Matias Debuts Keyboard with USB 2.0 Dock for iPods and Other

With projected sales of over 54 million USB flash drives this year, plus another 48 million MP3 players, USB
2.0 is fast becoming the interface of choice for high speed data transfer.
Today Matias released a product designed to offer extra convenience to users
of those devices: a hybrid keyboard and USB 2.0 dock.

Dubbed the "USB 2.0 Keyboard", it lets users plug Hi-Speed USB devices
into their PCs via a convenient port on the keyboard. It's the only
keyboard on the market to have a USB 2.0 dock.

"Mac users have been plugging USB cables into their keyboards for years,
but many newer devices require the higher speed of USB 2.0," said
Vesna Vojnic, Marketing Director for Matias. "iPods, USB flash drives,
and newer digital cameras can take forever to transfer files if you don't
have USB 2.0. Our new USB 2.0 Keyboard gives you transfer speeds up to 40
times faster than regular USB keyboards."

The USB 2.0 Keyboard is available for both PC and Mac, in US, French, UK,
and German layouts.

US models are available now. Other models will be available next month.
As a special Apple Expo promotion, Matias is offering FREE SHIPPING this
week only.

Prosoft Engineering Announces the Release of TuneTech™ for iPod

“iPods have quickly become the hottest, must have gadget. With all the songs and files, our iPods can quickly become overloaded with files. Mechanical parts wear and fatigue, your iPod begins to operate more slowly, and eventually fails. Your only defense is to carefully monitor and manage your iPod so you can be sure it is in good health and working at peak efficiency at all times – You’ve invested a lot into your iPod and music, you want to make sure your iPod will faithfully perform and your investment is well-protected,” states Greg Brewer, CEO of Prosoft Engineering. “We are dedicated to providing a feature rich, easy to use software utility that will let you take control of your iPod, and your digital life.”



TuneTech for iPod – Maintain, Manage, and Optimize Your iPod.


TuneTech for iPod is the only comprehensive software utility geared specifically toward iPod users. Recover lost or damaged music, repair corrupted data structures, backup your iPod to an exact copy, permanently delete unwanted files, or optimize the file layout of your music. You’ve invested a lot into your iPod and music, with TuneTech for iPod, you can be sure your iPod will faithfully perform and your investment will be protected.
TuneTech for iPod’s Eight Must-Have Utilities In One Package.
• Backup: Make an exact clone of your iPod for safe keeping. Use your backup as protection against data loss.

• Optimize: Increase battery life and minimize wear-and-tear. Your songs get optimized in the order that you want to hear them, minimizing hard drive access and reducing the work your iPod has to do.
• Undelete: Accidentally deleted music? Undelete quickly recovers them in perfect condition.
• Shred: Permanently delete your songs and files from your iPod. Do your part to protect against music piracy... if you sell or donate your iPod, shred your music to prevent unauthorized use.
• Duplicate: Make an exact copy of your iPod on another iPod – perfect when you are migrating your music to a newer iPod model.
• Scan: Analyze your iPod’s hard drive for media defects that can endanger your music files.
• Info: Display detailed information about your iPod’s hard drive to enable sophisticated troubleshooting.


http://www.prosofteng.com

RadTech Expands Portectorz™ Line to Include Dockable iPods and AirPort Express

RadTech™, makers of iPod and mobile computing accessories and more, today announced immediate availability of Portectorz™ for dockable iPods and Apple AirPort Express.

RadTech Portectorz provides positive protection for data, video and audio ports for all dockable iPods, AirPort Express mobile WiFi base stations, PowerBooks and iBooks. Ports stay clean, dry and positively protected from foreign objects and debris when fitted with custom-molded Portectorz. Constructed from the finest high-polymer Silicone to eliminate any tackiness, Portectorz are Uni-die molded and lightly frosted for a smooth and elegant appearance.

Portectorz are molded to exacting specifications to ensure a perfectly sealed and secure fit - sensible insurance for potentially costly component damage. Low-profile design ensures compatibility with all sleeves, bags, cases and packs. Use the entire Portectorz panel, or easily custom cut the strip to create protection for any of the ports or combinations you desire - like those you use infrequently. Portectorz provide the protection and flexibility you need to stay productive!

Portectorz pricing starts at $5.95, and are available for all dockable iPods, AirPort Express WiFi base stations, 12 and 14 inch iBooks, 12 and 15 inch PowerBooks. Portectorz for 17 inch PowerBooks are coming soon.

http://www.radtech.us

Studio 8 for Mac Available Now!

Macromedia just announced the immediate availability of Studio 8 today – the new suite for web designers, developers, video professionals and graphic artists that helps them create interactive online experiences.

MacReporter 2 Now Available

MacReporter pioneered the desktop news reading market for Mac OS X back in 2001. It allowed users to quickly get notified when new articles were published on their favorite web sites, and read those articles without having to navigate deep inside web sites. It used a very simple yet unobtrusive Dock menu based interface, and remained silent when nothing was worth mentioning so that you could go on with your daily duties.

Over the years, desktop news reading became a big phenomenon, seeing the rise of standards such as RSS and Atom. Since it debuted while those standards where still in their infancy, MacReporter had been using its own way of proceeding, allowing it to fetch news from just any site, not only the web sites that provided RSS feeds, which was pretty powerful for the time being.

A new era has now begun, and it needs a next-generation MacReporter to give you full power over the ever-increasing mass of available information. Effortlessly reading news has never been so easy and productive at once.


Main features include:
- Full support for RSS, Atom, Backslash & HTML feeds.
- All-new user interface sporting an advanced article browser.
- Smart News Feeds: Display articles matching your habits and expectations.
- Recent articles: You read about it but you can't find where it is anymore? MacReporter will show it to you.
- Articles search: Instantaneously find the articles you are looking for.
- News Feeds Search: Discover sites matching your tastes using keywords.
- Articles sharing: Let your friends or colleagues know about the latest pieces of news.
- Hot news: outline important articles to either share them or keep them at hand until you don't need them anymore.
- Highly customizable user interface to get the news you want, the way you want it.
- One-click subscription to feeds directly from your favorite web browser.
- Dock Control: Read all your news using the Dock just like you did in MacReporter 1!


MacReporter 2 is a shareware. It requires any computer running Mac OS X 10.3.9 (Panther), and is fully compatible with Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger).

More information (full description and version history, pricing details...) is available on our website at http://www.daedale.com/products/macreporter/

Apple uses iTunes to collect donations for hurricane victims

"Apple is now accepting donations on behalf of the Red Cross for victims of Hurricane Katrina through its iTunes Music Store."

O'Reilly releases 'Podcasting Hacks'

O'Reilly today announced the release of "Podcasting Hacks," by Jack Herrington.
Perfect Timming!

SendStation announces earBuddy carrying case

SendStation Systems today announced the earBuddy carrying case for white iPod earbuds, an ultra-compact case that has been designed specifically with the iPod earbuds in mind, but can hold many other earbuds as well.

New Puzzle Game for Mac Released: Dr.Germ

Game Savant announced the release of their
premiere game for Mac called, Dr.Germ, a puzzle game in which
players must match germs under a microscope in order to cure
diseases, earn science awards and become a world-famous researcher.

Canon introduces XL H1 high def pro video camera

Canon has introduced its XL H1 camcorder, a pro camcorder that can record HD video at 1080i.

Intel to invest $345 million at two US chip factories

Intel plans to invest $345 million to upgrade chip factories at two U.S. sites.

Adobe's net profit leaps 39 percent in Q3

Software giant Adobe Systems reported its net profit soared 39 percent during the third quarter.

Avid Seals $10 Million Deal With CBS

Avid Technology announced the largest single deal in its history: a broadcast deal with CBS—reportedly valued at $10 million— to install Avid end-to-end digital newsroom environments at the network's New York City headquarters and London news bureau. The massive renovation, which will replace several tape-based news production systems, will be delivered in four stages. The first stage is currently underway and the entire project is expected to be complete by December 2006. Following the installation, Avid's end-to-end digital news production solutions will be deployed at all three major network news operations in the US: ABC, NBC, and now CBS.

No sync-over-FireWire support in Apple's iPod nano

Apple's new iPod nano doesn't support FireWire connections for syncing songs, although it uses the same dock connector as previous generation iPods. The FireWire dock connector cable, however, does recharge the device, according to CNET News.com. Noting a shift away from the FireWire standard which Apple pioneered, the report says that the iPod nano displays a warning message when trying to use a FireWire dock connector cable with the device: "FireWire connections are not supported. To transfer songs connect the USB cable provided." As noted, Apple launched the original iPod with a FireWire-only interface and then added USB 2.0 support when the device became compatible with Windows-based PCs, but later only offered USB 2.0 cables with the devices. Apple then only offered a USB 2.0 connection on the iPod shuffle, Apple's entry-level MP3 player: "It's a bummer for folks like me that have an older Mac that has a FireWire port, but only a slower USB 1.1 port. To Apple's credit, the Nano's incredibly small size and good looks might just make it worth suffering through slower downloads."

Apple ships iPod nano, offers iPod mini refurbs

Users are reporting shipment confirmation of the iPod nano (from the Apple Store) as well as sporadic reports of stock at local Apple stores. Apple is still reporting similar 1-3 business day ship times on the product (and offering free laser engraving). The Apple Store also reports 1-3 business day ship times on the special 20GB Harry Potter iPod. Apple is no longer selling the iPod mini at the online Apple Store, but is offering refurbished iPods (silver, blue, and pink) for $180 (4GB) and $220 (6GB). Refurbished versions of the 1GB iPod shuffle is available for as little as $100, while the 512MB version is $80. Other special deals include the previous-generation 1.2GHz, 12-inch iBook for $800 (CD-only) or $850 (Combo/AE). The 14-inch iBook is $900 (1GHz/Combo) or $1000 (1.33GHz/Combo/AE) or $1,100 (1.33GHz/SuperDrive/AE). Users can also purchase a color-enabled 30GB iPod for only $300.

Apple files for Podcasting trademark

In what could be construed as its latest attempt to make Podcasting proprietary, Apple this month filed for a trademark on the term "iPodcast."

On Sept. 4th the iPod maker made two filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for the iPodcast trademark, both of which are awaiting the assignment of an examining attorney.

The first filing seeks a trademark on the term iPodcast, which covers hardware-related goods, namely "computers, computer peripherals, hand held computers, computer terminals, personal digital assistants, electronic organizers, electronic notepads, apparatus for recording, transmission and reproduction of sounds, images, or other data; magnetic data carriers."

A second filing requests that the iPodcast trademark cover services, including "telecommunications services; communication by computer, computer intercommunication; telex, telegram and telephone services; rental, hire and leasing of communications apparatus and of electronic mailboxes; electronic bulletin board services," etc.

Earlier this year, the RSS community chastised Apple for creating proprietary tags within the document type definition (DTD) it released to support Podcasting in iTunes 4.9. Reports suggested that move was "part of an unsupported effort to make the iTunes DTD proprietary, and a Podcast's inclusion in the iTunes catalog exclusive to Apple."

Already Apple's iTunes music store is destine to become the Internet's premier Podcast resource. It currently features over 15,000 podcasts, with approximately 1000 podcasts being added each week.

So far Apple has yet to use the term iPodcast amongst its music products.

Apple patents iPod automobile dock

AppleInsider reports on an Apple patent filing for an iPod automobile dock. The device would seemingly complete with the TuneDok sold by Belkin, using a different method for cable management.

Apple's patent (patent 20050147951), titled "Electronic device holder", is very general, referring to use for a digital music player in an automobile only as examples.

O'Reilly Releases "Commercial Photoshop Retouching: In the Studio"

The next best thing to a mentor, "Commercial Photoshop
Retouching: In the Studio" (Honiball, O'Reilly) is a collection
of real-world, straight-from-the-trenches advice on the practical
commercial applications of retouching with Adobe Photoshop.

This one-of-a-kind guide to professional photo retouching and compositing
delivers insider techniques and seasoned advice from someone who retouches
photographs for a living and has been doing so for more than 20 years.
"The examples in this book are the types of things I might be asked to do
for a client on any given day," says author Glenn Honiball.
Honiball inspires readers with his creative sensibility and offers up all
his favorite tools, skills, and carefully honed techniques for
consistently outstanding, commercial-quality retouching. Notes, sidebars,
and full-color images throughout the book illustrate Honiball's lessons
and support his incomparable technical and artistic guidance. The book
even offers advice on finding work, building a portfolio, and running a
successful retouching business--from initial concept meetings to working
smoothly with suppliers to getting the final image approved by a highly
satisfied client.


Commercial Photoshop Retouching: In the Studio
Glenn Honiball
ISBN: 0-596-00849X, 272 pages
order@oreilly.com

Zapp Tek Release iPod it 2.5

ZappTek is pleased to announce the release of iPod It version 2.5 (a free update for current users),
available for immediate download at . This release adds RSS feed support,
revamps iCal support to provide greater control over your calendars (including things like not transferring completed To Do items), improves Mail processing and a number of other enhancements. Check out for all the details.

Ecam Network Release Conference Recorder 1.0.2

are happy to announce that Conference Recorder v1.0.2 has been released.
Great add-on to iChat. For all your iChat conference recording needs.

Reviews on the Run: iTunes 5, Ultimate Pen, Stuffit Deluxe 10, Don't Click on the Blue e!

iTunes 5

Although iTunes always has been one of the best pieces of jukebox software available, Apple continues to
improve upon a great thing with version 5.0. The first major change that experienced iTunes users will notice
is the revamped interface; it still boasts the famous, elegant brushed-metal look, but it's even snazzier than
before. Integrated podcasts, iTunes's last major innovation, are still in the house, as are a few new
and notable features. Parents will appreciate the control tools that allow them to disable access to
podcasts and the Music Store, as well as prevent kids from purchasing explicit songs. And all users will
benefit from the new Smart Shuffle feature, which gives greater control over random play. Whether you're already
among the converted or have yet to try this top-notch player, iTunes 5 should find a home on any music lover's
computer.


Ultimate Pen

Here's a tool that lets you draw on the screen. With system-wide
hot keys, you'll be ready to draw, or hide your drawing,
with a single keystroke. Choose from several tools to draw
in your choice of color. With a pen tablet, the pressure
can affect the width and/or opacity of drawing.


StuffIt Deluxe 10,

This is the latest version of its innovative data compression, access, and management tool for Mac OS X. This release
includes our patent pending JPEG compression technology, allowing users to compress JPEG images and photos up to 30% with no loss in image quality. Impressive package at a fair price, Tiger Ready; Boosted with a whole bunch of new features.
It's like owning a new Stuffit Deluxe but on Steroides!

Don't Click On The Blue e!

Feed-up with Explorer ? Don't care that much about Safari ?
Addicted to Firefox......
This book by Scott Grannneman will fill you with joy!
This is the ultimate reference book on Firefox, easy to read, and price to sell.
Do the switch get the book, surf forever safe and happy!

don't click on the blue e switching to firefox
by Scott Granneman
From O'Reilly
ISBN 0-396-00939-9

NEW StuffIt Deluxe BRINGS BREAKTHROUGH JPEG IMAGE COMPRESSION TO THE MAC

New Version Includes Spotlight and Automator features, improved .Mac support, compression optimizations, and a powerful new file distribution system for Mac OS X

Allume Systems, Inc., a division of Smith Micro Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: SMSI), today released StuffIt Deluxe® 10, the latest version of its innovative data compression, access, and management tool for Mac OS X. This release includes our patent pending JPEG compression technology, allowing users to compress JPEG images and photos up to 30% with no loss in image quality. The only previous solution available for those looking to reduce the size of JPEG images was to further reduce the quality of the image. StuffIt's JPEG compression technology provides a new solution that offers smaller files without any penalty of reduced picture clarity. The product also allows users to view thumbnails for archived JPEG images without requiring them to decompress the archive.

"StuffIt's ability to compress JPEG images and photos - without reducing image quality - represents a significant innovation in the field of data compression," said Matthew Covington, Director of StuffIt Product Line. "Along with its strong encryption, superior compression, and self-healing features, JPEG compression provides another clear reason to use the StuffIt X file format."

StuffIt Deluxe also offers new features that seamlessly integrate with Mac OS X 10.4 "Tiger". The included Spotlight Importer allows Spotlight to index file names for items stored inside StuffIt, Zip, and Tar archives. When the user performs a search, Spotlight will now list all the archives on the user's computer that contain files that match the search terms. StuffIt Deluxe 10 also includes support for Tiger's new Automator scripting tool allowing users to compress and expand StuffIt, Zip, and Tar archives as part of their Automator workflows.

StuffIt Deluxe 10 includes StuffIt SEA Maker?, a new tool that provides the user with unprecedented control over how files are packaged for distribution. Users can create powerful self-extracting "packages" that allow them to control where files are expanded on their recipient's computer. Users can even add a splash screen and text dialog to their distribution.
Overview of new features and benefits:
New! JPEG Compression: Compress JPEG photos and images up to 30% without further reducing image quality.
New! Preview Thumbnails: Preview archived JPEG images within StuffIt X archives (.sitx) without having to decompress the data.
New! Spotlight Importer: StuffIt Deluxe 10 extends the reach of Apple's Spotlight search technology to include files stored in StuffIt, Zip, and Tar archives.
New! Automator Support: Use Mac OS X 10.4's Automator to create automated solutions that include the ability to compress and expand StuffIt, Zip, and Tar archives.
New! Package Files for Distribution: StuffIt SEA Maker? allows users to create self-extracting archives that open automatically on Mac OS 10.3 and 10.4. Users can specify the directory to which files in the archive will be expanded, and can also choose to generate and display a splash screen and text dialog during installation.
New! and Improved "Restore" mode: StuffIt Expander® features a new restore mode that will allow users to automatically expand the contents of an archive, created with Archive Assistant, back to the location on the hard drive from which they were backed up.

Improved Performance: The introduction of a new "Better" compression algorithm allows StuffIt to compress up to 20% faster than prior versions.
Improved .Mac Support: StuffIt Express? PE now allows users to create dropboxes that can send and retrieve files from a .Mac iDisk.

Improved Encryption: Users now have to enter a password to view the contents of an encrypted StuffIt X archive (.sitx), but unlike previous "whole archive encryption" implementations, once a password has been entered, the contents of encrypted StuffIt X archives can be changed.
Pricing, Availability and Requirements
The MSRP for StuffIt Deluxe 10 is available directly from Allume and popular retailers and catalogs and distribution partners worldwide.

Registered users of StuffIt Deluxe or StuffIt Standard® can upgrade for a low rate. The upgrade offer is good till March 31, 2006. To upgrade visit: http://www.allume.com/store/upgrades.html

Systems Requirements: StuffIt Deluxe 10 requires Mac OS 10.3 or higher. The Spotlight Importer and Automator scripting tool requires Mac OS 10.4.
To learn more about StuffIt and our product lines visit: www.stuffit.com, www.allume.com, or www.smithmicro.com