Norrkross Movie 1.2 improves audio control...

Norrkross Software has released version 1.2 of its video editing, compositing and effects application that offers realtime, non-destructive video effects and unlimited layers with transparency compositing. Norrkross Movie 1.2 improves the audio control, user interface and adds a new French localization. The software can be used to edit video in multiple layered tracks, add movie titles, or use the green screen effect. Leveraging a simple user interface that can be used with little or no training, Norrkross Movie can be used to quickly put together a video clip for YouTube or to make an advanced animated multi-track movie.

Keyboard Maestro 3.0 adds new macros, actions...

Stairways Software today announced Keyboard Maestro 3.0, a new version of its productivity enhancer for Mac OS X. Version 3 adds new ways to create macros, including recording, new ways to trigger macros, new actions, simplifications and an improved user interface. With Keyboard Maestro's macros, users can control applications, windows, or menus; insert text; open documents, applications or URLs; execute scripts; control the system or iTunes; and more using the touch of a key, click of the mouse, or as scheduled action. Users can also trigger macros when an application is launched or running and over the Internet using Keyboard Maestro's built-in web server.

DLO HybridShell, VideoShell case for iPhone...

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters today announced two new clear shell-style cases for the iPhone, the HybridShell and VideoShell. The HybridShell provides a clear polycarbonate covering for the iPhone, with an included Surface Shield screen protector, but adds several textured silicone nubs on the back, allowing it to stick to flat surfaces. Digital Lifestyle Outfitters is selling the HybridShell for iPhone for $25, and is currently available at select resellers.

RocketRAID 3522 now boots Mac OS X...

HighPoint Technologies has announced that the RocketRAID 3522 now supports booting Mac OS X on Apple Mac Pro (2006-2007) models. The RocketRAID 3522 has a dual mini-SAS interface that supports up to eight external direct connect SATA hard drives. Some of the new features available in the RocketRAID 3522 include selectable RAID block sizes for application tuning. Advance RAID level 0,1,5,6 and new RAID 3 support. Upgradable firmware support via the HighPoint web GUI and 32-bit EFI boot capability with Mac Pro 2006-2007 models. Booting support for Mac Pro 2008 models will be coming soon and requires an firmware upgrade through the HighPoint web management GUI.

Briefly: LAbeace Classic case review...

In brief: We have a review of the LAbeace Classic 13" MacBook shoulder bag, the iLEVL holder for iMac has debuted, a Desktop Transporter unlimited license has been unveiled, VMware Fusion is holding a video contest, a Desktop Transporter unlimited license is available, and we've postd a MacFamilyTree review ... We have posted a review of the LAbeace Classic 13" MacBook shoulder bag from French company, Be•ez (be easy). It's a less expensive, but fine looking bag. The quality construction combined with its unique design makes it a good fit for students and others with lightweight needs. From the outside, it looks remarkably similar to Booq bag products, but that's as far as the similarity goes. The 1682D nylon outer fabric wears well and all the stitching is finished off nicely. This black bag comes with a variety of interior fashion colors, but simple black or white piping gives it an outward business look.

Solo unveils Urban At Ease designer bag for laptops...

Solo today unveiled a new designer bag made for 15-inch laptops called the Urban At Ease Laptop Messenger Bag, constructed from a durable matte canvas fabric, with an oiled leather trim and padded corduroy sleeve. The sleeve stretches to fit almost any 15.4-inch laptop, and features several interior, side, and rear organizers. The Urban At Ease Laptop Messenger Bag is currently available for $95, in either black or olive finish.

First Look: SpaceNavigator, 3D mouse...

For most people, a mouse or trackpad is all they need to choose commands or navigate their way around a user interface. However, for anyone involved in computer-aided design (CAD), architecture, engineering and construction (AEC), geographic information systems (GIS), or any other application that offers a 3D interface, an ordinary mouse or trackpad may be too clumsy to use, requiring multiple clicks just to do a simple task. For those who need a more intuitive way to navigate through 3D interfaces, 3dconnexion offers a mouse specifically designed for laptops, called the SpaceNavigator.

Safari: most popular mobile browser in US...

StatCounter today revealed that Safari is the most popular web browser in use in the United States, surpassing Windows Mobile, Palm, and Opera by a wide margin. According to Yahoo, Safari occupies 0.23 percent of US web traffic, with Nokia devices coming in at around 0.08 percent. Internationally, however, their positions are reversed: Nokia was found to have the top tier spot with 0.25 percent share, while the iPhone came in second with 0.08 percent.

HDElement 4-bay storage launched at NAB...

CalDigit has announced HDElement, a new compact 4 bay storage device that works in conjunction with the CalDigit RAID card offering full hardware RAID capabilities. Users can connect up to 3 HDElements to the CalDigit RAID card. The HDElement is also bootable. CalDigit's RAID Shield GUI allows users to manage drives, run performance checks and monitor system settings are a snap. In the event of any errors, alerts or changes to the RAID array can send an email notification. The CalDigit RAID card offers dedicated Intel processor, and 256MB of built-in cache memory. This gives true hardware RAID capabilities via PCI-e expansion slot.

Parallels Server beta 3 released

Parallels Server Beta 3 has been released, adding an integrated toolset that includes Parallels Tools, Parallels Image Tool and Parallels Transporter (a P2V and V2V migration tool) to the hypervisor solution for server virtualization. Parallels Server includes support for Intel Virtualization Technology (Intel VT-x) hardware acceleration technologies, 32- and 64-bit platform and guest OS support, and 4-way guest SMP and multi-core CPU support. The new release also adds open APIs and SDK for extensible management, allowing third party tools vendors to add support for Parallels Server. Also new is a command line interface (CLI), and scripting (including Python) allowing automation of common server tasks from the command line.

Papaya attempts to simplify remote filesharing...

Sweden's Lighthead Software has released the first version of Papaya, a tool for quick filesharing with distant parties. It operates as a web server, automatically producing URLs that can be sent to peers; once configured, users need only drag files to the program's Dock icon to enable sharing. Users can also choose to share folders, whether as groups of files or as compressed ZIP or TAR archives. Compression is handled by Papaya itself.

Portrait Professional headed to Macs...

Anthropics Technology has announced that Portrait Professional, a tool currently only available for Windows, is at last being ported to Mac systems. The software is intended mainly for professional photographers or graphic designers, by addressing common problems in the appearance of models. Using sliders, editors can remove blemishes, grease and sweat, smooth out pores and wrinkles, and adjust color factors such as hue, temperature and skin tan.

Australian iPhone due this summer, non-exclusive?...

Australia may be receiving the iPhone as soon as this summer, rumors suggest. The country's local edition of Macworld cites "reliable sources," who at first indicated that the iPhone would not come to the country until next year, but then pointed to a release date in either June or July. This is said to be bolstered by talk from resellers contacted by MacTalk Australia, who are proposing a release date in the final week of June. Representatives for Apple, however, have denied speaking with resellers on the matter.

Java-to-iPhone conversion software enters beta...

New Zealand's Innaworks has introduced the first limited beta of alcheMo for iPhone, a conversion tool for developers. The software is mainly intended for mobile game developers, who typically write their games in Java code; because the native iPhone platform uses Objective C however, developing for it can be unusually complicated. alcheMo is theoretically able to convert J2ME code for the iPhone instantly, without any need for manual adjustments.

Inspector 2.0 supports FM Pro 9, DDR, more...

FM::Nexus today unveiled Inspector 2.0, a new version to its FileMaker database inspection tool, adding support for FileMaker Pro 9, scripting, calculations, and ESS tables. FM::Nexus says that users are able to use Inspector to provide extensive reports and optimizations to FileMaker databases in real time, as well as adding an "instant search" for layout objects. Inspector 2.0 is currently shipping for $400 for a single user, with special upgrade pricing available for v1.x users.

MCE debuts FireWire solid state drives for DV cams...

MCE Technologies today unveiled the QuickStream SS, a self-powered solid-state drive designed for standard and high-definition video capture. The QuickStream SS is ideal in situations where vibration or other environmental factors contribute to a less-than-desirable shooting environment for standard platter-based capture methods. Size configurations were not mentioned, but MCE will ship both a 2 hour and four hour model, for $1800 and $2800 respectively.

Flickr announces video uploading service...

Flickr today launched a video hosting service to run alongside its image equivalent, which already boasts around 42 million monthly visitors. The move comes in response to findings that 40-percent of surveyed individuals use their digital cameras to capture short video clips, with 55-percent of those surveyed sharing movies with others directly on the camera, and an additional 20-percent who don't share them once they are captured.