Pooch cluster app supports Leopard's Open MPI...

Dauger Research has released version 1.7.6 of Pooch (Parallel OperatiOn and Control Heuristic application) and Pooch Pro clustering software. The clustering technology now taps Open MPI, an open-source MPI implementation found Mac OS X 10.5 "Leopard" and formed through a partnership between academia, research, and the industry. Pooch merges a modern graphical user interface with supercomputer-compatible parallel computing. Version 1.7.6 connects to Open MPI built into Leopard via a pair of software modules, enabling Pooch to communicate with Open MPI so its daemons can launch the MPI application. Pooch can then identify and track Open MPI's execution, which is only available in the latest Mac OS X 10.5; it is the seventh MPI implementation Pooch supports.

Patents: QuickTime, Shuffle dock, streaming, more...

Apple today was granted four patents by the US Patent and Trademark Office, pertaining to the dock for the new iPod shuffle, QuickTime, measuring bandwidth, and media serving. Simply filed as "Stand", Apple wrote that "the stand, which can be utilized as a dock, is used to support an electronic device, such as a media player, media storage device, cellular phone, PDA and/or the like." The stand was later revealed to be the syncing mechanism for the now USB-less Shuffle.

Denoise 1.0: noise, grain suppression utility ...

Banana Bee has released Denoise 1.0, an easy-to-use, noise and grain suppression utility for Mac OS X. Designed from the ground up for OS X, Denoise removes noise and grain from photographs. Users can simply drag an image from the Finder or iPhoto and Denoise will dutifully do its magic, and save the result. Image noise, a random fluctuation of pixel values in an image, can originate in film grain or in electronic noise in the scanner or digital camera sensor and circuitry. In addition, the company notes, that in low light, or at high ISO speed settings, digital cameras tend to produce images with more apparent image noise and that noise removal can result in loss of some image detail. However, advanced noise-reduction algorithms can distinguish between the image detail and unwanted noise, and alter an image in noisy areas without loss of quality.

Apple adds Java SE 6 to Mac OS X Leopard...

Apple has released Java for Mac OS X 10.5 Update 1 for 64-bit Intel Macs, finally enabling Java 1.6 on the newest Mac OS X Leopard release. The update adds support for Java SE 6, specifically version 1.6.0_05, although v1.6.0_06 is the latest release. Apple says that the release "does not change the default version of Java" and is only for Mac OS X v10.5.2 and later; it should not be installed on earlier versions of Mac OS X: "This release is for 64-bit Intel-based Macs only and cannot run on PowerPC-based or 32-bit Intel-based Macs," Apple wrote in its documentation. The 58MB update is available via the Mac OS X Software Update. Apple notes that the release, first seeded to developers in early March, provides several additional features including support for AppleScript as a javax.script language, new API for altering the application Dock icon, and native support for document modal sheets.

MacBook Air owner installs EVDO internally...

One MacBook Air owner, Jordan Bunnell, has disassembled his prized ultraportable in order to install a stripped-down Verizon USB727 Aircard for dongle-less EVDO connectivity. Bunnell replaced the internal Airport card, located underneath the left-hand palm rest area, with the components inside the 727. To complete the operation, he also had to file away three screw mounts for the card to fit, as well as removing the USB connector to solder leads to the computer's USB port.

AT&T may subsidize 3G iPhone by $200 - report...

AT&T will begin offering a subsidy on iPhones with a two-year contract when the 3G iPhone is introduced, bringing the estimated, subsidized cost of the device to $200 – half of its current suggested retail price. According to CNN Money, the agreement would only be available through AT&T; Apple stores would not be eligible for the discounted rate. The move is said to be a recruiting tactic, in the hopes it will coerce T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon customers to switch teams.

PhoneValet 5.4 improves iPhone/Touch audio...

Parliant has published another update for PhoneValet, its virtual call management software. The application automatically screens, identifies, records and transfers calls, with further options such as automatic dialing and VoIP integration. Using the Anywhere add-on owners can check voicemail via the web, including through a special client for the iPhone and iPod touch.

Apple re-evaluating iPhone distribution?...

Apple could be re-evaluating its iPhone exclusivity agreements in future global releases as it expands into Europe, Asia, Central, and South America. Spanish language news site CincoDias writes that the same business methodology that Apple used to successfully launch the iPhone in the US doesn't necessarily mean the approach works globally. The publication cites poor European sales – when contrasted to North American numbers – especially due to individuals compromising the device's exclusivity through alternative means.

VPN Tracker 5.2 adds SonicWALL support...

equinux has released a new update for VPN Tracker, its IPsec-based Mac VPN client software. The tool is deliberately designed to mimic iChat, and can automatically connect to a VPN based on current location, as well as perform routine start-up tasks such as checking mail and mounting appropriate volumes. equinux claims to support over 300 VPN devices, from companies such as Cisco, Netgear, Nortel and more.

JoeSoft's Stox 1.1 adds new tracking tools...

JoeSoft has released the v1.1 update to Stox, its stock portfolio management program. The software organizes data into a single window, but lets users create reports and color-coded charts, and gather information such as analyst opinions and performance evaluations. New to this version of Stox are increased tracking tools, such as graphs of portfolio and equity value. Automatic e-mail notifications are present, and extra Technical Charts have been added, along with rearrangement options.

Messenger for Mac 7 adds Bonjour, AV meetings...

Microsoft has released Messenger for Mac 7, the latest version of its ported instant messaging client. For all users the major addition is support for Apple's Bonjour technology, which lets users more quickly detect other users and peripherals on a network. It is now also possible to sort through contacts with a new search tool, and create nicknames for people that will remain unchanged even as their screen name is altered.

Radeon HD 3870 for Mac Pro by end of May?...

AMD's Radeon HD 3870 will become available in a Mac version during May, a report suggests. Citing a "reliable source," the report claims that AMD's mid-range video card will "definitely" ship in Mac form before June, sold as a retail upgrade for owners of current and older Mac Pro desktops. The card should have 512MB of DDR4 RAM, and remain compatible with Windows XP and Vista on dual-boot systems; users are expected, however, to be unable to take advantage of CrossFire SLI modes under Mac OS X.

BBC offers shows through iTunes in US

BBC today has announced that its programming is now available through the iTunes Store in the U.S. Starting today on iTunes, customers can purchase single episodes and complete seasons of BBC America's sci-fi series Torchwood, the the comedy Little Britain and hit drama series Robin Hood -- which premiered its second season Saturday on cable channel BBC America. During the run of the new season, Robin Hood episodes will be available on iTunes 24 hours after its premiere, Saturdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Like other shows on iTunes, BBC's programming the U.S. for $1.99 per episode and can be viewed on a Mac or PC, iPod with video, iPhone or widescreen TV with Apple TV.

AT&T intros hard-of-hearing plan for iPhone...

The iPhone is now eligible for AT&T's Text Accessibility Plan, the company has announced. The TAP package is intended for deaf or hard-of-hearing customers, as a substitute for the phone's normal voice bundles. Customers are instead presented with unlimited SMS messaging, along with the iPhone's typical unlimited e-mail and web browsing. Visual Voicemail remains present, and voice calls can still be dialed out, albeit at a charge of $0.40 per minute.

Russia home to massive unlocked iPhone market...

The iPhone is extremely popular in Russia despite its official absence from the country, according to multiple accounts. Analyst Eldar Murtazin of Mobile Research Group notes that there are approximately 500,000 iPhones operating in Russia, making for the third-highest number in the world after the United States and China; neither China nor Russia have had deals signed between Apple and a regional carrier. Instead, it is said to be common for Russians to travel to the US and buy phones in bulk, and then smuggle them back home for resale.

Apple retail workers to change names, uniforms...

Apple is making a variety of changes to the ranks and uniforms of its workers, reports say. Mac Geniuses and Mac Specialists are having the "Mac" dropped from their name, reflecting the broader scope many already serve, while Business Consultants are becoming Business Partners. Uniforms are making a variety of subtle shifts; while Genius and Creative staff will hold onto their dark blue clothing, Specialists will take the Concierges' light blue, the latter switching to a bright orange.

Apple sued over iPod nano, touch connector...

Apple has been sued by yet another company claiming that it infringed on a patent through components found in the immensely popular iPod media player. Filed last week in the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Michigan on behalf of inventor Henry Milan by Detroit-based law firm Butzel Long, it claims that Apple violated a hardware-based patent in its connecting mechanism in the two different media players. The firm argues a violation of U.S. patent No. 6,991,483, which was filed on Nov, 12, 2004, and issued on Jan. 31, 2006, almost five months after launched the iPod nano and six weeks after Apple was contacted about alleged infringement. The patent describes a connector that combines a Flash memory drive and a connection port in a single unit that be made to a variety devices using various adapters.