eMusic CEO: unlimited iTunes is anti-trust material...

Despite a lack of official word from Apple in terms of a "Comes with Music"-style unlimited iTunes download plan, the concept is drawing heavy criticism, especially from eMusic CEO David Pakman. Many in the industry are trying to predict Apple's moves before any official announcement [1|2], and Pakman claims that a potential unlimited plan would rank Apple alongside Microsoft in terms of monopolistic behavior, due to the company's market dominance with the venerable iPod, according to Wired.

Briefly: Bookendz Docking Station review...

In brief: Bookendz Docking Station review posted, Apple 12th in Web traffic, Web 2.0 Expo San Francisco announces Keynote Lineup, Cocktail discounts, prizes offered, and WWDC Scholarships for Australian University Staff and Students ... We have posted a review of the Bookendz Docking Station for 13" MacBook, which replicates all the ports on your MacBook and adds a hub for the USB devices, which gives you five USB 2.0 ports. The hub has its own power supply to add power to the extra USB ports and a green LED on the top of the dock indicates the power is working properly. You do not have to use the power supply, if your peripherals do not require power.

YouTube, Contacts added to Google APIs...

Google today updated its collection of data APIs, adding source code for YouTube and Google Contacts, and further said the entire API set will properly compile in the iPhone SDK. The YouTube API allows any video-capable program to upload content to the service, with the accompanying tags and posting information. Similarily, the Google Contacts API allows users to embed Google Contacts functionality directly into applications that could make use of such information.

SignalSuite 3 gets Audio Unit support...

Faber Acoustical has released version 3 of its SignalSuite audio test signal software. This upgrade gives SignalSuite new features similar to those found in the recently released SignalScope Pro, including advanced audio device configuration, project files, and Audio Unit plug-in support. The AUAudioFilePlayer plug-in, included with Mac OS X, enables SignalSuite to play back signals stored in audio files. Portions of the audio file may be selected and looped for playback. Plug-in support also allows end users or third parties to develop additional signal types to expand SignalSuite's capabilities.

Apple RAW update fixes hole, adds cameras...

Apple today unveiled Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 2.0 for Aperture 2 and iPhoto 7.1.2, which patches a security hole, and adds many RAW formats from several different vendors. The patch fixes a problem wherein Adobe Digital Negative files could trigger a buffer overflow condition, which could allow users to craft malicious image files with the intent of decreasing system stability, or taking control of a computer.

Software Update pushes Safari on Windows

Apple's Windows version of its Software Update application is now asking users to install Safari 3.1, regardless of whether users actually have Safari installed on their computers. While Software Update comes with all Macs to manage updates, bug fixes, and security patches, the Windows equivalent is installed by Apple applications such as iTunes or QuickTime. Apple could be using Software Update to give the PC version of Safari a push start.

Apple looks to patent wired 'wireless' pairing...

Alongside projection technology, another Apple invention revealed today by the US Patent and Trademark Office centers on the concept of wireless pairing. The patent notes that while many wireless devices -- namely those equipped with Bluetooth, like the iPhone -- require manual pairing to avoid interfering with others, the process itself can be somewhat cumbersome. This involves entering a PIN code, which must first be discovered in a manual, and then entered on an interface which is not always easy to use.

Chipmunk: byte-by-byte comparison of duplicate files ...

German developer Ruotger Skupin today unveiled Chipmunk 1.0, an application designed to find, compare, and delete exact duplicate files. The application performs a byte-by-byte comparison of the suspected duplicates to verify whether it is a true duplicate. Skupin claims that Chipmunk is quickly able to process hundreds of megabytes worth of information quickly. Chipmunk is currently available at an Easter discount of $20, and is normally $25.

Apple patents 3D projection technology...

In an unusual turn, Apple has patented a technology for simulated 3D projection, filings from the US Patent and Trademark Office show. Originally submitted in September of 2006, the patent revolves around a screen with an "angularly-responsive" reflective surface, working in tandem with a projector and a secondary device, described as a "3D imager." This component is key, as it is used to gauge the position of observers relative to the screen. As a person shifts their perspective, the system reacts, presenting separate images for left and right eyes.

Mac ownership up at University of Virginia...

Apple ownership is up among students at the University of Virginia, with 25-percent of freshmen owning a Mac, up from 20-percent in the year prior, according to a computer ownership study performed last fall. These figures show a steep acceptance curve, as ownership was around 4-percent only five years ago, according to The Chronicle. The research indicates that, out of all students polled, 99-percent said they own a laptop, and 0.1-percent admit to not owning a computer at all.

iPhone to reach Singapore in September?...

The iPhone will launch in Singapore in September, according to unconfirmed reports. Local broadcaster Channel News Asia claims that a deal has been signed with Singapore Telecommunications, also known as SingTel; while Channel News cites industry sources, SingTel has declined to comment, and Apple has not made any announcements. Such a deal could make Singapore the first country in Asia to carry the iPhone, ahead of more prominent targets such as Japan, Thailand or even China. Singapore is a city-state, with approximately 4.6 million inhabitants.

Report: Unlimited iTunes subscription a myth...

Talk of unlimited subscriptions at the iTunes Store is largely unfounded, a new report claims. Yesterday, the Financial Times suggested that Apple has been shopping around the concept of a premium on iPods and iPhones, which would grant users unlimited access to iTunes music; in turn, revenue would be distributed appropriately amongst record labels. Apple is further said to be angling for a $20 premium, while a record label executive has said the amount could go as high as $100, based on research of public opinion.