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Lion And The End Of Bootable OS X Installers
PC Market Overview For Q1 - Windows Advances, OS X Falls Back
Digitimes Responds To Reporting Accuracy Critique
Security Based Operating System, Pocket Desktop, Launches New Product Partnersip
Seagate to Acquire Controlling Interest in LaCie
MacPaw Releases CleanMyDrive Free Utility to Take Control Over Mounted Drives
MacXDVD Announce the Launch of Free YouTube Downloader Software
Getting Ready for Mountain Lion - Prepare to Pounce on Apple's Newest OS
Lion And The End Of Bootable OS X Installers
Low End Mac's Frank Fox looks at what happens when you can no longer purchase a full copy of Mac OS X, noting that although Apple sold OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard as an upgrade from 10.5 Leopard, it was a full copy. If your hard drive failed, you could boot from the disc and do a full reinstall. At the time, this seemed like a great bargain. Buy and upgrade for just $30 (instead of the $129 of previous versions) - and get the full copy included.
Then OS X 10.7 Lion came out, and it really was an upgrade only. You have to have Snow Leopard 10.6.8 installed before you can upgrade to Lion. No full bootable, installable copies of Lion are sold by Apple. In fact, Snow Leopard is still available from Apple, because you need it to upgrade to Lion.
So what is Apple teaching the public through these changes?
Why did Apple stop offering a full DVD version? All previous versions of OS X came on CD or DVD, so Apple obviously made a decision to end that option. This makes it seem like Apple is planning to offer only upgrades. With Apple it's always about control.
For the full commentary visit here:
http://bit.ly/JCXswi
PC Market Overview For Q1 - Windows Advances, OS X Falls Back
Asymco blogger Horace Dediu reports that in terms of units, Windows-based computers made up 78% of all PCs sold in 2012 calendar Q1 - an increase from the 74% in the previous quarter but a decline from 90% a year ago. OS X based computers were about 3.7%, a decline in share both q/q and y/y, something Dedieu says Apple attributed to a transition quarter. iOS computers (i.e: iPad) accounted for 11% of the market, declining from 13% last quarter but increasing from Q1/11's 4.2% share, and overall, Apple remained top PC vendor (iPads included) with 14.6% share, followed by HP with 14.1%.
For the full report with graphs and charts, visit:
http://bit.ly/JcUajZ
Digitimes Responds To Reporting Accuracy Critique
Time TechLand Technologizer columnist Harry McCracken has posted an interesting communique he received from Joseph Chen, Deputy Managing Editor of Digitimes, the much-cited Taiwanese tech news site whose main beat is the Asian OEM supply chain which frequently writes about upcoming Apple products.
McCracken had questioned Digitimes' reporting accuracy in a previous column, to which Mr. Chen protests: "Digitimes has indeed reported much on Apple, and many of the products that we said would be launched have never been launched, or have had their launches delayed. But that does not mean that we were crying wolf or passing along gossip." He goes on to explain what they are about in greater detail. Mr. McCraken thanks him for responding, but isn't entirely buying the argument.
You can check it out at:
http://ti.me/JcU2Rv
Security Based Operating System, Pocket Desktop, Launches New Product Partnersip
In conjunction with their consumer technology product, Pocket Desktop, a USB device that offers consumers enhanced security and portability in computing, has announced a new strategic alliance with Cre8tive Partners.
The Pocket Desktop is a USB device that contains your own secure Linux based operating system designed to run solely from the Pocket Desktop USB device and your computer's memory and claimed to provide consumers with unparalleled security and portability in computing. The core of the operating system is read-only, meaning it cannot be written to. This makes it immune to most forms of the threats that beleaguer online computing, such as viruses, spyware and and other malware like Trojan horses. Over 40 applications are included in the Pocket Desktop operating system - from email and web browsing to document editing, Torrent search and Torrent client for downloading files.
A separate memory area is provided for file and application storage, so that your files can be saved and your settings customized, while maintaining a higher level of security and privacy than traditional security technology, such as virus scanners would provide, providing you with a portable and secure operating system running independently from the operating system installed on your computer. Anything going to the writeable memory area can be scanned with an onboard antivirus prior to downloading it. The Pocket Desktop runs on nearly all computers,(Windows, Macintosh ,or Linux) regardless of native operating system, and completely independent of the computer's hard drive (which is actually dismounted) and your native operating system. You can take your desktop, files and applications with you, and use them on virtually any computer. Most computers will not need any additional settings or configuration. Once you're done using the Pocket Desktop, just power the computer off and disconnect your USB device and the computer will then resume normal operation, as if you had never been there.
Pocket Desktop is claimed to be easy to use and require very little computer knowledge to operate. In most cases the developers say the Pocket Desktop loader application takes care of everything needed to put your computer into the secure Pocket Desktop operating system. Simply connect it to a computer that is currently on and running an operating system, such as Macintosh, Windows, or Linux and follow the on-screen instructions. With a few mouse clicks you will be loaded into the Pocket Desktop's operating system. You may also load the Pocket Desktop operating system as a boot device, without having to go into the computer's operating system at all. Just connect the Pocket Desktop USB device and power on the computer. At this point, usually the F11 key will take you to boot options, where you can select the USB HDD option and then continue to the Proprietary operating system boot.The desktop will even boot a computer with a dead hard disk or no hard disk. In operation, the Pocket Desktop is the hard disk.
With over 40 applications and programs, Pocket Desktop's "military grade stealth technology" is claimed to create a safety shield between your computer and potential prying eyes. The plug in OS allows users to browse and edit personal files, retrieve emails, bank online, surf the web, play games and chat with friends, all from within its safe and secure portable read-only operating system that is accessible on nearly all platforms including: Windows, Macintosh or Linux. Consequently, the pitch is that no matter where the Pocket Desktop user goes or what computers are used, access to one's personal desktop, files and applications can be instantly accessed without leaving any traces of their identity behind.
For this launch, Cre8tive Partners, a full-service multi-channel direct response marketing ad agency specializing in direct-to-consumer exposure, lead generation marketing, drive-to-retail efforts and internet marketing, will create and execute a full roll-out integrated direct response marketing campaign for Pocket Desktop.
"We're very excited about this launch and our recent partnership with Cre8tive Partners," says Kelly Owen, Lead Designer of Pocket Desktop. "With their experience in creating and implementing ground-breaking campaigns, we are certain that the Cre8tive Partners team will provide us with the best tools and direction to make this product a success."
The launch will include brand positioning, advertising strategies, multi-channel integration, partnerships, event management, and more.
"Cre8tive Partners is excited to be working with Pocket Desktop on developing and growing their brand," says David Hayek, Partner of Cre8tivePartners. "We are confident that with increased visibility and exposure, Pocket Desktop will quickly expand and diversify in market."
4 GB Pocket Desktop with 19 Programs - 14-Day Trial $19.99*
8 GB Pocket Desktop with More Storage - $69
16 GB Pocket Desktop with The Most Storage - $99
For more information, visit:
http://www.pocketdesktops.com/
and
http://www.cre8tivepartners.com/
Seagate to Acquire Controlling Interest in LaCie
Seagate Technology plc, maker hard disk drives and storage solutions, and LaCie S.A., a long-established manufacturer of consumer storage products, have announced an exclusive agreement with the intent for Seagate to acquire a controlling interest in LaCie. Seagate has offered to purchase from Philippe Spruch, LaCie's chairman and CEO, and his affiliate, all of their shares, representing 64.5% of the outstanding shares of LaCie. Following receipt of governmental approvals and the close of this transaction, Seagate would commence an all-cash simplified tender offer (followed as the case may be by a squeeze-out procedure) to acquire the remaining outstanding shares in accordance with the General Regulation of the French Autorit des Marchs Financiers (AMF).
The transaction would combine two highly complementary product and technology portfolios, adding LaCie's line of premium branded consumer storage solutions, network-attached storage solutions and software offerings to Seagate's array of mainstream consumer storage products. The combination would accelerate Seagate's growth strategy in the expanding consumer storage market, particularly in Europe and Japan, and add strong engineering and software development capabilities, as well as relationships with several key retailers.
The transaction is expected to be neutral to Seagate's fiscal 2013 earnings per share. Following the close of the sale of his shares to Seagate, Mr. Spruch would join Seagate and lead the company's consumer storage products organization. Reporting to him would be Patrick Connolly, who currently serves as vice president and general manager of Seagate's retail group, as well as Pierre van der Elst, who currently serves as deputy general manager of LaCie. The financial terms of the new position of Mr Spruch are not determined as of today and would therefore be described subsequently, including in the tender offer documentation.
"Seagate has a strong commitment to the growing consumer storage market and bringing the most dynamic products to market. LaCie has built an exceptional consumer brand by delivering exciting and innovative high-end products for many years. This transaction would bring a highly complementary set of capabilities to Seagate, significantly expand our consumer product offerings, add a premium-branded direct-attached storage line, strengthen our network-attached storage business line and enhance our capabilities in software development," says Steve Luczo, Seagate chairman, president and CEO. "We are also excited that Philippe, who is a true visionary and leader in the consumer storage business, would join Seagate to run our consumer storage products organization."
"With the proliferation of devices and content being shared and stored today, consumer demand for high-quality branded storage solutions continues to grow," comments Philippe Spruch, LaCie's chairman and CEO. "We are excited about the potential for this combination to benefit customers and employees by creating significant scale and opening up new markets. We look forward to making the resources of a much larger company available to our customers around the world."
LaCie will initiate the information and consultation process required by its employee representative council in relation to the contemplated transaction, in accordance with French law. Upon completion of this process, Seagate and Mr. Spruch would execute a definitive share purchase agreement and finalize the purchase of the controlling interest held by Mr. Spruch and his affiliate. This share purchase transaction is expected to close in the third calendar quarter of 2012 pending completion of the relevant governmental reviews. Seagate would then commence a tender offer for the remaining outstanding shares of LaCie (followed as the case may be by a squeeze-out procedure), subject to a clearance decision from the AMF. The tender offer is expected to be completed in the third calendar quarter of 2012.
The transaction is subject to regulatory approval in the United States (antitrust filing), France (approval of foreign investments by the Ministry of Finance) and other jurisdictions (antitrust filing in Germany) and to other customary closing conditions.
For more information, visit:
http://www.seagate.com
MacPaw Releases CleanMyDrive Free Utility to Take Control Over Mounted Drives
MacPaw has released CleanMyDrive, a new tiny yet powerful Mac utility to clean up users' mounted drives, monitor their space usage and unmount them all in one click. For more information visit:
http://www.macpaw.com/cleanmydrive
CleanMyDrive's cleaning algorithms allow it to clean users removable media from annoying service files and trashed data like DS_Store, .Spotlight, and thus free up significant amount of space. Moreover, the app is able to automatically clean up drives on unmount.
CleanMyDrive will also be handy for users who often carry their MacBooks. With the Eject All feature they can unplug all mounted drives much faster and send their Mac into sleep mode and/or immediately leave the place.
Another feature of CleanMyDrive is that it allows its user to easily monitor free space on his or her removable drives, access and eject them all from the main menu. The app works with network drives too and knows how to deal with Time Machine volumes.
"We extremely love how OS X is built. But still, there are things like mounted drives handling that can be further improved. As laptop users we face such issues while working with removable media as the necessity of regular trash bin cleanup, removing unwanted and annoying service files, inability to eject all drives in one click if needed. That had made us think how the ideal experience of using mounted drives should look like, and eventually we came up with the CleanMyDrive application," says Oleksandr Kosovan, MacPaw's CEO.
CleanMyDrive requires an Intel-based Macintosh, OS X 10.7 or greater and 3 MB of hard disk space and is available for free for limited time exclusively on the Mac App Store. For complete information on CleanMyDrive visit:
http://www.macpaw.com/cleanmydrive
MacXDVD Announce the Launch of Free YouTube Downloader Software
MacXDVD Software (http://www.macxdvd.com) has announced the new release of totally free program MacX YouTube Downloader 3.0.0, that helps you download and save your favorite YouTube videos, even HD YouTube videos, to your Mac with a single click, and watch any format of YouTube video immediately with its built-in video player.
Among a huge list of YouTube video downloading tools on the market, the main claimed advantage of this program is its ability to download movies, music videos, and HD videos from YouTube site with a few clicks and watch downloaded videos stored on Mac for offline enjoyment. Moreover, this software has been placed onto the market 100% free. Any user can download it for free and enjoy unlimited functional usage.
For more information about MacX YouTube Downloader, visit: http://bit.ly/JZQ7uI
"YouTube is a great resource for online video watching, but you cant be online all the time," says Jack, CEO of MacXDVD Software, "So, we decided to answer the call by providing a free YouTube download software that anyone can use. he continued, despite the majority of YouTube videos being nut-shots, our free program is capable of downloading all YouTube videos in whatever format or resolution."
Feature Highlights in MacX YouTube Downloader 3.0.0
• Download All YouTube Video for Free:
This free YouTube downloader enable you to conveniently download, organize and manage the video downloads from YouTube to your Mac in whatever format including MP4, WebM, FLV, even YouTube HD video.
Detect the YouTube Video Automatically:
MacX YouTube Downloader automatically detects the video on YouTube opened in Safari, Chrome or Firefox with a single click. You dont need to copy and paste the URL manually.
Built-in Video player:
It enables users to watching any format of YouTube videos immediately without waiting until the entire video is downloaded.
System requirements:
• Available for Mac OS X 10.5, 10.6 or 10.7 Intel-based Mac (32-bit or 64-bit)
• A minimum of 512MB of RAM is recommended
MacX YouTube Downloader 3.0.0 is totally free for personal license.
For more information, visit:
http://www.macxdvd.com
Getting Ready for Mountain Lion - Prepare to Pounce on Apple's Newest OS
Are you ready for the Mountain Lion upgrade? Steve Sande and Erica Sadun have created a US$4.99 guide for everyone who wants to get their Mac into shape before Mountain Lion hits this Summer. Learn how to clean up and optimize your system, prepare backups, and strategize about the upgrade so your Mac is clean and primed for the new OS.
In "Getting Ready for Mountain Lion", Sande and Sadun lay out key strategies for deciding whether to upgrade or not, checking your Mac for readiness, and considering how your applications will be affected.
You'll discover how to streamline and back up your computer, create an emergency fall-back plan, and prepare for the upgrade itself. The book ends by exploring things you'll need to know about after upgrading.
Chock full of useful hints, experienced-backed know-how, and practical advice, this is the book every OS X owner needs before making the jump to Mountain Lion. Short, practical, and focused, it offers a great starting point to prepare for your upgrade.
Sand Dune Books:
http://sanddunetech.com
Getting Ready for Mountain Lion:
http://bit.ly/Kty006
Purchase on Amazon:
http://amzn.to/KimGmK
Trackback URL:
http://prmac.com/release-trackback.php?id=43127&ac=dTVcsIjs
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