SmoothKit 2 adds new blur techniques, more...

RE:Vision Effects recently unveiled SmoothKit 2, a set of plug-ins designed to smooth images with user-directed controls, and feature-sensitive methods. The kit consists of nine filters which allow the user to blur images without blurring edges, sharpen with less ringing, reduce image defects, reduce jaggies, and more. A newly added Z-Blur filter provides depth of field effects using depth maps from 3D system. SmoothKit 2 sells for $120, and is available through RE:Vision Effect's website.

Aether logs ham radio sessions, QSOs, QHTs...

Open Reel Software recently unveiled Aether, a new application designed to log ham radio sessions. Aether provides tools to quickly and easily log contacts while on the air, as well as organize, search and track contacts after the fact. Features include instant search, automatic callbook lookup, serial rig control, cocoaModem integration and more. Aether is available for $40 and requires Mac OS X 10.4 or higher.

First Look: Speed Download 5, download manager...

Nothing is more frustrating than finding a file on the Internet and then having trouble downloading it to your computer. Sometimes downloading slows to a crawl and other times a web server may be down, forcing you to return repeatedly to a web site to download a file again. Fortunately, Speed Download 5 overcomes these problems by offering multiple file transferring features in an easy to use interface.

Briefly: Valentina ADK giveaway, new reviews...

In brief: MacNN has posted reviews of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08 and several iPod accessories from Grandmax, while Paradigma Software and Mirye Software Publishing are giving away licenses of Valentina 2.5.8 ADK Standard Edition to software developers. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08 has finally come to the Mac, with the help of Transgaming's Cider software, but the game feels unpolished.