Apple talks Jobs successor, games, more...

Apple shareholders today produced a plethora of questions for company executives at its annual shareholders meeting in Cupertino, CA. Taking that stand was CEO Steve Jobs, COO Tim Cook, and Ron Johnson -- Apple's head of retail operations. Jobs and others answered questions regarding the prospect of entering into direct competition with Microsoft in the PC gaming industry, potential .Mac expansion, iTunes media availability, the idea of a successor to Steve Jobs, iPhone availability in Asia, Macs in the business realm, Apple retail stores, and more, according to AppleInsider.

SecuriKey ships for Mac OS X Leopard...

GT Security today launched SecuriKey 2.1, adding support for Apple's latest release of Mac OS X -- 10.5 Leopard. SecuriKey combines USB token and password technologies with data encryption on the hard drive to provide secure, user-friendly computer access control and data protection. The latest revision of SecuriKey features the only integrated AES encryption and multi-factor authentication solution designed for the Mac, according to GT Security, which provides security for mobile data on Apple laptops as well as desktops and servers. SecuriKey 2.1 is available in Professional and Multi-User editions, working with Mac OS X Tiger/Leopard as well as Windows XP and Windows Server 2003.

Shareholders approve 'say on pay' proposal...

Apple shareholders today approved a non-binding resolution requesting the board of directors to provide shareholders with input on executive compensation. The proposal required a majority of votes from shareholders to pass, while another shareholder proposal to create a board committee on sustainability and environmental protection was rejected, according to News.com. Scott Adams, who represents the AFL-CIO, asked shareholders to demand a "say on pay" as a result of uncontrolled executive compensation.

3G iPhone to surface within four months?...

In advance of Apple's 3G iPhone announcement, Citigroup believes the new version of the device could be surfacing within four months. According to AppleInsider, analyst Rich Garder came to the conclusion based on input from several industry sources, which he claims confirms a 3G version of the iPhone during the second quarter. Caris & Co. analyst Shebly Seyrafi believes that Apple will meet its 10 million unit goal, but will not succeed in putting adequate pressure on the rest of the market.

Apps: The Tube, TimeCache, PageSender

• The Missing Sync for Palm OS 6.0.3 ($40) enhances the software for synchronizing contacts, calendars, photos, and more between Macs and devices from Palm, Sony, Garmin, and others. The latest release offers better synchronization with Bare Bones Yojimbo 1.5, improved handling of recurring tasks, and enhanced support for custom field synchronization with Entourage.


• World Clock Deluxe 4.5.1 ($20) is the latest iteration of MaBaSoft's time tool for Mac OS X that displays multiple clocks in a horizontal or vertical palette, adding daylight-savings time information for Chile as well as Guatemala. The latest revision also adds San Luis, Argentina to the World Clock Deluxe cities database. [Download - 2MB]


• The Tube 2.5 (unknown) accompanies new TubeToGo Web service, allowing Tube users to make TV recordings available in an online Web gallery. The Tube allows users to simultaneously watch videos while chatting amongst one another. The TubeToGo Web interface provides complete access to recordings, allowing users to publish as well as schedule recordings on-the-go.


• TimeCache 7.0.8 ($60, $35 for upgrade) fixes a significant bug discovered in a week-old update. TimeCache is a time and expense billing application with support for timed or manual entries. The latest release fixes a problem that could erase user changes to report and invoice layouts, and is available for free to current TimeCache users. The update also offers a new taxation option for users whose tax authorities require assessing cumulative taxes. [Download - 14.7MB]


• PageSender 4.2.2 ($40) updates the fax software for Mac OS X with an option for sending a cover page only. The update also fixes a potential issue with access to cover page options, and repairs other minor issues. The software sense as well as receives faxes, allowing users to print or email received faxes automatically. [Download - 6.9MB]


• Audiocorder 5.1.4 ($20) allows a Mac to act like a sophisticated audio recorder, operating as a volume operated (VOX) automated audio recorder in one mode and a scheduled recorder in another. The latest release fixes a bug that could cause recording schedule files to improperly load. [Download - 430KB]

Free ad-supported video downloads on Macs...

HIRO today launched what it says is the first free ad-supported video download solution for Mac users. The software allows Mac users to view free, ad-supported video downloads in either Windows Media Player or via Apple's QuickTime format with dynamic targeted advertisements integrated into the programming. The Mac version will make its first appearance in Israel, and will roll out in other areas -- such as the U.S. and Australia -- throughout 2008.

Kaspersky, others prepared for potential Mac epidemic...

Several internet security companies have preliminary Mac OS X anti-virus applications, awaiting a potential large-scale attack before deploying the countermeasures. According to Yahoo News, Kaspersky Lab keeps a prototype of a Mac-based anti-viral program that could be distributed in a matter of days, should an outbreak occur. Kaspersky has even tested a version designed specifically for the iPhone.

Apple, Nike to offer Nike+iPod for exercise equipment...

Nike and Apple are refreshing their Nike+iPod offerings this summer, by working with Life Fitness, Precor, Star Trac, and Technogym, with the goal of making exercise equipment compatible with the workout tracking system. Users will be able to attach their iPod nano directly to a number of different treadmills, elliptical trainers, stationary bikes, and stair climbers, and utilize the same statistic and objective tracking that is offered by the stand-alone kit.

AcrosuitePRO upgrades to ONEticket 3.0...

Print specialist Apago has announced ONEticket 3.0, the next iteration of software formerly known as Acrosuite PRO. A set of plug-ins for Adobe Acrobat, ONEticket helps manage commercial printers, including those from the likes of Canon, Kodak, IKON and Océ. One major upgrade since AcrosuitePRO 2.6 is the addition of tray mapping; this lets print shops define paper exceptions, in theory making it easier to work with different printers. A given example is mapping paper to both a printer that supports paper catalogs and one equipped with paper drawers.

Bling! It simulates commercial product photos...

Vertus is now selling the Mac version of Bling! It, an image tool meant to improve sales of items online, particularly through sites such as eBay. The software extracts objects from existing photos, and helps composite them against a different backdrop more resembling a commercial product shot. To improve the illusion, users can add either stock or custom backdrops, as well as elements like logos, drop shadows and highlights.

Scrabble, Mini Golf appear on iTunes Store...

The traditional boardgame Scrabble (iTunes link) is among two new iPod games available on the iTunes Store. This version lets users play in "classic," points or round modes, with the option of competing solo, against an AI opponent, or with up to four human players via hand-off. Scores and statistics are ranked, and difficulty can be adjusted through settings including the option of hints. The game costs $5 and is compatible with all video-ready iPods except the iPhone and iPod touch.

Pelican ships hard case for iMacs...

Case manufacturer Pelican is now selling a model dedicated to Apple's most recent iMacs, the iMCruzer. The case fits 20- and 24-inch aluminum iMacs, as well as their matching mice and keyboards; inside is custom-tailored foam, meant to absorb impact shocks and prevent a computer from jostling. The outside is meanwhile made of "crush-proof" resin, claimed to be tough enough that an iMac can safely be shipped via airline without worrying about it being tossed by baggage handlers.