First Look: Logitech ClearChat Wireless headset...

Not every computer has a built-in microphone or speakers, and to fix this problem, you typically have to connect your own peripherals through multiple cables. Worse may be that if the cables aren’t long enough, you’ll still be tied to the computer if you want to make use of the hardware. To avoid these two problems, Logitech offers its ClearChat Wireless headset.

New Google Reader optimized for iPhone, other devices...

Google on Monday released a new beta version of Google Reader designed for the iPhone and other mobile phones with advanced browsers. Google reader, first introduced 2006, is designed to quickly view and manage information and updates from multiple sources: "To make our (and your) Reader iPhone experience better, we wanted to really take advantage of the iPhone's capabilities," the company wrote in its official blog. "Today we're releasing a new beta version of Reader designed for the iPhone and other mobile phones with advanced browsers. You can use it by visiting http://www.google.com/reader/i/ on your phone."

Hydra 1.5 creates HDR images, adds RAW, DNG support...

Creaceed on Monday delivered version 1.5 of Hydra as well as a beta Aperture plugin for easy HDR image creation on Mac OS X Leopard. Hydra 1.5, which features an updated imaging pipeline and Aperture integration, gives human eye perception to photographs by creating high dynamic range (HDR) images from a series of regular photographs, either from DSLRs or traditional point-and-shoot cameras. The created image compensates for the limited dynamic range of cameras, the company claims. "In addition, it more closely resembles what is actually seen. Unlike most HDR softwares, Hydra does not require images taken with a tripod." Hydra supports photo resolutions above 20 megapixels and adds support for new RAW and DNG file formats as well as provides OpenEXR export format to further edit the image in other applications.

iGet Mobile 2.0 offers remote Mac access from iPhone...

iGet Mobile 2.0 is a new version of Nakahara Informatics' remote Mac access software for the iPhone, iPod touch and other web-capable devices. iGet Mobile offers Mac users a personal web interface to access their documents remotely, with a special emphasis on making various types of data more accessible on small-form-factor devices. Version 2.0 sports new iPhone-specific features in the web interface, an improved web server component, a completely redesigned user interface for the Mac application, and many other enhancements. The company also improved the automatic network configuration features, making it easy to make personal servers accessible from the internet without requiring networking expertise.

Picturesque 2.0 offers quick 3D effects, resizing...

Acqualia has announced the release of Picturesque 2.0, a major update to what it calls an "image beautifying application." Entirely rewritten for Leopard using Core Animation, Picturesque 2.0 features a redesigned single-window interface, tools for cropping, presets, and the 3D perspective effect. Using an animated "drag and drop"-style interface, Picturesque adds effects, such as 3D perspective, reflection, glow, shadow, curve, and stroke -- all "in less time than it takes to open Photoshop," the company claims. Picturesque can also beautify images in batch, including the ability to resize (i.e., make thumbnails) and apply effects on an entire folder of images, Picturesque 2.0 is available now as a free download and requires Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard or later. Registration is $35, with upgrades from v1.0 priced at $13.

Vaja offers 1m color combos for iPhone case...

High-end leather accessory manufacturer Vaja has unveiled the iVolution Stripes case for the iPhone, offering users a striking, customizable quad-color design with a flip-down front flap. iLounge writes that the case potentially offers customers "more than one million possible color combinations", with the back side of the case being a solid color. Vaja is currently shipping the iVolution Stripes for $100, but notes that custom orders take an additional 20 days to process.

Apple inspires Eve's design in Wall-E...

As IBM mainframes were the inspiration for one of the most famous digital villains – HAL 9000, of 2001: A Space Odyssey fame – so is Apple an influence upon the upcoming Disney Pixar release, Wall-E. CNN Money writes that when designing the movie's heroine, Eve, director Andrew Stanton described her as "high-end technology – no expense spared" and wanted it "to be seamless and for the technology to be sort of hidden and subcutaneous."

Thieves caught with Apple employee's notebook...

Two thieves have been caught in White Plains, New York as a result of Mac hardware and software, the New York Times reports. Edmon Shahikian and Ian Frias are accused of having stolen thousands of dollars' worth of items from an apartment, including TVs, iPods, DVDs and car rims; their arrest however is tied to the theft of two notebooks, one of which belonged to Kait Duplaga, an employee at an Apple Store in Westchester. Clues to the suspects' identities developed when a friend told Duplaga her Mac notebook was online.

Apple to use WWDC to announce iPhone?...

Apple CEO Steve Jobs will most likely use the WWDC conference keynote on June 9th to unveil the much-anticipated 3G iPhone, with an expected launch date of Friday, June 27th. According to CNN Money, the combination of analysts predictions, AT&T's holiday restrictions, the SDK launch, and the global shortages of the device have all contributed to the estimate. As is typical of its style, Apple has remained silent on any details surrounding the release, save for some photos that could be a leaked glimpse of the device.

Google's Vidnik uploads videos to YouTube...

Google on Thursday unveiled Vidnik, a new application designed to allow Mac users to create and upload YouTube videos using a built-in iSight, Firewire or USB camera. Vidnik is a free, open source application that can record, edit, and label videos, and then directly upload them to a YouTube account for public viewing. Use of the app is reportedly quite simple, offering all interface control in a single window, with large, familiar buttons and controls.

HBO shows coming to iTunes Store?...

Apple is on the verge of selling movies and TV shows from HBO, according to Portfolio. The publication cites HBO employees "involved in executing the agreement," who say that sales will be announced and launched at the same time, probably within one to two weeks. HBO is famous for a number of high-profile TV series, such as Deadwood, Flight of the Conchords and The Sopranos, as well as a number of first-run original films.

AT&T online store leaks black iPhone? [U]...

Further adding credence to the next generation iPhone having a black color option were enforced on Monday, as AT&T lists a selectable choice on its website. AppleInsider reveals that the company's online store features a model selection list, of which users have an option of choosing between iPhone and iPhone Black. While the menu adds a degree of authenticity to the rumor, the page still shows the current model iPhone.

AmTech: Stock may go higher based on iPhone deals...

Apple's stock is likely to go higher than expected based on a spate of iPhone agreements the company has forged, says analyst Shaw Wu of American Technology Research. In recent weeks deals have been confirmed with Telecom Italia, Vodafone and several other carriers, offering the potential of a dramatically increased iPhone subscriber base. Wu in fact suggests that the potential market could "more than triple" in 2008, from 150 million people to approximately 470 million.

Piper Jaffray expects 3G iPhone mid-June...

Investment firm Piper Jaffray on Monday released a note saying it expects a 3G iPhone by mid-June, based on an almost complete drought of current generation iPhone stock. The note mentions that out of 11 US stores, only six had stock of the iPhone, five of which had more than five units. The lack of stock is also reflected in the UK, with O2 saying the device is unavailable, while the US Apple Store changed availability to "Currently Unavailable".

Vita intros iPod-ready, luxury R4 radio...

Vita Audio this morning revealed plans to take iPod stereos upscale through the R4. Where most tabletop units stand out, the R4 is said to blend in as a piece of high-end audio equipment and offers the sound to match with 2.1-channel, 80-watt speaker system that adds bass lacking in most such audio systems. Its iPod dock is its central feature, but the device also serves as a DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) radio that catches digital stations in the UK and pulls RDS data from analog FM channels. A CD player supports both raw audio and MP3 or WMA tracks.

Telstra to be 3rd Australian iPhone carrier...

Telstra on Thursday announced it would be the third Australian iPhone carrier, and that the company's expected June launch date could indicate that it will carry the 3G iPhone. CNET reports that the carrier joins Optus and Vodafone, and will allegedly offer a multi-frequency HSDPA-compatible device, allowing it to work on both competitors' networks and its own Next G network. Telstra declined to comment on the arrangement, but it would potentially be announced before the end of the month.

Apple set to open first Boston store on Thursday...

Apple has confirmed that its first retail store in Boston will finally be opening this Thursday, May 15th. The store is located at 815 Boylston Street, and will throw open its doors at 6PM Eastern. As a promotional tool, some of the first customers to arrive will receive special-edition T-shirts and "other surprises." The first workshops are not scheduled until May 17th.

TIM exec: Italian deal means 3G iPhone, and soon...

The first iPhones available to Italians will indeed be 3G models, an executive for carrier Telecom Italia is said to have confirmed. Although the company announced that it would carry the iPhone last week, at the time it would only say that it had "signed an agreement with Apple to bring the iPhone in Italy within the year." Executive VP Luigi Licciardi revealed the existence of the 3G phone between sessions at the International Electronics Forum in Dubai.

iPhone coming to SingTel, Optus, more...

International carrier SingTel today revealed itself as the next iPhone provider. The carrier will offer the device in the company's native Singapore and will also supply the phone through three of its international providers, including Bharti Airtel for India, Globe in the Philippines, and Optus in Australia. As with other recent announcements, SingTel declines to provide details and says only that it will sell the iPhone "later this year."

M-Player for Mac: Fretlight guitar companion software...

Optek Music Systems on Monday announced M-Player for the Mac, its Fretlight guitar companion software title. Developed to work in conjunction with a Mac and a Fretlight 400 Series guitar, M-Player enables beginner- and advanced-level guitar players to shave weeks off the time it historically takes to learn to play a new song. Described as the world's first real computer-powered teaching guitar, the company says the software is ideal for Guitar Hero or Rock Band video gamers who want to learn to play their favorite songs on a real guitar. M-Player for Mac works by lighting up the chords and scales on the Fretlight guitar, showing correct finger placement.

Apple threatens European iPhone knockoff reseller...

Apple is going after the sellers of at least one iPhone knockoff, delivering a cease & desist to a HiPhone reseller in Europe. Apple Europe's legal counsel Bird & Bird has contacted the seller who sold the HiPhone knockoff on eBay and through his online shop, asking him to destroy the HiPhones currently in his inventory as well as provide a wealth of information related to the manufacturing, distribution, sales, and marketing of the HiPhone. Apple's letter threatens penalties of 25,000€ per HiPhone sold, if the seller does not comply.