Briefly: Apple Store status monitor...

In brief: There's now a way to constantly monitor Apple Store status, N.E.D. tutorial-video 2.0 has been released, a new mail service has debuted for the iPhone, and Chronos is offering leap year specials ... pingdom as developed a banner and code combination that will show the current status of the Apple store -- usually a harbinger of product announcements. The creators say "As the whole Mac community knows, when Apple Store goes down for maintenance, there is a good chance that Apple is about to release something new or update an existing product. To spare you the trouble of constantly keeping an eye on the Apple Store, we here at Pingdom have set up monitoring of the US Apple Store status, and also created a small banner that will show its current status."

Refurb iMacs discounted for limited time

Apple's online store is offering reconditioned iMacs at especially low prices for a limited time. The company's 20-inch 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo iMac is priced at $999, and comes with 1GB of memory as well as a 250GB hard drive. The 20-inch 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo iMac is priced at $1,249, and offers 1GB of memory alongside a 320GB hard drive. Apple is also offering refurbished 24-inch Intel Core 2 Duo iMacs with 2.4GHz and 2.8GHz processors for $1,499 and $1,899, respectively. The faster 2.8GHz model ships with 2GB of memory and a 500GB hard drive, while the 2.4GHz iMac offers 1GB of memory and a 320GB hard drive.

Griffin ships Reflect, Courier iPhone cases...

Griffin Technology today began shipping its Reflect and Courier carrying cases for Apple's iPhone. The Reflect for iPhone features a sleek metallic finish that covers the perimeter of the multi-touch display. The hard polycarbonate shell protects the iPhone from bumps and scratches, while a matte black rubberized case back seals the device inside. The Courier is redesigned with a slimmer look, providing practical transportation and protection for an iPhone. Griffin's Reflect for iPhone is priced at $25, while the Courier is available for $35.

Shuffleart posts Koobniks AirMail cover photos...

Shuffleart has unveiled the first photos of its Koobniks - AirMail cover for Apple's MacBook Air (site not updated). The cover resembles a shipping envelope, but prominently display the Apple logo on the lid of the portable device. Koobniks - AirMail cover also works with Apple's MacBook, 15-inch MacBook Pro, both the 12 and 15-inch PowerBook G4, and the iBook G4 12 and 14-inch. [photos]

Apps: Default Folder X, Sound Byte

• Default Folder X 4.0.2 ($15) makes it easier for you to manage files by adding features and correcting flaws in the file dialogs of all Mac OS X applications. Default Folder X 4.0.2 corrects problems that occur when using Mac OS 10.5.2, Microsoft Office 2008, and Fetch Softworks' Fetch file transfer application. It also fixes a problem with its preview window failing to appear in Mac OS 10.4 and adds an additional option in its Finder-click feature. [Download - 8.4MB]


• Sound Byte 3.4.6 ($40) turns your Mac into a" cart machine" for playing sound recordings, such as music and special effects. The latest version of Sound Byte includes these changes: adds an option to allow carts to be played backwards; click restarts playback now works with hot-key presses as well; fixed Apple IR Remote support for Leopard. [Download - 4MB]


• iToner 1.0.6 ($15) iToner lets you easily transfer your own MP3 or AAC audio files to your iPhone, and enjoy them as custom ringtones. iToner 1.0.6 features the following improvements and changes: support for iPhone OS 1.1.3; support for .mp3, .mp4, .wav, and .aif files; intelligent audio processing for added ringtones; French, German, and Italian localizations; and more. [Download - 7.2MB]


• Mactracker 5.0.1 (donationware) database of Mac models. The latest Apple hardware has been added and "My Models" has been expanded to include Apple TV, Displays, iPhone, iPod, and Wi-Fi Base Stations. Additional specifications items range from "Coprocessor" for Classic Macintosh to "Floppy Drive" port information for Classic Macintosh and PowerBook models. This release also fixes an issue with receiving Apple Events. [Download - 21MB]

QuickLicense 2.2 adds drag-and-drop support...

Excel Software has released QuickLicense 2.2, an update to the Mac and Windows license protection software that adds drag-and-drop software protection. "A software vendor can now drag and drop an application onto the AddLicense desktop icon to wrap it with any license configured from QuickLicense," the company said. "A protected application is generated in seconds using the original application icon and no programming required." QuickLicense is priced at $500 for a single user on Mac OS X or Microsoft Windows, or $800 for both platforms.

Doggiebox 1.4 fixes playback issues...

Zygoat Creative Technical Services today released Doggiebox 1.4, an update to the company's percussion sequencing software for Mac OS X. The update improves performance as well as compatibility, running natively on Intel-based Macs as a Universal Binary. The latest release fixes stuttering playback issues under Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard, and reverses the behavior of the 'Insert Bars' functions for better usability. Doggiebox 1.4 is priced at $40, and requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later.

DriveSavers offers iPhone recovery service...

DriveSavers unveiled an iPhone recovery service at Macworld Expo in January, offering users the opportunity to save essential data from a malfunctioning iPhone that was not backed up. The service is able to recover pictures and critical data, once all other possible recovery alternatives have been exhausted. DriveSavers advertises a five to seven day turnaround for the recovery service, and costs anywhere from $500 to $1400, depending on the quality of the recovery.

iPhone unlocks could cost Apple $1.3B...

Despite Apple's optimistic target of 10 million iPhones by the end of 2008, some analysts are skeptical, and others say the device may not be as profitable for the company as originally thought. According to MarketWatch, Apple faces an additional challenge in that as many as one million iPhones are unaccounted for on partner networks, and are assumed to be unlocked. These "missing" iPhones could ultimately contribute to almost $1.3 billion in lost subscription revenue over two years, should Apple meet the goal of 10 million sold.

Stunt Playground ported to Mac...

A software developer has successfully ported Stunt Playground to Mac. The fully 3D stunt driving game features realistic physics that are fully integrated into both the driving and the editor. Users can arrange various props and jumps as desired, and can save as well as load creations for later. Players can record instant replays of up to 15 seconds in length while driving and play the clips later from any angle. Stunt Playground is available for free, as is the game's source code.

The Count of Monte Cristo released for Mac...

Macgamestore.com and HiddenObjects.com today announced the release of The Count of Monte Cristo for the Mac. The hidden object game is based on the famous novel by ALexander Dumas, taking place in the 19th century. Players choose between eight characters to investigate, discovering more than 1,000 hidden objects. The Count of Monte Cristo features 20 scenes as well as 15 puzzles, and is priced at $20. The game requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later.

MacBook Air build inefficient, say Japanese engineers...

Japanese engineers from the Nikkei Electronics Teardown Squad judge the MacBook Air as being wasted space inside its otherwise efficiently designed chassis. According to TechOn the engineers claim the ultra-portable uses entirely too many screws to secure various pieces, counting over 30 to secure the keyboard, for example. The engineers say that they could produce the same computer with fewer screws, and a resulting lower cost.

iToner 1.0.6 adds sound formats, languages, more...

Ambrosia Software today unveiled iToner 1.0.6, an update to its custom iPhone ringtone software, adding support for various sound formats, language localizations, and intelligent audio processing. iToner can now use MP3-, MP4-, WAV-, and AIFF-formatted files to create ringtones, and is localized for French, German, and Italian customers. Ambrosia is seling iToner 1.0.6 through its website for $15, while a 30-day demo is also available.

Prospects 1.0 handles personal finances...

MotiMotion has released Prospects 1.0, a new personal finance application. One of its key features is said to be "ViewPoints," which track three different categories of information when viewing an account with transactions. These panels can be positioned at the side or bottom of the window, and contain sliders, which let users quickly change the timeframe being examined.

iPodHackers.net unveils Bluetooth 5G iPod with Video...

iPodHackers.net today announced the completion of a Bluetooth-enabled fifth generation iPod with video, allowing it to function with streaming Bluetooth audio devices. The hack requires the use of soldering, so enthusiast Fstedie recommends that users be comfortable taking such an action. He also recommends performing a Compact Flash modification or using a thicker backing, giving the user extra space inside the slender unit to pull off the hack.

Time Capsule shipping Sunday, new ones in Jan.?...

Apple's Time Capsule backup drive, initially announced at Macworld last month, is behind in shipments but will officially hit store shelves on Sunday, February 24th. Although Apple's online store only lists the device as shipping in "February," a Best Buy circular for next week lists the 500GB and 1TB Time Capsules as shipping on February 24th. "Most" Best Buy outlets will have three or four Capsules in stock, the tip says. [updated]