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MacSpeech Introduces iListen MX
Apple iPhoto 5.0.3 Image Organizer And Editor
New Mad Dog Multimedia MegaSTOR 16X Dual Format DVD +/- RW Outperforms Competitors; First to Run at 8X Speeds in Double Layer Mode
XRackPro2 and XtroVert Rack Mount Enclosures Web Site Launched
KeyStrokes 3.6 and SwitchXS 2.1 extend accessibility of Mac OS X Tiger
Arkeia Expands Support to Include Mac OS X Tiger; Introduces Mac Version of LDAP Hot Backup Plug-in
Zonic releases BugReporter 1.0.2
Wingnuts, a Mac and PC Classic, is Going Mobile With Vanbrio
Motion 2: New filters
Pro Application Update 2005-01
Harvard University Press Features FileMaker-Based Content Management Solution at Macworld Boston Conference Session
MacSpeech Introduces iListen MX
MacSpeech hs announced iListen MX, a new version of iListen exclusively available from participating Apple Specialist dealers and the MacSpeech web site. iListen MX includes the latest version of iListen, the best headset/microphone offered by MacSpeech, and an enhanced list of built-in commands for hands-free control of the mouse, GarageBand, iDVD, iMovie, iPhoto, and iTunes.
"Apple Specialists are excited to make the speech recognition package even better with the new iListen MX," said Kevin Langdon, Executive Director of the Apple Specialist's network. "As independent Apple dealers, Apple Specialists are always looking for new ways to add value for their clients. IListen MX adds significant value to an already impressive application. MacSpeech has truly demonstrated its commitment to both the Specialists and the Macintosh User Community with this new release."
"iListen MX takes all of the best features of our standard iListen product and kicks it up a notch," said Chuck Rogers, Chief Evangelist for MacSpeech. "We recognize that many discriminating Macintosh users are accustomed to a more personal relationship with their Apple Specialist dealers, and we want to reward them with this special version of iListen that is only available through an Apple Specialist or on the MacSpeech web site."
iListen MX is available immediately and sells for $219 on the MacSpeech web site or $199 from participating Apple Specialist dealers. You can find your local Apple Specialist at http://www.applespecialist.com. If purchased separately, the components that make up iListen MX would sell for over $240.
For more information, visit:
http://www.macspeech.com/
Apple iPhoto 5.0.3 Image Organizer And Editor
From stunning new softcover iPhoto Books (available in three sizes) to fully customizable, cinematic slideshows, iPhoto 5 lets you do more with your photos. Then again, it also lets you work with more kinds of images: like video clips from your digital still cameras and photos shot in RAW format. Once you’ve imported your pictures, iPhoto helps you keep every photo in its place with new hierarchical folders that let you store multiple albums, iPhoto books and separate slideshows. You also have more options for finding photos: a Calendar View, for locating photos by day, week, month or year; and a search field for lightning fast, iTunes-like searches. And wait till you try the new advanced editing tools. With them, you can modify exposure, white balance, saturation, contrast and lots more. Even straighten those slightly off-kilter horizons.
New in this version:
The iPhoto 5.0.3 Update, recommended for all customers using iPhoto 5.0, 5.0.1 and 5.0.2, addresses issues with Tiger compatibility, Book and Print ordering, and Smart Albums.
Changes include:
- On Tiger, images are no longer color-shifted after editing
--(Mac OS X 10.4.2 update required)
- Book layouts will not change when moving an image on a page
- An issue was addressed that caused some book orders to be cancelled
- Smart Albums will display correctly in other iLife applications
System requirements:
— Mac OS X
— OS X 10.3.4 through OS X 10.3.9
— or Mac OS X 10.4.2
Apple iPhoto sells for $79.00 (part of iLife)
For more information, visit:
http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/iphoto503update.html
New Mad Dog Multimedia MegaSTOR 16X Dual Format DVD +/- RW Outperforms Competitors; First to Run at 8X Speeds in Double Layer Mode
Computer peripherals market-share leader Mad Dog Multimedia is now shipping their newest MegaSTOR 16X DVD +/- RW. The MegaSTOR 16X is the first Dual Format drive and burner on the market able to write to DVD+R Double Layer media at 8X speed and DVD-R Double Layer at 6X speed. MegaSTOR is an advanced drive designed to run the newest emerging formats while maintaining full backward compatibility with older optical media. Whether users' storage and retrieval requirements include video entertainment, archiving treasured family memories, business applications or sensitive data backup, MegaSTOR can read from and write to the media that works best for their application. And in keeping with Mad Dog Multimedia's continued commitment to Uncompromising Excellence, the MegaSTOR is backed by the company's two-year warranty, surpassing all others in the market.
The internal MegaSTOR supports all Windows formats and delivers up to 8.5GB of storage on a single piece of Double Layer media. MegaSTOR is manufactured "Pb free" making it the first DVD-RW which conforms to the strictest new lead-free manufacturing environmental rules around the world. The internal MegaSTOR 6-in-1 drive includes Nero DVD creation and audio ripping software.
The sleekly designed silver aluminum enclosure, which houses the external MegaSTOR 16X, will complement any desktop or notebook for both PC and Macintosh users. Because aluminum dissipates heat, the MegaSTOR will have a longer product life and extended reliability versus its more expensive and less featured competitors. The external MegaSTOR is a USB 2.0 device which supports both PC and Macintosh operating systems and transfers data up to 480MBs. Additionally, the MegaSTOR is backward compatible to USB 1.1 devices. The MegaSTOR 7-in-1 includes Nero DVD creation and audio ripping software.
"Mad Dog Multimedia is continuing our 'first-to-market' strategy with the leading specifications providing excellent optical solutions to consumers and corporate users through our high quality business partners," stated Karen McCauley, Director of Marketing for Mad Dog Multimedia. "Our latest MegaSTOR family not only beats the competition in the price/value equation, but it helps us do our part to protect the environment by offering a lead-free drive. Whether consumers choose the handsome external drive or the internal version, we are pleased to provide a MegaSTOR drive that works with any optical media and provides excellent performance when creating, accessing, storing and reading virtually any type of data."
The internal MegaSTOR 6-in-1 has an MSRP of $79.99, and the external MegaSTOR 7-in-1 has an MSRP of $119.99. Both are currently available through American TV, CompUSA, Micro Center, AAFES, NEXCOM, Datavision, PC Richards, Nebraska Furniture, RC Wiley and Office Depot Canada.
For more information, visit:
http://www.mdmm.com
XRackPro2 and XtroVert Rack Mount Enclosures Web Site Launched
GizMac Accessories LLC, designer and manufacturer of innovative products for the Apple platform, launches its new web site featuring the XRackPro2 and XtroVert rack mount enclosures for the Xserve server computer and Xserve RAID storage systems.
XRackPro2 is a rack mount enclosure cabinet designed to reduce noise and add mobility to AppleÃÂs Xserve line of servers and RAID systems. Noise from rack mount equipment mounted inside the XRackPro2 will be reduced up to 75% while the heavy duty caster wheels provide a method for easily moving the rolling rack enclosure cabinet when needed.
XtroVert is a rack mount chassis that allows the Xserve RAID to stand vertically to become a desktop or deskside unit. Whether a complete rack system is not practical or the Xserve RAID needs to be moved closer to a computer, the XtroVert is a cost effective solution.
ìThe launch of the XRackPro web site is the first step toward establishing world wide communications on GizMacÃÂs rack mount products,î says Tim Cave, founder of GizMac, ìWe will be introducing new products as well as improving product information details on our existing product lines through the XRackPro web site.î
XRackPro2 and XtroVert rack mount enclosures are used in video and audio post production, film and broadcast applications, pre-press and graphics companies, health care and any other environment that needs noise reduction and/or flexibility of equipment location. Additional information on XRackPro2, XtroVert and GizMac can be found on this new web site at http://www.XRackPro.com . Information can also be obtained by calling the Southern California corporate headquarters at (800) 475-1677
KeyStrokes 3.6 and SwitchXS 2.1 extend accessibility of Mac OS X Tiger
AssistiveWare has announced the release of KeyStrokes(R) 3.6, SwitchXS(R) 2.1 and the AssistiveWare Access bundle. KeyStrokes is an award-winning on-screen keyboard that provides virtually complete access to Mac OS X and all standard Mac applications for people who cannot use a keyboard. It also provides advanced PolyPredix(TM) multilingual word prediction that can be used with the on-screen keyboard, with the hardware keyboard and with SwitchXS 2.1. SwitchXS is a switch access solution that provides virtually complete access to Mac OS X and all standard Mac applications for people who cannot use a mouse or keyboard. It offers full mouse and keyboard emulation by means of a so-called scanning mode. With each click on the switch the user selects an action, such as "move the cursor up" or "type B", from a "scanning" menu. The AssistiveWare Access bundle offers the combined power of KeyStrokes and SwitchXS.
KeyStrokes and SwitchXS provide the best access solutions ever on the Mac (and beyond) for people who are, for example, quadriplegic due to an accident, or suffering from neuromotor diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) or Cerebral Palsy (CP) with very limited limb movement.
KeyStrokes 3.6 is a major update with the following main new features:
- Includes a KeyStrokes Widget that facilitates using KeyStrokes for typing in Dashboard
- Added a special Game Mode for enhanced compatibility with games such as Ford Racing 2 that "freeze" the cursor
- Significantly improved performance under many conditions
- Now compatible with secure screen savers and with Snapz Pro X 2.0.2 and later
- Fix: On Tiger clicking on suggested items in the separate Prediction window works again
KeyStrokes 3.6 is available in English, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, and Dutch, but works fine with most other languages. The suggested retail price is US$ 299 or Euro 249 (excl. VAT). Users of any other on-screen keyboard can upgrade to KeyStrokes 3.6 for US$ 249 or Euro 199 (excl. VAT). KeyStrokes 3.6 is provided as a free upgrade for registered users of any previous version of KeyStrokes for Mac OS X. KeyStrokes 3.6 requires Mac OS X 10.2 or higher. Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) is recommended. Version 3.1 is still available for Mac OS 9 and earlier versions of Mac OS X. For more information and a fully-functional downloadable demo please consult the product page at:
http://www.assistiveware.com/keystrokes.php
SwitchXS 2.1 is a major update with the following main new features:
- Significant performance improvements (70% to 90%) during scanning
- More stable scanning rhythm at high scanning speeds on slower machines
- Now compatible with secure screen savers and with Snapz Pro X 2.0.2 and later
- Includes LayoutKitchen 1.0.2 for making custom panels
SwitchXS works with any HID compliant USB gamepad, joystick and keyboard, and starting with Mac OS X 10.3 also with any HID compliant USB mouse or trackball. SwitchXS also works with USB switch interfaces emulating any of the above devices.
SwitchXS is currently available in English, French and Japanese but works fine with most other languages. The suggested retail price is US$ 299 or Euro 249 (excl. VAT). Version 2.1 is a free update for current users. SwitchXS requires Mac OS X 10.2 (Jaguar) or higher. Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) or higher is recommended. For more information and a fully-functional downloadable demo please consult the product page at:
http://www.assistiveware.com/switchaccess.php
The AssistiveWare Access bundle: For people with a progressive disease and for switch users who want to make use of the word prediction in KeyStrokes we are now offering an attractively priced AssistiveWare Access bundle that consists of a combined license for KeyStrokes, SwitchXS, and LayoutKitchen. The suggested retail price for the bundle will be US$ 479 or Euro 399 (excl. VAT). Current users of KeyStrokes or SwitchXS can upgrade to this bundle for a suggested price of US$ 239 or Euro 199 (excl. VAT).
For more information, visit:
http://www.assistiveware.com/
Arkeia Expands Support to Include Mac OS X Tiger; Introduces Mac Version of LDAP Hot Backup Plug-in
Arkeia Corp. has announced that its Arkeia Network Backup solution now supports the recently released Mac OS X Tiger operating system. Arkeia also is offering hot backup plug-ins to safeguard MySQL and LDAP data applications operating in Macintosh environments.
Arkeia's Mac OS X client performs backup of all files, including documents and applications, as well as important system files such as the Netinfo database. In addition, users can preserve privileged information and special file system features like Mac OS resource forks and Finder attributes. The Arkeia backup solution is also compatible with previous Mac OS X versions and Mac OS X Server operating systems.
The new Arkeia Mac OS X plug-in for LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) databases is tailored for the OpenLDAP-based directory server included in Mac OS X Server. LDAP servers centralize network user information, manage server access levels and offer an online directory including contact details such as e-mail address, direct phone line, photo, etc.
Additionally, Arkeia provides protection for MySQL operating on Mac OS X computers, for both offline and online databases. Arkeia developed this plug-in to enable users to protect information on MySQL's open source database which is pre-installed on Xserve machines.
"Apple Xserve stands head and shoulders above the crowd of rack-mountable server offerings, both in terms of power and cost," said Phil Roussel, Arkeia CEO. "Arkeia will continue to protect Mac servers in heterogeneous environments with our powerful network backup solution, as well as hot backup plug-ins for applications such as MySQL and LDAP."
The Mac OS X client and other hot backup plug-ins are available for download as 30-day trial versions. Get more information at:
http://www.arkeia.com/strategic/apple/
Zonic releases BugReporter 1.0.2
Zonic have announced the release of BugReporter 1.0.2, a maintenance update to their developer tool for capturing crash logs.
This release improves compatibility with Mac OS X 10.4 and GCC 4, adds support for plugins, improves the customisation options for the BugReporter application and adds support for sending log files and System Profiler reports along with crash logs.
BugReporter captures Mac OS X “Crash Logs”, allowing them to be sent directly to the appropriate developer. Normally seen only by Apple, these logs allow developers to identify the location and cause of any crash in their applications.
BugReporter can be used from either Carbon or Cocoa applications, and supports both Xcode and CodeWarrior development environments. Reports can be delivered by email or online, allowing them to be fed directly into a bug-tracking database.
BugReporter pricing starts at $49.95, and requires Mac OS X 10.2 or later.
BugReporter 1.0.2 is available immediately, and can be downloaded from:
http://www.zonic.co.uk/products/bugreporter/
Wingnuts, a Mac and PC Classic, is Going Mobile With Vanbrio
Vanbrio Entertainment Inc., a leading global publisher of entertainment products, today announced that the popular PC game Wingnuts has been developed for QUALCOMM's BREW solution by developer Ideas From the Deep.
Wingnuts, based on the insanely popular console brand by Freeverse Software, is 15 levels of intense and addictive arcade action. Players must clear each level of enemy aircraft using their on-screen radar, plane weapons and 360-degree maneuverability. The excitement is heightened by supplying players with parachute pickups that provide powerups and additional points.
"Wingnuts developed for the BREW solution is an addictive, intuitive and fun arcade-style game to play," said Amy Torres, CEO of Vanbrio. "We are thrilled to have Wingnuts as our first offering for the BREW solution, allowing us to work with Freeverse Software and Ideas From the Deep and are eager to release more titles for our 2005 lineup."
"We're excited to see arcade titles such as Wingnuts become available to mobile users, which further demonstrate how traditional PC and console-based games continue to expand their presence in the mobile market," said Mike Yuen, director, Gaming Group for QUALCOMM Internet Services. "We are proud the BREW solution is enabling this trend and look forward to working with Vanbrio to bring more of its exciting games to the mobile marketplace."
For more information about the availability of Wingnuts by region or network operator, please contact Vanbrio.
For more information, visit:
http://www.vanbrio.com
or
http://www.ifd.com
Motion 2: New filters
Motion 2 contains more than 130 GPU-accelerated filters and effects in its Library to use in your projects, including 16 brand new filters. Here's a look at what these new filters can do for you.
Extrude—Simulates depth in an object with an alpha channel by creating an object "front" and "back," offsetting them, and extruding the edges so that they connect.
Indent—Gives a shiny, bump-mapped appearance to an image, with raised and flat areas.
Refraction—Creates a glass-distortion effect on an image, with an optional height map.
Relief—Creates a 3D height map by using the color values of an object or height map to calculate height vertices.
Basic 3D—Allows you to rotate an object on the X, Y, and Z axes, and set its position and perspective.
Prism—Blurs and refracts an image as if seen through a prism, creating a rainbow effect.
Channel Swap—Substitutes the color value of a channel with that of either a selected channel or its inverse. If you select Blue from Red, the blue value in the object will match the red value across the entire object. Channel Swap can be used in a variety of ways, including simply inverting an object's alpha channel.
Gradient Colorize—Colorizes an image using color values instead of position to determine the application of the colors in the gradient.
Vectorize Color—Makes an object appear as multicolored polygons. It substitutes four colors over the entire color range of the object.
Earthquake—Creates an animated displacement effect on an object, adjusting its position as if it was being shaken by an earthquake.
Insect Eye—Maps a repeating hexagonal distortion pattern to an image, mimicking the point of view of an insect.
Matte Magic—Erodes and feathers matte edges.
Vignette—Simulates the light fall-off and corner blurring in images as seen through some camera lenses.
Random Tile—Tiles an object in an irregular pattern with circular panels.
Scrub—Moves a virtual playhead around a clip, allowing you to change the timing of the clip without moving it in the Timeline. You can also use this filter to create a freeze frame. Additionally, it allows you to animate the offset parameter, often with interesting results. Try adding the Scrub filter to a clip, then applying the Randomize behavior to the Frame offset with the "Offset from" parameter set to Current Frame.
Trails—Draws light or dark motion trails that follow an object's movement. This is only effective with moving images.
Bonus Filters—You can download three additional new filters by registering your copy of Motion. You can register by launching the application or registering online. Once registration is complete, go here to download the additional filters. These new filters are:
• Reduce Banding—Adds a small amount of noise to the pixels of an object, often used to soften the banding seen on 8-bit images with subtle gradients. This filter used to be called Noise Dither.
• Movement Blur—Creates blur based on the movement of subjects in the footage itself. This is different than motion blur, which blurs an animated object in the Canvas.
• Underwater—Applies an animated distortion to your object, as if it was being viewed through a water surface.
For more information, visit:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article2.html?artnum=301438
Pro Application Update 2005-01
Pro Application Update 2005-01 addresses several issues with underlying frameworks and shared components for Apple's professional applications, and is strongly recommended for all users of Final Cut Studio, Final Cut Pro 5, Motion 2, Soundtrack Pro, DVD Studio Pro 4, Shake 4, LiveType 2, Compressor 2, and Apple Qmaster 2.
This update is also recommended for users who have previously installed the FxPlug SDK.
Component name Applications Description
LiveType Support 2.0.2 LiveType 2
Final Cut Pro 5
Final Cut Studio
PluginManger
FxPlug
Motion 2
DVD Studio Pro 4 Addresses an issue with LiveType 2 project integration with Final Cut Pro 5, Motion 2, and DVD Studio Pro 4.
FxPlug.framework Motion 2
Final Cut Studio
LiveType
PluginManger
FxPlug
Addresses issues with using third-party Core Image Units in Motion 2.
PluginManager.framework Motion 2
Final Cut Studio
LiveType
PluginManger
FxPlug
Addresses incompatibilities with running Motion 1.0 and Motion 2.0 on the same hard drive partition.
Apple Uncompressed 422
Codec Final Cut Studio
Final Cut Pro
Motion 2
Soundtrack Pro
DVD Studio Pro
Compressor 2
Apple QMaster 2 The update addresses corruption issues in Shake 3.5 and Shake 4.0 when working with 10-bit QuickTime files.
Helium 2.0.1 All The update was provided in conjunction with the Shake 4.0 release, and is being released for all pro applications that leverage the framework for version syncing.
DVCPROHD Codec All The DVCPro HD codec removes artifacts that can be introduced by applying the Advanced format conversion DVCPro HD 1080i60 setting to a source movie.
For more information, visit:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article2.html?artnum=301888
Harvard University Press Features FileMaker-Based Content Management Solution at Macworld Boston Conference Session
At this week's 2005 Macworld Conference and Expo, FileMaker Pro 7, the #1-selling easy-to-use database, will be showcased at a MacIT session presentation by Rosemary Tietge, Publishing Technology Manager for the Harvard University Press, on Thursday, July 14, from 2:00-3:15 p.m.
At the session -- "Applied Content Management on the Macintosh: a Case Study on Harvard University Press" -- Ms. Tietge will outline how Harvard University Press manages and tracks all pertinent information for hundreds of projects, from editorial development through sales and marketing content management.
Managing one of the world's leading publishers of scholarly books, with up to 250 new publications each year, the 80-member staff of the Harvard University Press must keep track of essential research, content, production and marketing processes. The session will show how the Press has integrated the Macintosh server operating system (including Tiger) and FileMaker Pro to enable all workgroups, including editorial, design, production and accounting, to access information about all Press products.
FileMaker Pro 7 is the winner of numerous Macintosh OS-related editorial awards including MacWorld Magazine (U.S. and United Kingdom), Mac Generation, MacAddict and more.
Charles W. Moore
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