device and dual booting operating systems, while StealthSIM is a similar card produced by a company hoping to sell the solution for $90 on eBay.

Aladdin HASP HL for Mac works with Leopard...

Information security firm Aladdin Knowledge Systems today announced that its Aladdin HASP HL for Mac software anti-piracy licensing USB key supports Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard. The USB-based software copy protection scheme enables software publishers to enforce intellectual property protection and support custom licensing models while securely upgrading or downgrading licenses on keys in the field.

iClipboard gives Leopard users unlimited copy/paste...

Chronos today debuted iClipboard 1.0, its new clipboard manager for Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard users. iClipboard is designed to maintain a complete history of all copy functions, so that users aren't limited to one choice when pasting. While a limitless history would be cumbersome for some users, the app includes settings that change according to a user's needs, such as limiting the list to quantity or time period. iClipboard is only available to users of Leopard, and while the software normally sells for $30, Chronos is offering an introductory special of $10 off the purchase price.

Demo of KORE 2 sound host available...

Native Instruments has announced a downloadable demonstration version of KORE 2, the second generation of its multi-functional host system, is now available. The new version features realtime parameter control, and comprehensive sound access functionality. The tool also includes a sound library based on integrated NI instrument engines. The demo version comes with a special demo library that contains 100 KoreSounds with Sound Variations. The KORE 2 demo version is now available as a free download for Windows and Mac OS X on the NI website.

GizMac ships Titan Clear iPhone case...

GizMac Accessories has begun shipping its Titan Clear iPhone case with a holster. The case is designed protecting the cellular handset via a clear polycarbonate shell while still allowing the iPhone's appearance to show through. Each case ships with a thin film screen protector, while built-in retractable horizontal and vertical kickstands can adjust the angles of the iPhone for optimum hands-free viewing. GizMac's Titan Clear iPhone case with holster is priced at $35.

MacPractice EMR for eye doctors released...

MacPractice has released MacPractice EMR for eye doctors, an easy-to-use application that creates more efficient electronic versions of the forms used by ophthalmologist and optometrists. MacPractice EMR is designed to make it easy for eye doctors who use MacPractice 20/20 with MacPractice EMR to customize the forms provided by MacPractice, as well as create new forms. MacPractice EMR for eye doctors is priced at $2,500 plus $500 annually for support and updates until December 31st, after which the cost will rise (system requirements were unavailable).

Showcases for iPod touch, nano debut...

Contour Design announced today the release of the Showcase nano V3 and the Showcase touch, new dual-layered iPod cases. The cases use shock-absorbing rubber and incorporate a hinged door into its construction, for increased versatility. It offers complete accessibility to all connections and controls, The Showcase nano V3 has a playthrough clickwheel protector and a hinged dock port protector that also keeps the headphone port and hold switch protected but still accessible. The port protector carries over to the Showcase touch, which also includes a click through hold button protector at the top of the case. Both the Showcase nano V3 and the Showcase touch include removable belt clips.

Unreal Tournament 3 for Mac due in early '08...

MacSoft today announced that Unreal Tournament 3 for Mac is coming early next year. Licensed by Midway Home Entertainment and developed by Epic Games, Unreal Tournament 3 delivers "the most frantic gameplay and stunning visuals yet in the award-winning Unreal series," as well as new vehicles, new weapons, and the deepest single-player campaign in the series to date. The title is being developed on the industry's leading engine, the Unreal Engine 3, and is scheduled for shipment in early 2008.

Bee Docs' Timeline 2.0 redesigned...

Bee Documents has released Bee Docs' Timeline 2.0, an update to its timeline software that is redesigned from the ground up to support multimedia-rich timeline charts. "Bee Docs' Timeline 2.0 software allows Mac users to create beautiful and interactive timeline charts in mere minutes," the company said. The latest release is designed to work with Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard, and is priced at $40.

PopCap Games releases Peggle for iPod...

PopCap Games today released Peggle (site not updated) for iPod via Apple's iTunes Store. The game utilizes the iPod's clickwheel as players fire a metallic silver ball from the top of the screen, relying on gravity to propel the ball downward while it ricochets off of orange and blue 'pegs.' While attempting to clear all of the orange pegs from the screen players can hit a moving 'bucket' at the bottom for free balls, and green power-up pegs give one of ten different abilities. The game is priced at $4.99.

Redstone releases Vine 3.0 VNC applications...

Redstone has released v3.0 of two interrelated programs, Vine Viewer and Vine Server. Viewer is a client-side application that allows users to access and control computers anywhere in the world, so long as they are connected to a matching Virtual Network Computing (VNC) server such as the Vine equivalent; this gives people the ability to administrate or troubleshoot systems regardless of their operating system.

Sababa Toys unveils 'iNo' iPod trivia game...

Sababa Toys has unveiled iNo, a game system built specifically for Apple's iPod that makes music trivia a social and interactive activity. The object of the game is to demonstrate knowledge of music by guessing the album, artist, or song that plays when an iPod is placed into the dock. The iNo game system includes a music player, four electronic wireless remote controls that stop the music as well as lock out other players when activated, and four color-coded scoreboards that keep track of players' right and wrong guesses. The iNo includes six AA batteries and is on sale at Target.com for $100.

NYC pension fund continues with Apple suit...

A group managing the pension fund for New York City's public servants is continuing a lawsuit against Apple, despite a ruling suggesting it should not, reports say. In November, Judge Jeremy Fogel of the US District Court in San Jose determined that the New York City Employees' Retirement System (NYCERS) had no basis for suing Apple over stock backdating, as it hadn't actually suffered damages. Fogel did recommend joining a derivative suit that would not have produced payouts, but NYCERS has instead chosen to re-file a second version of the suit.

iAlarm 2.0 adds podcast support, more...

Xultrasoft.com today released a major update to iAlarm, adding podcast support alongside a new user interface and complete Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard compatibility. iAlarm is designed as an easy to use alarm application for Mac systems that wakes users up with iTunes music, local weather, news podcasts, custom messages, or a classic beep. iAlarm 2.0 runs natively on Intel-based Macs as a Universal Binary, and features Alarm presets for quick selection of custom alarms. The software is available for free, and requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later with iTunes 3.0.x or newer.

Sonic the Hedgehog arrives on iPods...

Game giant Sega has released a new port of its classic game Sonic the Hedgehog, now formatted for iPods (iTunes link). The platformer is iconic to Sega, much as Super Mario Bros. represents Nintendo; the game was originally released in 1991 for the Sega Genesis, and has spawned numerous sequels which continue to this day. Players control Sonic as he races through loops, jumps and other obstacles at high speeds, collecting rings and smashing enemies on his way to fight Dr. Robotnik.

Panorama 5.5 integrates with Quicken, Excel documents...

ProVUE Development recently unveiled Panorama 5.5, a new version to its high performance RAM-based database program. The new version brings a bevy of new features, such as the Enhanced Live Clairvoyance search wizard, which allows users to search through bookmarks and formulas, in a style similar to that of Spotlight. Panorama can now interface directly with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, as well as Quicken QIF, OFX, and QFX formats, enabling the application to directly exchange data with the databases. New users can purchase Panorama 5.5 for $300, directly from ProVUE's web site.