Cool Stuff for the Mac Pro.

Section: Software + Apps, Miscellaneous, Third-Party, iPod + iTunes, iPod touch, iPod Accessories, Cases, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone SDK & Apps, Mac + Computers, Software

Macintosh and iPhone/iPod updates and announcements for November 19, 2009:

Macintosh

• TheMacBundles has begun a 2-week survey of the users visiting its website so that it can gather additional feedback about the software users are most interested in. This feedback will be utilized when planning future bundles. Each week the users that choose to complete the brief survey automatically will be entered into a weekly drawing to receive a free copy of the following month’s bundle.
• Xeric Design has announced EarthDesk 5.1.1, an update to its award-winning, real-time dynamic desktop map for Mac OS X. EarthDesk 5 was entirely rewritten in Cocoa, adds many new features and is compatible with both Leopard and Snow Leopard. Version 5.1.1 fixes a stubborn bug that caused partially downloaded cloud images to be displayed, resulting in a milky white area across the bottom portion of the map.
• Apimac has announced Compress Files 5.0, their compression tool for Mac OS X. Compress Files enable Mac users to create Zip compressed and encrypted files; XAR archive files, 7zip and 7zip crypted archives, TAR archives; Gzip compressed archives; Bzip2 compressed archives and compressed and encrypted disk images. The new release primarily adds Mac OS X Snow Leopard Services support letting user access via Services menu to compress and archive commands associated with files and folders.
• BKeeney Software has announced Task Timer 4.2.5, an update to their time management software for Mac OS X and Windows. Task Timer is an easy-to-use project management tool that tracks time spent on an unlimited number of projects and tasks down to the minute. Version 4.2.5 is a maintenance release for improved performance and increased functionality. The dock and status menus are now hierarchical for Mac OS X users.
• Uncomplex gmbh today released Mailplane 2.1, their popular Google Mail client for Mac OS X. Acting as a site-specific web browser for Google’s Gmail, Mailplane is a fully-fledged mail client for the desktop. It integrates the Gmail web interface into the Mac experience, offering users the best of both worlds. Version 2.1 sports new features, including multiple email signatures and support for inserting images and offline Gmail lab features.
• Agile Web Solutions has announced 1Password 3, its award-winning password and identity manager for Mac OS X. Over one year in the making, 1Password 3 is the most significant upgrade in company history, and adds over 50 fantastic new features and enhancements. These new features and enhancements were fused with a gorgeous new interface and full 64-bit support for Snow Leopard.
• Springy v1.6 is a powerful archiving utility for Mac OS X. Springy integrates seamlessly with the Mac OS X and includes some very useful features. Users are able to see the contents of an archive or disk image without extracting any file from it, and/or extract files of choice from an existing archive, as well as previewing them. All tasks can be done via Drag and Drop using Finder-alike application or through system Services Menu in Snow Leopard or Finder contextual menu plug-in Leopard and earlier.
• Electron Zen has released Quantum 1.3, a free update to its space arcade game. Quantum is a fresh new take on the classic game of Asteroids, with a black hole relentlessly pulling everything into its inky maw. The player must account for the black hole’s gravity when moving and shooting. Version 1.3 adds two new artifacts to pick up, slower ship rotation for easier aiming, and a number of gameplay tweaks. It is a free update for registered users.
• Elixir has announced Dashing, a highly polished RapidWeaver theme. Dashing provides a stylish site design with many great theme variations and stunning graphics. In a relatively short period of time, Dashing makes it easy to build a website, for business or fun. It is a great choice for creating a business site, small or large, portfolio, blog, personal site and much more.
• Tyme Machines has announced the release of its fully sculpted 3D Cullen Crest USB thumb drive. The drive has a memory capacity ranging from 4GB to 16GB and is pre-loaded with the entire official New Moon Soundtrack for easy plug and play.
• Learn how to design and develop distributed web services in Java using RESTful architectural principals and the JAX-RS specification in Java EE 6. With RESTful Java with JAX-RS by Bill Burke, you’ll focus on implementation rather than theory, and discover why the RESTful method is far better than technologies like CORBA and SOAP.

iPhone/iPod

• Modern Geek has released Our Secrets 1.0 for iPhone and iPod touch. Our Secrets gives you access to real people’s secrets and an opportunity to share your own anonymously with the features you want. Secrets can be read by category, rating, date shared, number of comments, number of times shared and by user favorites. Is there something that you want to get off your chest? You never know what secrets you’ll read. It might be a surprise that other people share similar secrets to you.
• iStart Japanese! is the long-awaited iPhone and iPod Touch Application aimed at beginner-level learners of Japanese. The App is produced by Mirai Japanese, the Japanese-language specialists of Mirai Language Systems. There is simply no better way of learning Japanese.
• Independent game developer group Touch Foo today released Soosiz 1.1, a free version of its highly acclaimed 2D platforming game. In Soosiz, the player assumes the role of a hero, running and jumping around different surfaces and obstacles, rescuing his friends, killing monsters and collecting coins. Since its release in October, Soosiz has received glowing reviews by critics and many have already titled it as one of the best platforming games for the iPhone and iPod touch.
• RaiX UG has released 3D Aquarium 1.1 for iPhone and iPod Touch users. This ultra realistic and interactive app is the perfect solution for people who don’t have the time, room or money for a live pet. It’s also a good way to ‘test the waters’ before taking on the responsibility of pet ownership. With a choice of three different aquariums and various fish and fish tank accessories, users get a very life-like experience, which includes the feeding and caring of their virtual fish.
• Plaid World Studios LLC has announced Mouse House 2, the sequel to the popular puzzle game for iPhone and iPod touch. Use your best-laid plans to puzzle your way through 40 new and colorful levels. All of your favorite traps and critters are back to challenge and entertain in the exciting follow-up to the original hit game. Mouse House features intuitive touch based controls. Touch the screen to make Mouse move a space in that direction, or hold your finger down to keep him moving.
• Independent game developer Mundue LLC has announced the release of its latest game, reMovem Christmas Edition, a themed version of the wildly popular iPhone puzzle game reMovem. The Christmas Edition adds fanciful artwork and seasonal sound effects, while retaining the original game’s successful clear and simple interface. The addition of online high scores and global leader boards is sure to make this a hit for players of all ages.
• Marware has announced the EcoJacket for the iPod nano 5G, the latest eco-conscious slim, Eco-Fabric case, is now shipping. The EcoJacket for iPod nano 5G is made from 100% cotton canvas, wth a belt clip on the back. This soft, stretchy Eco-Fabric feels better, is better for the environment, and keeps your iPod secure while providing access to all the functionality and features of your nano.
• Portable Arts has released iCarol 2.0 for iPhone and iPod Touch. Just in time for the holidays, iCarol lets users send virtual Christmas Carols to other iCarol and non-iCarol users. Users can select friends from their contact lists or type in emails to send a virtual Carol. Friends with iCarol will be able to view lyrics, hear the music, and see either a slideshow of holiday images or a virtual yule log. Non-iCarol owners can still get Carols in their eMails.
• G.M.Y.C. Applications has released Yachts 1.1 for iPhone and iPod Touch users. Yachts contains photos and statistics for 50 of the largest and most expensive pleasure yachts in the world. Each yacht has a rank that is based on size, price and amenities and all are guaranteed to be amazing examples of what happens when wealthy people try to out-do each other. Yachts is getting scooped up by yacht enthusiasts, as well as by consumers wanting to see how the other half lives.
• MultiEducator has introduced Builder Pro 1.0, their new builder’s calculation, formulation and reference tool for iPhone and iPod Touch. Builder Pro includes parts of the International Building Code, Mechanical Code, Electrical Code, and the ADA code. It combines all of the formulas of MultiEducator’s Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing and HVAC professional programs and adds specific calculations used by builders and developers.
• Derek Clark has announced Swipe Ruler 1.2 for iPhone and iPod Touch. Swipe Ruler introduces a fast and convenient way to measure items for a close estimation of length. Perfect for window shoppers and garage sale browsers, Swipe Ruler uses the accelerometers in your phone to measure flat surfaces from a few inches up to several feet. Click the ruler, touch the screen to begin, and slide the app along the surface to measure. Then touch the screen to stop measuring.
• Daisyamerica LLC and Adelante Consulting Inc. have announced The Third Advent 1.0, an ebook application by Gregoire de Kalbermatten for iPhone and iPod touch. The Third Advent takes the reader on a journey through 6000 years of politics, economics, philosophy and religion, to bring forth a message of hope for the future that is as practical as it is profound. The author contends that we are on the threshold of a complete transformation.
• To help protect you against the lurking nasties of disease, Proporta has developed the Antimicrobial Silicone Case with SteriTouch for iPhone 3G/3GS. Crafted from a super-tough silicone skin that guards against scratching and impact damage, the case is covered with an antimicrobial coating to protect against germs and bacteria. Available in black and grey, this stylish and lightweight case doesn’t just look after your iPhone, it looks after you in the bargain.
• Alawar Entertainment has announced that The Treasures of Montezuma 2 [iTunes App Store link], the sequel to its popular gem of a game, is now available to iPhone and iPod Touch owners worldwide. Return to the jungle in this all-new match-three game with more levels, more challenges and more fun. Power up totems and unleash special powers by making multiple matches of the same colored token. Then, rack up a high score by activating Score Frenzy with a series of insanely fast matches. As players progress thorough the game levels, they will construct the ancient capital of the Aztecs, collect precious crystals and learn the secrets of their magic.
• Twitter rolled out Geotagging of Tweets and Project ReTweet today, and Twittelator Pro 3.3.1 is the first iPhone twitter client to take advantage of these cool features. Geotagging allows users to optionally attach a latitude and longitude to each tweet. You can tap the tweet to see a map of where it originated or use the Nearby search to find tweeters near you or any location on the planet. Twittelator also lets you create the new official ReTweets, as well as monitor them.
• Rightsscale has announced the Cure Visual-Kei app, a collaboration with the Japanesque rock and visual styling magazine “Cure”, a Visual-Kei magazine in Japan for many years. Visual-Kei is the most popular genre of Japanese music and culture from Japan that links to anime, manga, games, cosplay, etc.

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