FileMaker Server updates for 10.5 Leopard...

FileMaker today unveiled updates for FileMaker Server and Server Advanced 9.0 that allow the database application to function under Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard, as well as several other fixes. In addition to solving the compatibility issue, FileMaker server will now close properly and disconnect users when an ODBC/JDBC session is active. Field indexes no longer lose synchronicity with server side scripts, ODBC/JDBC clients, and Filemaker clients.

Apple updates iPhoto, Braille Display, more...

Apple today issued updates to its iPhoto, Braille Display, and ProKit software. The newly released iPhoto 7.1.2 addresses issues when publishing photos to a .Mac Web Gallery, improves overall stability, and fixes several other minor issues, according to Apple. The issue could arise when users subscribe to a maliciously crafted photocast, which may lead to arbitrary code execution.

Torvalds: Leopard file system "utter crap"...

Linux creator Linus Torvalds recently blasted Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard for having a file system that is "complete and utter crap" at a Linux conference in Melbourne. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Torvalds says that while he prefers Leopard to Windows Vista, both companies are guilty of using their respective operating systems as a way of exacting control over their users, forcing both software and hardware upgrades upon them. This was in response to a query on what he felt regarding the two systems.

Squish 3.3 tests hybrid GUI applications...

Froglogic today released Squish 3.3, an update to its cross-platform automated GUI testing tool. The software offers support for creating as well as running automated GUI tests of applications based on a variety of user interface technologies which include Trolltech's Qt toolkit, Java AWT/Swing/NetBeans, Java SWT/Eclipse RCP/JFaces, Web/HTML/AJAX and Mac OS X Carbon/Cocoa. Squish is priced at $3,500 for a 'tester' license or $700 for a 'runner' license (system requirements were unavailable).

Bosco's Screen Share 3 adds Universal support, more...

Hutchings Software today unveiled Bosco's Screen Share 3, an update to its free cross-platform screen sharing software, adding Universal Binary code and various improvements to the clients. In addition, a number of performance enhancements were made to both Mac and Windows clients. Bosco's screen share is designed to make setup and usage relatively simple; the author points out that most open source screen sharing utilities require complex setup. Hutchings Software is currently distributing Bosco's Screen Share 3 for free from its website.

Apps: PocketMac GoBetween, TextExpander

• PocketMac GoBetween for Meeting Maker ($25) is an automated application that syncs MeetingMaker data to iCal and the Mac OS X Address Book. The software supports Apple's iPhone as well as certain Sony Ericsson, Nokia, Motorola, and Siemens devices. All iPod models are also supported, according to the company, alongside many Palm PDA/smartphones and specific Handspring PDAs.


• TextExpander 2.0.5 ($30) is an update to the customizable typing shortcut tool for Mac OS X. The application enables users to define abbreviations for frequently-used text strings and images, which when typed automatically expand to the abbreviated content. The latest release fixes registration as well as the Dvorak keyboard layout, and repairs a bug that could cause double launches after upgrading. [Download - 3.9MB]


• Time Out 1.5.2 (free) serves as a break reminder for Mac users, helping users remember to take breaks to prevent strain or injury. The update adds support for Spaces in Mac OS X Leopard, with breaks appearing in all Spaces even when switched mid-break. The latest release also enhances URLs for the Help menu to better support localization. [Download - 1.8MB]


• Foreign translation dictionaries '08 ($45 for standard, $70 for pro) are the latest revisions of the English-Italian, English-Spanish, and English-German translation libraries. The updates improve compatibility with Mac OS X Leopard, and add Google Web as well as Google Images support for word searching directly from within the application. [Download - varies]


• BarcodeMaker CS3 ($150) is an Adobe InDesign CS3 plug-in that enables users to print barcodes in CMYK process and spot colors. The latest release adds five new barcodes, and includes new features for text placement as well as justification. The update brings the total number of supported barcode patterns to 27. [Download - form]


• Paperclip 1.0 ($10) is a new note taking application that supports document-specific notes, a menu bar application, and a note viewer. The software can store text, links, images, and movies alongside text. Paperclip 1.0 features multiple note colors and does not save notes in a Marker font by default. [Download - 1.7MB]

iPhone takes 28% of smartphone market...

Apple ranked third in the global hardware market during the fourth quarter of 2007, according to canalys.com, with its iPhone garnering a whopping 28 percent of the smartphone market. Smart mobile device shipments reached 118 million last year, up 53 percent over 2006, while converged device shipments of smart phones and wireless handhelds rose 60 percent to hit 115 million in 2007. Apple entered the market late in the year, and has thus far shipped only one device.

Fanurio 1.9 imports Address Book contacts...

Atelier has released v1.9 of Fanurio, its billing and time-tracking application for freelance businesses. When a new assignment is received, users create a new project and add invoices and expenses, charging flat or hourly rates, or nothing at all. Data can be imported from CSV files, or exported to CSV, Excel and HTML, the last used for printing or e-mailing invoices to clients.

Arcade Daze System for CandyBar released...

Iconfactory today relesed Arcade Daze System for CandyBar, a freeware icon collection designed to spice up the look of the trash can as well as folders and files. The icon set includes more than 130 system replacement icons, which can replace everything on the desktop as well as various other folders, files, and hard drive icons. Arcade Daze System is available for free for personal use, and works with the CandyBar icon organization utility.

Independent Apple trainers form alliance...

A group of independent Apple Authorized Training Centers today announced the formation of the Certified Training Alliance (CTA) alongside the launch of www.CertifiedTraining.com. The website is aimed at promoting independent Apple Authorized Training Centers as well as the Apple Training and Certification they provide. "We formed this organization to create a single point of contact for the best training experience on the Apple platform," said Kevin Langdon, CEO of Crywolf Training.

Universal Boxing Manager 1.3.8 released...

Winter Wolves Games today released Universal Boxing Manager 1.3.8, an update to its boxing manager simulation game that adds a redesigned right-panel with detailed statistics. The latest release allows players as well as the computer to 'throw in the towel' to avoid serious injury. The game is priced at $25, and requires Mac OS X (specific system requirements were unavailable).

SuperDuper! 2.5 intros side-by-side backup...

Shirt Pocket has released the v2.5 update for SuperDuper!, its Mac backup utility. In addition to performing functions such as scheduling and restoration, the program is notable for also creating bootable backups, and cloned ones that let users resume work as soon as the information is copied to a new hard drive. The new version at last brings full Leopard support. including the ability to create bootable SuperDuper! backups on the same volume as one for Time Machine.

ShareTool 1.0 does remote Bonjour access...

Bains Software has released the initial version of ShareTool, its remote access software. The program lets users tap into any of their Bonjour services via the Internet, including screen and file sharing, as well as iTunes Music Sharing. Routers supporting NAT-PMP or UPnP are automatically configured, and remote services appear in applications like Finder and iTunes without extra effort.

Naval Battle, Chess & Backgammon hit iPod...

Two new games are available for iPods on the iTunes Store. Naval Battle: Mission Commander (iTunes link) is similar in concept to the classic Battleship boardgame, but introduces new rules, a campaign with 18 missions, and a hotseat multiplayer mode. Players can additionally take advantage of surrounding terrain in combat, and employ special weapons such as torpedoes and reconnaissance flights. The game costs $5, but will only run on Classic and fifth-generation iPods, as well as third-generation Nanos.

Apple launches 16GB iPhone, 32GB iPod touch...

Apple today doubled the capacity of its touchscreen media devices, releasing both a 16GB iPhone as well as a 32GB variant of the iPod touch. The new capacities allow fewer sacrifices for owners who want to carry as much media as possible. "For some users, there's never enough memory," Apple Worldwide iPod and iPhone Product Marketing VP Greg Joswiak says. On the iPod touch, the new storage level allows as many as 7,000 songs or 40 hours of nonstop video; the iPhone now holds half as much in exchange for its cellular functions, which remain unchanged from the original 8GB model.

Incubator 2.4 adds Leopard compatibility, more...

Austin-based Mindcad today unveiled Incubator 2.4, an update to its outlining and brainstorming program designed for visual thinkers. The new version brings with it Leopard compatibility, and the ability to import and export FreeMind maps. In addition to supporting the new XML-based format, users can also upload or download shared maps from MindMeister. Incubator is available in English, German, and French languages, and sells for $50 from Mindcad's website.