Apps: Today, iWisdom, Slideshow Magic...

Cygnett unveils GrooveBassball portable speakers...

Cygnett has released its latest product for iPods and other media players, the GrooveBassball portable speaker. The device integrates a rechargeable battery, claimed to last for three hours of playback time. The speaker resembles the shape of a ball, but extends when the end is twisted. The additional length is designed to improve bass response. A USB cable is included for recharging the lithium-ion cells. Any MP3 player or device with a 3.5mm jack can be connected.

China Mobile indicates progress in iPhone talks...

The negotiations between Apple and China Mobile are progressing toward an iPhone launch in the 600 million subscriber country, according to MarketWatch. Although non-disclosure agreements prohibited the carrier's chairman and chief executive, Wang Jianzhou, from providing any details or confirmation, he did speak highly of the American phone manufacturer, saying it was "very, very, successful" with the iPhone and App Store. "All I can say is that China is still interested in [bringing the] iPhone into China Mobile markets," he added.

Forum roundup: new MBP vs old MBP, AppleCare deals

Today MacNN forum goers continue a heated debate about the differences between the new MBP vs. the early 2008 model MBP due to one member stating that they believe the early 2008 model was "the best ever made". One member finds advice and assistance from others when faced with sleep issues with their 2006 MacBook Pro. A list of good places to find deals on AppleCare can be found in this thread. A discussion of the new upgrade to Azureus, Vuze version 4, can be found here. Fresh-Faced Recruit, alia, recently got their first iMac and is looking for some tips and tricks in order to make the most of their Mac experience.

Apple deals: refurb Macs, iPods and accessories

The Apple store is currently offering a generous selection refurbished items from iPods to Apple accessories. The 1GB iPod shuffle stores up to 240 songs, is priced at $39 and comes in silver, blue, green, and purple. MacBooks start as low as $999 for the 2.4GHz model with 2GB of RAM and a 160GB hard drive. Also starting at $999 is the 20-inch 2.4GHz iMac with 1GB of memory and 250GB hard drive. Two Mac models start at $1349 the MacBook Air with 1.6GHz processor and 80GB PATA hard drive; and the MacBook Pro with 2.4GHz processor, 2GB of memory and 200GB hard drive. Mac accessories include the wireless keyboard for $69, 500GB time capsule for $249, and Apple Cinema displays in three sizes: 20-inch for $499, 23-inch for $749, and 30-inch for $1,499.

Apple addresses glass trackpad issues via updates...

Apple has released a software update that is designed to fix the glass trackpad problems with the new aluminum MacBooks and MacBook Pros. Owners had reported that the device would occasionally fail to recognize the click input. After downloading the update through the Software Update feature, the computer should be connected to the AC power source before executing the program. The company has not provided any details regarding the nature of the problem, but claims that the update addresses the issue.

Apple granted dismissal of Psystar countersuit...

A countersuit filed against Apple by Psystar has been tentatively dismissed, documents show. Apple filed suit against Psystar in July, accusing the company of illegally installing Mac OS X on unauthorized hardware; Psystar retaliated with a claim of its own, arguing that Apple violates local and national antitrust regulations. In a 19-page ruling issued today however, judge William Alsup has sided with Apple, granting a dismissal of the countersuit should Psystar not improve the reasoning of its case by December 8th.

DealNN: 2GB flash drive 3 pack, free gas card, more

A variety of products from flash drives and graphics tablets to MacBooks are currently being featured at DealNN today. Buy.com is offering a three pack of Kingston Data Traveler 2GB flash drives for $16.96. MaxPerks members get a FREE $30 gas card at OfficeMax.com with the purchase of the Brother wireless InkJet all-in-one printer for $90. The Wacom Intuos3 4" x 6" graphics tablet is priced at $177 at TechForLess.com. MacConnection.com is offering the new 2.53GHz MacBook Pro for $2349 after a $150 mail in rebate. Get the refurbished 160GB Apple TV for $239 from RefurbDepot.com.

HP to launch MID-like digital photo frame? ...

HP is working on developing a digital photo frame that will be able of accessing the Internet, reading e-mail, accessing RSS feeds and other downloadable widgets and simple programs, according to a Monday report. While no detailed specifications are known at this time, the frame is believed to include an Intel Atom CPU, integrated Wi-Fi module, and a 10-inch display.

Microsoft dropping Zune prices to edge iPod...

Just two months after introducing its third-generation Zune platform, Microsoft is already dropping prices on its flash-based models to improve their competitiveness, the company's Zune marketing director Adam Sohn has confirmed in an interview on Tuesday. The company's largest cut will apply to the outgoing 4GB Zune, which drops $30 to reach $99. Zune 8GB players will drop $10 to $139, while the 16GB player is being slashed by $20 to $179. Americans will see the cuts as of Wednesday, while Canadians will see a similar effect on Friday.

TubeStick adds programming info via TubeGuide US ...

equinux has released TubeGuide US, a subscription-based TV listing service that displays digital and analog TV programming for the sake of its TubeStick Mac TV device. equinux has also added support for an independent Australian electronic program guide (EPG), IceTV. The new software allows users to access detailed information about upcoming TV shows, covering broadcast digital programming, digital unencrypted cable (Clear QAM) and analog cable TV. Information on the next few days of programming is updated automatically.

Missing Sync for WM adds Entourage 2008 support...

Following closely on the heels of the BlackBerry version, Mark/Space has unveiled The Missing Sync for Windows Mobile 4.0.4, offering users Entourage 2008 support, and more. The new version includes direct sync support for Entourage 2008, for calendars, contacts, and tasks with categories, and improved device mounting. Missing Sync can also synchronize video, music, photos, and other files, supporting iCal, Address Book, iPhoto, and iTunes.

AccountEdge 2009 adds Business Insights feature...

MYOB has released the latest version of its small business management software for the Mac, AccountEdge 2009. The update features a new Business Insights tool, integration with Marketcircle Daylite, and new options for form design. Google Maps has been integrated as well, providing directions and maps to customer, employee, or vendor locations. MYOB claims that the Network Edition offers quicker searches, faster reports, and other speed enhancements. New filters have been added for searches and reports.

Carriers seen stifling non-iPhone gaming...

Cellular carriers are effectively damaging their own business in mobile games by refusing to adopt a more iPhone-like business, a new study by Juniper Research says. Although the total value of the market is set to nearly double in the next five years from $5.4 billion to about $10 billion, game publishers producing Java titles and other typical mobile games are actively quitting their regular industry due to deals with providers that make it difficult or impossible to continue selling their usual games.

EngLits for iPhone/iPod teach classic literature...

ZappTek has released EngLits, a series of iPhone apps that provide detailed audio and text summaries of classic literature for educational purposes. The apps are written by university-level professors, and are intended to allow study of a chosen book while on the go. EngLits provide students with full story summaries, including all central characters and events.

iPhone misses Walmart date, may hit in December...

The iPhone is not yet in Walmart stores, but may ship to them in December, new accounts claim. Although sources had suggested that Walmart could carry the iPhone as soon as November 15th, that date has since passed without any indication of a near-future release. New reports indicate that the launch may have been delayed, and will instead happen towards the end of December, possibly after Christmas. Managers at Walmart stores are said to have been informed of plans, in part through a memo revealing the new timeframe. A number of low-level workers may also be aware of plans.

FontAgent Pro Server 3 adds replicated font servers...

Insider Software has released FontAgent Pro Server 3, with replicated font server technology headlining the new release. The new font server also adds advanced directory services integration, and security and performance enhancements. Insider claims that Pro Server 3 is the first and currently only option for providing redundant, replicated font servers, allowing administrators to distribute server loads using a master font server, which then replicates changes to all of the remote servers in the chain.

Dell confirms SP2309W 'higher than HD' display...

Dell's SP2309W LCD, first revealed quietly through a Canadian website listing, has now been formally launched in the US. The monitor is notable mainly for supporting resolutions up to 2048x1152, a figure beyond the 1080p maximum common to most modern displays. Dell also claims an unusually high 80,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, and a built-in two-megapixel webcam with twin microphones.

Curio 5.3 intros custom headers and footers, more...

Zengobi has posted a v5.3 update for Curio, its combination brainstorming and task management software. Several different functions fall under these catagories, including notetaking and mind-mapping. The patch for the software allows custom headers and footers during print jobs, with support for inserting dynamic variables. Users can now also convert lists into mindmaps, or run the reverse operation.

Celio preps REDFLY with iPhone-ready video in...

Expanding the REDFLY beyond its initial niche of Windows Mobile devices, Celio today launched two new versions of its notebook-style smartphone add-on. The REDFLY C8N adds a new media port and matching cable that can either serve as an extra USB port or as a composite video input for handhelds that simply need the external screen rather than the keyboard and trackpad; it can now serve as a larger 800x480 screen for an iPhone, Zune or most other portable devices for up to eight hours without plugging in. It ships with VGA output for $299, while its matching cable costs $20.

Sony outs iPod Bluetooth sport earphones, more...

Sony on Tuesday rolled out a broad-based update to its earphones with a new model in each of its key categories. The DR-BT160 headset is targeted at runners who want to eliminate cables over Bluetooth without losing a stable fit or phone support. The in-ear buds are worn with over-the-ear hooks and a behind-the-head band; while functioning as a full A2DP stereo Bluetooth device for cellphones, computers or audio devices with adapters, the headset can also take hands-free cellphone calls.

New Trojan threatens Macs with installer...

A new version of an existing Trojan poses a significant threat to Mac users, claims the Intego security firm. Based on RS.Plug.A, the RSPlug.D Trojan is said to find its way onto computers through malicious websites, namely several less scrupulous porn sites. On visiting a particular page a person will be greeted with a "Video ActiveX Object Error," stating that their browser cannot play a particular video; it then asks people to download the ActiveX object in question.

LG Incite touch smartphone hits AT&T...

AT&T today added a second full touchscreen phone in as many weeks through the LG Incite. Unlike the earlier Samsung Eternity, the Incite is a full Windows Mobile 6.1 smartphone and comes with an LG-customized front end that both encourages more use of finger input over a stylus and takes advantage of an accelerometer to provide a landscape keyboard when tilting the phone on its side.

24-inch LED Cinema Display now shipping...

Apple's new 24-inch LED Cinema Display, first announced back in October, is now available for order at the Apple Store. It is the company's first monitor with a Mini Display Port connection, and additionally hosts three USB ports plus a MagSafe power connector; both this and the Display Port link are intended to support Apple's new range of MacBooks. Thanks to LED technology, the monitor offers more light and better color accuracy than regular LCD displays.

MacBook locks iTunes movies on non-HDCP screens...

Certain movies bought through the iTunes Store appear to be taking advantage of the inherent copy protection hardware in the new MacBook lineup, a report from one Ars Technica reader. Attaching an external display without HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) encryption support, such as a projector with VGA-only input, produces a warning from some titles that the display isn't authorized to play protected movies and so refuses output.

Apple likely to refuse Flash on iPhone?...

The iPhone is unlikely to carry Flash even if its hardware technically supports it, a report claims. Although Flash is in widespread use on the Internet, running everything from animation to full applications, Wired notes that section 3.3.2 of the iPhone SDK specifically prohibits the downloading and use of interpreted code in apps, unless the APIs and interpreters are already preloaded. This by definition bars third-party plug-ins, whether from Adobe or any other developer.

Optimus AUX gets prototype, tentative price...

Art Lebedev Studio's namesake founder today noted that the company's Optimus AUX keyboard has been turned into a final prototype that hints at the production model. The 15-key OLED pad will use an anodized aluminum case and should have the same key style as the full-size Optimus Maximus. The AUX is a balance between the Maximus and the basic Mini-Three and is meant for content editors or frequent users who need a significant amount of visually customizable keys for specific tasks.

Boxee media player developers secure funding...

The makers of Boxee say theyhave secured $4 million in venture capital funding to continue development of the media player. Currently available for Mac OS X and Linux, the software was recently adapted for the Apple TV using a USB drive.The additional funding buys time for the company as it seeks partnership with major content providers, and works to license the platform for use in set-top boxes and other consumer electronics.

Kodak sues LG, Samsung over camera tech...

Kodak late Monday filed a lawsuit against LG and Samsung, accusing the two Korean companies of infringing on digital photography patents. The complaint, filed in a Western District court in Kodak's home state of New York, charges both LG and Samsung with copying Kodak techniques for capturing, compressing, previewing and storing photos and still images.

Google adds voice search to iPhone app...

Google has added voice search to its Google Mobile App for iPhone, and has integrated the accelerometers and sensors into the feature's operations. The company's blog says that Google Mobile, when raised to the user's ear, will issue a beep, signifying when they should speak the term for which they wish to search. Product manager for Google Mobile Gummi Hafsteinsson states that it speak with the iPhone's location services in order to obtain locally relevant search results.

Yahoo CEO steps down, stays on board...

A somewhat predicted conclusion to Yahoo's recent rough ride sees company co-founder Jerry Yang leaving his post as CEO after a suitable replacement is found to take Yahoo to "the next level." CNN Money reveals that chairman Roy Bostock is conducting interviews internally and externally, which will then place Yang back in his former position of "Chief Yahoo," remaining on the company's board of directors.

Patent dispute could block iPod, Blackberry imports...

Memory chip maker Spansion has taken legal action that could result in import bans that would block shipments of iPods and Blackberry handsets, according to the Wall Street Journal. The company filed a lawsuit in a Delaware federal court and submitted a complaint to the US International Trade Commission. Although the memory company is not directly attacking Apple or RIM, it has accused Samsung of violating its flash chip patents. The components in question are contained in Apple, RIM, Lenovo, Sony Ericsson, and Telefon Ericsson products.

GroupWise 8 update adds dashboard and Web 2.0 apps...

Novell has released GroupWise 8, an update to its productivity and collaboration software that adds a customizable dashboard and Web 2.0 workspaces. The new version's dashboard allows users to interact with e-mail, calendar, contacts and task lists in one location, and features Web 2.0 enabled team workspaces, blogs, RSS feeds and applications. All the features work through the dashboard, which also allows administrators easy access and control, working across all three major platforms, supporting Macs, Windows and Linux.

Maya NURBS Modeling 3rd Ed. training video launches...

Dover Studios has launched its Maya NURBS Modeling Third Edition visual effects training video. The video focuses on introducing visual effects artists to NURBS (Non-uniform rational B-spline, a mathematical model for generating and representing curves and surfaces) modeling tools when working in Autodesk's 3D modeling, animation and effects suite Maya. The third edition of the video is completely revised and updated, with new examples, detailed descriptions and over two hours of 1080P high-definition video.

LaCie releases LaCinema Rugged multimedia drive...

LaCie has announced the US release of its LaCinema Rugged multimedia storage device. The drive features HDMI output and HD upscaling, allowing content to be viewed on an HDTV. Users can load video, images, and music onto the drive via USB 2.0, and then play or view content from any television. The Rugged features aluminum shell protection, combined with internal anti-shock absorbers and an exterior rubber bumper. Users can view the content by navigating the graphic menus of the user interface.

Adobe announces several Flash Platform products...

Adobe has announced Flash Media Interactive Server 3.5, Flash Media Streaming Server 3.5, several advancements to the Flash Platform, and a public beta version of Cocomo. The server products offer several new features, including dynamic streaming, High Efficiency AAC (HE-AAC) audio support, and enhanced H.264 video. New DVR capabilities of the Interactive version allow pause-and-seek functions within live video streams. The software also enables multipoint publishing of messages into a stream, and live or on-demand delivery to Flash Lite 3.

Voice dialer for iPhone, Vocalia, adds French support...

Creaceed has released Vocalia 1.2, adding french language support to the iPhone voice recognition dialing app. The update adds both French interface localization and a French phonetizer and acoustic model. Vocalia also works 10 times as fast at phonetizing and has a vibrating alert when it is ready to talk. Users access Address Book contacts, up to 5000 supported, by speaking to the software. It recognizes the name and brings up a list of close matches, allowing the user to pick the contact from the short list and place a call.

Sente 5.7 enhances note taking support, interface...

Third Street Software has released Sente 5.7, upgrading its academic reference manager's note-taking feature with support for taking notes from PDFs and web pages. Version 5.7 features a completely rewritten interface with better usability and appearance. Amazon.com and IngentaConnect are now supported in the v5.7 browsing feature as well. The software aids users in finding, organizing reviewing and citing academic literature, and it maintains a library of PDF files of information a user has gathered for future reference.

Briefly: Sony Ericsson W760 review

The W580 has been a staple of GSM phone carriers ever since it was released simply because it does most things well (including music) at a low-enough price. Still, there were definite limitations, and the device now has a RAZR-like overabundance that signals a time for something new. The W760 promises to check off some the remaining flaws -- including the addition of 3G -- but also faces a tougher cellphone market. Sony Ericsson's ultimate challenge may be less to improve the device and more to consider the roles of the devices themselves. Read our full W760 review to see where the slider fits in.

VRAYforC4D v1.1 adds 75 features, fixes, updates core...

LAUBlab has released version 1.1 of VRAYforC4D, a major update to the Vray renderer for 3D animation suite Maxon Cinima4D. The update adds over 75 features, enhancements and fixes. It also upgrades the render core to version 1.6 (from Chaosgroup), and has optimizations most areas of the engine. The Vray engine offers accurate light and surface quality rendering, and supports user-defined values, photometric light intensities and IES light data. It also offers control to alter reality for special lighting effects.

Incase unveils Power Slider iPhone case with battery...

Incase has unveiled the Power Slider, a case for the iPhone 3G that also contains an extended battery. The case is designed to drain its own battery first, then leaves the user with a fully charged phone. The hard-shell construction protects the entire phone, while a soft-touch coating offers improved feel and grip. The 1330 mAh lithium-polymer battery is claimed to increase standby time by 330 hours, audio playback by 26 hours, and internet use by five to six hours. Talk time on the 3G network increases by five hours, while talk time on the 2G network is extended by ten hours.

SketchUp 7 adds Dynamic Compnents, LayOut 2...

Google has released the latest version of its 3D modeling software, SketchUp 7. The update includes Dynamic Components, and integration with 3D Warehouse. Sketchup Pro users, meanwhile, can take advantage of the new LayOut 2 presentation tools. Dynamic Components are programmed to react realistically to manipulation or editing, and will scale, animate or replicate accordingly. If a user extends a set of stairs for example, the program will add more stairs instead of stretching the distance of the existing set.

PGI 8.0 compiler brings OpenMP 3.0 support...

The Portland Group has released PGI 8.0, the latest version of its compiling and development suite for Mac, Linux and Windows software. The v8.0 edition introduces support for the OpenMP 3.0 multi-core programming standard, which lets coders exploit multiple cores in C or Fortran. Concurrent with this is the ability to create and debug OpenMPI apps in Linux and the Mac OS, and build and deploy multi-core apps to any "major" desktop or cluster OS.

Aspyr unveils Buggled for iPhone, game plan...

Aspyr on Monday introduced its first game for the iPhone, Buggled, a multiplayer-savvy "finger twister" where players must hold down ladybugs on a leaf. Vibrantly colored, Buggled takes players through several levels that progressively increase in difficulty by their self, or with another person using the same device, with time trial challenges and competitive features for fellow gamers. Buggled is available from the App Store for $2.

Mac sales hold to expectations, iPods in decline...

Data from the NPD Group backs up in-store checks on Mac sales, according to Piper Jaffray. The analyst group notes that October figures are up 28 percent year-over-year; this is being attributed to release of new MacBooks on October 14th, which may have satiated many Mac followers who had been waiting for an upgrade. Piper is now estimating between 2.5 and 2.7 million Macs for the whole quarter, which would represent 8 to 16 percent growth year-over-year compared to Street predictions of 13 percent, or 2.6 million computers.

Logic3 bows tube-based, rotating iPod speakers...

Britain-based accessory producer Logic3 has launched a pair of new iPod speaker docks that each are said to bring something rare to MP3 player audio. The Valve80 combines both a stereo speaker setup and a vacuum tube amp that both creates a pseudo-vintage look and reportedly adds a layer of accuracy and warmth to the sound that doesn't occur with usual audio systems. Logic3 promises 80W of total power, a 20Hz to 20kHz frequency range, and an 86dB signal-to-noise ratio.

Nikon dashes hopes of camera intro this week...

Nikon today quashed hopes of a camera press event this week. Speaking with an English company spokesman at the Foto 2008 expo, a Swedish site says the company has no plans for a November 20th announcement. Previous claims of an introduction are now thought to have been spurred on by a Danish press agency incorrectly relying on old material and then propagating the news through mainstream channels.

New features in Safari 3.2 causing crashes?...

Apple's Safari 3.2 release may be causing more problems than are solved for some users, anecdotes indicate. The browser is said to be crashing frequently in some cases, with at least some incidents being preceded by the "beachball" loading icon. It is unknown why the errors might be occurring, but it is thought that they may be connected to Apple's new anti-phishing safeguards, or alternately, the third-party PithHelmet ad-blocking extension.

Fujitsu intros two enterprise-class SAS drives...

Fujitsu on Monday announced the launch of its 2.5-inch, 10,000RPM MBD2 RC- and 15,000RPM MBE2 RC-series of 6Gbps Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) enterprise hard disk drives. Compared to the previous-generation drives, capacity is doubled thanks to Fujitsu's use of perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) technology, which also reduced power consumption to class-leading levels, according to the company. As part of the company's Green Policy Innovation program, the drives in both ranges feature halogen-free construction and are RoHS-compliant.

ExpressCard 2.0 format nears completion...

The ExpressCard 2.0 format is nearing completion, the PCMCIA trade group has announced. The existing format is a popular means of expansion on notebooks, such as Apple's MacBook Pro; the updated edition will be based on both the USB 3.0 and PCI Express 2.0 standards, and should be substantially faster, achieving two to 10 times the speeds of ExpressCard 1.x. This will make it better suited to storage functions, such as connecting flash memory or SATA II drives. Systems with ExpressCard 2.0 slots will remain compatible with v1.x peripherals.

USB 3.0 full specs promise 10X speed boost...

The USB 3.0 Promoter Group today revealed the full specifications for its namesake interface standard and so greenlit development of computer platforms and devices using the technology. The new peripheral format will now officially peak at 5Gbps, or about ten times faster than the 2.0 protocol. In actual tests, 25GB of data transfers in nearly 14 minutes over USB 2.0 but just 70 seconds over USB 3.0, significantly outpacing FireWire 800 as well as many hard drives.

Apps: Fantasktik, FmPro Migrator, PDFClerk Pro...

Sun releases final version of StarOffice 9...

After brief period of beta testing, Sun says it has released the final version of StarOffice 9, its work suite aimed directly at competing with Microsoft Office. Unlike the Microsoft software, StarOffice is open-source, being based on OpenOffice 3.0; StarOffice 9 is also the first version of Sun's program to be coded natively for the Mac, and allows users to read Microsoft's Open XML format, though not save in it.

iPhone apps: London JamCams, King's Cup, iLaugh...

LEGO Indiana Jones for Mac slated for November 28th...

The Mac edition of LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures should be released on November 28th, conversion company Feral Interactive has announced. The game is a port of a title already available for Windows and console systems, and takes players on a more sanitized and comedic trip through the first three Indy movies. A number of key setpieces are recreated, such as the boulder chase from Raiders of the Lost Ark and the Grail temple from The Last Crusade.

Livescribe Pulse Smartpen gains Mac beta...

Developer Livescribe is releasing a beta of Mac software for its Pulse Smartpen, which simultaneously records hand-written notes with sound. The company is also adding features to the Windows version of the software, allowing users to print the special micro-dot paper used by the pen. Add-on software allows Windows users to transcribe handwriting into editable text.

Taiwanese iPhone due in December...

The iPhone should launch in Taiwan sometime next month, carrier Chunghwa Telecom has announced. The company says it should be the phone's exclusive carrier on the island for the foreseeable future, and has set a rough timeframe of December 2008. No subscription plans have been announced, nor has Chunghwa provided an estimate of phone prices. The carrier will however have to compete with gray-market phones from New Zealand, Hong Kong and even the US, which have been selling for the equivalent of $667 or more.

RIM prepping LTE-based 4G BlackBerry?...

Research in Motion hopes to avoid its earlier mistakes in wireless technology by leaping on 4G when it becomes available, according to a tip given to BGR. The Canadian BlackBerry designer is said to have created a team specifically to build a smartphone with much faster cellular Internet access using the Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard, which tops 100Mbps and should be used by most major North American carriers.

iPhone, Mac sales expected to survive Dec. quarter...