PandoCalendar 7.0.6 offers new features, bug fixes...

Panda Systems today unveiled PandoCalendar 7.0.6, an update to its desktop calendar application, adding several new features and bug fixes. In addition to increased Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard compatibility, users can also browse through all recurring events by group in a dedicated window. Two new File menu options allow users to create new notes and appointments, while a popup menu with preset snooze times has been added to the reminder window. PandoCalendar is available for free from Panda Systems' web site.

Web Help Desk 9 sneak peek...

Web Help Desk is offering a sneak peek of version 9.0 of its self-titled software, which offers users a feature complete, cross-platform virtual help desk for their websites. The software features an entirely web-driven interface, and offers one-step connectivity with most database systems. Web Help Desk 9.0 can automatically assign tickets, and allows for two-way correspondence, LDAP synchronization, customized reporting, automated SLA email reminders and ticket updates. A free demo is available from the Web Help Desk website, while pricing is circumstantial.

Briefly: Reviews of UPEK, Viewsonic, Dell products...

In brief: MacNN has posted reviews of the UPEK Eikon Digital Privacy Manager and Viewsonic VX2245wm LCD display, while our sister site, Electronista, has reviewed the Dell XPS M1530. The Eikon Digital Privacy Manager by UPEK features 128-bit encryption for fingerprint processing, making it an ideal secure option for home and small business users, as well as users who insist on using File Vault to protect their data.

Siphon offers free calls on iPhones...

Software has surfaced for Apple's iPhone and iPod touch (with an accessory microphone) that allows users to make free phone calls to other users. The application, titled 'Siphon,' requires an unlocked iPhone and connects users to the freephonie network. iPhone owners or iPod touch owners with microphones must activate SIP functionality and enter a username/password combination to authenticate with the network.

MacBook Air screen protectors ship...

ShaggyMac today began offering its new screen protectors for Apple's MacBook Air. The covers are specifically designed for what Apple claims is the world's thinnest notebook, cushioning the display when the lid is closed and preventing common marks as well as scuffs. The screen protector is made from a slim version of ShaggyMac's T-Micro material, and is specifically designed for MacBook Air. Screen protectors are priced at $13.

Security software aids iMac recovery, free to schools...

Security tracking software designed at Waikato University aided in the recovery of a stolen iMac, which was taken from the home of a computer support group worker. Stuff.co.nz reports that the software took pictures of the thief when the iMac was set up again, using the built-in iSight, and was able to pinpoint the machine's location to within 100 metres. The Police were able to arrest the man who stole the computer, and he is now facing a court hearing.

Gefen unveils new HDMI 1.3 splitters...

Gefen today unveiled its new 1-to-5 HDMI 1.3 Splitter and 1-to-10 HDMI 1.3 Distribution Amplifier. The Gefen 1-to-5 Splitter for HDMI 1.3 accepts one audio/video input, such as a DVD player or set top box, and transmits the same signal to five displays. The 1-to-10 HDMI 1.3 Distribution Amplifier transmits one HDMI source to 10 displays, and both units accommodate larger distributions when 'daisy chained' with another splitter. Gefen's 1-to-5 splitter and 1-to-10 Distribution Amplifier are both rack mountable, and both are available for pre-order at $500 and $750, respectively.

CrushFTP 4.6 adds automated server alerts...

CrushFTP.com has released the latest version of its file transfer utility, CrushFTP 4.6. The update adds automated server alerts for messages like low disk space, user bans, and exceeding a threshhold. The latest release also adds support for maximum upload file sizes, maximum download amounts per session/day/month, MagicDirectory plug-in enhancements, and better support for foreign characters from Windows XP. CrushFTP 4.6 is priced from $30 for new customers, with updates available for free to existing 4.x users.

Bracketeer provides alternative to HDR imaging...

Pangea Software today unveiled Bracketeer, a utility designed for photographers to combine bracketed exposures into one image for a broad representation of shading in an image. Rather than traditional HDR imaging, which is tone mapped down to a standard image, Bracketeer uses an alternate method called "Enfusing". Enfused images are created directly from the bracketed source images, rather than an HDR image, which eliminates halos, random pixel garbage, and washed out contrast. Bracketeer is available from Pangea for $20, and includes a license to PanoPreviewer.

Apps: iSync plugins; pearPortVPN

• iSync phone plugins 5.2 ($15) allows the synchronization of contact and calendar data with Mac OS X and more than 153 mobile phones. The latest release adds support for: Nokia-2630, Nokia-2660, Nokia-3120 classic, Nokia 5310 XpressMusic, Sony-Ericsson-K660i, Sony-Ericsson-K770i and Sony-Ericsson-T250i. System requirements are Mac OS X 10.4.9 or higher with support of 10.5.x. [Download - form]


• pearPortVPN 0.2.1 (donationware) allows you to automatically establish a specific VPN connection whenever a wireless network of choice becomes available. Furthermore, it can also automatically disconnect open connections before your Mac falls asleep and thus safe you from annoying error messages about timed out connections when your Mac wakes up again. This update fixes an issue where pearPortVPN could not establish a VPN connection immediately after a restart. [Download - 72KB]


• Multisite for iWeb 2.2 ($20) Mac OS X utility for users of iWeb that allows users to build several sites that consist of more than a single web server. It also speeds up iWeb's publishing by putting sites into individual files behind the scenes so you don't have publish every site each time. Other features include the ability create, duplicate, or delete entire sites, import and export entire sites easily move sites between people and computers, and references for additional control. [Download - 633KB]


• Diet Sleuth 5.1.2 ($35) a nutritional database and personal health logbook. For each day, you select the foods you have eaten, and the number of servings of each. Diet Sleuth will automatically calculate your caloric intake, fat grams, carbohydrates, fiber, protein, cholesterol, along with sodium, potassium, and calcium. This version includes enhancements and bug fixes to the graphing window, bug fixes with copying/pasting foods, as well as some other general user interface enhancements. [Download - 3MB]

Hacker unlocks iPhone 1.1.2 via new exploit...

An iPhone hacker has discovered a new way to unlock Apple's iPhone firmware version 1.1.2 without the need to downgrade to a prior firmware revision and then re-upgrade after unlocking the device. The unlock technique relies on a bug that allows hackers to erase the contents of memory within a range of specific addresses, coupled with a second bug that allows users to copy data before validation occurs.

GizMac ships new Titan Clear iPhone cases...

Two more Titan Clear iPhone cases are shipping, creator GizMac has announced. The cases use a translucent polycarbonate shell, with openings for the screen, camera and headphones, though not the dock connector. Each case also includes a screen protector, as a well as a detachable, frosted holster with a rotating belt clip. When on a flat surface, retractable kickstands hold a phone in upright vertical or horizontal positions. Now available are "smoke" and hot pink colors, selling for $35 apiece.

Analyst: Accountancy to blame for Touch fee...

The $20 fee charged for the complete iPod touch upgrade is a necessary evil of accounting, claims financial analyst Charles Wolf of Needham and Company. The upgrade brought with it applications already on the iPhone, such as Mail, Maps and Weather, prompting many to wonder why Apple would charge for something that would be so easy to put on the Touch, particularly given Apple's history of releasing free updates.

'The Great Thing' iPhone ad surfaces...

Just two days after having published its Facebook and KBB spots, Apple has added a third new TV commercial for the iPhone, entitled "The Great Thing." The ad promotes the value of having a mobile web browser, and suggests things like checking ski trails while still on the hill, browsing for restaurants when hunger strikes, or changing an airline schedule on a whim. All of the webpages viewed are set in the context of a vacation to Aspen, Colorado.

US Dept. of Justice seeks inquiry into Total Music...

Universal's Total Music service is the subject of Federal inquiry after the US Justice Department sent a letter to the Universal Music Group requesting information about the planned service. Yahoo News reports that this follows a similar letter obtained by Sony BMG – neither label would comment, and letters sent to the Justice Department went unanswered.