 |
  MacMinute News Archive: December 10 - December 16, 2001 |
|
|
MacMinute News Archive: December 10 - December 16, 2001 |
Picture-in-Picture X 1.0 released
December 16 - 14:28 ET: Feelorium has released Picture-in-Picture X 1.0, a floating QuickTime movie player for Mac OS X. The application plays movies in an "always on top" window, so users can watch movies and QuickTime TV channels while they work. Picture-in-Picture X 1.0 is US$12 shareware.Sapphire Symbols Vol 7 & 8 for Fireworks 4 released
December 16 - 14:22 ET: Sapphire has released volumes 7 and 8 of Sapphire Symbols for Fireworks 4. Each volume contains 400 Fireworks-format symbols, based on a star/starburst theme, for Web page design. Each volume retails for £10.99.Apple retail update
December 15 - 20:55 ET: Apple today opened its CambridgeSide retail store in Cambridge, MA. The store's opening marks Apple's 27th, and likely the last of the year, as Apple's retail page does not indicating any forthcoming store openings.
Combo drive CD-RW/DVD PowerBook G4 coming soon
December 15 - 20:50 ET: MacMinute has learned that Apple will introduce a revised PowerBook G4 featuring a CD-RW/DVD drive in the very near future. The announcement could come as early as next week, sources indicate, or at Macworld Expo San Francisco. Sources have also confirmed that the manufacturer of the drive will offically announce the product early next week. The combo drive will be standard on both the 550MHz and 667MHz PowerBook G4 models, bringing optical drive parity to Apple's professional portable line with that of its consumer iBook line.MacMinute Executive Briefing: December 15
December 15 - 14:00 ET: MacMinute's Executive Briefing for December 15 -- a recap of all the news we have posted over the past week -- is now available. If you think you may have missed something, here is your chance to catch up...Iconfactory releases World of Aqua: OSXMas collection
December 14 - 03:32 ET: Iconfactory has announced the release of a new World of Aqua icon collection entitled "OSXMas," which contains festive hard drives, ornaments, aqua snowflakes, and more to bring holiday cheer to Mac users.
December 13 - 22:47 ET: Apple has posted iTunes 2.0.3 for Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X, a minor update to its MP3 software that improves overall stability and performance. The software is also available via the Software Update control panel.Adobe misses estimates as revenues decline sharply
December 13 - 17:30 ET: Adobe today posted a fourth quarter profit of US$34.3 million, down more than half from the year-ago quarter, when the company posted a profit of $79.2 million. Revenues declined from US$355.2 million in the year-ago quarter to $264.5 million. The earnings narrowly missed revised expectations; Adobe had warned in October that the events of September 11 coupled with the weak economy would adversely affect its bottom line. Shares of Adobe were halted for evening trading following the earnings.
December 13 - 15:35 ET: Lemke Software has released GraphicConverter 4.2, a new version of its popular graphics software for Mac OS 8.6 and later and Mac OS X. As noted by VersionTracker, version 4.2 adds dozens of improvements and bug fixes, such as drawing of recorded points, improvements to slide shows, improved TIFF exports and expanded support for importing various graphic formats. GraphicConverter 4.2 is US$35 shareware.
December 13 - 14:10 ET: Miramar Systems today announced the release of PC MACLAN 7.2.1 for Windows 95/98/Me, a new version of its software that provides Mac interoperability on Windows PCs. The new version adds "seamless compatibility" between users of Windows and Mac OS X 10.1, allowing users of both platforms to share digital devices, files and printers bi-directionally over AppleTalk or TCP/IP. PC MACLAN 7.2.1 is available for US$199; upgrades from previous versions range from $69 to $99.Macworld Expo keynote to be delivered via broadcast and webcast
December 13 - 13:33 ET: MacMinute has confirmed that Steve Jobs' keynote address at Macworld Expo will be broadcast both via satellite and via a streaming QuickTime video Webcast. The official announcement regarding broadcasts is expected to come sometime next week, before the majority of Apple employees take their annual holiday break. Sources indicate broadcast media will be informed that the satellite feed of the keynote itself will run "just about two hours" in length.New Mac OS X ad claims "monopoly on compliments"
December 13 - 13:15 ET: In an amusing jab at Microsoft, the Dec. 17 issue of Newsweek features a two-page, inside-cover Apple ad for Mac OS X with the headline "The only thing we have a monopoly on is compliments." The ad features the Mac OS X screenshot from the operating system's box surrounded by six quotes from technology writers praising Mac OS X.Boston Globe profiles Apple open-source guru Jordan Hubbard
December 13 - 13:12 ET: Boston Globe's Haiwatha Bray has written an article profiling Apple's Jordan Hubbard, who was hired by the company earlier this year after a lengthy campaign by Hubbard to join Apple's Mac OS X development efforts. Hubbard was one of the founders of the FreeBSD project, which Mac OS X's Unix underpinnings are partly based on. Hubbard, an outspoken supporter of open-source software and an active member of its surrounding community, describes Mac OS X as "what I've been waiting for for the past 20 years."Justice Department lawyer defends Microsoft settlement
December 13 - 13:08 ET: Justice antitrust chief Charles A. James responded to skeptical senators on Wednesday concerning the settlement reached in its antitrust case with Microsoft, according to the Associated Press. James said that the deal complies with previous court rulings and will restore competition that was put in jeopardy by Microsoft's illegal practices. James also told senators that the "loopholes" in the settlement pointed out by critics are actually carve-outs that are necessary to facilitate pro-competitive behavior. Senior members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, including Utah Senator Orrin Hatch, are reportedly not impressed by the settlement terms.ATI to announce next-generation Radeon cards for Mac at Macworld Expo
December 13 - 12:50 ET: ATI plans to introduce its Radeon 8500 and Radeon 7000 Mac Edition graphics cards at Macworld Expo next month, according to the show guide, as noted by The Register. ATI has been shipping its next-generation graphics cards for PCs for more than two months.Macromedia tumbles on warning
December 13 - 12:35 ET: Shares of Macromedia are down nearly 30 percent today after the software maker yesterday evening announced that third quarter revenues will fall short by as much as 20 percent this quarter. Macromedia said it expects revenues to come in between US$70 and $75 million, down from estimates of about $85 million, which will force the company to report a loss. Macromedia blamed "tough economic conditions" for the shortfall. Rival Adobe will announce its earnings after the market closes today.4D, Inc. offers 4D for Dreamweaver 1.0
December 13 - 12:00 ET: 4D, Inc. today announced the release of 4D for Dreamweaver 1.0, a free extension plug-in for Macromedia Dreamweaver that inserts 4D tags into pages designed in the Web development application via an easy-to-use interface. 4D for Dreamweaver 1.0 is designed for use with Dreamweaver 3.x, 4.x or UltraDev and requires 4D Version 6.7.1 or later.Lanier introduces monochrome laser printer for large workgroups
December 13 - 11:58 ET: Lanier Worldwide, Inc. has announced the immediate availability of its Lanier AP3200 Monochrome Laser Printer, a compact network printer that delivers high-volume output for black-and-white documents. Designed for large workgroups, the AP3200 features print speeds up to 32 pages per minute, a "RIP Once, Print Many" feature that allows the printer to store documents in RAM or an option hard drive for instant set production, a four-bin mailbox that separates jobs, and sample set printing. The printer comes with a standard 10/100BaseTX network interface for seamless integration with Mac, Windows, NetWare and Unix networks. Pricing is available upon request.Marware announces iPod case
December 13 - 11:18 ET: Marware has taken the wraps off its SportSuit Sleeve for iPod, a neoprene case that features a small pocket for headphones and a belt clip. The case is available in five colors for US$19.95. The company plans to release details of its SportSuit for iPod case, which will allow users to access the iPod while it's in the case, on Dec. 21.Macworld Expo keynote change decided by Apple, Jobs
December 13 - 10:45 ET: Yesterday's announcement regarding the change in Apple CEO Steve Jobs' Macworld Expo San Francisco keynote—which was pushed ahead a day—was a decision made solely by Apple and Jobs himself, with little input from IDG World Expo, MacMinute has learned. The change has left many showgoers frustrated and scrambling to change their travel arrangements to accommodate the change in date, while IDG is working to reorganize and reschedule many of the Power Tool conferences planned for Monday so attendees can attend the keynote and not miss workshops they paid US$600 to $800 for. Repeated calls to Apple media relations for further clarification on why the keynote date change was made went unanswered Wednesday.
December 13 - 10:30 ET: Alias/Wavefront today released Maya Complete 3.5.1 for Mac OS X, a free update to its 3D animation software that improves Mac OS X 10.1.1 compatibility and adds support for ATI's Mobility Radeon and NVIDIA's GeForce2 MX and GeForce3 video cards. The update will shipped on CD to existing customers; Maya sells for US$7,500.
December 13 - 10:15 ET: Alco Blom has released the final version of Web Confidential 3.0, his password manager that now offers Mac OS X compatibility. The software features 448-bit encryption, HTTP and Web Form automation, Palm synchronization, and more. Web Confidential 3.0 is US$20 shareware.
December 12 - 21:25 ET: REAL Software today announced that REALbasic 4, the next version of its cross-platform development solution for Mac OS 8/9, Mac OS X, and Windows, will ship in January 2002 for US$149.95. New features in version 4 include an improved interactive shell for better access to the command line, improved build and build settings, an all new ListBox, a new RbScript compiler, support for Mac OS X file name extensions, and more. All copies of REALbasic 3.5 purchased since December 1, 2001 are eligible for a free upgrade. Upgrades for other REALbasic owners range in price from $29.95 to $89.95.
December 12 - 17:50 ET: Intuit has released Quicken 2002 Deluxe Release 2, a new version of its popular finance management software for OS 8/9 and Mac OS X. The new version fixes a number of bugs with the previous release, including those in the security detail window, investment actions, reports, budgets, graphs and printing, as well as problems with downloading transactions and specific problems in Mac OS X. The software is available for US$59.95.WiebeTech introduces small, FireWire/USB hard drive
December 12 - 17:35 ET: WiebeTech LLC today announced the launch of DesktopGB, its new line of small, high performance hard drives featuring FireWire, USB 1.1, and USB 2.0 connectivity. The external drives, available in driveless (US$159.95), 40GB ($259.95), 60GB ($289.95) and 80GB ($319.95) configurations, feature 7200 RPM drives and a stylish design that allows the drive to stand vertically and horizontally.
December 12 - 17:25 ET: Corel has posted Bryce 5.0.1 an update to the 3D software that addresses a number of outstanding bugs with the software, as well as other improvements. Bryce is available for US$299.World Wide Web in U.S. reaches double digit age
December 12 - 15:15 ET: On December 12, 1991, physicist Paul Kunz installed the first Web server in America on an IBM mainframe computer at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC). Designed to give physicists around the world access to the university's vast catalog of physics research information, Kunz had no idea then that the technology would spawn a new way of communication, commerce and communities for people worldwide. The full story behind the beginning of the World Wide Web, including the pivotal role that the NeXT Cube played in its inception, is recounted in a Stanford news release.Mediator meeting set in Microsoft settlement case
December 12 - 14:30 ET: Judge Frederick J. Motz, who is charged with deciding whether the US$1 billion settlement proposed by Microsoft is a fair agreement, has urged both sides in the suit to meet with a mediator in hopes of reaching an agreement outside the court, according to the Associated Press. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 18. One of the most outspoken critics of the settlement has been Apple, which contends that the donation would extend Microsoft's monopoly power into education and erode Apple's 47 percent marketshare in K-12 schools.Macworld Expo keynote moved ahead one day
December 12 - 11:08 ET: Apple CEO Steve Jobs will present the Macworld Expo San Francisco keynote on Monday, January 7—a day earlier than previously scheduled—according to MacCentral. No reason was provided for the change in date.
December 12 - 10:48 ET: Ircle 3.1b12 is the newest pre-release version of the popular IRC client for Mac OS 7.5 and later and Mac OS X. The new beta corrects a few bugs from the previous version; version 3.1 has been in development for more than two years and is expected to be completed before the end of the year. Ircle is US$15 shareware.
December 12 - 10:26 ET: MacMinute sources indicate that Apple has put the finishing touches on Mac OS X 10.1.2, with the update expected to arrive to the public possibly as early as today. MacGeneration (French) notes that the update is said to deliver improvements to USB, FireWire, and PC card support, IrDA modem support on FireWire PowerBooks, updates to AirPort, Apache, AppleScript, and more.AppleScript, Apache, and Mac OS X
December 12 - 09:58 ET: O'Reilly has published an excellent introduction to AppleScript on Mac OS X that touches upon the many changes and new features that the operating system has brought to Apple Script. Meanwhile, Apache Web-Serving with Mac OS X: Part 1 explains how to configure Mac OS X's built-in Apache Web server.Apple, FileMaker finalists for Codie awards
December 12 - 09:25 ET: The Software & Information Industry Association has announced the finalists for its 2002 Codie awards. Apple's PowerSchool has been nominated for the "Best Elementary/Secondary Management Solution" award, while FileMaker, an Apple subsidiary, has been nominated for "Best Handheld Application" with FileMaker Mobile, and "Best Software Development Product" for FileMaker Developer 5.5. Winners will be announced on April 15, 2002, at the SIIA Annual Conference in San Diego, CA.4D UK gives software away to schools and charities
December 12 - 09:18 ET: 4D UK has released its database software, 4D 6.7, as a free download to charities and educational organizations, according to Macworld UK. Also available is 4D Developer Edition Academic and 4D Web Extension Academic for £95 each.Largest piracy bust in history brings down many rings
December 12 - 08:58 ET: Law enforcement officials in the U.S. and overseas executed more than 100 search warrants yesterday in what's being called the largest bust against Internet piracy rings in history. As reported by The Register, three separate operations were carried out by federal officials, including one that involved running a "dummy" warez server to attract software pirates and gain leads to legitimate, established servers. The chief target was a Russian group called DrinkOrDie, which has now been shut down. Raids were also conducted at a number of U.S. universities, including MIT, UCLA, Duke, and Purdue.iPod Auto Charger ships
December 12 - 08:45 ET: Dr. Bott has begun shipping the iPod Auto Charger, which plugs into any standard 12V cigarette lighter and uses the iPod's FireWire port. The device sells for US$24.95.XPlay beta brings iPod compatibility to Windows
December 12 - 08:38 ET: Mediafour has released XPlay Technology Preview 1, a publicly available beta of its software that brings Windows compatibility to the iPod. Xplay allows data to be copied to and from the iPod, with read-only access for music has been uploaded to the iPod from a Mac. The next version will feature the ability add music to the device from a Windows-based system.The Mac Show: Leo Laporte, Rick LePage & Mac Mom
December 12 - 02:04 ET: The Mac Show, an Internet-based live radio show focusing on all things Mac, has announced their guest lineup for tonight's broadcast (9:00-11:00 pm ET). Tonight's guests include Leo Laporte, Host of The Screensavers on TechTV; Rick LePage, the new Editor-in-Chief of Macworld magazine; and Mac Mom Patrice Matteson.Home broadband use sees explosive growth
December 12 - 01:53 ET: More than 21 million people in the United States used high speed Internet access from home in November, according to new data from Nielsen/NetRatings, as reported by c|net. The numbers mean that one in five people online at home have a broadband connection, a 90 percent increase from the same time last year. Analyst T.S. Kelly credits the growth to savvy service packaging from DSL and cable modem providers, but warns that growth amid the recession will slow unless companies begin to offer a wider array of speeds and prices.TidBITS: Bargain shopping online and digital camera goodies
December 12 - 01:49 ET: This week's issue of TidBITS features two in-depth articles on seasonal topics of interest to many technologically savvy users: online shopping and digital photography. Adam Engst provides a number of tips and instructions for finding legitimate discount retailers on the Internet, while digital photography guru Arthur Bleich provides a laundry list of gift ideas for owners of digital cameras.Court ruling gives Excite@Home life—until February
December 11 - 17:40 ET: A bankruptcy court judge has approved US$355 million in contracts between high-speed Internet provider Excite@Home and its cable partners, including Cox Communications, Comcast, Mediacom and others, according to ZDNet. The ruling is seen as a win for all parties involved, providing a much needed cash infusion to keep Excite@Home afloat while customers are moved in a more seamless fashion to new cable networks being established by the cable companies. The contracts are good through February, when the cable companies are expected to have switched all of their existing cable customers to their own networks.PowerBook G4 picked as "Executive Gift"
December 11 - 17:30 ET: Apple's PowerBook G4 is one of five laptops Forbes.com has selected for its "Executive Gifts" list. "Apple Computer may constitute only a small piece of the worldwide PC market, but it's still turning out machines that often point the way that the rest of the industry follows down the road." The article incorrectly says the DVD drive is optional—the DVD drive is standard, a CD-RW drive in place of the DVD is optional.Adobe planning DVD authoring title
December 11 - 17:15 ET: Adobe today announced that it has licensed Sonic's DVD authoring technology, which it will use as the basis for a new DVD authoring title. "With products like Adobe Premiere, After Effects, and Photoshop, Adobe is already a leader in the digital video and digital imaging markets," said Bryan Lamkin, senior vice president of Adobe Systems' Graphics Business Unit in a statement. "We are investing in DVD authoring because it complements our existing position in both markets, where DVD is expected to quickly become a primary medium for content delivery and storage." No additional details on the Adobe-branded DVD authoring software were released.Architectural Record: Architects and the Mac
December 11 - 14:30 ET: The American Institute of Architects' Louis B. Smith, writing for the Architectural Record, has published an in-depth, six-page article on the continuing presence of Macs in architectural firms around the U.S. As first noted by MacSurfer, the article examines both the benefits and problems associated with using Macs in the architectural industry, and polls a number of architecture firms on their use of Macs today and plans for adopting Apple's latest operating system, Mac OS X.OmniPage OCR software coming soon to Mac OS X
December 11 - 13:45 ET: ScanSoft is currently developing OmniPage Pro X, a Mac OS X version of its optical character recognition (OCR) software and the first Mac product from the company in nearly three years. MacCentral offers a rather lengthy look at the product, which allows users to scan a document and convert it to editable text, and its history in today's edition. OmniPage Pro X is due to ship by Macworld Expo next month, and will sell for US$499, with upgrades from prior versions or competitor's software priced at $199.Intego updates security software
December 11 - 13:10 ET: Intego has released DiskGuard 2.1, a new version of its software for securing hard disks, and FileGuard 4.1, a more robust version of DiskGuard that adds file- and folder-specific access privileges. Both updates add Mac OS 9.2.2 compatibility, CD volume protection, compatibility between Mac OS X and specific disk drivers on protected disks and several important bug fixes.RealNetworks plans support for MPEG-4
December 11 - 12:56 ET: In a surprise announcement today, RealNetworks said it will support MPEG-4, the emerging open standard for digital video, in upcoming versions of its RealSystem iQ and RealOne media player products, according to c|net. The MPEG-4 file format is based on Apple's QuickTime file format, as Apple has been a key supporter of the technology since its early development, and is widely considered to be the standard for solutions such as wireless streaming video and Internet distribution of full-length movies. Despite its backing of MPEG-4, industry experts say that RealNetworks is more interested in bolstering its own position in wireless streaming than improving interoperability in the streaming media market. The article also notes that Apple has seeded a development version of QuickTime that supports MPEG-4 media to some testers, estimating a public release in the upcoming weeks.Microsoft looks to DVD players to boost Windows Media
December 11 - 11:45 ET: In its effort to trump the dominant MP3 audio format, Microsoft today will announce partnerships with the leading manufacturers of DVD chips that will pave the way for next-generation DVD players with support for the Windows Media audio format. The players will support DVD discs with up to 22 hours of CD-quality audio in the Windows Media audio format, according to c|net.Screenshots of Adobe's unreleased Mac OS X products
December 11 - 11:12 ET: French-speaking Mac site Mac Plus has posted a handful of screenshots from Adobe's upcoming Mac OS X-compatible products, including Photoshop 7, Image Ready 7, GoLive 6, and InDesign 2.
December 11 - 11:00 ET: ICQ today released ICQ Lite, a Java version of its messaging service that runs in a browser window, and ICQ 3.0X, a Mac OS X version of its client. ICQ 3.0X (product link not yet available), which is also compatible with Mac OS 8.6 and later, "contains features that were previously separately available to users of the two platforms, as well as key new features found in ICQ 2001b, such as the server-based contact lists." ICQ debuted in 1996 and has since attracted some 115 million users.
December 11 - 09:54 ET: The final version of America Online 5.0 for Mac OS X is available for download to AOL users from keyword "upgrade," according to VersionTracker. The software is two generations behind its Windows counterpart, as AOL 7.0 recently began shipping for Windows. [Updated 10:56 - AOL has issued a press release regarding AOL for Mac OS X, with additional details.]Interactive Media introduces five-in-one card reader
December 11 - 09:45 ET: Interactive Media Corp. has begun shipping the Kanguru5 in 1 USB Card Reader, which supports Type I/II CompactFlash, SmartMedia, MultiMedia, Secured Digital, and IBM Micro Drives. The device carries a $49.95 price tag.Adobe announces earning Webcast
December 11 - 03:12 ET: Adobe has announced that they will Webcast their fourth quarter and fiscal year 2001 earnings in conjunction with the standard conference call at 5:00 pm (ET) on December 13th. Further information is available in the press release.MCE debuts world's slimmest CD-RW
December 10 - 18:47 ET: MCE today introduced its Lucid 8x8x24x portable FireWire CD-RW. The bus-powered device weighs less than a pound and measures just 0.8-inches thick, complementing the design of Apple's systems. The Lucid drive is bundled Toast and is also iTunes/Disc Burner-compatible; it carries a US$299 price tag. An optional AC adapter is available for $14.99.Apple's appeals to Microsoft settlement raise concerns with judge
December 10 - 18:20 ET: Judge Frederick J. Motz, who is overseeing hearings this week related to Microsoft's proposed settlement involving a US$1 billion donation to the nation's poorest schools, made comments today suggesting that Apple's open criticism of the settlement is being seriously considered in the case, according to Reuters. Judge Motz agreed that if a structural bias against Apple's established education marketshare existed, then it would be of concern to the court. Motz also asked Microsoft why the company didn't distribute the money and let schools spend it on whatever software they liked, to which Microsoft General Counsel Tom Burt replied that the company would be able to provide more software at a lower cost than if schools were to purchase products on the open market. Burt also accused Apple of attempting to take Microsoft's settlement money and have it spent on Apple products.Toshiba introduces new digital projector
December 10 - 16:53 ET: Toshiba today introduced a new high-end projector, the TDP-S3 digital projector, which features an 800x600 resolution, 400:1 contrast ratio, and 2000 ANSI lumen brightness. Other features include Texas Instruments' Digital Light Processing technology; Digital Keystone Correction; a built-in 3-Watt audio system; wireless remote; and Faroudja Directional Correlational De-Interlacing technology, which provides the highest resolution picture with smooth and natural edges. The TDP-S3 is available now for $2,999.eMerge holiday special
December 10 - 16:32 ET: Galleon Software is offering a US$20 rebate to customers who purchase eMerge—its cutomized mass-emailing software—during the month of December. The company has also made available five new Christmas 2001 HTML cards as free downloads. eMerge sells for US$99.Digital Global unveils tiny MP3 player, MPIO-DMK
December 10 - 16:16 ET: Digital Global Network today announced its new Mac-compatible portable MP3 player, MPIO-DMK. The device, which is about the size of a key holder and weighs only 29 grams, offers either 64MB or 128MB of memory, USB support, and a backlit LCD displaying track information. The MPIO-DMK also comes with a belt-clip and arm-strap for easily wearing the device. The device is available now in both 64MB (US$179) and 128MB ($209) versions.Other World Computing introduces "The Pod Protector"
December 10 - 15:41 ET: Other World Computing has announced the release of "The Pod Protector," a new protective case for Apple's iPod. The case is made of full-grain, glove soft leather and features a vinyl window to protect the iPod screen and clear vinyl protection for the buttons. A swivel belt clip with quick release is optional. The Pod Protector is available now for US$29.95 with the belt clip and $27.95 without. As part of the product launch, Other World Computing is giving away an Apple iPod and Pod Protector to one lucky winner, which will be chosen on December 19 and delivered by December 25. In addition, 50 random participants will receive a free Pod Protector (25 with belt clip, 25 without).Microsoft presents amended settlement plan
December 10 - 13:25 ET: Responding to criticisms over its original proposed settlement, Microsoft today presented an amended settlement plan to Judge J. Frederick Motz that addresses some of the key issues brought up by critics, such as Apple, including the choice of schools to choose their preferred technology solutions and how funds are to be used for training, according to c|net. Under the amended proposal, the $90 million in training funds would be placed under the guidance of an independent foundation, rather than Microsoft itself as proposed in the original settlement. The amended terms also outline how the five directors of the independent foundation would be chosen: Microsoft, the plaintiffs, a group of education associations and the court itself would each make nominations, with the court choosing five directors from the pool of nominees. Despite this change, critics argue that the proposed $90 million in training funds falls far short of the amount needed: about $3 for every dollar spent on hardware and software, which in this case would amount to approximately $1.5 billion in training.Waterfield introduces two iPod cases
December 10 - 13:22 ET: Waterfield Design is now offering two iPod carrying cases, including the Super Dooper iPod Case, which features a small earphone storage pocket, removable belt clip and color options of red, white or blue. The Super Dooper iPod Case is available for pre-order for US$40 and will begin shipping the first week in January. The company's second iPod case, the iPod SleeveCase, is a simple slipcase that also provides an earphone storage pocket and removable belt clip. The iPod Sleeve Case is available now for US$20.
December 10 - 12:50 ET: Script Software today released CopyPaste X 1.0, a Mac OS X version of its utility that adds 10 clipboards to the operating system, a clip recorder that keeps track of the last 100 copies, a clipboard editor, and saved clipboards through restarts. CopyPaste X 1.0 is US$20 shareware.XLR8 announces upgrades for six-slot Macs
December 10 - 10:25 ET: XLR8 today announced the release of the Carrier ZIF SSE and MACh Carrier G4 SSE, both designed for the six-slot Power Mac 9500 and 9600 systems. The Carrier ZIF (US$139) allows users to drop in any G3 or G4 ZIF processor, while the MACh Carrier G4 SSE accommodates the same but ships with a 400MHz ($379) or 450MHz ($439) processor.
December 10 - 10:05 ET: OpenOSX has begun shipping WinTel 1.0 Pre 1 CD, a preview version of its Pentium emulator. The software offers disk image and CD-ROM support and comes pre-installed with disk images for FreeDos, Linux, DLX Linux, NetBSD, and OpenBSD. The company has also tested compatibility with Windows 95 and is currently preparing notes for Windows 98 and NT 4.0. WinTel 1.0 Pre 1 CD can be purchased now for US$30; upgrades to the final version will be $10.Asante announces Cable/DSL router with network storage
December 10 - 09:50 ET: Asante today announced the FriendlyNET FR5000 series Cable/DSL router, a business-class Internet sharing router that also features Networked Attached Storage capabilities, allowing both Mac and Windows users to back-up their data. The FR5037 features seven 10/100 ports, bi-directional print server, backup modem port, and a 30GB hard drive for US$1,249. The FR5007 offers the same but without the hard drive for $1,099. A hard drive installation kit can later be purchased for the FR5007 for $55.Making Awesome iMovies CD tutorial
December 10 - 09:30 ET: DVCreators.net has released Making Awesome iMovies, a CD tutorial that covers everything from start to finish, including sections on planning, camcorder operation, shooting aesthetics, lighting, and location audio, as well as a 45 minute course on iMovie. Making Awesome iMovies is available now for US$29.95.Windows Media Player burns at 8x
December 10 - 09:20 ET: Ever obsessed with statistics, an eTesting Labs study released by Microsoft today reveals that Windows Media Player for Windows XP launches three times faster than competing programs, starts playing an MP3 file 25 percent faster, and other rather insignificant speed comparisons. Of note to Mac users: "Windows XP is the only one of the tested products able to write to a CD at 8X speeds, and thus converts MP3 files to Redbook Audio and records them on an audio CD twice as fast as any other player tested." Apple's iTunes, of course, has no difficulty burning at 8x or at even faster speeds.Power On Software offers free ACTION Menus
December 10 - 09:00 ET: Power On Software today announced it is giving away copies of ACTION Menus to anyone who downloads the software as the company's way of wishing Mac users a happy holiday season. ACTION Menus adds and enhances the functionality of menus and is compatible with Mac OS 8.6-9.2 (and Classic under Mac OS X). The software normally sells for US$49.95.Palisades Apple Store opening photos
December 10 - 08:56 ET: MacMinute readers Brian Burton and Tadd Torborg have both posted photos from this past weekend's Apple store opening at the Palisades Mall in West Nyack, NY.4D Portal brings Web applications and custom communities to the masses
December 10 - 08:43 ET: 4D, Inc., today announced the release of 4D Portal, "a comprehensive Web application that provides users with a variety of browser-based functionality within a single solution." With 4D portal, users can create an online community complete with forums, calendar, task list, contact manager, auctions, classifieds, guestbook, and more. 4D Portal is designed with both business and personal uses in mind and is available as a free download for Mac OS 9 and Windows. A Mac OS X version is expected early next year.
| Home | Send Your News | Site Comments | Reader Café | Advertising |