First Look: MindManager 7, mind mapping app...

Images are typically easier to remember than words because people think in pictures. When organizing thoughts, some use a traditional outlining method to arrange concepts using words. Mind mapping is a more efficient way to categorize the thought process, allowing the user to design a physical layout of their ideas with colors, locations, and pictures, in addition to words. You can create a mind map using colored pencils and paper, or you could use a mind-mapping program like MindManager 7 Mac.

Briefly: Photoshop World dates announced...

In brief: Dates for Photoshop World have been announced, Keynote Pro gets an iPhone-optimized theme. Steve Wozniak has joined the board of a new company called en2Go, and new Lenticular interlacing software has debuted ... The National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) has announced dates for its annual east coast Photoshop World Conference and Expo. The show, held at the Orange County Convention Center from April 2-4, will feature more than 100 class sessions that will enhance the knowledge and capabilities of Photoshop users and creative professionals of all skill levels. Classes focus on graphic design, digital photography, Adobe web applications, motion and video graphics, scripting, and much more. Registration is only $600 for the general public and includes a one-year NAPP membership. NAPP member advance registration $500.

Apps: YummySoup!, iTunes Dupes Barrier

• YummySoup! 1.6.3 ($20) recipe organization tool. Allows users to browse recipes with the adjustable full screen view, that gently fades into view. Can use Apple remote flip through your recipes, or have your directions read aloud. There are fully automatic web imports from a growing list of sites and the new AnySite Web Importer for everything else including any web site, text based PDF, and text files. Both these features are simple and intuitive. This release has a new Quick Look Styled Image Inspector and automatic support for myrecipes.com, and a new 15 day trial for everyone. [Download - 5.3MB]


• iTunes Dupes Barrier 1.2.1 ($10) allows you to search the duplicate songs inside the iTunes and iPod songs' databases. A Universal Binary program that runs natively on Intel-based Macs. The new release fixes incompatibilities with iTunes 7.6 and other small bugs. [Download - 2MB]


• World of Where 3.8.1 ($35) geography learning app for Mac. World of Where teaches the countries, cities, flags and states of the world in a fun and easy to use game. The new version offers complete compatibility with Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard and fixes multiple bugs. The software is localized 10 languages including German, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Danish, Norwegian, Chinese, and Japanese. [Download - 13.2MB]


• Tank Repairman 1942 turn-based strategy game exploring the logistic challenges of providing vehicle repair services to major combatants in the largest conflict the world has ever seen,. The game features graphics and newsreels explaining major war events affecting the diverse range of strategic options the player uses to shape the course of the war, plus inspiring mass-communication posters and sophisticated statistical tools including a chalkboard. [Download - 10MB]


• Bill4Time time billing and case management system with an add-on utility that integrates with Intuit's QuickBooks accounting software. This new feature, Bill4Time QB Connect, is available at no extra cost to Bill4Time subscribers and makes it even easier to manage receivables and finances. The utility adjusts to the way you want to work. For example, you can track time and create bills in Bill4Time, and handle all other financial tasks in QuickBooks. Or if you prefer, you can opt to perform the majority of tasks in Bill4Time. Whatever your work process, your QuickBooks application will accurately reflect your business' bills, accounts receivable, and trust accounts.
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iPhone demand in Ireland high...

Journalist Adrian Weckler is predicting that an Irish iPhone will be seeing release this year, and that the country's 3G Stores will be the distributor for the device. Ireland's Sunday Business Post writes that 3G's CEO Tony Boyle is in talks with Apple to carry the device, after meeting with Steve Jobs at Macworld San Francisco. The chain – which has 23 store locations to its credit – reportedly has a long list of customer's waiting for the MacBook Air, while Boyle anticipates that these numbers may be indicative of interest in the iPhone.

Water resistant iPod speaker case...

Eye Play USA has released a water resistant iPod sunglasses/speaker case with exterior volume controls. Compatible with the iPod, iPhone, or any other MP3 player the case has a hidden 12 W NXT flat panel speaker. Its dimensions are 7" x 4" x 3". The Sunglass Case holds MP3 Player, Sunglasses and has a zipper for money or credit cards. Officials say: "Splash Proof! Protect your player and valuables from water, sand and dirt. Ideal for any outdoor activities or any time you want to play your tunes!" The case is available in: Black, Silver, White and Pink and is priced at $50.

Ten Thumbs Typing Tutor 4.7 debuts...

Runtime Revolution has announced the release of version 4.7 of Ten Thumbs Typing Tutor, its keyboard learning program for Mac OS X. This major upgrade includes the following enhancements: separate single user and network user editions, printable reports at the end of lessons, collated reports for teacher/administrators in the network edition, a complete overhaul of the French language edition, improved Leopard compatibility, enhanced support for iTunes and numerous other minor enhancements

VONaLink ScreenPop adds call blocking...

Arcosoft has released an update to VONaLink ScreenPop, its VoIP (Voice over IP) call recording and productivity software. VONaLink ScreenPop works with any VoIP phone system based on the open SIP standard, like Vonage and Asterisk, to prevent the dialing out of any phone number -- including long distance and toll calls. VONaLink ScreenPop is priced at $30 and supports up to 10 phone lines.

Jobs urges investors to "hang in there"...

Apple CEO Steve Jobs acknowledged the current instability of the company's stocks, but urged investors to remain confident due to Apple's current and future strengths. In a letter obtained by AppleInsider, Jobs points out that the company has over $18 billion in cash reserves, as well as a lack of debt, and over 200 retail locations. In addition, he mentions that Apple's staff, focused strategy, and new product lines are indicative of having much room to grow.

World Clock Deluxe 4.5 adds 190 cities...

MaBaSoft today released World Clock Deluxe 4.5, a software-based time tool that displays multiple clocks in a horizontal or vertical palette. World Clock Deluxe 4.5 adds 190 cities to the database which include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Indonesia, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Mongolia, Portugal, Russia, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Martin, Ukraine, United States, US Minor Outlying Islands and Uzbekistan. Weather Clock Deluxe is priced at $20 and requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later.

PC Magazine: $20 Touch update "a bargain"...

Apple's recent $20 content update for the iPod touch has some users expressing discontent with the company's approach, but others still see a great value in the update package. PC Magazine writer Sascha Segan reports that despite the perception that Apple is charging too much for the update, the software that is installed is well worth the money, and even a bargain. Segan says that the best values in the bundle are the re-designed home screen, as well as the Mail and Maps applications.

iJailbreak 0.4 for iPhone 1.1.3 released...

The 13-year-old software developer behind the open source 'iJailBreak' utility has released iJailBreak 0.4, an update to the software that allows iPhone and iPod touch users on jailbroken versions of firmware 1.1.1 or 1.1.2 to automatically update to and jailbreak the newly released 1.1.3 firmware. Users who currently have the previous version if iJailBreak installed should be notified of the new release and offered the ability to automatically update. iJailBreak is available from Google Code, with information available at iJailBreak.com. Late last week, the iPhone 1.1.3 jailbreak was publicly released (along with Mac and Windows versions of the utilities).

Sitemap Automator 1.9 expands import, export...

RAGE Software has released a new update for Sitemap Automator, its utility for webmasters. The program is used to automatically generate information on websites and submit it to search engines, ensuring that sites are properly indexed and displayed in search results. Version 1.9 of the program makes several improvements, firstly in the inclusion of new import options: users can now import pre-existing XML sitemaps, along witih Yahoo's older sitemap format. This information can then be edited in the same way as newer material.

iPhone 1.1.3 update reveals SMS issue...

Apple's latest iPhone firmware update, version 1.1.3, has revealed an an issue that causes SMS text messages to appear out of order for some users. The issue first appeared on the Cupertino-based company's own support forums on January 15th, according to InformationWeek, and quickly grew into a massive topic that garnered 11,000 views and 193 replies. Most forum posters experiencing the problem appear to be UK-based O2 customers, and Apple has posted a technical note acknowledging the problem with a short explanation.

Fabrix fits Delux cases for MacBook Air...

Case maker Fabrix has announced new products for the MacBook Air, which is due to release later this week. The company has updated its Delux notebook cases with a size specifically tailored to the Air, measuring less than 0.6 inches thick in order to give the notebook a tight fit. Each case is sewn with quilted padding for protection, and features an improved back pocket with compartments for the IR remote and the optional SuperDrive.

CookWare Deluxe 3.2 adds calendar...

DigitalFriedChicken has released CookWare Deluxe 3.2, an update to the recipe collection and organization software that adds a calendar to help plan meals. The application automatically formats recipes as they are entered, creates custom printing templates, enables users to assign multiple categories to recipes, and supports saving searches as well as menus. The software is priced at $36, and requires Mac OS X 10.3 or later.

MOTU unveils FireWire audio interface...

MOTU has unveiled the 828mk3, a cross-platform FireWire audio interface with on-board effects and mixing functionality. The 828mk3 features a 32-bit floating point DSP for digital mixing and effects processing, more I/O, 192kHz operation, and true hi-Z guitar inputs. The device also offers signal overload protection, digitally controlled analog input trims on all inputs, two banks of ADAT/TOSLink optical, and MIDI I/O. The 828mk3 will ship in February for $800.

MacBook Air to go on retail sale Wednesday?...

The MacBook Air should finally go on retail sale Wednesday, possibly as soon as Tuesday, reports claim. While the sub-notebook was announced on January 15th by Apple CEO Steve Jobs, it has only so far been available for online pre-order, reflecting Jobs' statement that it would only begin shipping in two weeks. Apple's retail stores are said to be putting up banners and other displays today though, and Genius Bar employees should begin training on Tuesday.

Germany claims 70,000 iPhones sold...

Deutsche Telekom, the owner of T-Mobile, says that some 70,000 German iPhone subscribers have been added in the 11 weeks since the product's debut in the country on November 9th of last year. "The iPhone is by far the most sold multimedia device in T-Mobile's portfolio," according to Philipp Humm, the head of T-Mobile Germany. Reuters notes however that this figure is roughly equivalent to the number of iPhones sold by Orange in France, which only began its sales on November 28th.