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07:06
Mac Expo Show redubbed Appule Expo

Apple has sent legal correspondence to the organizer of a London based Apple Expo warning them that use of the name Apple is a trademark infringement., reports "Macworld UK" (http://macte.ch/a5UpH).

The redubbed Appule Expo that will take place in London this October. This will be the first Mac show to run in London since 2008, notes "Macworld UK." The Mac Expo show was last run London in 2007, then renamed Creative Pro Expo in 2008 before ceasing. The Apple Expo show last ran in Paris in 2008.

The Appule Pro User Live Expo (http://www.mactechnology.co.uk/appule-16-w.asp) will take place at The Barbican in London on 11 and 12 October 2012. According to the website it is "strictly for professional Apple Computer users only".

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06:38
Analyst: 28nm chip shortages unlikely to impact next gen iPhone

In a note to clients -- as reported by "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com) -- Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster says 28nm chip shortages at Qualcomm aren'r likely to keep Apple from releasing its next gen iPhone with a "completely redesigned body style" in October.

"The bottom line is that we remain comfortable with an October iPhone 5 launch despite the reported 28nm chip shortage at Qualcomm," he told clients.

Qualcomm is widely expected to provide the baseband chip for the next-generation iPhone, notes "AppleInsider." Both the iPhone 4S and the third-generation 4G iPad make use of Qualcomm cellular chips.

Munster gives an 80% chance that iPhone sales will meet its forecast of 49 million units in the December 2012 quarter. Even if Apple was affected by shortages, the analyst thinks Apple smartphone sales would simply be shifted into the March 2013 quarter and beyond.

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05:33
Apple files for US ban on the Galaxy Tab 10.1

Apple has filed a motion for a U.S. preliminary injunction against Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1, reports "FOSS Patents" (http://macte.ch/gLFzY).

The motion is based on a ruling by the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC), which came down four days earlier and sided with Apple on the question of whether an iPad-related design patent (U.S. Patent No. D504,889) is likely valid, the article adds. Apple and Samsung have filed more than 30 lawsuits against each other across four continents.

Apple and Samsung CEOs are slated to meet on May 21 and 22 to try and settle the global, ongoing patent battle. The meetings will take place in a San Francisco courthouse, while the litigation itself is before the San Jose division of the court.

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05:27
"Jobs: Get Inspired" to use some actual locations from Jobs...

Five Star Feature Films, the company behind Ashton Kutcher's made-for-TV movie "Jobs: Get Inspired," says it will use several actual locations for filming Steve Jobs' story as head of Apple, including the original company garage, reports "CNET." For details go to http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57437566-37/steve-jobs-tv-movie-to-fil... .

That particular location is at 2066 Crist Drive in Los Altos, California and it served as the company's official headquarters before it moved into its Cupertino campus.
It saw the invention of the first Apple computer as well as the Apple II.

"Jobs: Get Inspired" is an indie film. Meanwhile, a motion picture based on Walter Issacson's best-selling "Steve Jobs" is also in the works. Aaron Sorkin, who...

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05:00
ResourceHelper is new image resource management tool for OS X

HiddenMemory has introduced ResourceHelper 1.0, its new image resource management tool for Mac OS X (10.7 and higher)

Developed specifically for developers and designers who want to create iOS software, ResourceHelper helps you ship software with all the correctly scaled image assets required. The app features image checking, batch image conversion,

To celebrate the launch, ResourceHelper 1.0.1 is offered at the introductory price of US$9.99. It's available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Developer Tools category.

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04:43
Analyst: iPhone 3GS will live on in developing markets

In a note to clients -- as reported by "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com) -- Jefferies analyst Peter Misek thinks the iPhone 3GS will stay in production even after the next gen iPhone is introduced this fall. He thinks the phone will remain on sale for under US$300 in developing markets where pre-paid smartphones are popular.

Misek tells clients that Apple has inked an agreement with "a leading distribution and logistics company" that will push the iPhone 3GS in prepaid markets around the world. He thinks Apple will reprice the iPhone 3GS, which currently costs $375 without a contract. He expects that the third-generation iPhone will be priced between $250 and $300, which would allow someone to buy it with no subsidy for around the cost of an on-contract iPhone 4S.

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04:10
Lemke Software releases GraphicConverter 8 for OS X

Lemke Software (http://www.lemkesoft.com/) has announced GraphicConverter 8, an update to its image utility for Mac OS X. It's been completely rewritten and now supports 64-bit and 32-bit Intel-based Macs.

The upgrade allows you to work with larger files and in less time. Also added is import support for EMF, EMZ, cpbitmap , FLIR raw data to context menu, interpolation of EXIF date function and more.

GraphicConverter 8 requires Mac OS X 10.6.8 or later. It's a free download for all existing 7.x customers. For new users the cost is US$38.99. GraphicConverter is available at the Mac App Store.

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03:39
Mysteryville 2 comes to the Mac App Store

Nevosoft's Mysteryville 2 for Mac OS X (10.6.6 or higher) is now available at the Mac App Store. It costs US$6.99 and is available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Games category.

Here's how the game is described: "Mysterville 2 is an original adventure game with intriguing storyline, and hours of seek-and-find fun. Return to Mysteryville in this amazing sequel, as journalist Laura Winner returns for a visit. She comes to Mysteryville on the invitation of old acquaintance Bill Witowsky, and finds as she arrives that Bill is missing and an art and jewellery auction organized by the town's new priest is about to take place.

"Could Bill's disappearance and this auction, which is totally out of character for a small town like Mysteryville, be somehow tied together? It's up to Laura to find out, with your help of course.

"Over the course of the game you'll get to interact with several of the town's inhabitants, including some new faces and some...

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03:33
Theme Inn launches line of templates for MS Office for Mac

Theme Inn (http://www.themeinn.com/) has launched a three collections of templates for MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint, as well as combining all three sets into the Bundle for MS Office.

The Templates for MS Word pack is a collection of 411 templates for creating business and personal documents with Word. Templates for MS Excel offers 50 diverse templates for Excel. The MS PowerPoint set consists of 25 designs for PowerPoint presentations.

The templates require Mac OS X 10.6.6 or higher and MS Office 2008 for Mac or later. They're US$19.99 each; the MS Office bundle costs $39.99.

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03:19
O'Reilly Media publishes 'Photoshop CS6: The Missing Manual...

O'Reilly Media has published "Photoshop CS6: The Missing Manual," an US$49.99 book by Lesa Snider.

"This edition features all new screen shots, new and updated practical techniques, as well as a new chapter on video editing," notes Snider, founder of the creative tutorial site www.GraphicReporter.com. "It's simply the most comprehensive yet conversational, Photoshop book on the market and I'm incredibly proud to have it available upon ship date of the software."

For more information about the book, including a table of contents, author bios and more go to http://shop.oreilly.com/product/0636920022718.do

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03:18
Sonivox releases new Dubstep software package

Sonivox (http://www.sonivoxmi.com) has released Dubstep Destruction Tools, a software package that includes the Wobble, Pulse, Vocalizer and Twist virtual instrument plug-ins.

Dubstep Destruction Tools comes with: Wobble, a dubstep virtual instrument; Twist, a spectral synthesizer; Vocalizer, an audio re-synthesizer for reprocessing, re-pitching, and synthesizing vocals and drums; and Pulse, "the Swiss Army Knife" of drum machines that reads any MPC, MP3, Aiff, or WAV file format, and comes complete with its own library of sounds

Dubstep Destruction Tools is now available from musical instrument retailers. It has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$599 and an estimated street price of $249.

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03:13
Deal Spotlight: Fumy for OS X

Today's special deal is Fumy for Mac OS X. It's being offered for US$8.99; the regular price is $19.99. To take advantage of this special pricing go to http://mupromo.com/deal/1859/6603 .

Fumy (previously called Smoke) is an unusual bitmap editor with tools that allow you to brush and render graphics that resemble smoke. You can create abstract background, lighting texts, art-house drawings and more.

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03:08
Crucial.com serving up dinner with 'Woz' for one lucky winner

Crucial.com, an online destination for memory upgrades, is inviting all Mac enthusiasts to enter the "Dinner with the Woz" sweepstakes for a chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet, greet and eat with Apple co-founder Steve "Woz" Wozniak.

The package that includes a trip to California’s Silicon Valley for an unforgettable meeting with one of the most influential pioneers of the technology industry. To enter the "Dinner with the Woz" sweepstakes, contestants may visit the sweepstakes page at http://www.crucial.com/mac2012 from now until June 15.

After answering a few questions about their Mac computer usage, visitors will then be entered into a random drawing for a chance to win the grand prize trip to meet and dine with Woz. In addition to one Grand Prize winner, entrants are also eligible to win a First Prize package consisting of a DRAM and SSD upgrade for their computer, as well as several runner-up prize packages that include individual SSD and...

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03:00
Mac OS X software updates for May 21

Here are the latest incremental updates for Mac OS X apps.

STA Software (http://STA-Software.com) has released version 1.2 of its SiteSaver productivity code. SiteSaver is an application that collects, organizes, saves and retrieves information from the Web and integrates it with local files and folders. Version 1.2 is a maintenance update.

SecureMac has announced MacScan 2.9.3 (http://macscan.securemac.com/), the latest version of its aanti-spyware and security software, which features tracking cookie detection and cleaning for Google’s Chrome browser. The latest version adds additional browser support for the SeaMonkey web browser, scheduler bug fixes, interface changes and the latest definitions to protect against malware affecting Mac OS X.

Red Sweater Software (...

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May 18
Apple sued for 'deceptive' practices regarding iCloud

Another day, another lawsuit. A complaint was filed this week in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California by plaintiff Danyelle Comer accusing Apple of participating in "unfair, unlawful, deceptive, and misleading practices" in promoting the simplicity and reliability of its iCloud service, reports "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com).

The lawsuit claims that Apple "misrepresented" its iCloud service in advertising it to customers. Specifically, it argues that paying MobileMe customers experienced "devastating consequences," and that Apple should have been better prepared for the transition, notes "AppleInsider."

The lawsuit blasts iCloud occasional downtime, which means users can get their e-mail and other services. It accuses Apple of indicating that iCloud and MobileMe e-mail accounts are online and operational, when in fact users are unable to send or receive...

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May 18
'iTV' could double annual household spending on Apple products

In a note to clients -- as reported by "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com) -- Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty says if were to launch a full-fledged television set (the rumored "iTV"), it could cause total average annual U.S. household spending on Apple products to double to US$888 by 2015.

She said that Apple's U.S. household spending doubled following the launch of the original iPhone, from $150 per year in 2007 to $295 in 2010. She expects that the iPad will double that spending again, to an average of $635 per household, per year by 2013.

"Given a 97% TV household penetration and a 61% broadband household penetration in the US along with an expected high price (and value) point, an Apple TV is likely to generate a similar increase in average household spend, with some help from iPad and iPhone growth," Huberty wrote.

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MacTech Blog

May 21
Streaming TV, Internet TV to see substantial growth

A new report from Juniper Research (http://www.juniperresearch.com) finds that the number of streamed mobile TV users on smartphones will increase to 240 million by 2014. This increase will be driven by a rise in smartphone penetration and a growth in the usage of internet TV and IPTV services.

Not only does this bode well for mobile devices such as the iPhone and iPad, increased use of Internet TV could also benefit the rumored "iMac TV" and the "iTV" -- assuming, of course, either really exists or will exist.

The report found that the substantial growth in streamed mobile TV users would arise from a combination of both increased smartphone penetration and, critically, an increasing usage of live and on-demand services both on TVs and computers. These catch-up and live Internet TV services are already allowing users to become their own program schedulers. Mobile allows consumers to...

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May 21
Greg's Bite: the crazy politics of solar energy

By Greg Mills (gregmills@mac.com)

May 18, 2012: the US Department of Commerce places high tariffs on imported Chinese photovoltaic cells. In one of the most stunning, counter-intuitive, anti-green, anti-free enterprise moves the Obama administration has ever made (is that saying something or what?), the US has just placed tariffs of up to 249% on imported Chinese photovoltaic cells. Cheap photocells are bad for the US market? 

Three US photocell manufacturers whined to the Department of Commerce that Chinese photovoltaic cell manufacturing is being "subsidized" by the Chinese government, which allows them to "dump" cheap photovoltaic cells on the market.  What a terrible thing: dumping cheap photocells and cheap solar panels! The choice between dumped cheap Chinese photocells that produce "free" electricity for 20 years or more vs. expensive oil (which will only go up astronomically in cost over time) makes the...

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May 18
Apple sued for 'deceptive' practices...

Another day, another lawsuit. A complaint was filed this week in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California by plaintiff Danyelle Comer accusing Apple of participating in "unfair, unlawful, deceptive, and misleading practices" in promoting the simplicity and reliability of its iCloud service, reports "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com).

The lawsuit claims that Apple "misrepresented" its iCloud service in advertising it to customers. Specifically, it argues that paying MobileMe customers experienced "devastating consequences," and that Apple should have been better prepared for the transition, notes "AppleInsider."

The lawsuit blasts iCloud occasional downtime, which means users can get their e-mail and other services. It accuses Apple of indicating that iCloud and MobileMe e-mail accounts are online and operational, when in fact users are unable to send or receive...

| Read more »
May 18
Why Apple Specialists remain so important

Apple recently reported that the Mac App Store has seen over 100 million downloads in 340 days. This makes Apple the biggest Mac software retailer. That may be bad, on one hand, for Apple Specialists, but let's face it: Specialists are needed more than ever.

When the Mac App Store opened for business, it offered 1,000 applications; now it hosts 10,000 apps. The Mac App Store is included with Mac OS X 10.7 and is available as a software update for any Mac running Mac OS X 10.6.

Basically, I like the Mac App Store; it's convenient to be able to load purchased software on a new Mac without digging out CDs and registration codes. However, some developers cringe at Apple's rigid control over the online store and the inchessandboxinginches of software titles. (A sandbox is a security mechanism for separating running programs. In Apple's case, it provides a tightly controlled set of resources for guest programs to run in. Network access, the ability to inspect the host...

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May 17
Apple working on ways to improve speakers in all its...

An Apple patent (number 20120121121) at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office shows that the company is working on a speaker having a horizontal former. In other words, the company plans to beef up the speakers in all its iOS and OS X devices.

Per the patent, the speaker includes a frame, a sound radiating surface, and a suspension that couples the sound radiating surface to the frame. A horizontal former is coupled to the radiating surface. The former extends substantially horizontally outward of a peripheral portion of the radiating surface, to a peripheral portion that is separate from the suspension. A coil is coupled to the peripheral portion of the horizontal former.

Here's Apple's background and summary of the invention: "In modern consumer electronics, audio capability is playing an increasingly larger role as improvements in digital audio signal processing and audio content delivery continue to happen. There is a range of consumer electronics devices that...

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May 17
Greg's Bite, The inevitable iOS app shakeout

As the iOS Platform matures, app categories are due to mature as users get more particular with what they download. One of those categories already in decline is the specialized news channel app.  

Most every local TV channel and newspaper has attempted to enter the fray with a specialized iOS app for accessing their content. The problem is that iOS users are becoming jaded with such narrowly focused apps.  

While this has been a bonanza for app developers, the bottom line is that browsing the Internet to check the news is good enough for most of us. The novelty of specialized single web site apps wears thin after a while. I typically access 20 to 30 news web sites a day. Do I really want to have 20 to 30 different news apps on my iPad? Launching and shutting down that many apps just to read the day's news isn't going to happen. When I moved to the new iPad I junked a bunch of apps that were just using up memory.

Since web browsers tattle on users when they...

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May 17
Businesses turn to iPads -- but not at the Mac's...

The future for the iPad in the business environment looks great. Better yet, it apparently won't be at the expense of the Mac.

Results from the latest CDW IT Monitor (http://www.cdwitmonitor.com) indicate that nearly six in 10 organizations use tablet computers. While more prevalent among medium and large-size businesses (62%), nearly half of small businesses reported tablet use (47%). A

mong government IT decision-makers, tablets were more commonly used at the state level (59%) than the federal level (48%). While the popularity of tablets has grown steadily, only 19% of IT decision-makers reported that tablets have replaced some of their organization’s personal computers. Among those not currently using tablets, 31% plan to do so in the next six months.

Nearly three-quarters of the IT decision-makers surveyed thought that the use of tablets and smartphones has led to an increase in...

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May 17
Apple eyes remote management of media devices

An Apple patent (number 2012012415) shows that Apple is working on ways to remotely configure a media device. Improved techniques for controlling operation of a portable electronic device are disclosed.

Portable electronic devices which interact with a host electronic device can have their operational settings (e.g., configurations or preferences) remotely controlled. As a result, a host electronic device can offer a more sophisticated user interface and portable electronic devices need less local user interface features because these operational settings can be remotely controlled. The remotely-controlled (i.e., host controlled) operational settings are transferred to the portable electronic devices, whereby the portable electronic devices can thereafter operate in accordance with such settings.

Here's Apple's summary of the invention: "Today, portable media devices, such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) or hand-held media players, are battery powered and...

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May 17
Apple patent involves app management interface for...

A new Apple patent (20120117504) for an user interface for application management on mobile devices has appeared at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.

It describes technologies relating to user interfaces for mobile devices. In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods that include the actions of receiving a touch input to access an application management interface on a mobile device; presenting an application management interface; receiving one or more inputs within the application management interface including an input to install a particular application; installing the selected application; and presenting the installed application.

Here's Apple's summary of the invention: "Conventional mobile devices are often dedicated to performing specific functions. For example, a mobile phone provides telephony services, a personal digital assistant (PDA) provides a way to organize addresses, contacts and notes...

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May 17
Apple looks to improve electronic back-up of...

A new Apple patent (number 20120124507) shows that Apple is working on better ways for electronic back-up of applications. Per the patent, systems and methods are provided for storing and restoring digital data. In some implementations, a method is provided.

The method includes receiving, while a current view of an application is displayed in a user interface, a first user input requesting that a history view associated with the current view of the application be displayed, retrieve data associated with the history view, determining a presentation format for the data, and displaying the history view in response to the first user input in accordance with the presentation format, the history view including data associated with at least a first visual representation of an earlier version of the current view of the application.

Here's Apple's background of the invention: "Modern graphical user interfaces allow a large number of graphical objects or items to be displayed...

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Reviews and Kool Tools

Helicon Focus Pro X64 lets you focus your images
By Steve Baczewski Ansel Adams was part of a group of San Francisco realistic landscape photographers who called themselves Group f/64. The name came from their desire to achieve maximum depth of field (DOF). However... Read more »
Surf's up with WaveCradle for the iPhone
By 'Doctor' Dave Greenbaum While many of us personalize our phones with stylish cases and decals, we leave these works of art simply lying on a desk or bedside table ignoring the balance of form and function they... Read more »
LifeProof a fine case even with some drawbacks
By William Friedenreich When it comes to offering all-around iPhone protection, nothing does it better than LifeProof's (http://www.lifeproof.com) US$79.95 case for the iPhone 4/4S is waterproof, dustproof, snowproof... Read more »
3M confidential filters bars your Mac screen from prying eyes
Because of the design of the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and iMac, these Macs haven't been able to attach mobile privacy filters to protect on-screen data -- until now. 3M -- yep, that 3M, the company that specializes in... Read more »

News Scanner

Monday May 21

10:30
Carriers accept high iPhone subsidies for now
TUAW

It's widely believed that US carriers pay a lot for the iPhone. A perfect example is Sprint which signed an estimated US$15 billion deal for the iPhone and won't make money off the handset until 2015. AllThingsD presents several compelling reasons why Sprint and other US wireless carriers are willing to accept such high subsidies for the iPhone.

First, the carriers believe the iPhone will help them attract customers and keep them for the long term. Second, the carriers won't stop selling the iPhone now because they want to capitalize on the demand for the LTE iPhone which may arrive as early this year. Third and final, each carrier signed a multiyear agreement with Apple and can't change the subsidy terms until they've rode out the contract.

...

| Read more »
10:02
The cost and construction of Apple's iPhone...
TUAW

Have you ever wondered exactly why Apple's tiny USB Power Adapter for the iPhone has such a large price tag? The diminutive cube costs US$29.00, while similar USB wall chargers are available from retailers like Monoprice for as little as $6. Ken Shirriff wondered the same thing, so he went all iFixit on one of the Apple chargers and tore it to pieces to see what's inside.

Shirriff found that there's a reason for at least part of the premium price tag, and that's the use of quality components. To quote Shirriff's conclusions,

Apple's power adapter is clearly a high-quality power supply designed to produce carefully filtered power. Apple has obviously gone to...

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09:30
The story of Apple's upside down logo
TUAW

It was perhaps one of the most baffling and frustrating design choices Apple ever made: the upside down Apple logo. For those of you who haven't been using Macs long enough to remember this, the "upside down Apple logo" refers to how PowerBooks and iBooks used to display the Apple logo "pointing" at the floor when the laptop was opened.

Former Apple employee Joe Moreno reveals the story behind the upside down logo. Apparently when Steve Jobs and company designed the PowerBooks and iBooks they discovered that if they placed the Apple logo upside down from the user's prospective when the lid was closed, the user would constantly try to open the laptop from the wrong side -- by the hinges, because from that angle the Apple logo was right-side-up.

Now, you would think that a company that prides itself on its branding would want their logo right side up so all the passersby would see it in...

| Read more »
09:22
What’s the deal with Comic Sans?
The Loop

“Comic Sans was designed because when I was working at Microsoft, I received a beta version of Microsoft Bob. It was a comic software package that had a dog called Rover at the beginning and he had a balloon with messages using Times New Roman.”

∞ Read this on The Loop

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09:11
Developers on the potential larger iPhone screen
The Loop

Erica Ogg:

But what do the developers who will have to deal with the implications of a larger screen think? I talked to a few iOS app makers, and interestingly, many of them are not convinced Apple would actually “pull an Android,” as one developer put it, and make it more complicated to design for a bunch of different screen sizes (iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4/4S and something new).

∞ Read this on The Loop

| Read more »
09:00
Leap suggests future of gesture-based computing
TUAW

When techies try to think of the future of gesture-based computing, they often discuss 2002's Minority Report, a sci-fi thriller starring Tom Cruise. In the flick, Cruise controlled a huge transparent display by moving his hands and arms like an orchestra conductor. Now San Francisco-based Leap is taking gesture control seriously, with a US$69.99 product that's expected to ship later this year.

The Leap is a small aluminum and black plastic device that looks like it fell off of an iMac. Plug the Leap into a USB port on your Mac, load special software (Leap Motion), and then wave your arm to calibrate the device. Now you have control of about 8 cubic feet of space, with each motion of your hands or fingers precisely tracked to within 1/100th of a millimeter.

Leap is looking to developers to create software to truly take advantage of the precise control provided by the...

| Read more »
08:55
If Pixar made the Avengers
The Loop
08:50
iOS developers not concerned about Apple making a...
AppleInsider

If the rumors pan out and Apple's next-generation iPhone features a larger 4-inch screen, developers say they don't think the change will be a major problem.

| Read more »
08:36
News: ITC: Motorola Smartphones Violate Microsoft...
Mac Observer

In the latest development in the ongoing global mobile device patent war, some Motorola Mobility smartphones have been found by the U.S. International Trade Commission to infringe upon a Microsoft patent and will be barred from importation to the United States. The patent at issue involves the ability to generate and schedule meeting requests directly on mobile devices.


| Read more »
08:21
Samsung exec hints cross-licensing as option in...
MacNN

Samsung is still hoping to settle in its global legal disputes with Apple, Reuters reports. The head of the company's mobile division, J.K. Shin, spoke to journalists at a Seoul airport yesterday shortly before flying to the US. "There is still a big gap in the patent war with Apple but we still have several negotiation options including cross-licensing," he said. Shin is joining Samsung CEO Choi Gee-sung to meet Apple CEO Tim Cook today for court-ordered settlement talks....

...

| Read more »
08:04
News: Foxconn Spending $210M on New Apple Production...
Mac Observer

Foxconn is planning to spend US$210 million on a new production line for Apple products this fall. The expansion is scheduled for October in the Jiangsu province in China.


| Read more »
08:00
QuickSearch PDF Reader provides powerful fast text...
TUAW

If you're someone who does a lot of work on the road, and needs to reference PDF source material, you'll find that QuickSearch PDF (US$4.99) from Olive Toast Software is the tool you didn't realize you needed. It has one job to do -- to help you find information inside large PDF files -- and it does that job well.

You type search terms into a text field, and QuickSearch PDF finds every occurrence, in every document that's been added to it. It lets you flip through each match until you find just the information you need. It's a great way of finding information for someone who wants to search, read, and get the heck on with their life.

As the name suggests, those searches are extra fast but it's the interface design that shines. QuickSearch PDF lets you tap arrows on each side of the screen to flip from one match to the next, always showing...

| Read more »
08:00
China approves Google acquisition of Motorola...
Macworld

Chinese regulatory authorities have approved Google's acquisition of Motorola Mobility, paving the way for the deal to close within the week.







...

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07:42
Animated 3D bar charts with CSS3
The Loop

The initial challenge was to create a classic semi-transparent 3D box with 6 sides. The final challenge was to create a complete 3D bar chart which we will create in this tutorial.

So much better than plain images or using JavaScript.

∞ Read this on The Loop

| Read more »
07:41
Apple, Samsung CEOs meet for talks
iLounge

Apple CEO Tim Cook and Samsung CEO Choi Gee-sung are set to meet today in San Francisco for court-ordered talks. Reuters reports that the talks will be held in the city’s Tenderloin neighborhood and will be overseen by U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph Spero. Based on comments made by a…

| Read more »
07:40
Apple looking for neighborly feedback on its UFO-...
Ars Technica

Apple's new "spaceship" campus will be entirely closed off to outsiders, so don't count on taking a leisurely stroll through the quad or stopping by a new campus store anytime soon. That's just one of several details that Apple has begun revealing to neighbors as it prepares to build the new campus, which will act primarily as a research facility in Cupertino. (It won't replace the 1 Infinite Loop headquarters—at least not yet.) The company is asking neighbors for feedback on the designs before it finalizes the plans and begins building. Apple doesn't expect to occupy the new campus for another three years.

Apple has begun mailing pamphlets to neighbors of the new campus outlining the company's plans. 9to5Mac obtained one of these brochures and posted several photos—the letter to residents outlines the boundaries of "...

| Read more »
07:29
News: Apple, Samsung CEO Patent Settlement Talks...
Mac Observer

Apple CEO Tim Cook and Samsung CEO Choi Gee-sung are set to start negotiating for a possible settlement in their company’s patent infringement lawsuit battle. The talks came as a court oder from Judge Lucy Koh and will be mediated by Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero.


| Read more »
07:15
Apple and Samsung sit down for mediation today
TUAW

Apple CEO Tim Cook and Samsung CEO Gee-Sung Choi are meeting on Monday in a San Francisco Federal court, according to a Reuters report. The meeting is mandated by the court after earlier talks, noted in the court documents, failed to produce an agreement. By bringing in the CEOs, the court hopes to put an end to further litigation by either company.

Despite the court's good intentions, these negotiations may be challenging. Apple doesn't want to back down and told Reuters that it must protect its intellectual property from blatant copying. Samsung says its wants to end the legal battle, but Samsung mobile chief JK Shin admitted the two companies have a long way to go. He told Reuters,"There is still a big gap in the patent war with Apple but we still have several negotiation options,...

| Read more »
07:12
Pantone unveils 336 new colors
The Loop

The 336 New Colors enrich the current PLUS SERIES palette, providing a more comprehensive selection. All color families are extended to include a wider variety of values, saturation and undertones – from subtle pastels and reliable mid-tones to the intensity of deep tones, vivid brights and vital, nuanced neutrals.

∞ Read this on The Loop

| Read more »
07:05
Foxconn to spend $210M on new Apple production line
MacNN

Asian manufacturer Foxconn is preparing to spend $210 million on a new Huai'an production line for Apple, according to China Daily. The plant has been announced by local officials, and is expected to consume 40,000 square meters (over 430,556 square feet), and employ 35,800 people. Predicted output is valued at 6 to 7 billion yuan, or somewhere between $949 million and $1.1 billion, with an import/export value of $55.8 million....

| Read more »
07:04
Sprint now offering $100 trade-in credit for iPhones...
PowerPage

It never hurts to offer an incentive.

In an effort to drum up subscribership and advertise its unlimited data plan for the iPhone 4S, Sprint revealed on Friday that it will begin offering a US$100 credit to any customer who trades in an iPhone from another carrier.

Per AppleInsider, the carrier said that it would be offering non-Sprint users at least US$100 for their iPhone to be used towards a new iPhone 4S if they start a line of service with a minimum two-year contract.

Sprint’s announcement comes on the heels of reports earlier this week that revealed Verizon would be pushing to...

| Read more »
07:03
Foxconn building new $210M Apple production line
iLounge

Foxconn is investing $210 million to build a new Apple production line in China, according to a new report. Citing local officials, China Daily reports that the line will be located in Huai’an city, in Jiangsu province. The office of Taiwan Affairs in Huai’an said that the plant housing…

| Read more »

Rumor Scanner

Monday May 21

07:34
Tim Cook and Samsung CEO Choi Gee-sung Meeting Today to Di...
MacRumors

Following last month's announcement that Apple and Samsung had agreed to high-level talks involving the two companies' CEOs in an attempt to resolve ongoing patent litigation, Reuters provides a preview of the session set to begin today in San Francisco. The talks, which will be mediated by a federal judge, are scheduled to take place over the next two days.

Commenting before his departure to the United States for the talks, Samsung mobile division chief JK Shin noted that while significant differences between Apple and Samsung still exist, a number of "negotiation options" remain on the table."There is still a big gap in the patent war with Apple," JK Shin said, before departing for the United States for the mediation talks. "But we...

| Read more »
07:13
Foxconn Building New $210 Million Production Line for Appl...
MacRumors

China Daily reports that Apple's manufacturing partner Foxconn continues to expand its operations in support of Apple's strong growth in product sales, investing $210 million to build a new production line for unspecified components. The new production line is said to be set to come on line in October of this year and will be located in the Chinese city of Huai'an in the eastern province of Jiangsu.The plant, covering an area of 40,000 square meters, plans to hire 35,800 employees.

The annual output value of the plant is expected to reach 6 to 7 billion yuan ($949 million to $1.1 billion), and the import and export value will be $55.8 million, the office said.Foxconn, which has come under scrutiny regarding workers rights issues and has recently been working with Apple to monitor issues and improve standards, has been aggressively expanding its facilities to support Apple's production needs...

| Read more »
05:23
Fujitsu Develops "Driview" iPhone App for Car Na...
Patently Apple

Japan's Nikkei Business Publications reported last week that Fujitsu Ten Ltd has developed a software application called "Driview" that displays video being taken by the camera of an iPhone onto the screen of two new Fujitsu car navigation systems due out this summer in Asia. The navigation systems superimpose icons on the video to navigate the driver to their destination.

...

| Read more »

Saturday May 19

13:11
Apple Reveals "Tap to Focus" Camera Feature Adva...
Patently Apple

On Thursday, US Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple that revealed that future iDevices may in fact sport an advanced version of their current iOS feature known as "Tap to Focus." According to the patent application, Apple could add an additional dedicated processor to their architecture supporting the newly advanced multi-point gesturing. The feature will add other new functionality such expanding a given area of a photo for added emphasis. For the camera buffs amongst us, I think this may be a very cool feature in a future iPhone model....

| Read more »

Friday May 18

13:11
ElcomSoft's Phone Forensics Software Offers Near Real...
MacRumors

Russian forensics firm ElcomSoft earlier this week announced that it has discovered a way to easily access iCloud backups of iOS devices, incorporating the functionality into its Elcomsoft Phone Password Breaker software. While the Apple ID and password must be known in order to access the iCloud data, once that information has been obtained the software makes it easy for investigators to download full iCloud backups and then follow incremental backups in near real-time to track a device's use without the knowledge of the user.ElcomSoft researchers analyzed the communication protocol connecting iPhone users with Apple iCloud, and were able to emulate the correct commands in order to retrieve the content of iOS users’ iCloud storage. It’s important to note that, unlike offline backups...

| Read more »
10:15
Apple in Talks to Open R&D Facility in Russia's S...
MacRumors

Russian newspaper Izvestia reports [Google translation] that the organizers behind the Skolkovo technology park near Moscow are currently in talks with a number of high-profile companies including Apple, Google, and Facebook about locating research and development facilities in the area. Skolkovo has already landed agreements with Microsoft, IBM, General Electric, Cisco, and others, with the project's backers envisioning the region becoming Russia's version of Silicon Valley bolstered by dozens of major corporations.

According to the report, Apple officials in Moscow declined to comment on the claims, but Skolkovo executive Roman Romanovsky indicated that the two sides...

| Read more »
08:21
Apple's Annual iTunes Festival in London Moves to Sep...
MacRumors

Each July since 2007, Apple has held its iTunes Festival in London, offering a month's worth of free concerts from some of the industry's top performers. Apple is now beginning to unveil this year's plans, and the most notable change for 2012 is a move to the month of September.

For the fourth consecutive year, the iTunes Festival will be held at The Roundhouse in London, with at least 60 acts performing over the 30 nights of the festival. Five acts have been announced so far: Usher (September 1), Emeli Sandé (September 5), Jack White (September 8), Norah Jones (September 10), and One Direction (September 20).

Free tickets are available through a lottery system to residents of the UK, Ireland, France, Germany and the Netherlands, and Apple will also be streaming live video of the concerts directly through iTunes on the desktop or through a dedicated mobile app. The app appears to currently be limited to customers in the...

| Read more »

Thursday May 17

17:50
Steve Jobs 'Worked Closely' on Design of Next-Ge...
MacRumors

Bloomberg reports that Steve Jobs was intimately involved in the design work for the next-generation iPhone scheduled for release later this year, reiterating claims that the device will be a substantial change from previous designs in part because of a larger display.Apple, based in Cupertino, California, has placed orders from suppliers in Asia for screens that are bigger than the 3.5- inch size now on the smartphone, said one of the people, who asked not to be identified because the plans aren’t public. Apple co-founder Steve Jobs had worked closely on the redesigned phone before his death in October, one person said. [...]

Apple has been working on the new device since before the current iPhone 4S model was introduced last October, said one person with knowledge of the project. Jobs, who had gone on medical leave from Apple starting last January, played a...

| Read more »
17:15
Screenwriter Aaron Sorkin Shares Some Thoughts About Steve...
MacRumors

Aaron Sorkin, the creative genius behind The Social Network, The West Wing, and upcoming HBO show The Newsroom was recently confirmed as the screenwriter for Sony's upcoming movie based on Walter Isaacson's biography of Steve Jobs -- though, Sorkin himself says he has a lot of work to do.

Reuters reports that Sorkin held an interview with reporters and said he was still looking for something in Jobs' life to hang the movie on.
Sorkin noted that "The Social Network" saw the Facebook story through the lens of an acrimonious lawsuit that pitted CEO Mark Zuckerberg against his Harvard friends over the creation of the social...

| Read more »
15:19
An Old Apple Patent Doesn't Lend Credence to Retina D...
Patently Apple

A report put out by Wired today states that "It looks like we’ll be getting MacBook Pros with Retina displays sooner than later — or at least that’s what we’ve gleaned from a recently published Apple patent application and comments from an industry expert regarding Apple’s supply chain." Someone is mixing things up and slapping lipstick on a pig. The patent application published today is simply a continuation of a 2007 patent and doesn't lend credence to retina-display Rumors....

| Read more »
14:18
Apple Board Member Mickey Drexler on Steve Jobs' iCar...
MacRumors

Speaking at Fast Company's Innovation Uncensored conference earlier this week, J. Crew CEO and Apple board member Mickey Drexler shared his thoughts (via Business Insider) on several topics related to Apple, including Steve Jobs' dream to build an "iCar" that would have revolutionized the automobile industry. While the idea obviously never developed very far, it is an intriguing glimpse into Jobs' interests and ambitions.

Drexler also mentioned in passing that Apple will be making a push into the living room "in the near future", fueling further interest in and speculation on an Apple television set and perhaps ultimately content deals that could remake how television content is consumed.Look at the car business – it's a tragedy in America. Who's designing the cars? They talk...

| Read more »
13:41
Verizon Clarifies Discontinuation of Grandfathered Unlimit...
MacRumors

Verizon yesterday made headlines for comments from Chief Financial Officer Fran Shammo revealing that the carrier is planning to discontinue its grandfathered unlimited data plans when the carrier rolls out new shared data plans this summer. Verizon dropped those unlimited data plans within months of introducing the iPhone early last year, but customers who had previously been on the unlimited plans have been allowed to keep them, even through handset upgrades.

Tim Cook and Verizon Wireless CEO Dan Mead introduce the Verizon iPhone in January 2011

Verizon issued a clarification to The New York Times today, noting that the loss of grandfathered unlimited plans will be limited to those customers purchasing new subsidized devices for use on the...

| Read more »
12:20
Apple Cutting Off Mac App Store Hotkey Apps as Sandboxing...
MacRumors

TUAW reports that Apple will be scaling back on systemwide "hotkey" apps, which allow users to call up other apps and functions, in the Mac App Store as of June 1, the same date the company's sandboxing requirements are scheduled to go into effect.Apparently, Apple will allow hotkey apps that are already in the Mac App Store before June to offer only bug fixes after that. New sandboxed apps and any apps that add features (i.e. non-bugfix releases) will not be allowed to support hotkeys.

TUAW has been told that Apple will be rejecting all MAS apps with hotkey functionality starting June 1, regardless of whether the new features are hotkey related or not. Basically, if you're developing one of those apps, an app that assumes you can still add hotkeys, don't bother submitting...

| Read more »
11:06
Apple's Data Centers to Be Powered by 100% Renewable...
MacRumors

Earlier today, we noted that Apple had received official approval for its 20-megawatt solar farm across the street from its data center in Maiden, North Carolina. But even more significant developments are also occurring today, with Apple posting a new page to the environmental section of its website touting that all of the company's data centers will be powered by 100% renewable energy.

At the North Carolina site, the previously-annnounced 20-megawatt solar farm is being joined by a second farm of equal size a few miles away. Combined with the 5-megawatt fuel cell facility also being built at the data center, 60% of the data center's power needs will be generated on site. The remaining 40% will be purchased through agreements with outside renewable power producers....

| Read more »
10:29
Apple Focusing on Unitary Device Designs & Processes
Patently Apple

On May 17, 2012, the US Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple revealing a new manufacturing process. The main focus of this particular invention concerns the creation of devices with a unitary housing without seams or gaps. In March of this year we learned of Apple's use of ultrasonic welding in context with fastening parts within devices such as the iPhone. Today we learn of ultrasonic welding being used in conjunction with metal foil so as to create seamless form factors. It's the kind of stuff that keeps Sir Ive giggling in his sleep....

| Read more »
09:25
Apple Receives Regulatory Approval for 20-Megawatt Solar F...
MacRumors

The North Carolina Utilities Commission today officially approved (PDF) Apple's proposal to construct a 20-megawatt solar farm across the street from its data center in Maiden, North Carolina.The Public Staff presented this matter to the Commission at its Regular Staff Conference on May 14, 2012. The Public Staff recommended that the Commission approve the application and issue a certificate of public convenience and necessity for construction of a 20 MW solar photovoltaic electric generating facility to be located at 6028 Startown Road, Maiden, North Carolina.

After careful consideration, the Commission finds good cause to approve the application and issue the attached certificate of public convenience and necessity for the proposed 20 MW solar photovoltaic electric generating facility.Previous filings with federal...

| Read more »
07:21
Apple Censoring 'Jailbreak' in U.S. iTunes Store...
MacRumors

Exploring an observation initially made by iOS hacker @planetbeing, Shoutpedia notes that Apple has mysteriously begun censoring the word "jailbreak" in the U.S. iTunes Store. While not all mentions of the word are affected, the vast majority of them across all content types are currently being censored to "j*******k".

Apple has long objected to the jailbreaking process, which opens up iOS devices for installation of apps from non-Apple approved sources and other system tweaks. But it is unclear what the company is trying to achieve with its iTunes Store censoring, which affects such content as Thin Lizzy's song and album of that name and an episode of the The Roy Rogers Show from the early 1950s.

The censoring appears to only affect the U.S. iTunes Store at the present time, but it has been in effect for over...

| Read more »
07:16
Apple Invents a Hybrid Business & Gift Card System
Patently Apple

On May 17, 2012, the US Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple that reveals a newly invented hybrid business card and gift card system. For any company principle or representative attending large events and tradeshows, Apple's unique hybrid calling card and promo gift card is something that could make exchanging cards with new contacts a little more inventive, if not interesting…

...

| Read more »
06:33
Apple Takes Possession of iPhone5.com Domain
MacRumors

Earlier this month, we noted that Apple had filed a claim with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) seeking to gain ownership of the iPhone5.com domain, which had hosted a small independent discussion forum for the past year and a half.

The Next Web now reports that the case has been terminated, indicating that the dispute has been resolved without WIPO having had to render a decision. The domain is now under the control of brand protection firm Corporation Service Company, presumably on Apple's behalf, and simply displays a blank page.

Apple's move to take possession of the iPhone5.com domain naturally fuels speculation that it will use the name for its next-generation iPhone, although that is not necessarily the case. Given the popularity of the...

| Read more »
04:50
Apple Reinvents Speakerphone System for iOS Devices
Patently Apple

On May 17, 2012, the US Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple that reveals their intention of reinventing the speakerphone system for iOS devices. Although not detailed, the fact is that the new speaker positioning could provide iOS devices with general superior sound, even when docked.

| Read more »

Wednesday May 16

22:38
Time Warner Cable and Viacom Settle Lawsuit Over iPad Tele...
MacRumors

Time Warner Cable and Viacom have settled their legal entanglements regarding Time Warner's streaming of Viacom video content on its iPad app, according to the New York Times.
The breakthrough comes as a result of a settlement between Time Warner Cable and Viacom, which owns cable channels like Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, MTV and others. For months there had been a heated dispute over whether the cable company should have access to Viacom programs through its TWCable TV app.

On Wednesday, Viacom said that the companies had agreed "to resolve their pending litigations" and that "all of Viacom’s programming will now...

| Read more »

Documentation Scanner

Monday May 21

07:30
Display colored icons in Safari Bookmark Bar
Mac OS X Hin...

An old hint from 2003 explained how to use the Character Palette to display icons instead of text in the Safari Bookmarks Bar. The addition of Emoji in 10.7 means that colored icons can be added, the only way I've seen to add color to the Safari Bookmarks Bar. Just note that on an iPad, the icon in the Bookmarks Bar of mobile Safari will be black and white, though it will show as color in the iOS pop-up bookmarks menu.



[kirkmc adds: This works as described, but unfortunately, there aren't many Emoji symbols in Lion. For example, if you wanted to have different colored icons for different bookmarks, it would be practical if there were a set of circles or squares. There is a "large red circle," but only red. Most of the icons are not really useful as visual clues to what the bookmarks are for. But they do alleviate the gray a bit.]


...

| Read more »

Sunday May 20

18:10
Setting Up Time Machine Server in Lion Server
krypted
18:08
Setting Up Time Machine Server in Lion Server
318 Tech Jou...

Friday May 18

21:14
Deploying and Managing Firefox: The Rough Guide
krypted

Another Great Article Submitted From Nick McSpadden:

After working with this for a bit, I’ve come up with a step by step installation process for Firefox 10 ESR + CCK deployment on Mac OS.

Firefox CCK Guide – Part I
Most of the information about add-ons that you’ll need is in Mike Kaply’s blog:

http://mike.kaply.com/2012/02/09/integrating-add-ons-into-firefox/

1) Install CCK Wizard in Firefox 10 ESR
2) Run and configure CCK Wizard the way you want
3) Save the CCK data into a “CCK” folder on the Desktop
4) When done, open up Desktop/CCK/xpi/install.rdf
5) Copy the contents of the key underneath underneath (should be {series of alphanumerics} – this is the Firefox app bundle ID, for reference (aka {ec8030f7-c20a-464f-9b0e-13a3a9e97384})
6) Rename “...

| Read more »
21:11
Deploying and Managing Google Chrome: The Rough Guide
krypted

The following is a post from the most excellent Nick McSpadden. It is very well written and I am proud that it is the first article published on this site using the new submissions page. Looks like it’s time to change the banner from my Notes from the Underground, er, I mean, Field, to just Notes from the Field!

Greetings!

This is a sort of follow-up to my guide on managing Firefox, this time focusing on managing Google Chrome. I’m working on current Chrome version 18 (which just today got updated to 19), and I don’t know for sure how far back this will work, but I think anything higher than v16 properly supports the MCX policies.

The good news about Google Chrome is that it supports MCX! Unlike Firefox, which requires specific and somewhat obtuse procedures for managing it (including depending upon an add-on that is independently maintained by a hard working individual), the most important parts...

| Read more »
15:00
Xsan 2 Administrator Guide v2.3: Revision to "...
Apple - All...

This document revises the "Upgrade SAN hardware and software" procedure on page 132 of the Xsan 2 Administrator Guide v2.3.

| Read more »
12:35
Xsan 2: Xsan Admin displays an authentication alert...
Apple - All...

When using Xsan Admin on a Mac that has been configured to use an HTTPS proxy, you may encounter unexpected authentication issues when connecting to Xsan systems. The following alert may appear:
"Authentication failures occurred. Not all clients were successfully authenticated."

| Read more »
12:27
Setting Up The Podcast Service In Lion Server Video
318 Tech Jou...
08:16
Users unable to SSH into Lion Server or Mac OS X...
Apple - All...

Users may be unable to access the server via SSH. After entering a password three times, the following alert message may appear:
"Permission denied (publickey,gssapi-keyex,gssapi-with-mic,keyboard-interactive)."

| Read more »
08:15
Lion Server: NetRestore or NetBoot image creation...
Apple - All...

You may not be able to create a NetRestore or NetBoot image from the "Install Mac OS X Lion" app (downloaded from the Mac App Store).

| Read more »
08:09
Automated Regression Testing Mac OS X Clients Using...
krypted

Imaging can be a complicated task. Many imaging environments have a lot of scripts, packages, base images and other aspects of automation. The more of these that you have, the more potential combinations you have for the state of a system once they’ve been run. This gets complicated when you want to make sure that each possible combination of images will have a consistent result when installed. For example, take something simple, like a property list. Each possible combination of packages, scripts images and even managed preferences might have a different impact on that poor property list.

A simple defaults command can often give administrators the ability to see what settings have been applied to a system. For simple tasks that can be programatically trapped for, this might be enough. You can argue that everything can be programatically discovered, but I would argue that is an immature way to look at such things. The example I used in the Enterprise Mac Administrator’s...

| Read more »
07:30
How to hide all .plist.lockfile files
Mac OS X Hin...

Apple has introduced an additional type of preference file in Lion, those whose names end in ".plist.lockfile". Here is a good explanation of the function of those files:
Lockfiles and other plist file subtypes in OS X Lion




Since plist.lockfiles do not contain any useful information for the user and almost double the content of and clutter the Preferences folders in /Library and ~/Library, I've been looking for a way to hide those files. With help from Yvan Koenig of MacScripter
in this topic (I'm flex20 in that forum), I wrote an AppleScript "Hide Unhide plist.lockfile.scpt," which provides a quick and easy way of hiding or unhiding all those pesky files.




You will need an admin password to run the script because some of...

| Read more »

Thursday May 17

07:30
"Portable" TextWrangler with Dropbox
Mac OS X Hin...

I love TextWrangler, and I have a Mac at work and one at home, but often do coding on both. I set up a system using Dropbox so both my preferences and my Application Support files sync so I always have my stationery files and the same settings, wherever I am.



Run the following as a shell script on each of the Macs. This will copy TextWrangler to your Dropbox folder, and create the support folder on Dropbox, then create a symlink to it in the correct location on your Macs. It will then copy the preference files to Dropbox, so when you launch the application on either Mac, you'll have the same setup.

#!/bin/bash
#+ Portable TextWrangler

#* Formatted date & time string.
FORMATTED_DATE=`/bin/date "+%Y-%m-%d%H%M%S"`

#+ ...



...

| Read more »

Wednesday May 16

07:30
Permanently Unhide Library
Mac OS X Hin...

When Apple shipped Mac OS X Lion 10.7, the “Library” folder located within every user’s home folder, which had previously been visible to users in the Finder, was made invisible. This hint shows how to make the folder visible and keep it that way forever.

As you may know, and as mentioned in this hint, the Library folder can be made visible again by running the following command in Terminal:

/usr/bin/chflags nohidden ~/Library

Apple keeps making the folder invisible again with every System update, so it gets tedious re-running the above script. You can automate this by adding a Login Item with an AppleScript "script application" containing the following code:

do shell script "/usr/bin/chflags nohidden ~/Library"

Read detailed instructions for this hint, and download a ready-made script application file on the ...



...

| Read more »
05:00
Removing A Credit Card From An AppleID
krypted

Sometimes you deploy iOS based devices with iTunes. There are a number of factors that can still force you into iTunes based deployments, such as needing the icons to appear a certain way in iOS. It’s not optimal but it happens. And sometimes you need to give an iPad or iPhone to a user leveraging an existing AppleID that will have a password known by multiple users. Again, not the right way, but there are design requirements that cause you to do it from time to time.

And if you’re using a shared account, one of the last things you want is for users to actually buy stuff with that shared account. Because you might have used that account and connected a credit card to it, it can come up from time to time that you then need to disable that card. Again, none of this is optimal, but it happens.

To remove the card, first open up iTunes.

...

| Read more »

Tuesday May 15

18:44
iOS: Error message when trying to use a custom...
Apple - All...

When activating 3G service on an iOS device using a custom Access Point Name (APN), the error message "Could not activate cellular data network: PDP authentication failure" may appear.

| Read more »
15:23
Promise VTrak: Fourth SAS-connected Expansion...
Apple - All...

This article contains a script used to configure Promise VTrak SAS-connected Expansion Chassis for Xsan. This script is used in the event that a Promise VTrak RAID Controller has already been configured for use with Xsan, and that an Expansion Chassis is being connected to the already-configured RAID Controller.

| Read more »
13:09
About the security content of QuickTime 7.7.2
Apple - All...

Learn about the security content of QuickTime 7.7.2.

| Read more »
07:31
New poll: Does your main Mac have an SSD?
Mac OS X Hin...

As SSDs become more common, and prices drop, more and more people are either buying Macs with SSDs, or installing them in their Macs. Personally, I started using an SSD with the first MacBook Air in 2008, and bought my current Mac - a Mac mini, purchased in 2011 - with an SSD. The gains in performance are huge, though the price still makes them a choice that is not for everyone.



So, what about you? Does your main Mac - the one you use most - have an SSD? Feel free to post in the comments to the poll which model, whether you bought it with the Mac or installed it yourself, or any other comments you may have about SSDs.



Vote in the poll



...

| Read more »
07:30
Two AppleScripts for unmounting, mounting local disk...
Mac OS X Hin...

These AppleScripts are related to this hint. Both can already be found in the replies to the hint topic post, but I'm resubmitting them so that they will appear together.



The first is an improved version of the original AppleScript which presents a dialog box from which a selection of local volumes to be ejected can be made. An example of its usefulness might be that it provides a reliable method for quickly ejecting a MacBook's mounted local volumes for users on the go. I've configured it as a "Run AppleScript" step for an Automator-based Mac OS X Service called "Unmounter" and assigned it the keyboard shortcut of (Command-Control-Shift-E) in System Preferences on my system.



The second is a more robust version of the AppleScript included in my first reply to the original hint topic. It attempts to automatically unmount all unmountable local volumes, and...

| Read more »

Documentation Scanner

Monday May 21

07:30
Display colored icons in Safari Bookmark Bar
Mac OS X Hin...

An old hint from 2003 explained how to use the Character Palette to display icons instead of text in the Safari Bookmarks Bar. The addition of Emoji in 10.7 means that colored icons can be added, the only way I've seen to add color to the Safari Bookmarks Bar. Just note that on an iPad, the icon in the Bookmarks Bar of mobile Safari will be black and white, though it will show as color in the iOS pop-up bookmarks menu.



[kirkmc adds: This works as described, but unfortunately, there aren't many Emoji symbols in Lion. For example, if you wanted to have different colored icons for different bookmarks, it would be practical if there were a set of circles or squares. There is a "large red circle," but only red. Most of the icons are not really useful as visual clues to what the bookmarks are for. But they do alleviate the gray a bit.]


...

| Read more »

Sunday May 20

18:10
Setting Up Time Machine Server in Lion Server
krypted
18:08
Setting Up Time Machine Server in Lion Server
318 Tech Jou...

Friday May 18

21:14
Deploying and Managing Firefox: The Rough Guide
krypted

Another Great Article Submitted From Nick McSpadden:

After working with this for a bit, I’ve come up with a step by step installation process for Firefox 10 ESR + CCK deployment on Mac OS.

Firefox CCK Guide – Part I
Most of the information about add-ons that you’ll need is in Mike Kaply’s blog:

http://mike.kaply.com/2012/02/09/integrating-add-ons-into-firefox/

1) Install CCK Wizard in Firefox 10 ESR
2) Run and configure CCK Wizard the way you want
3) Save the CCK data into a “CCK” folder on the Desktop
4) When done, open up Desktop/CCK/xpi/install.rdf
5) Copy the contents of the key underneath underneath (should be {series of alphanumerics} – this is the Firefox app bundle ID, for reference (aka {ec8030f7-c20a-464f-9b0e-13a3a9e97384})
6) Rename “...

| Read more »
21:11
Deploying and Managing Google Chrome: The Rough Guide
krypted

The following is a post from the most excellent Nick McSpadden. It is very well written and I am proud that it is the first article published on this site using the new submissions page. Looks like it’s time to change the banner from my Notes from the Underground, er, I mean, Field, to just Notes from the Field!

Greetings!

This is a sort of follow-up to my guide on managing Firefox, this time focusing on managing Google Chrome. I’m working on current Chrome version 18 (which just today got updated to 19), and I don’t know for sure how far back this will work, but I think anything higher than v16 properly supports the MCX policies.

The good news about Google Chrome is that it supports MCX! Unlike Firefox, which requires specific and somewhat obtuse procedures for managing it (including depending upon an add-on that is independently maintained by a hard working individual), the most important parts...

| Read more »
15:00
Xsan 2 Administrator Guide v2.3: Revision to "...
Apple - All...

This document revises the "Upgrade SAN hardware and software" procedure on page 132 of the Xsan 2 Administrator Guide v2.3.

| Read more »
12:35
Xsan 2: Xsan Admin displays an authentication alert...
Apple - All...

When using Xsan Admin on a Mac that has been configured to use an HTTPS proxy, you may encounter unexpected authentication issues when connecting to Xsan systems. The following alert may appear:
"Authentication failures occurred. Not all clients were successfully authenticated."

| Read more »
12:27
Setting Up The Podcast Service In Lion Server Video
318 Tech Jou...
08:16
Users unable to SSH into Lion Server or Mac OS X...
Apple - All...

Users may be unable to access the server via SSH. After entering a password three times, the following alert message may appear:
"Permission denied (publickey,gssapi-keyex,gssapi-with-mic,keyboard-interactive)."

| Read more »
08:15
Lion Server: NetRestore or NetBoot image creation...
Apple - All...

You may not be able to create a NetRestore or NetBoot image from the "Install Mac OS X Lion" app (downloaded from the Mac App Store).

| Read more »
08:09
Automated Regression Testing Mac OS X Clients Using...
krypted

Imaging can be a complicated task. Many imaging environments have a lot of scripts, packages, base images and other aspects of automation. The more of these that you have, the more potential combinations you have for the state of a system once they’ve been run. This gets complicated when you want to make sure that each possible combination of images will have a consistent result when installed. For example, take something simple, like a property list. Each possible combination of packages, scripts images and even managed preferences might have a different impact on that poor property list.

A simple defaults command can often give administrators the ability to see what settings have been applied to a system. For simple tasks that can be programatically trapped for, this might be enough. You can argue that everything can be programatically discovered, but I would argue that is an immature way to look at such things. The example I used in the Enterprise Mac Administrator’s...

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07:30
How to hide all .plist.lockfile files
Mac OS X Hin...

Apple has introduced an additional type of preference file in Lion, those whose names end in ".plist.lockfile". Here is a good explanation of the function of those files:
Lockfiles and other plist file subtypes in OS X Lion




Since plist.lockfiles do not contain any useful information for the user and almost double the content of and clutter the Preferences folders in /Library and ~/Library, I've been looking for a way to hide those files. With help from Yvan Koenig of MacScripter
in this topic (I'm flex20 in that forum), I wrote an AppleScript "Hide Unhide plist.lockfile.scpt," which provides a quick and easy way of hiding or unhiding all those pesky files.




You will need an admin password to run the script because some of...

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Thursday May 17

07:30
"Portable" TextWrangler with Dropbox
Mac OS X Hin...

I love TextWrangler, and I have a Mac at work and one at home, but often do coding on both. I set up a system using Dropbox so both my preferences and my Application Support files sync so I always have my stationery files and the same settings, wherever I am.



Run the following as a shell script on each of the Macs. This will copy TextWrangler to your Dropbox folder, and create the support folder on Dropbox, then create a symlink to it in the correct location on your Macs. It will then copy the preference files to Dropbox, so when you launch the application on either Mac, you'll have the same setup.

#!/bin/bash
#+ Portable TextWrangler

#* Formatted date & time string.
FORMATTED_DATE=`/bin/date "+%Y-%m-%d%H%M%S"`

#+ ...



...

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Wednesday May 16

07:30
Permanently Unhide Library
Mac OS X Hin...

When Apple shipped Mac OS X Lion 10.7, the “Library” folder located within every user’s home folder, which had previously been visible to users in the Finder, was made invisible. This hint shows how to make the folder visible and keep it that way forever.

As you may know, and as mentioned in this hint, the Library folder can be made visible again by running the following command in Terminal:

/usr/bin/chflags nohidden ~/Library

Apple keeps making the folder invisible again with every System update, so it gets tedious re-running the above script. You can automate this by adding a Login Item with an AppleScript "script application" containing the following code:

do shell script "/usr/bin/chflags nohidden ~/Library"

Read detailed instructions for this hint, and download a ready-made script application file on the ...



...

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05:00
Removing A Credit Card From An AppleID
krypted

Sometimes you deploy iOS based devices with iTunes. There are a number of factors that can still force you into iTunes based deployments, such as needing the icons to appear a certain way in iOS. It’s not optimal but it happens. And sometimes you need to give an iPad or iPhone to a user leveraging an existing AppleID that will have a password known by multiple users. Again, not the right way, but there are design requirements that cause you to do it from time to time.

And if you’re using a shared account, one of the last things you want is for users to actually buy stuff with that shared account. Because you might have used that account and connected a credit card to it, it can come up from time to time that you then need to disable that card. Again, none of this is optimal, but it happens.

To remove the card, first open up iTunes.

...

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Tuesday May 15

18:44
iOS: Error message when trying to use a custom...
Apple - All...

When activating 3G service on an iOS device using a custom Access Point Name (APN), the error message "Could not activate cellular data network: PDP authentication failure" may appear.

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15:23
Promise VTrak: Fourth SAS-connected Expansion...
Apple - All...

This article contains a script used to configure Promise VTrak SAS-connected Expansion Chassis for Xsan. This script is used in the event that a Promise VTrak RAID Controller has already been configured for use with Xsan, and that an Expansion Chassis is being connected to the already-configured RAID Controller.

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13:09
About the security content of QuickTime 7.7.2
Apple - All...

Learn about the security content of QuickTime 7.7.2.

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07:31
New poll: Does your main Mac have an SSD?
Mac OS X Hin...

As SSDs become more common, and prices drop, more and more people are either buying Macs with SSDs, or installing them in their Macs. Personally, I started using an SSD with the first MacBook Air in 2008, and bought my current Mac - a Mac mini, purchased in 2011 - with an SSD. The gains in performance are huge, though the price still makes them a choice that is not for everyone.



So, what about you? Does your main Mac - the one you use most - have an SSD? Feel free to post in the comments to the poll which model, whether you bought it with the Mac or installed it yourself, or any other comments you may have about SSDs.



Vote in the poll



...

| Read more »
07:30
Two AppleScripts for unmounting, mounting local disk...
Mac OS X Hin...

These AppleScripts are related to this hint. Both can already be found in the replies to the hint topic post, but I'm resubmitting them so that they will appear together.



The first is an improved version of the original AppleScript which presents a dialog box from which a selection of local volumes to be ejected can be made. An example of its usefulness might be that it provides a reliable method for quickly ejecting a MacBook's mounted local volumes for users on the go. I've configured it as a "Run AppleScript" step for an Automator-based Mac OS X Service called "Unmounter" and assigned it the keyboard shortcut of (Command-Control-Shift-E) in System Preferences on my system.



The second is a more robust version of the AppleScript included in my first reply to the original hint topic. It attempts to automatically unmount all unmountable local volumes, and...

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Technology Showcase

May 02
Satechi Divoom iBase Dock Station available for iOS...

Satechi (http://www.Satechi.net) has released the Divoom iBase Dock Station for the iPod, iPhone or iPad. The US$44.99 device combines a speaker system and docking station.

The Satechi Divoom iBase Dock Station features four full range neodymium dynamic drivers and a 20.6 ounce speaker. Additionally, it has a vertical support to ensure the iOS device is secured in place. The Satechi Divoom iBase Dock Station is also compatible with other MP3 players via the 3.5mm line-in jack.

| Read more »
Mar 29
eDirectory: You've been warned. Don't do it.

Thinking about eDirectory?
In short, in our opinion, don't do it.
You've been warned.

After several months of trying to make things work with eDirectory, we have recently given up. Our goal was simple -- to bring a directory online to serve our community. We wanted to use off the shelf software to do this.

eDirectory, on the surface, looked like a great way to go -- in the end, it was nothing but frustration, and from our point of view, if felt like a 'front' set up to essentially lead you in with just enough solution to look complete, and then nickel and dime you all the way with customizations. Since you'd be locked into the solution, you would have no choice to change ... or moving away would be painful at best.

In our opinion, unless you want a vendor that will nickel and dime you the entire way, be fairly expensive, and have horrible customer service and response time ... you should stay far far away from eDirectory.

...

| Read more »
Dec 16
Appcelerator offers '4 Steps to creating a mobile...

Appcelerator has published a white paper on "4 Steps to creating a mobile development strategy."

"Companies now have a window of opportunity to think about how mobile can transform their business as radically as the web did," says AppCelerator. "By making mobile a part of their overall digital strategy, companies can transform their relationships with their customers in even greater ways than they did with the web."

The white paper tells you how this can be accomplished. Appcelerator (http://www.appcelerator.com/) is a company that helps web developers create mobile, tablet and desktop applications.

| Read more »
Sep 19
InterMapper publishes white papers on network...

InterMapper has published four white papers on network monitoring, mapping and alerting and InterMapper. You can find them all at
http://www.intermapper.com/resources/whitepapers.aspx .

The papers look at "Top 8 reasons SMBs need to monitor their networks," "top 8 considerations for selecting SMB network monitoring software," "10 steps to streamline the deployment of network monitoring software for SMBs," and "6 ways to calculate returns from your networking monitoring investment."

InterMapper is Mac OS X compatible network monitoring software. It uses SNMP to monitor the network infrastructure, and has probes for monitoring many kinds of servers, including web, mail, LDAP, FTP, etc. More information and a free 30-day demo are available at the product Web site (...

| Read more »
Aug 11
Video tour of new Data Rescue Center headquarters...

The Data Rescue Center, a a data recovery company founded in 2009 and a division of Prosoft Engineering, recently opened a new state-of-the-art headquarters in Livermore, California. You can get a video tour of it at http://www.thedatarescuecenter.com/company_background.html .

In June of 2010, the Data Rescue Center and Prosoft Engineering finalized the purchase of a building in Livermore near the Lawrence Livermore National Lab. Work immediately began on the design and construction of the new recovery lab facility.

In late January of 2011, both The Data Rescue Center and Prosoft Engineering moved all operations to this new facility. It boasts a Class 2 UL-Listed Vault and extensive security features.

The ISO 5 / Class 100 Cleanroom exceeds all manufacturers specifications for cleanroom recovery environments, according to...

| Read more »
Mar 11
Video looks at 'Fixing Flat Color in Final Cut...

Future Media Concepts has posted a video on "Fixing Flat Color in Final Cut Pro." It teaches you how to make your colors "pop" in footage in Final Cut Pro. You can find it at
http://www.fmctraining.com/fmc.asp?w=blip_AYHdkS4C .

Future Media Concepts is a digital media training center representing the leading software manufacturers, including Adobe, Apple, Autodesk, Avid, Boris FX, Digidesign, NewTek and Softimage. Headquartered in New York City, FMC now operates 5 additional digital media training facilities located in Boston, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Orlando and Chicago.

| Read more »
Oct 04
Video showcases Zco's services

Zco Corp. (http://www.zco.com) has posted an overview video for their technology showcase. You can view it here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzE89z-jexA .

Zco can help you build custom software, as well as market it. The company developsb oth industrial strength backend applications using .NET, PHP and Java as well as apps for all major mobile platforms, including the iPad, iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, Windows Phone 7, WebOS and Symbian.

Zco can also help you promote your products and services using search engine optimization and social media optimization techniques, HD video, stunning graphics, 3D animation and video effects, press releases, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Google, Yahoo and Bing.

| Read more »
Aug 26
Video looks at digital storytelling features of...

A new online video (http://www.memoryminer.com) shows some of the best ways for using MemoryMiner, a digital storytelling application for Mac OS X. Designed an an complement the iLife suite, the software is all about capturing and exploring your life memories.

MemoryMiner allows anyone to zero in on the stories depicted in their photos by linking them to each other based on people, places and time. While photos are used as the starting point, the goal is always uncovering the backstory.

With MemoryMiner, you can directly record audio or video to capture the backstory of a photo. You can attach documents, web URL's, or other media to add depth and context. Each photo becomes a frame in a storyboard that can be browsed by periods in a person's life, where people overlap, by place, by time, or any combination.

MemoryMiner requires Mac OS X 10.5 or higher. It's Universal Binary so runs...

| Read more »
 
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Price Scanner via MacPrices.net

AppleCare on sale for up to $105 off MSRP
B&H Photo has AppleCare Protection Plans for Macs on sale for up to $105 off MSRP including free shipping and NY sales tax only: - AppleCare Mac laptops 15″ and above: $244 MSRP $349 - AppleCare... Read more
27″ iMacs on sale for up to $130 off MSRP
  Apple resellers have 27″ iMacs on sale for up to $130 off MSRP. Each model below includes free shipping – B&H charges NY sales tax only, while Adorama charges sales tax in NY and NJ only: - 27... Read more
Apple offers 16GB iPad 2s for $399
The Apple Store is continuing to offer Black and White 16GB WiFi iPad 2s for $399 including free shipping. WiFi+3G models are available for $529. Each is $100 off their original MSRP and $100 less... Read more
Retina Display MacBooks Might Not Be The Best Idea
CNET’s Dan Ackerman suggests persistent rumors that the forthcoming new generation of Apple’s MacBook Pro laptops may fit in the be careful what you wish for category. Citing his CNET colleagues Josh... Read more
Keyboard The Key To iPad Productivity
Amitae blogger Graham K. Rogers says the iPad is a bit of a mystery to him in terms of it being promoted as a full-scale tool for productivity, noting that he tends to do most of his work on a... Read more
Ashton Kutcher Steve Jobs Movie Begins Filming in...
The film chronicling the life of Apple Inc. co-founder and charismatic master of innovation Steve Jobs begins principal photography in June, and in keeping with the project’s commitment to accuracy... Read more
Fotor CameraBag for iPhone: Professional Quality C...
Everimaging has introduced Fotor – CameraBag for iPhone, their all-in-one camera and photo editing application that allows users to take high dynamic range digital photographs, apply editing and... Read more
Open-box special: 13″ 2.8GHz MacBook Pro for $266...
MacMall has open-box return 13″ 2.8GHz MacBook Pros available for $1233.84 including free shipping. That’s $266 off the price of unopened boxes. Apple’s one-year warranty and all materials remain... Read more
 

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and maintain Android Applications Develop and maintain iPhone Applications Integrate Mobile Apps (iPhone, Android) ... hands-on, mobile application software development for the iPhone and Android... Read more
iPhone Developer at Screenit (Illinois)
iPhone Developer 6 Months + Ext Chicago, IL Rate: $ 50 / Hr Job Description: Experience in iOS Design and Development Qu ... Very Good development experience/knowledge in iPhone Native Apps Extension... Read more
Domain finder Iphone/Andriod App at Elan...
I would like have a application domain finder on iPhone and android. Please let me know i you have experience with domain finder and reregistration domain on Phone and Android Desired Skills: Android... Read more

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