Garmin GPS software adds transfer support...

Garmin International today announced that it has expanded its suite of Mac-compatible applications to include waypoint, track, and route management. The new trip planning software works with both PowerPC and Intel-based Macs, and works in conjunction with all Garmin USB devices. The software allows Mac users to transfer waypoints, tracks, and routes between a Mac and Garmin device while managing data using Garmin's catalog of map products. Favorite points of interest are available for quick reference on the Garmin GPS, and users can save as well as view favorite waypoints or tracks with a few keystrokes.

Intego launches X5 security software...

Intego today launched the X5 versions of its FileGuard, Internet Security Barrier suites, NetBarrier, Personal Antispam, Personal Backup, and VirusBarrier applications (site not updated). FileGuard X5 creates virtual safes that can store sensitive files, which in turn are transportable to remote servers or external disks. FileGuard can create safes of any size and with any kind of document, with special safe types to protect email and instant messaging transcripts. Intego is showcasing and selling its X5 software at Macworld Expo in booth no. S-2426.

Equinux intros TubeStick hybrid TV receiver...

Equinux today announced its entry into the TV receiver market for Mac OS X in the U.S. with its TubeStick hybrid, a USB-based TV receiver that allows users to watch as well as pause and record live TV on a Mac in HD quality. Accompanying software allows users to chat with one another during each TV show, while 'TubeToGo' Web services support scheduling as well as managing and publishing TV recordings via an iPhone or iPod touch on-the-go. TubeStick hybrid will ship in February for $130.

Hands On: iPhone 1.1.3 with locator, SMS, webclips...

Announced Tuesday morning, Apple released iPhone 1.1.3 with several security updates (including addressing an important Passcode Lock flaw) along with new features such as Google Map Locator, the ability to send SMS to multiple recipients, customizable home page/icons, and webclips. The download and install is available via iTunes and takes about 10-20 minutes to download and install (depending on your internet connection) and it updates both the software and firmware so it takes a bit longer than you may expect. Unfortunately, our iPhone worked after install, but it took another quick "iTunes activation" -- by placing back into the dock and waiting for the iTunes Store to sync it -- after the install to get it back onto the AT&T network.

MacSpeech Dictate speech recognition app...

MacSpeech today debuted MacSpeech Dictate at Macworld Expo in San Francisco. The new speech recognition software for Mac enables Mac users to dictate directly to applications with little time training the software to recognize their voice. Training MacSpeech Dictate, up to a 99 percent accuracy level, generally takes less than five minutes, according to the company. MacSpeech Dictate is expected to ship by February 15th from $200. The software requires Mac OS X 10.4.11 or later as well as an Intel-based Mac, and upgrades for iListen users are available for $100.

Macally unveils FlexTune portable stereo...

Macally today unveiled its FlexTune portable stereo system (site not updated) designed to support Apple's iPhone, iPod touch, and iPod classic. The FlexTune enables users to dock an iPhone or compatible iPod in either a horizontal or vertical orientation, improving the movie-watching experience for iPhone and iPod touch owners hoping to make the most of their larger screens. The silver and black casing encloses speakers with 1500mW power output per channel. The FlexTune is scheduled to ship at the end of February for $60.

Spore to ship for Mac in 2008...

Electronic Arts today is expected to announce the forthcoming release of Spore for both Mac and PC, which is slated for shipment later this year. The company also promises to show Spore running on Macs at Macworld Expo in San Francisco, according to News.com. EA Games announced for the first time last year that it would release some of its biggest game titles to the Mac, and is partnering with TransGaming Technologies to ensure it can keep that promise in 2008.

Apple fixes Passcode Lock, QuickTime flaws...

Apple's newest QuickTime software and iPhone/iPod touch v1.1.3 updates bring a number of security enhancements, fixing three security concerns in the software for mobile devices and four security flaws in QuickTime, Apple's underlying music and video technology. The iPod/iPhone 1.1.3 update fixes an issue with Passcode Lock, Safari, and its operating system ("Foundation"). The company notes that, before the patch, accessing a maliciously crafted URL could have lead to an application termination or arbitrary code execution. In addition, it fixes an implementation issue with Passcode lock whereby users could launch an application without entering a pass code: "An implementation issue in the handling of emergency calls allows users with physical access to an iPhone to launch an application without the passcode," Apple wrote. "This update addresses the issue through an improved check on the state of the Passcode Lock."

VMware demos Leopard Server under VM...

VMware has announced that as a part of its presentation at the Macworld Expo, it is demonstrating a completely unmodified version of Mac OS X Leopard Server running within a virtual machine. This is due to a change in Apple licensing policy, which recently allowed Mac OS X Server to be installed multiple times on the same computer so long as each copy has its own valid license. VMware further notes that all of the device drivers being used are stock, including those for USB peripherals, hard drive controllers, and a Gigabit Ethernet adapter.

DLO to debut iBoom JukeBox, HomeDock in HD...

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) today promised to unveil two new iPod accessories during Macworld Expo in San Francisco. The company will showcase its iBoom Jukebox (shown at right) portable speaker system for iPod, as well as an HD-enabled version of its HomeDock. DLO's iBook JukeBox is a new portable speaker system for iPod that includes an RF remote control with a full display screen that works at up to 100-feet away. The new device is due to ship this Spring for $200.

Apple: iTunes 7.6, QuickTime 7.4, iMovie 7.1.1, more...

Apple today released updates to iTunes 7.6, QuickTime 7.4, iMovie 7.1.1, and Front Row 2.1.2. The iTunes update rent and download movies (or directly to your living room on Apple TV) -- in sizes up to 720p HD with surround sound on your Apple TV and sizes up to DVD-quality on your computer. Users can also transfer rented movies from iTunes to your iPod or iPhone and enjoy them on the go. The update also adds the ability to easily transfer purchases made on Apple TV back to your computer with iTunes. QuickTime 7.4 brings numerous bug fixes and support for the latest iTunes. iMove 7.1.1 addresses issues when publishing movies to a .Mac Web Gallery, improves overall stability, and addresses a number of other minor issues, according the company's documentation. Finally, Front Row 2.1.2 update addresses issues when publishing movies to a .Mac Web Gallery, improves overall stability, and addresses a number of other minor issues. All are available via the Software Update

XtremeMac intros Luna X2 iPod alarm clock...

XtremeMac today unveiled the Luna X2, a new version of its alarm clock that features a built-in iPod dock. The Luna X2 is designed to provide completely personalized sleep and waking environments, with dual alarms that users can independently set to play an iPod, the radio, or a buzzing noise. The clock includes settings for volume, display brightness, and snooze time. Users can also adjust volume ramping for sleep and nap functions, according to XtremeMac. The Luna X2 is priced at $120, and is available for pre-order until it ships within the next few weeks.

CharisMac Discribe 6.0 adds Blu-Ray support...

CharisMac Engineering today released Discribe 6.0 Robotic and Standard Discribe 6.0, optimizing the disc mastering software for Mac OS X on Intel-based hardware. The latest release is a major upgrade that is completely rewritten to offer support for Blu-Ray discs, and expands the boundaries of CD as well as DVD mastering while simplifying workflows. Discribe 6.0 is priced at $70, while Robotic Discribe 6.0 single-drive version is available for $300.

Moka5 puts LivePCs on flash drives...

Moka5 today announced the beta release of Moka5 for Mac OS X, enabling users to run VMware Fusion to port a virtualized desktop -- known as a LivePC -- to nearly any other computer using a flash drive. Moka5 leverages leading virtualization technologies to provide hassle-free mobile computing environments, according to the company, in the form of LivePCs. Moka5 for Mac beta is available for free, and requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later running on an Intel-based Mac.

Apple, Fox offer digital versions of DVDs...

Both Apple and Twentieth Century Fox today unveiled Digital Copy for iTunes, providing customers who purchase a DVD with an additional Digital Copy of the movie. The Digital Copy is exactly like movies purchased from the iTunes Store, and is transferable to iTunes for viewing on a Mac or PC, an iPod, an iPhone, or an Apple TV set top box. The first DVD to make its debut with iTunes Digital Copy is the Special Edition DVD premiere of the Family Guy 'Star Wars' parody, 'Family Guy Presents: Blue Harvest,' which is being released in stores today. Fox and Apple said they are planning to deliver many more DVDs with iTunes Digital Copy this year.

H2O Audio ships iN3 waterproof Nano case...

H2O Audio today began shipping its new iN3 waterproof case for Apple's iPod nano. The iN3 is a sleek case that follows the form of Apple's third-generation iPod nano, offering waterproof protection that allows users to surf and swim with the portable player. When combined with the new H3 waterproof headphones, the iN3 provides an end-to-end music system designed for watersports. The case is waterproof at up to 10-feet, and allows full control of the click-wheel as well as menu commands -- even when fully submerged under water or while wearing gloves. The iN3 waterproof case is priced at $80.

Extensis previews Universal Type Server...

Extensis (booth #1020) has announced its Universal Type Server, a next generation server-based font management solution for both Macintosh and Windows environments. Universal Type Server will be available in three editions: Universal Type Server Lite, Professional and Corporate editions. The font server application lineup is designed to handle all font-related issues in font-intensive workflows and offers simple server and user administration via web-based applications; a "stable and fast" Java-based server with a secure SQL backend; active Directory integration for enterprise networks, support for both Mac and Windows clients (independently or simultaneously); support for mobile users; font license tracking; fast type activation; automatic font previews and organization, and native support for Intel-based and PPC-based Macs.

Aspyr to bring Call of Duty 4 to Mac in May...

Aspyr Media today announced that is will publish Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare for the Mac, its modern-day action-thriller that "deploys players into heart-stopping battles across the world's most treacherous hotspots." Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare delivers high-definition graphics, 5.1 surround sound and a dynamic community-oriented multiplayer experience. Developed by Infinity Ward and licensed by Activision, the game is expected to be available for Mac in May 2008. Featuring a tense storyline filled with plot twists, the title thrusts players into battle with advanced special effects, including rim-lighting, depth of field, texture streaming and character self-shadowing.

Photos from Jobs Expo Keynote...

A few early photos from the keynote (flickr upload was down, as evidenced when Jobs tried to access Flickr during the Apple TV demo)

Sold: 4m iPhones, 5m Leopard, 4b songs...

Apple today announced over 5 million copies of Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard sold, as well as 4 million iPhones, Steve Jobs said today in his Macworld Expo keynote. The iPhone has been out for approximately 200 days, which translates to 22,000 units per day, and a total market share of 19.5 percent in the US smartphone market -- second only to Blackberry manufacturer RIM, which holds 39 percent. Apple's iPhone has seen an official release in the US, France, Germany, and the UK but is not expected to see any additional releases today.

Apple, studios partner up for iTunes movie rentals...

Apple CEO Steve Jobs today launched movie rentals via the company's iTunes Store. Disney, Miramax, MGM, Lionsgate and New Line Cinema are confirmed as being on-board, as are Fox, Sony, Warner Bros., Paramount and Touchstone -- bringing "every major studio" into the equation, according to Jobs. The companies have agreed to offer their movies to iTunes customers on a rent-to-watch basis, with people paying $2.99 and $3.99, respectively, for old and new standard-definition releases, or $3.99 and $4.99 for HD-quality titles. New releases consist of titles arriving 30 days after their retail DVD shipment.

Apple debuts Time Capsule backup device

Apple CEO Steve Jobs today debuted Time Capsule, a new backup device that uses wireless networking to store files without the need to connect an external hard drive. Time Capsule features 802.11n wireless functionality, and will be sold in a 500GB version as well as a 1TB version for $300 and $500, respectively. The device looks similar to an AirPort Extreme base station, but features different ports on the rear.

Macworld Expo: Photo gallery, part two...

MacNN has shot more photos of the ongoing Macworld Expo, ahead of Apple CEO Steve Jobs' keynote address, which is due to start within minutes. Images depict amenities, Macworld staff and some of the long lines for entry into the keynote theater.

First 'rogue' Mac security tool discovered...

Security group F-Secure says it has discovered the first illicit security tool for the Mac platform, entitled MacSweeper. False security software has traditionally been a problem for Windows users, who encounter it through pop-ups and other online advertising. MacSweeper claims to clean a Mac of various forms of malware and spyware, but the program will find problems regardless of the actual state of a system, and then prompt users to pay for a full version of the tool.

Live coverage of keynote at Macworld Expo...

MacNN is offering live coverage of Apple's keynote address at Macworld Expo in San Francisco. Company CEO Steve Jobs historically unveils new products during the keynote address, and today industry analysts suspect the executive will debut a brand new ultra-portable MacBook with flash-based storage. Jobs may also introduce the iPhone to Canadian customers, and is rumored to have struck deals with major Hollywood studios for iTunes movie rentals.

On2 intros Flix Publisher 2.0 at MWSF...

On2 Technologies today introduced Flix Publisher 2.0 for Mac at Macworld Expo in San Francisco. Flix Publisher is a browser-based video encoding and publishing application for Adobe Flash Player 8 and 9, offering users the ability to allow video encoding and publishing through a browser-based interface. The software is already shipping, and On2 is demonstrating Flix Publisher for Mac at booth no. W-4242 (pricing was unavailable).

SeeFile 4.0 offers one-click installation...

SeeFile today plans to unveil SeeFile 4.0 at a press release during Macworld. The Web server software enables companies to share media files, and boasts one-click installation with approval features alongside 3D, flash, and RAW support. SeeFile 4 works with Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard to offer one step installation with an embedded PostGres SQL database, and includes a new approval workflow designed to increase productivity as well as customer usage. SeeFile is priced from $500-$5,000, while complete bundled server systems running on a Mac mini server (1TB of storage) start at $1,500.

REAL announces REALbasic 2008...

REAL Software is using the Macworld Expo to premiere REALbasic 2008, the latest version of its multi-platform development environment. It uses an object-oriented programming language, a cross-platform object framework, and a compiler that produces native executables for each operating system. The 2008 edition adds introspection -- the ability to identify objects, what they "know," and what they can be used for. Through this feature users can serialize object storage, use remote method invocation for data sharing, and use data binding to keep consistency when values are altered.

Apple Store down, keynote starts at 9 a.m....

Apple's online store is already down for maintenance ahead of company CEO Steve Jobs' keynote speech, scheduled for 9:00 a.m. local time. Jobs is expected to unveil a new ultra-portable MacBook with flash-based storage, and could announce the addition of iTunes movie rental agreements with major Hollywood studios. The Apple store historically goes down for maintenance just before Jobs unveils new products or services, but today's keynote is still two hours away.

Pleasant updates Ubercaster, ShowMacster...

Pleasant Software has released updates to two key programs, Ubercaster and ShowMacster. The former is the company's podcasting tool, which allows users to record, edit and export tracks using only a single utility. Version 1.5 of the software introduces the Autopilot, which displays a list of topics to guide users through their podcasts; the panel can also be used to store detailed notes, in case particular pieces of information are forgotten. Ubercaster now also has an RMS normalizer, support for AU (Audio Units) plug-ins, effect presets and an automatic chapter creation function. The app costs $80, and requires Mac OS X 10.4.4, a 1.83GHz CPU, and 1GB of RAM.

Nolobe releases Iris photo editing software...

Going beyond its promised preview, Nolobe has released the first public beta of Iris, its new photo editing software. The program is designed to operate in a single window, combining elements such as a filmstrip and color control into a unified view. Unlike some such editors, the program further incorporates a Photoshop-like layering technology, allowing for more complex effects.

Ovolab ships Phlink 4 phone app, Geophoto...

Ovolab today released Phlink 4, adding a revamped user interface alongside call screening and talking caller ID. The telephony software for Mac greets callers with personalized greetings, plays custom ringtones, and sends voice messages via email. The update provides even tighter integration with Mac OS X, according to Ovolab, answering phone calls and identifying callers using Caller ID as well as the Mac OS X Address Book. Phlink 4 is priced at $150, and upgrades for Phlink 3 users are available for $40.