Cool Stuff for the Mac Pro.

Engadget reports on a leaked internal memo from Verizon to its staff members promoting Apple’s iPad as an “opportunity” to sell its data plans, seeking to encourage customers to purchase a Wi-Fi iPad model and pair it with Verizon services su…

Section: iPhone / iPod touch / iPad, iPad

A couple of weeks before Apple announced the iPad, my wife told me she’d like to have a Kindle. I told her to hang tight, because Apple was likely going to announce a competitive device soon. They did, and we’re now set to pre-order the iPad in a couple of days. But exactly how iBooks will look and behave on the iPad, we’re not completely sure. The gang over at iPadInsider, however, have some video from Penguin that gives us our best idea yet.

At the FT Digital Media & Broadcasting Conference in London earlier this month, Penguin Group CEO John Makinson revealed some of the company’s titles that are coming to the iPad. “We will be embedding audio, video and streaming into everything we do. The epub format, which is the standard for ebooks at the present, is designed to support traditional narrative text, but not this cool stuff that we’re now talking about.”

The books, as expected, are more like applications than their print counterparts, with interactive elements and video abounding. This makes the books more for kids and more involving for adults. Of course, it’s the content that’ll actually move copies, and how comfortable the books are to read, we still don’t know (and likely won’t until April 3rd.

In the meantime, head on over to iPadInsider for the video of John Makinson’s presentation to see the iPad iBooks in action.

Read [iPadInsider]

Full Story » | Written by Kirk Hiner for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

FROM GAMERTELL – Cloud gaming service OnLive will be available to all on June 17, 2010.
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Section: iPhone / iPod touch / iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, iDevice Apps, Mac Software

Macintosh and iPhone/iPod/iPad product updates and announcements for March 10, 2010:

• Macintosh
• iPod

Macintosh

• iWebThemesPark has launched ten new iWeb Themes for Apple’s iWeb. In addition, a free iWeb Theme has been released for all iWeb users. Brand new, amazing and supreme quality iWeb Themes from iWebThemesPark are the perfect way to create or update a website. Some iWeb Templates are recommended for building business websites, so everyone can find a perfect theme for any kind of website. The package of ten themes for an unbelievably low price is most likely to be the best offer ever.
• iUseMac has announced that it will be featuring the innovative image identification software PhotoBrain at 50% off on Wednedsay March 10th and Thursday March 11th. PhotoBrain is an advanced software for image identification and photo matching, it’s the first image search engine on the local drive to use image identification technology. iUseMac offers popular Mac applications at reduced prices for limited time periods. This offer will start on Wednedsay March 10th and will end 48 hours later.
• Intego has announced VirusBarrier X6 Dual Protection, featuring the latest version of its acclaimed anti-malware and network security software together with BitDefender Antivirus 2010 so Mac users can protect their Windows installations. The latest version of Intego’s anti-malware and network security program includes new threat-detection techniques, improved methods of detection, combined detection protocols, proactive behavioral analysis, and a full range of defensive functions.
• Bambooapps today announce Quiet Read Pro, an important update to their popular link management application for Macintosh. Quiet Read lets you save any link for later, and is an unobtrusive, easy to use application that features a clean interface. Quiet Read Pro features a comfortable and simple user interface, providing support for bookmarklets, syncing with MobileMe, short URLs, with list searching and filtering capabilities.
• Eltima Software has announced the release of Folx 1.0, a free download manager for Mac OS X. Folx features a friendly, easy-to-use and very Mac-style interface, so all Mac users will find it convenient to use. It can download not only common files, but also torrent content. In free Folx all your downloads can be split into two threads. This makes downloading with Folx faster, than usual downloading with Internet browsers.
• Media Lab Inc. has announced SiteGrinder 3, its powerful, next generation Photoshop web site development platform. In addition to over 300 new features, Media Lab SiteGrinder 3 supports two new optional add-ons, Commerce and Control. Graphic designers, photographers, artists or anyone can easily transform their Photoshop designs into CSS and XHTML standards-compliant websites without writing a single line of code.

iPhone/iPod/iPad

• Sparkle is a new premium action puzzler from the creators of Azkend. The game appeared on the #1 spot on RealArcade.com when it was first launched for Mac and PC. In the developer’s opinion, it’s maybe one of the most playable, original, and atmospheric orb shooters ever made.
• ASD Plus Inc. has announced iRetro Dialer 1.4 for iPhone and iPod touch devices. 21st century meets 20th century. iRetro Dialer is a beautiful rotary dialer for iPhone with 9 original pretty skins and a realistic sound effect. It supports contact speed dial and number editing. There are several similar apps in AppStore, but iRetro Dialer is different from them with its unique detailed skins and great usability. It is very easy to use, hopefully you will enjoy it.
• Izatt has announced it is offering the full version of MileBug for 50% off as a Tax Time Sale. As many begin preparing their taxes and sort through notebooks of logged trips, Izatt is offering MileBug at a substantial discount through April 15th so next year is much easier. MileBug helps those driving their own vehicles for business, or other reasons receive their reimbursement and/or tax deduction, and was featured in What’s Hot this January as it rose to #2 in Finance.
• Virginia based Proactive Life LLC has announced Proactive Sleep 1.2 for iPhone and iPod touch. Proactive Sleep tracks your sleep and displays your sleep patterns when you set an alarm at night. Listen to ambient music to help soothe yourself to sleep, and to help you wake up in the morning, listen to any song in iTunes and play a stimulating game. Designed with the science of sleep in mind because it tracks the two major components of sleep: the homeostatic and circadian components.
• j2sighte has announced its latest iPhone game: Doodle Kart. Doodle Kart is a Doodle style top-down driving game. It’s funny and addictive and unique amongst driving games. Items/weapons are supported during the race. You can fire a pencil/bullet to attack opponent’s cars. For some special items, you can even enlarge your car to run over the other cars!
• TruffleSoft, Inc. has introduced xSolve 1.0, their powerful new custom calculator utility for iPhone and iPod touch. Designed specifically to leverage the iPhone’s unique capabilities and touch interface, xSolve combines the power of a calculator with the simplicity of a purpose built application. It lets users automatically create their own custom solutions. Simply enter a formula, set any desired optional settings and xSolve will dutifully create their own custom utility.
• Dejal Systems, LLC has introduced Tweeps 1.0 for the iPhone and iPod touch devices, with an iPad edition in the works. Tweeps is a Twitter companion tool to manage your Twitter account. Edit your avatar, name, bio text, website URL and location, plus follow/unfollow people, see if someone follows you, block people, and find people. Read recent tweets from each person, or skim through the lists of people you’re following and who follow you, and much more.
• DSstyles has announced a new series of Swarovski Crystallized iPhone Case: the Cubical Series. Each Case featuring with the excellent combination of flat back round and flat back square Swarovski crystals. The series combines these crystals to bring new visual effect. These New Swarovski Crystallized iPhone Cases will definitely be the trend for 2010 for any Swarvoski Crystallized Cases.
• Slide To Play has released GameFinder 1.0.1, a free app now available on the App Store. GameFinder is designed to help iPhone and iPod touch owners find their new favorite games in a variety of ways. Gamers can check out games that were recently reviewed on Slide To Play, explore games by genre, or browse through exclusively programmed lists, such as STP Games of the Month, zombie-themed games, or great games under a dollar and more.
• Just Mobile has announced a new line of electronic solutions for today’s most widely used mobile devices. The Lounge, Xtand Go, and Gum Plus all feature unique design elements and a sleek appearance, providing consumers mobile freedom with a stylish flare. These latest accessories are compatible with the iPhone, iPod, and most Smartphones to provide convenient, on-the-go solutions.
• iKit has launched another installment to their eagerly anticipated 2010 product range. The new iPad Pro Dura Case is a continuation of their series for iPhone 3GS. This is the latest edition to a long line of products, which should leave consumers itching at a mere chance to purchase one. It combines a carved hard shell with a durable soft-grip border, that provides the ultimate protection for your iPad. The slim impact-resistant case is form-fitting which allows full access to all controls.
• Freeverse has announced Flick Bowling 2, the newest installment of the hit Flick Sports series, available soon on the iTunes App Store for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Flick Bowling 2 takes you on a journey through time and space to defeat the insidious Baron Von Schtopwatch as he tries to hatch his dastardly plan to…well, he hasn’t quite figured that out yet. Play as one of six historical figures like Cleopatra or Genghis Khan as you bowl through five different bowling alleys throughout time, all created with little to no historical reference.
• Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. has announced the launch of an updated version of the smash arcade hit Frogger with Facebook Connect. Frogger will give Facebook users the opportunity to track game scores, play against others, and follow friends and family on the Frogger Leader Board. The launch of Facebook Connect for Frogger brings players the latest version of the 28-year-old successful series that challenges players to safely guide Frogger across the highway, while avoiding oncoming traffic and alligator filled streams.
• Belly Bums is based on the beloved sport of Beach Volleyball, but with a twist. Ever wondered what it would look like for a large stature guy to hit a ball with his belly over the net? Well this game reveals a whole new way of playing sports. In this game, you will control these big (and, in most cases, hanging) belly guys to hit the ball over the net with their tummy.
• PixelMags has 100+ apps ready for Apple’s iPad. PixelMags publications are releasing to top paid book app spots all over the world. 30% of readers are making subscriptions their top In App purchase. The release of the iPad is sure to increase this digital publishing phenomenon. Since PixelMags launched in December, 60+ titles for iPhone and iPod touch have been sold in 77 countries through the iTunes App Store.

Full Story » | Written by Kirk Hiner for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

FROM GAMERTELL – Polk Audio wants to help add even more realism to your grand at-home jam illusion with its HitMaster stage monitor. And if you try to smash it The Who style, it may win. Check out Gamertell’s review of the HitMaster…
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Section: Macintosh / Apple Hardware, Peripherals, Mice

Hardcore gaming just got easier. As if the announcement that Valve is bringing Steam to the Mac wasn’t enough, Razer announced at the Game Developers Conference today an “… effort to increase support for Mac users by issuing driver support for all upcoming Razer products, including the Razer StarCraft II peripheral suite.”

And just what do they mean by “effort to increase?” Well..

“I’m very proud to say that at Razer, we are committed to supporting both Mac and PC gamers,” said Robert “Razerguy” Krakoff, president, Razer USA. “We are constantly working to increase driver support for Mac with our existing Razer products and have plans to release all of our new products with dedicated Mac and PC drivers. This is a really exciting opportunity to expand the gaming industry and make it more inclusive for Mac users by providing the same level of support that we give to our PC users.”

This is good news, because of Razer’s current gaming device lineup, few products (such as the Razer Orochi bluetooth laser gaming mouse) support the Mac. And even there, the feature set isn’t as robust as that of its PC version.

Razer’s announcement today addresses that:

Today, Razer is proud to offer several options for the Mac gaming community, providing full Mac support for the Razer Naga, the world’s best selling MMO gaming mouse, as well as the Razer DeathAdder, a cult favorite among the right-handed gaming community. Razer is completely committed to supporting Mac users and will be releasing drivers to equip existing products with Mac compatibility. Basic Mac support is already available for the Razer Orochi, Razer Mamba and Razer Imperator, with further updates scheduled for later this year.

We’ll of course keep you posted as further announcements are made and drivers are released. In the meantime, head on over to Razer’s website to get a feel for what’s on the way. Seriously, would you want to play Portal 2 with anything less?

Full Story » | Written by Kirk Hiner for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

FROM GAMERTELL – The $9.99 iPhone and iPod Touch version of Street Fighter IV is now on iTunes, waiting for you to download and play it.
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Section: Mac Software, Home and Personal, Features, Opinions and Editorials

Although I’m 100% pro technology, it sometimes takes me a while to embrace a new application. No matter how much buzz it is going on around it, no matter how much my friends tell me to try it, I just don’t feel the need to find out what it is, or how it works. It’s a weird inner process, but it happens.

Even fewer times do I get to realize how wrong I was for not giving it a chance sooner, and how much I was missing.  Those are the times I kind of regret my lack of interest, and almost always I tend to compensate for lost time from that point forward. One of the biggest cases of that personal phenomenon is Dropbox, which I completely overlooked despite bloggers, press, friends, and Internet in general.  Nowadays, that’s an application I can’t afford to lose, and I’m willing to pay for it if I have to (I know maybe it’s not a big deal for most of you, but it’s a big thing where I come from).

The most recent episode of “the phenomenon” (it’s merely an event, but since it’s my story I get to call it whatever I want) is the application that brings me to my word processor today. This application is called 1Password and, of course, you all know about it since I’m the one late to the party. This is the kind of software that somehow makes you dream about becoming a software developer—specifically a Mac developer, because, let’s face it, on the Mac, first-class applications like this one just shine on. 

1Password (next to some of my other favorite apps) is the kind of software that makes me spend time making up things just to interact with it.  Six bank accounts are not enough, I wish I had more to put into it, I wish I had more software licenses, and I need to concentrate and think hard because I know I must have more log-ins in my history. If I just could remember all of them I will be able to continue adding inputs to this 1Password wonder.

It was 1Password 3 that finally got my attention. I was talking to my friend Luis (who, by the way, has been selling me the idea of using this app for quite a while now) about my need for an application to store my bank PINs, endless set of card numbers, passwords, etc. After he finished counting backwards from ten to one and overcome the need to hit me in the head, he gently reminded me of this program he’d been telling me about for months. He showed me the Wallet feature of his 1Password local installation, and that was it; I was sold!

I started using it and one month later I cannot imagine living without it, that’s kind of a known déjà vu feeling for me, but what are you going to do? That moment was definitely the end for my password-protected pdf file, full of crossed word, side comments with updated passwords, and pop-up notices with new card numbers and security codes. 

1Password 3 has many new features (for me, they’re all new but I mean regarding the previous version). Naming them all is some other guy’s job, but letting you know which ones I like the most…that, I can do. 

The Wallet feature was the one that brought me in; I was looking for a solution to that problem since a long time ago (please, let’s not judge my “looking” abilities).  iPhone and iPod Touch synchronization is a huge plus on this application, strong encryption (128bits) based on my unique master password is a relief (we’re talking mayor importance information here), and the eye candy of a great user interface can’t be left out of the list. All of us Mac users, even the ones who don’t admit it, are here in some part for the eye candy of the Mac OS X user interface and its applications.

If you wish to know, the feature that completely blows my mind is what they call 1PasswordAnywhere.  When I found out about it, I was incredulous to say the least.  I was wondering: What does this 1PasswordAnywhere mean? Could it be that I can actually combine two of my favorite apps (Dropbox and 1Password) to have ubiquitous access to my vault? Well that’s correct, and there, I rest my case.

After I checked all my information over my Ubuntu VMware Fusion’s installation, I was ready to come back to my iMac and write about my experience with this greatly executed work of art Agile Web Solutions calls 1Password. 

If there’s someone out there who hasn’t tried this application, I hope you’ll give it a chance. It is worthy of its price ($40 for a single license). If you wait, you can always repent and do it later, but you’re already missing a great deal of fun.

Full Story » | Written by Juan Gonzalez for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Section: iPhone / iPod touch / iPad, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, iDevice Apps, iDevice Accessories, Mac Software

Macintosh and iPhone/iPod/iPad product updates and announcements for March 9, 2010:

• Macintosh
• iPod

Macintosh

• FileMaker, Inc. has announced the immediate availability of FileMaker Pro 11. Packed with new and innovative features led by charting, “on the fly” reporting, a new Quick Find capability, and a host of productivity tools for easier database creation, FileMaker Pro 11 makes using databases easier and quicker than ever. For advanced FileMaker users and developers, FileMaker Pro 11 delivers many new features for creating professional solutions in record time. Also available today with new features is the entire FileMaker 11 product line, which includes FileMaker Pro 11 Advanced, FileMaker Server 11 and FileMaker Server 11.
• Araelium Group has released Querious 1.0, its all-new database management application for Mac OS X. Querious includes the ability to view, edit, and search data, manage table schema, indexes, queries, and users for MSQL 5. Direct, SSH, and SSL connections are all supported. Querious has been built from the ground up for Mac OS X, featuring a well-crafted user experience that is both comfortable and manages to stay out of the way of experienced developers and database administrators.
• Mapdiva has announced Ortelius 1.0.7, the latest update of their map design software for Mac OS X. Ortelius is a vector-based cartography application that helps you create high-quality custom map graphics, plans, and scaled drawings. Ortelius offers a creative solution with superior quality graphics – perfect for reports, presentations, and publications. Ortelius helps you do more than just make maps – it help you communicate visually.
• Jumsoft has announced Pages Clipart 6.0, and continues to increase its collection of add-ons for Apple’s iWork suite. Pages Clipart provides users with vast options for illustrating their presentations, invitations, Web pages, posters, newsletters, and a variety of other documents. Use of the clipart images is not limited to Pages; they are also compatible with Keynote, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and various graphics editors.
• Other World Computing (OWC) has announced today its OWC Mercury Elite-AL Pro mini is the first 2.5” 1TB “Quad Interface” bus powered portable storage solution on the market and available for immediate ordering with 10 models priced from $119.99. Featuring a “Quad Interface” of FireWire 800/400, USB 2.0, and eSATA interface connectivity for data transfer speeds up to 300MB/s, the fanless Mercury Elite-AL Pro mini delivers high performance storage/backup to Mac or PC users in a portable, brushed aluminum, no AC adapter required Plug and Play footprint.
• Digital cameras and flash technology have revolutionized photography. Originally seen simply as a way of illuminating dark scenes with portable light, flash today is used for a host of creative functions, including supplementing daylight and designing complex scenes lit by multiple light sources. Digital cameras with their preview screens make it easy to get instant feedback. But flash photography can still be a difficult artistic and technical challenge. It’s simple to get that harsh deer-in-the-headlights look from built-in automatic flash, yet creating natural-looking images is not as straightforward. Manuals are terse and the terminology is confusing. This is where Mastering Canon EOS Flash Photography comes in.
• Source R&D has announced the availability of the Warpia Easy Dock, which will allow users to wirelessly connect their notebook/netbook/Macbook to any traditional desktop setting.  With the Easy Dock’s straightforward plug-and-play interface, consumers can have both the convenience and portability of a laptop, as well as the comfort of a desktop computer.  Easier on the eyes, ears and hands, users will no longer have to squint at a miniature screen, deal with a below average sound quality, or fumble with a tiny keyboard.
• Elgato has announced the world’s smallest hybrid TV tuner stick. The next generation of EyeTV Hybrid introduces an ultra-compact enclosure in a matte aluminium finish. The TV tuner stick comes with EyeTV 3 software for Mac and a driver for Windows 7 Media Center. The price of the new version of EyeTV Hybrid remains the same at $149.95 USD.

iPhone/iPod/iPad

• The iPhone 3G Flip Case from iKit allows you to enjoy hands-free video viewing at a café, desk, or anywhere with a flat surface. It features a protective polycarbonate body, unique flipstand with a mirror screen protector included with purchase. The fashionable chrome finish makes this item the complete package for your iPhone.
• WaterField Designs has introduced two cases for the Apple iPad: the well-fitted Smart Case and the super-thin iPad Slip Case. Both new cases offer protection for the iPad and come in six colors. They can be matched with the ideal-fitting personal size WaterField Muzetto metro bag. All WaterField’s iPad cases—the Ultimate SleeveCase, the Suede Jacket, the Smart Case and Slip Case—are available for pre-order and will ship shortly after the Apple iPad ship date. The Muzetto is in stock now.
• Tisha Morris has released Feng Shui Bagua Map 1.0 for iPhone and iPod touch users interested in an easier way to improve the flow of their lives. The application is based on westernized Feng Shui, providing a bagua map, along with easy to use and follow instructions for optimizing the energy in a person’s home or office. Users can overlay onto the bagua map existing pictures from their phone’s photo library or snap a new one of their room or floor plan.
• Infomato Inc. today released Forget, a free application for iPhone and iPod touch devices. Forget is a memory aid for people who are frequently stuck in tip-of-the-tongue moments or whose otherwise brilliant trains of thought are stalled, simply because they are forgetful. Forget is built around the psychological principles of memory association and recognition, so that even scatterbrains and disorganized people can quickly enjoy its benefits.
• Spil Games has announced the release of its second game for the iPhone and iPod touch: Uphill Rush 2. Now available at the iTunes App Store, this new version of the 2D, side-scrolling, stunt-racing game lets mobile gamers shake and race their way to bigger stunts and higher scores. The mobile version of Uphill Rush 2 offers players three difficulty levels (Easy, Medium, and Hard), Time Trial and Versus modes, twelve customized stunt vehicles, and twenty different racing outfits. High achievers can win eight different cups spanning three different worlds and can post their scores on Facebook.
• Sweetpea Software has announced Rulette 1.0, its first application for iPhone and iPod touch devices. Rulette is a fun spin on the rules of evidence. With just the flick of the wheel, you can view the rules by spinning the wheel and choosing the rule that you want to read. To view the rule that you have selected, simply press the “Read the Rule” chip. This edition of Rulette includes the North Carolina Rules of Evidence.
• Griffin Technology Inc., has unveiled a new collection of designs from the Griffin + Threadless Co-Op Initiative. Two new case patterns—Permafrost Pollution and Funkalicious—join the already popular line of cases, introducing new artists to the tech community.
• TeamViewer GmbH has just released TeamViewer and TeamViewer Pro, iPhone applications making mobile connectivity more flexible than ever before. Designed for iPhone or iPod touch, from versions 2.2.1 and newer, the innovative TeamViewer applications access or control remote computers located anywhere in the world.
• Today marks the official release of Cloak—a community-developed protective case for the Apple iPad. The Quirky community came together to develop a sleek, sturdy case with a modern design resembling that of an office folder, just in time for the iPad pre-sale launch on March 12. The Cloak is constructed from non-slip rubber with durable plastic hinge mechanisms to enable viewing at different angles.
• Gormaya has announced that their first App, TasteTimer, has been updated and is available exclusively for the iPhone and iPod Touch. TasteTimer is a precise timer with over 600 included timer recipes for tea, coffee, and food. With TasteTimer, there are 19 categories of timer recipes: Black Tea, Botanical, Chai, Coffee, Eggs, Fruit, Grain, Green Tea, Hot Chocolate, Legume, Meat, Oolong Tea, Poultry, Pu-erh Tea, Rooibos, Seafood, Vegetables, White Tea, and Yerba Maté.
• Crazy Mike’s Apps has announced an iPod touch 8GB giveaway tied to March Madness and the release of the new iPhone app, PocketBracket. PocketBracket: College Basketball Tournament is an iPhone app that easily allows people to keep track of their College Basketball Brackets. PocketBracket allows anyone to create unlimited NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament brackets. Full contest details are located online. Winners for the contest will be announced on April 11 on the contest website.
• metaio has released a completely new version of its open augmented reality browser junaio. The version 2.0 is now available in the App Store and offers new unique features. Indoor usage, web- and user-based information channels and an open API for developers are further steps on junaio ́s way to an open browser platform enabling everyone to create and experience mobile augmented reality.

Full Story » | Written by Kirk Hiner for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

FROM GAMERTELL -  Promethium Marketing and GrinLock Limited’s Tweet Defense, a tower defense game where you defeat zombies using your Twitter account stats, is now up at the iTunes store.
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