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• ThinkFree Office for MacOS X Makes Its Debut
ThinkFree Office for MacOS X Makes Its Debut ThinkFree Corporation has announced that it is debuting the preview version of ThinkFree Office for Mac OS X at the MacWorld Exposition, Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York, from July 18th - July 20th. ThinkFree's development of this new version for Mac OS X demonstrates the company's continued support for the Macintosh platform. Written from the ground up in Java, this suite of Microsoft Office compatible productivity products also reinforces ThinkFree's commitment to empowering customers with the freedom of operating system independence and true anywhere, anytime computing. "ThinkFree Office for Mac OS X takes true advantage of the ubiquity of the Internet and delivers the ease-of-use Macintosh users have come to expect," said TJ Kang, president and CTO for ThinkFree. "We are committed to delivering the continued support that Macintosh users need, providing them with the latest technology along with convenient, affordable access to their applications wherever they are and from a wide range of operating systems." "Built on an open-source UNIX-based foundation and offering incredible Internet and graphics technologies, Mac OS X offers unprecedented stability and is the most technically advanced personal computer operating system ever," said Ron Okamoto, Apple's vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. "ThinkFree Office for Mac OS X provides powerful productivity capabilities that our users will appreciate, and we look forward to the final release of their product later this year." The preview version of ThinkFree Office for Mac OS X is a family of Microsoft Office-compatible productivity solutions that are accessible and fully functional both online and offline via both dial-up and broadband connections. The ThinkFree Office family of applications for the Mac OS X includes: • Write, a WYSIWYG Microsoft Word compatible word processor/HTML editor,
• File sharing capabilities via a public folder that users can make available to friends and colleagues. ThinkFree Office for Mac OS X takes advantage of Mac OS X's elegant Aqua user interface, providing users with an intuitive computing experience and ease-of-use. When saving files to local folders or web folders, both Mac OS X and Windows users have a consistent experience via a file manager that looks and performs like Microsoft Windows Explorer. The product suite also supports Mac OS X's native open/save dialog interface for easy access to stored files. In addition, ThinkFree Office for Mac OS X leverages Apple Java Speech Framework, providing text-to-speech support as well multilingual support with localized versions including Japanese, Korean and Chinese. In future Mac OS X versions, ThinkFree plans to provide additional features including support for QuickTime integration and clipboard data exchange. The preview version of ThinkFree Office for Mac OS X will be available to users at the end of August for $49.95 per user, per year. To sign-up, users can visit the ThinkFree website at http://www.thinkfree.com. Users with an active subscription are always entitled to download and use the latest version of the software on any operating system, including Macintosh, Windows and Linux, from any computer. ThinkFree plans to introduce the complete version of ThinkFree Office for Mac OS X in fourth quarter, 2001. Active users will also receive this upgrade as part of their subscription package. World Book 2002 for Mac OS X Goes on Sale at Macworld New York World Book, Inc. has announced that its all-new CD-ROM 2002 Encyclopedia for Mac OS X is now shipping. The new edition, made to take advantage of the power and elegance of Apple's next generation operating system, is being demonstrated this week at World Book's booth (#2300) at the MacWorld Expo in New York City. The two-disk CD-ROM Mac OS X Edition will be available for sale at the MacWorld Expo and can be ordered from the World Book website as well. "When you see how this exciting new World Book edition is integrated with the gorgeous look and feel of Mac OS X, you know that it was made from the start with the Aqua interface in mind," said Michael Ross, Executive Vice President and Publisher of World Book, Inc. "Apple has made a bold step forward with their new operating system and we are very pleased to be on the cutting edge with our 2002 Macintosh edition." "The Mac community's outstanding reception of Mac OS X, as well as support from developers like World Book and MacKiev, is proof positive of Mac OS X's promising future," said Ron Okamoto, Apple's vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. "We are thrilled with the Mac OS X Edition of the World Book Multimedia Encyclopedia, a feature-packed product that will help make learning simpler and more enjoyable for families, students and educators." The 2002 Mac OS X Edition was developed for World Book by The Software MacKiev Company, who have produced the Macintosh versions of the World Book since 1998. "Steve Jobs laid down a challenge to developers to be ready for MacWorld New York with their Mac OS X offerings," said Software MacKiev President, Jack Minsky. "We are excited to add our premiere encyclopedia to the growing list of applications coming to Mac OS X in time for this event." The new Macintosh edition features a new Interactive Home Screen, which presents a unique way to browse the encyclopedia. Photos, videos and illustrations from the World Book appear along the bottom of the screen for a few seconds each while music from the encyclopedia's music collections plays. The user may click on anything that looks interesting and will be taken into the encyclopedia to learn more about it. The music on the Home Screen can be tuned to select Classic, Jazz or International music selections. Other new and improved features in the Mac OS X edition: -- Article Updates may be downloaded seamlessly with the enhanced Update
-- Expanded multimedia elements which now include thousands of maps,
-- Enhanced versions of World Book's acclaimed Homework Wizards. The
-- A special "Surf the Millennium" section that invites students to visit
-- A completely new World Book Notepad word processor which is fully
-- Accommodation for Multiple Users in Mac OS X so that each user will
The Mac OS X version of the World Book contains all of the articles from the 22-volume World Book Encyclopedia on a two CD-ROM disc set. It has a suggested retail selling price of $59.95 and is available now at the World Book website: Smith Micro Software Announces FAXstf X, a Full-Featured Fax Solution Built Natively for Mac OS X The Macintosh Division of Smith Micro Software, Inc., a developer and marketer of a wide range of software and service solutions for the Internet market, today announced FAXstf X, a complete fax solution built natively for Mac OS X. Tightly integrated with Apple's next generation operating system, FAXstf X builds upon the success of its previous version, allowing faxes to be sent and received from any Mac document application. FAXstf X lets users take advantage of the AddressBook within Mac OS X, making it unnecessary to duplicate or maintain multiple phonebooks. Users can simply drag and drop from the AddressBook into FAXstf X's FaxBrowser to send a fax. "We are very excited about offering our full-featured fax software exclusively on Mac OS X," said William W. Smith Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Smith Micro. "FAXstf X is a powerful, easy-to-use solution and users will appreciate its seamless operation that enables ultra- fast faxing of virtually any document." "The incredible success of Mac OS X has created a tremendous opportunity for software developers like Smith Micro," said Ron Okamoto Apple's vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. "FAXstf X is a fantastic addition to the growing number of consumer and small business products available for Mac OS X, and demonstrates Smith Micro's strong commitment and focus on the Mac market." As a native Mac OS X application, FAXstf X supports multi-threading to allow users to send faxes in the background while performing another task. In addition, FAXstf has taken full advantage of Mac OS X's Aqua user interface and features animated icons to reflect the status of a fax that's being sent or received. FAXstf X also supports AppleScript for users to easily automate repetitive fax tasks and offers third party developers an easy way to integrate faxing function in their Mac OS X applications. FAXstf X provides advanced features you won't find on any fax machine, such as sending a fax to multiple recipients; create AddressBook entries for different fax groups; edit and make notation on a received fax and then resend; page jumping to quickly go to any page in a document; and view faxes at any size up to 500%. Unique to FAXstf X is the FaxBrowser that lets users view and manage their faxes from one easy-to-use location -- FAXstf X -- easy fax management at your fingertips. System requirements for FAXstf X include Mac OS X, hardware that runs Mac OS X and a recommended 30MB available RAM. Smith Micro's FAXstf X will begin shipping in Q3 2001 with a suggested retail price of $59.95. The software will be available at CompUSA, and other major retailers and eTailers. For more information, contact Smith Micro at (949) 362-5800 Corel procreate; Painter 7 Launches at Macworld Corel's procreate is a new line of products geared specifically for powering and extending the possibilities of design. On their own, or as complements to Adobe Photoshop, the advanced Natural-Media painting and image editing capabilities in Painter 7 extend the creative range of design. Painter 7 makes it possible to produce awe-inspiring images that replicate the precision and artistic possibilities of a true painting experience. "Painter 7 allows graphic designers and digital artists to express themselves with maximum creativity," said Ian LeGrow, executive vice president in charge of procreate development. "The new watercolor technology is so realistic, you can actually watch paints drip and blend together. Working in tandem with the original Painter creators, we are releasing this outstanding new application to kick-start the launch of the new procreate line of products." Scheduled to appear on North American store shelves in August, Painter 7 is optimized for both Macintosh and Windows. Painter 7 users on Mac OS X will enjoy the new Aqua look and Mac OS X power. "Creative professionals want to concentrate on their work, and Mac OS X's remarkable power, stability and graphics capabilities make it the ideal platform for expanding creative expression," said Ron Okamoto, Apple's vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. "Painter 7 and Mac OS X present a powerful combination for users to realize their creative potential and we are pleased to have the first procreate application available on our platform." New features make Painter 7 a great new addition to a professional tool kit: Watercolor technology recreates the benefits natural media artists gain when using the watercolor medium. Painter 7 enables users to control the wetness and evaporation rate of the paint. Taking the possibilities of digital design to a new level, professionals will want to get their tablets flowing with this new watercolor technology. Liquid Ink layer mimics the viscosity of a thick, gluey medium like ink or paint. Liquid Ink makes it feel like the strokes are coming directly from a brush dipped in a pot of ink. With full support for the new Aqua interface designed for Mac OS X, Mac users will experience a fully carbonized application. Windows users will benefit from interface enhancements that include new palette tools, sliders, and more. These and many more new features and enhancements can be experienced in Painter 7. Painter 7 will be available at the suggested retail price of US $499 for all platforms. Registered users of any previous versions of Fractal Design Painter(TM) 4 and 5 or MetaCreations(TM)Painter 5.5 and 6 are eligible to purchase the upgrade version of Painter 7 for US $199. English and International English versions are scheduled for availability in August 2001, German and French versions will follow in September and October. Painter 7 is available for Mac OS 8.6 or higher, including Mac OS X, and Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows NT 4.0 and Windows Me. For more information about Painter 7 or procreate, visit
Aladdin Systems Ships StuffIt Express 1.1 for Mac OS X Aladdin Systems, Inc. has announced StuffIt Express 1.1 for Mac OS X, a new business productivity tool designed to save companies time and money by guaranteeing error free file transfers every time. StuffIt Express allows businesses to build custom "Express Box" applications that can combine file transfer tasks with data compression and encryption to facilitate common tasks such as filling out forms to send with an attachment. By using an Express Box, businesses can help their customers perform complex file transfer actions while shielding them from confusing and unfamiliar technology. "Many companies whose business depends on exchanging files with customers are fearful of moving to an electronic-only delivery system because they are concerned about the proficiency of their customers' file transfer skills," said Jonathan Kahn, CEO of Aladdin Systems. "A StuffIt Express drop box can be inserted into the Mac OS X Dock, making it easily accessible for frequent use for you and your customers. If you can't personally assist your customers, an Express Box is the next best thing." "By combining the elegant and intuitive Aqua user interface with unprecedented power and stability, Mac OS X is the most technically advanced personal computer operating system on the market," said Ron Okamoto, Apple's vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. "We are delighted that Aladdin has developed StuffIt Express for Mac OS X, helping Mac users save time and money by streamlining Internet file transfers." An Express Box allows anyone to perform multi-step file transfer tasks -- such compressing files, uploading them to a password protected FTP server, and then sending an e-mail notification -- simply by dragging a file onto an Express Box desktop application. StuffIt Express builds on Aladdin's award-winning StuffIt compression technology, by adding powerful FTP, Web, form, and email file transfer features. While competing products lock customers into a particular way of working, the power of StuffIt Express is its flexibility. The product allows users to create custom solutions that are tailor made to fit any required file transfer task. Businesses are able to adapt the solution as their relationship with a customer changes. No coding or scripting is required, and with its Wizard feature, users are able to create custom drop boxes within minutes of installing the product. StuffIt Express also provides a number of security features that are designed to ease the flow of communication and productivity for businesses that depend on electronic file transfers. StuffIt Express allows users to create and send Express Boxes to their customers without having to authorize access to secure areas. For example, by using an Express Box to enable customers to upload files, users can allow access to sensitive file servers with out providing the URL and login information. Express Boxes can be password-protected and be configured to time-out after a specific date, or after a specified number of days after they are first used. They can also be limited to a specific number of uses. Availability and Requirements StuffIt Express 1.1 is available at http://www.aladdinsys.com/stuffitexpress/buynow.html . StuffIt Express is Enterprise software priced according to the number of clients to whom Express Boxes are distributed. Options available include: 5, 10, 25, and 50 client licenses, as well as an unlimited license. StuffIt Express for Mac OS X is compatible with any PowerPC-based Macintosh computer running Mac OS 8.6 and above. More information is available at http://www.aladdinsys.com/stuffItexpress . Registered owners of Aladdin Transporter qualify for a free upgrade to StuffIt Express http://www.aladdinsys.com/stuffItexpress/upgrade.html FileMaker Will Highlight FileMaker Pro 5.5 and FileMaker Server 5.5 On Mac OS X at Macworld Expo in New York Expected to ship on July 30, FileMaker Server 5.5 is the ideal way to host and protect FileMaker workgroup databases and is designed to match the evolving Server platform preferences of these business workgroups. In addition to Mac OS X, FileMaker will add Linux (Red Hat certified) support to FileMaker Server 5.5. Linux is growing rapidly as a server platform, especially for workgroup deployments, and has been requested by FileMaker customers. FileMaker Server 5.5 will also run on Windows 2000 logo-certified, Windows NT, Mac OS 8.6 and 9.1. "The strong performance and scalability of Mac OS X further empowers the productivity of FileMaker Pro workgroups," said Dominique Goupil, FileMaker president. "FileMaker is thrilled to be among the very first software vendors to ship its products supporting Mac OS X." "Mac OS X provides tremendous business opportunities for developers that seek a robust and versatile platform to create software," said Ron Okamoto, Apple's vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. "FileMaker will take full advantage of Mac OS X's incredible power and stability to deliver remarkable data management solutions in FileMaker Pro 5.5 and FileMaker Server 5.5." The company also will demonstrate the strong integration between FileMaker Pro 5.5 and Microsoft Office 2001 for Mac at its booth along with FileMaker Mobile for Palm OS. FileMaker Mobile is designed on a simple load-and-go mobile user model: the user simply selects and loads the FileMaker data they require from their desktop computer to the Palm Powered handheld. Later, the data on the handheld may be synched via the Palm HotSync® technology with the individual's single-user FileMaker Pro 5.5 database on the desktop computer. The FileMaker booth is #818 in the Jacob Javits Convention Center. For more information, visit:
EarthLink Introduces Mac OS X Internet Software; EarthLink 2.5 Will be Pre-Loaded on Macintosh Computers EarthLinkintroduced its new EarthLink 2.5 Internet access software today on Mac OS X. The specially developed software is currently available online at http://www.earthlink.net and will be pre-loaded on all new Macintosh computers sold in North America later this year. Built for Mac OS X, EarthLink 2.5 features an audio guide that walks Mac users through the installation process, and allows them to retrieve their existing EarthLink account or create a new account. EarthLink 2.5 also automatically installs and configures the software necessary for EarthLink DSL, so existing EarthLink DSL customers can simply plug in their DSL modem and start surfing. And traveling Mac users with iBooks or PowerBooks have more than 7,500 local dial-up numbers to choose from when they're on the road. "We're excited that EarthLink 2.5 for Mac OS X will be pre-loaded on all new Macs this year," said Bill Heys, executive vice president at EarthLink. "As Apple's official ISP partner, EarthLink is firmly committed to delivering software and an overall Internet experience that takes full advantage of Mac OS X and gives Mac users the best Internet connection available." "Whether listening to an online radio station with iTunes, viewing a movie on QuickTime, storing iMovies and photos on iDisk, or just surfing the Web, the Internet is key to the Mac experience, and with Mac OS X it just gets better," said Ron Okamoto, Apple's vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. "EarthLink consistently provides Internet software and service that has a distinct Mac look and feel, and we are thrilled to see their product on Mac OS X." EarthLink and Apple have had a relationship since EarthLink was featured as the default ISP (Internet service provider) on the Internet Setup Assistant of all new iMacs in fall of 1998. Since then, EarthLink has become Apple's official North American Internet service partner, culminating in a formal alliance formed between the two companies in January 2000 in which Apple took an equity stake in EarthLink. For more information about EarthLink, visit:
Essential Reality Demonstrates New P5 Glove Mac OS X Peripheral at MacWorld Essential Reality, which develops and manufactures 3D control glove-like products for interactive gaming, entertainment industry and educational uses, will introduce its new P5 glove-like peripheral at MacWorld, in Game Area Booth 2205, July 18-20, at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York. Currently in beta form, P5 will be available for Mac OS X this fall. "P5 on Mac OS X will make 3D experiences on the Mac a very intuitive, interactive and powerful experience, and we are very excited to offer this product on Mac OS X later this year," said David Devor, COO of Essential Reality. "At MacWorld NY, we will be introducing the final product design of P5 in actual game applications to the many game developers, reporters, software and hardware manufacturers at the show, and we think it will be a great success." "With the Aqua user interface and stunning 2D and 3D graphics capabilities built-in, Mac OS X offers incredible opportunities for developers in the gaming and creative communities," said Ron Okamoto, Apple's vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. "We are thrilled with the upcoming release of Essential Reality's new P5 glove for Mac OS X, adding a significant new dimension to the exciting host of 3D applications that developers are creating for gaming, industrial design and image manipulation on Mac OS X." P5, compatible with Mac OS X, provides the computer gamer with an ergonomically designed glove-like device, which controls the fast action in 3D game software through diverse hand gestures. Pull your trigger finger in 3D space and the on-screen gun shoots in real time. Flick your fingers away and a game character is thrown against the wall. Lift your palm and an animated helicopter slowly rises into the air. P5 uses the latest in Essential Reality's proprietary bend sensor and tracking technologies to enable full interaction with a 3D environment. Fully USB compliant, P5 will be compatible with Macs, PCs and next-generation gaming systems, including PS2 and Xbox. A full color image of P5 can be viewed at: New Graphic Arts Tool Will Use SCGI's Groundbreaking Asiva Technology Shapiro Consulting Group, Inc., (SCGI), in Austin, Texas, is developing a revolutionary digital color correction and enhancement application for the graphic arts industry. Release is expected during third quarter 2001. The new application will be based on SCGI's groundbreaking Asiva technology, which allows intricate color correction and enhancement to digital images in ways previously impossible. Asiva's patented technology has been used extensively in video editing work in the past four years. HBO, whose strict production guidelines normally prohibit use of any color enhancement systems, has aired productions using Asiva technology, because Asiva effects are so natural as to be indistinguishable from uncorrected footage. Stephen Spielberg's SHOAH Foundation used Asiva to enhance and correct color for a documentary aired on TNT. Without Asiva, important footage in the documentary would have been unusable. The technology has also enhanced productions aired on A&E, PBS and NBC. SCGI was formed in April 1994 to act as a technology incubator for Richard and Esther Shapiro Entertainment, Inc. (RESI). The intention was to create exclusive technology that could give a competitive advantage to RESI's television productions. ``We blew away the video world with Asiva's speed and ability, and the graphic artists who have beta-tested the new product have been equally amazed,'' says Roland Lee, vice president, marketing, for SCGI. The new Macintosh application, called Asiva Photo, applies the technology to images intended for use in digital and print formats. It will allow the graphic artist or photographer to enhance and correct color in new ways, and it will do it with significantly less effort. ``Because Asiva approaches color editing in an entirely new way, it doesn't require the use of masks. That alone will save the artist or p | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
