Will The Beatles be on iTunes ?

Rumors are flying that Apple may have secured the first direct-download rights to the Beatles' music catalog, and that Apple Corps. will launch the music on Valentine's day via the iTunes Music Store with three months of exclusive access iTunes-only access.

Apple TV Specs?

AppleInsider claims to have nailed down the specs of the recently-announced Apple TV. Along with previously known specifications, the Apple TV is said to include the following hardware assortment:

- 1 GHz Pentium M, 2 MB L2 Cache

Further more we have been following a open exchange of ideas on a "board" as to weather the new Apple TV will be running Quick Time, so far the answer is NO !

Apple Q1 2007 Financial Results Webcast

Apple will be broadcasting their Q1 2007 Financial Results on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 at 2pm PST (5pm EST). Apple's 1Q 2007 ran from October to December 2006, and there are some indications that Apple's iPod and MacBook products did extremely well....

The Apple iPhone: One More Thing...

Where are the games...?
Maybe it's because rumours wnats that the V. of OSX that will run the iPhone is under 500 Mb
It clearly a case of Wait and See!

Early Office 2008 Screenshot Gallery Posted

The folks over at The Unofficial Apple Weblog have posted a quick gallery of screenshots for Microsoft's upcoming Office 2008 programs. The gallery features images of the new look, updated core art graphics and shows improvements in Excel as well.

Gaming News

Blizzard Entertainment released Tuesday the long-awaited Burning Crusade expansion for World of Warcraft, the company's amazingly successful MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game). The expansion officially hit stores shelves Tuesday morning, with many retail stores holding midnight sales for those who couldn't wait. Add a few more days if you are in Canada...

Freeverse today announced that it is making the hit game, Wingnuts: Temporal Navigator a free download for the Mac community. See how the Wingnuts saga began and witness the first appearance of the diabolical, (and slightly off-kilter) Baron Von Schtopwatch in this Mac arcade classic. With over 30 levels of action, Wingnuts will provide hours of free fun for all Mac gamers. Ian Lynch Smith, President of Freeverse said, "The original Wingnuts is a great game, and we're very pleased to be giving it away to Mac users everywhere. We've had a great year, and we just want to say a big thanks for all the support we've gotten from the Mac community". A trailer for Wingnuts can be viewed here: www.apple.com/games/trailers/wingnuts/
The game can be downloaded from the Wingnuts 2: Raina's Revenge page here: www.freeverse.com/wn2/

Also from Freeverse an update to Lineform, the drawing and illustration program for Mac OS X. A Universal application, Lineform is designed for artists looking for a more manageable and less costly modern alternative to Adobe Illustrator. Lineform is the recipient of a 2006 Apple Design Award.

And finnaly and still from Freeverse, announcement that Paul Davidson of Japan, has won the $1,000 grand prize in the Lineform Art Contest. The contest, to create the best work of art using only the Lineform Mac drawing application was first announced on November 14th. The grand prize winning entry as well as the runner's up can be viewed here:
http://www.freeverse.com/lineform/contest/

Lineform is a light, intuitive, and lightning-fast Universal vector drawing program. It is a professional tool that rivals the power of Adobe Illustrator at a fraction of the weight, learning-curve and expense.

More information on Lineform and links to download the trial version may be found at:
http://www.freeverse.com/lineform/

Adobe Illustrator CS3 shaping up to be most significant release in years

Yes it's all true Adobe will release it's new flag ship application Illustrator CS3 very soon, stay tuned for more....

Apple to release iWork '07

Apple's launch of iWork '07 next week is expected to be touted as one of the company's more significant product launches of the year, most notably due to the addition of a new spreadsheet application.

Microsoft Office get up date

Microsoft last week released Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac 11.3.3. The update improves security throughout the suite; improves compatibility with Rich Text Format (RTF) documents created with Office Word 2003 for Windows; corrects calculation of standard deviation in PivotTable reports within Excel 2004; fixes an issue in Entourage 2004 that caused events after 11-Mar-07 to be displayed.

Bare Bones release multiple up dates

Bare Bones Software released updates to three of its applications. The company's flagship text editor BBEdit 8.6 improves Java and TeX handling, and adds support for the Markdown structured text format (which we use to produce TidBITS), including text coloring, folding of document structural elements, and previewing the results within BBEdit. Great Stuff!

iPhone is so great; Yes but.....

Yeah we where amoung the many that went "ho the iPhone is so great " when presented by Steve Jobs, now that the dust has settle here is a few pluses and minus about the proverbial product:

Pluse
- Ahead of it's time
- Slick design make it to look nothing like a phone
- Running OSX
- Sensors, sensors, sensors
- The after market will soar with cases and accessories
- Every major will publish a book e. i. iPhone the missing manual
- WiFi BlueTooth
- 4:3, 16:9 Ratio

Minus
- Not a Word about it's Canadian entry
- Looks nothing like a phone: we wonder how it's gonna feel on a long conversation
- The batteries; 5 hours ? Here we go again....
- Will it become as complicated as the iPod when the batteries die to get it service?
- And at what cost?
- Sensors are notorious to get out of wack if bumped or drop.....
- If the basic model is $499 USD imagine how it will translate in CDN Dollars.....
- It also means that when the batteries are dead you will loose access to everything; cell phone, Music etc.
- If you loose it or it gets stolen it also means you loose everything...
- Can you let's say lock the unit like a cell phone or a iPod.....

Autodesk Releases Maya 8.5

Universal Binary update adds Python scripting, Nucleus module
by Dave Nagel Autodesk today releases Maya 8.5, the long-awaited Universal Binary update to the high-end 3D suite. The new version also adds in some workflow, performance, scripting and creative enhancements. It ships today, with a Personal Learning Edition set to follow in the spring.

TUNEWEAR announces "PRIE TUNEWALLET micro"

PRIE TUNEWALLET micro is a smart and stylish leather carrying case
designed to keep your iPod nano together with the cash and cards you
need for an active life. As with all TUNEWEAR cases, this case has
high-quality stitching and the soft nappa leather will become even
softer with age. It matches both casual and formal styles. PRIE
TUNEWALLET micro is designed for use with both iPod nano 1G and 2G.

The card pocket inside can fit approximately 15-20 business cards.
Alternatively, this space could also be used for holding credit
cards, membership cards or cash. The case folds back for easy access
to the pocket. The shape of the case allows you to wrap your earphone
cables around it for easy storage when not in use. KeepTUNEWALLET
micro in your bag or put it on your desk and the next time you are
ready to listen your earphone cables will be tangle-free.

With your iPod nano tucked away inside of TUNEWALLET micro, you still
retain complete control of all click wheel functions. Likewise, the
iPod nano screen is unobstructed. For added protection against small
scratches and dirt, TUNEFILM screen and click wheel transparent
protective film protection is included.

An eyelet hole on the side of the case gives you the option of using
a wallet chain to attach your case to a belt loop on your pants.
(chain not included)

PRIE TUNEWALLET micro is available in 4 color models: B/R (black
leather/red stitch), B/W (black leather/white stitch), W/W (white
leather/white stitch), and Sienna (caramel brown leather/golden
yellow stitch).

PRIE TUNEWALLET micro
http://www.tunewear.com/english/product/tunewallet_micro/

TUNEWEAR announces "PRIE TUNEWALLET micro"

PRIE TUNEWALLET micro is a smart and stylish leather carrying case
designed to keep your iPod nano together with the cash and cards you
need for an active life. As with all TUNEWEAR cases, this case has
high-quality stitching and the soft nappa leather will become even
softer with age. It matches both casual and formal styles. PRIE
TUNEWALLET micro is designed for use with both iPod nano 1G and 2G.

The card pocket inside can fit approximately 15-20 business cards.
Alternatively, this space could also be used for holding credit
cards, membership cards or cash. The case folds back for easy access
to the pocket. The shape of the case allows you to wrap your earphone
cables around it for easy storage when not in use. KeepTUNEWALLET
micro in your bag or put it on your desk and the next time you are
ready to listen your earphone cables will be tangle-free.

With your iPod nano tucked away inside of TUNEWALLET micro, you still
retain complete control of all click wheel functions. Likewise, the
iPod nano screen is unobstructed. For added protection against small
scratches and dirt, TUNEFILM screen and click wheel transparent
protective film protection is included.

An eyelet hole on the side of the case gives you the option of using
a wallet chain to attach your case to a belt loop on your pants.
(chain not included)

PRIE TUNEWALLET micro is available in 4 color models: B/R (black
leather/red stitch), B/W (black leather/white stitch), W/W (white
leather/white stitch), and Sienna (caramel brown leather/golden
yellow stitch).

PRIE TUNEWALLET micro
http://www.tunewear.com/english/product/tunewallet_micro/

TUNEWAVE FM TUNEWEAR announces the "TUNEWAVE FM"

TUNEWEAR(tm) announces the "TUNEWAVE FM" complete FM transmitter set
for the iPod series for use in the car, outdoors and at home.
TUNEWAVE FM will be available in February 2007

TUNEWAVE FM is the complete FM transmitter set for the iPod. Included
are a FM transmitter, 12V car charger adapter and USB charging and
syncing cable.

The high quality FM transmitter lets you play an iPod wirelessly on
a car stereo, home stereo or outdoor portable radio. It's easy to
use. Just plug the FM transmitter into the dock connector on your
iPod and tune it to an FM radio frequency. Use the dial on the side
of the TUNEWAVE FM transmitter to fine-tune to the nearest 0.1 MHz
frequency (between 88.1 to 107.9 MHz). The blue LED backlight makes
it easy to see when using at night or in dark places.

The 12V car charger adapter with USB cable allows for charging the
iPod from a 12V cigarette lighter socket. Charging the iPod and
listening to music at the same time means that you can enjoy the
iPod on a long drive and keep the battery fully charged when you
reach your destination. Inside the car charger is a safety fuse for
protecting your iPod against power surges.

With the USB cable you can also connect the iPod to a computer
without removing the TUNEWAVE FM transmitter. Use the USB cable to
charge the iPod and sync it with your computer.

TUNEWAVE FM connects via the iPod dock connector and is compatible
for use with iPod 5G, iPod nano (1G and 2G), iPod 4G, iPod color
display, iPod photo, iPod mini and iPod 3G*.

*Note that the FM transmitter is compatible with iPod 3G models but
the 12V car charger adapter and USB cable are not compatible for
charging iPod 3G.

TUNEWAVE FM
http://www.tunewear.com/english/product/tunewave_fm/

MyTVpal.com officially launches broadband video on demand service for TV

MyTVPal.com is ready to launch a new video on demand service for TV starting with “North America’s Best Independent
Animated Shorts”. The 84 minute animated short compilation feature film will be made available free for a limited time via user paid targeted advertising has started on January 1st.

MyTVPAL.com delivers DVD and HD quality streaming movies instantly on demand via a high definition IMX 1020 HD set top box directly to a television set. No downloading or PC is required in this process.

Unlike most movie download service providers that only offer sub- DVD quality picture and sound not compatible with most home theater receivers, MyTVPal.com will provide full DVD 720X480 resolution for standard definition video with AC3 sound – thus delivering the DVD home theater experience over the Internet. This service is currently being made available in North America to anyone with a broadband connection.

MyTVPAL.com is now also making available 100 movie trailers prior to the release of its movie subscription package offering
coming in January 2007. Titles include Born To Win staring Robert De Niro, If Tomorrow Comes starring James Franco, Wake
starring Martin Landau and Gale Harold, and classic thrillers like Night of the Living Dead, and Corrupt Lieutenant staring Harvey Keitel. These films along with many other titles can be viewed for a low monthly subscription fee.

MyTVPal.com is aiming to be the largest video service provider in North America with a goal of obtaining up to 100,000 DVD quality and High Definition video titles and producing a channel line-up that will range from 700 to 1000 plus channels. This will include sports, news, music, entertainment, film, and other programming genres from around the world. On the backend, MyTVPal.com is planning to scale service to millions of users by using MatrixStream’s patent pending xms video on demand technology in 34 data centers across the US connected via a fiber network. Those interested in taking a test run may download a free PC Player at www.mytvpal.com.
For more information please visit www.matrixstream.com.

Safari Tricks

We all love Safari that is a given but how about a few modifier keys to help you love it even more....
Here we go:
-To force a Bookmarks entry into a new window (or tab), hold down the Command key prior to selecting the Bookmarks menu. The Command key need only be held down while you click the Bookmarks menu; once the menu is onscreen, you can release the Command key. Now when you select a bookmarked site from the menu, it will open in a new foreground window (or tab). To force it to open in the background instead, hold down Shift and Command prior to clicking on the Bookmarks menu.

Now you hae even more reasons to love Safari

Sonnet release new line of products

Sonnet Technologie release a whole new line of products. Highlight include, Tempo™ SATA E2P Serial ATA Host Adapter;
2-Port PCI Express Card Supports Up to 10 Drives, FireWire and USB Adapter Cards for PCI Express, and Fusion™ R400Q Rack Mount SATA Drive Enclosure; 4-Bay, 1U Enclosure Features Quad Interface and SATA Port Multiplier.
Find all the info. at : www.sonnettech.com

Sonnet Tempo E4P gets 4 AMUGs out of 5!

The Sonnet Tempo E4P provides a cool running, energy efficient, high performance SATA PM host adapter that passes SMART data to Mac OS X so that users can monitor hard drive temperatures and check the SMART status of their hard drives. No other 4-port SATA PM host adapter for the Apple Mac Pro currently provides all of these features. The capability of the Sonnet Tempo E4P to connect up to four SATA PM enclosures and to utilize multiple E4P cards to expand storage performance even further makes it a clear winner for Mac Pro upgrades. Mac Pro users that are looking for a hard working SATA PM host adapter that works well with individual SATA hard drives or large striped RAID sets will find the Sonnet Tempo E4P is an excellent choice.

Find out more at: http://www.amug.org/amug-web/html/amug/reviews/articles/sonnet/mac-pro/

RadTech announces improved ScreenSavrz® for Notebooks in vibrant new colors

RadTech™, makers of iPod® and mobile computing accessories and more, today announces a significantly improved fabric composition for its industry-leading ScreenSavrz for Notebooks line of portable computer LCD display protection, cleaning and restoration solutions - now available in six vibrant new hues. These products are a must for all Lap Top owners, they are functional and great looking plus they are price to sell. See them at:
http://www.radtech.us/Products/NotebookScreenSavrz.aspx

Econ Up-date it's line of products

Econ as just release up-date to it's fine line of products.
chronoSync, Imagecaster Daychasser and Portraits & Prints all get the Universal Binary treatments.

They are all available at : http://www.econtechnologies.com

Do yourself a favor and discover Econ fine line of products.