MacBook, PowerBook, iBook, and other portable computing is covered
in The 'Book Review. iPod, iPhone,
and Apple TV news is covered in The iOS News
Review.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News & Opinion
Apple Updates
Products & Services
Software
News & Opinion
Apple Continues to Lead in Customer
Satisfaction
PR: Apple continues to lead Dell and HP in customer
satisfaction with phone-based technical support, but HP made marked
improvements since 2008, according to the latest study conducted by
Vocal Laboratories Inc. (Vocalabs). In 1,157 telephone interviews
immediately following a support call in 2009, 64% of Apple customers
were Very Satisfied with the experience, as compared to 45% of Dell
customers and 47% of HP customers.
Compared with 2008, HP customers in 2009 found it easier to
reach an agent, experienced fewer problems with the automated portion
of the call, and felt like they were made to go through fewer
irrelevant or repetitive steps. These changes led to a 9 percentage
point year over year improvement in customer satisfaction with the
agent at HP, and a whopping 17 percentage point improvement in customer
satisfaction with the automated portion of the call. HP nearly tied
Apple in this metric, with 39% of HP customers reporting they were Very
Satisfied with the automated portion of the call, compared to 42% of
Apple customers.
Rising customer satisfaction at HP demonstrates the connection
between the service customers receive and their overall satisfaction
with the company, said Peter Leppik, CEO of Vocalabs. When things go
wrong, customers need to be confident that they will receive effective,
friendly, and prompt assistance. With complex consumer electronics,
this is as much a part of the product as the design and packaging.
The National Customer Service Survey (NCSS) compares the customer
service quality for different companies in the same industry, using
survey data and call statistics from the companies' customers. Current
research covers computer technical support and mobile phone customer
service. The NCSS is underwritten and conducted by Vocalabs
independently of any of the companies covered. Results discussed here
are based on 1,859 interviews conducted in 2008 and 2009.
Methodology
Consumers participated in the survey by calling an alternate
toll-free phone number to reach a company's technical support.
Immediately after the end of the call, selected consumers are called by
a Vocalabs interviewer and complete a survey about the support
experience.
Vocal Laboratories Inc. (Vocalabs) helps leading brands improve
customer service by collecting timely, actionable feedback about
customer service quality. We interview customers immediately after a
customer service call, retail store visit or IVR interaction while the
memory of the experience is still fresh. Using our powerful hosted
survey and reporting platform, clients discover and share insights to
improve business decisions. Vocalabs award-winning services include
live-agent surveys and usability testing for speech and IVR
systems.
Link: Apple
Continues to Lead in Customer Satisfaction
Apple Says 27" iMac Screen Problems 'Resolved'
The Telegraph reports that Apple says a firmware update for its
27" iMac should resolve issues
such as screen flicker. An unspecified number of users have reported
problems with the screen of their 27" iMacs, including cracked and
flickering displays as well as screens that appeared to have a yellow
tint.
Link:
Apple Says 27in iMac Screen Problems 'Resolved'
Apple Paying Out 15% on Defective 27" iMacs
Gizmodo reports:
"Still think that widespread iMac problems don't exist? After we
reported Apple giving UK customers 15% refund bonuses with 27-inch iMac
returns, we've heard from quite a few readers that Apple is doing the
same thing in the US . . . So on a $2000 machine, we're
talking about a $300 apology straight from Apple customer
support...."
Link:
Apple Paying Out 15% on Broken 27-Inch iMacs
Apple Updates
Apple 2009 Aluminum Keyboard Firmware Update
1.0
Apple's 2009 Aluminum Keyboard Firmware Update 1.0 improves battery
performance of the 2009 Aluminum Apple Wireless Keyboard when used in
combination with other Bluetooth devices (example. Magic Mouse,
Bluetooth headsets).
Your 2009 Aluminum Apple Wireless Keyboard must be connected or
paired to perform this update.
System Requirements
- Mac OS X 10.5.8
- Mac OS X 10.6.2
Platform: PPC/Intel
For detailed information on this update, please see About the 2009 Aluminum Keyboard
Firmware Update 1.0.
Link: Apple 2009 Aluminum Keyboard
Firmware Update 1.0
Products & Services
OWC 64 GB Memory Upgrade for 8-core Nehalem Mac
Pro
PR: Other World Computing (OWC), has announced its new OWC 64
GB 1066 MHz DDR3 ECC Memory Upgrade Kit for Mac Pro 8-Core Pro models continues
OWC's three year streak of offering up to double the original factory
memory for Apple Mac Pro computers by offering kits of up to 64 GB at
savings up to 68% over same sized factory options for all Mac Pro
Dual-Core, Quad-Core, and 8-Core models.
More Options & Savings Up To 68% Versus Factory
OWC's Memory Upgrade Kits for Mac Pro 8-Core models offer more
configuration options and thousands of dollars in savings over factory
memory upgrades. The two 8 GB module-based OWC upgrades - 48 GB (6
x 8 GB) and 64 GB (8 x 8 GB) - offer a maximum performance
configuration for Mac Pro 8-Core machines not available from the
factory. Mac Pro 8-Core owners can also choose OWC's 32 GB Memory Kit
priced at only $1,197.99 - a savings of $2,502 compared to the $3700 32
GB factory upgrade. In addition to the savings offered by OWC Upgrades,
Mac Pro users also retain their original factory memory modules that
can either be set aside for future use or be sent to OWC for a cash
back trade-in of up to $25 per Apple factory 2 GB memory
module.
Pricing for 2009 Mac Pro 8-Core 2.26 GHz, 2.66 GHz, and 2.93 GHz
models:
- OWC 24 GB DDR3 ECC Memory Kit -$914.99 (6 x 4 GB matched
memory modules) Not available as factory memory upgrade option.
- OWC 32 GB DDR3 ECC Memory Kit - $1197.99 (8 x 4 GB matched
memory modules) $2502 (68%) lower cost than factory 32 GB upgrade.
- OWC 48 GB DDR3 ECC Memory Kit - $2679.99 (6 x 8 GB matched
memory modules) Not available as factory memory upgrade option. $1020
lower cost than 32 GB factory max upgrade.
- OWC 64 GB DDR3 ECC Memory Kit - $3559.99 (8 x 8 GB matched
memory modules) Not available as factory memory upgrade option. $140
lower cost than 32 GB factory max upgrade.
Pricing for 2009 Quad-Core 2.66 GHz, 2.93 GHz, and 3.33 GHz
models:
- OWC 12 GB DDR3 ECC Memory Kit -$459.99 (3 x 4 GB matched
memory modules) $890 (66%) lower cost than factory 12 GB upgrade.
- OWC 16 GB DDR3 ECC Memory Kit -$612.99 (4 x 4 GB matched
memory modules) $1237 (67%) lower cost than factory 12 GB upgrade.
- OWC 24 GB DDR3 ECC Memory Kit -$1399.99 (3 x 8 GB matched
memory modules) Not available as factory memory upgrade option. $450
lower cost than 16 GB factory max upgrade.
- OWC 32 GB DDR3 ECC Memory Kit - $1799.99 (4 x 8 GB matched
memory modules) Not available as factory memory upgrade option. $50
lower cost than 16 GB factory max upgrade.
To assist all Mac Pro owners in selecting the correct memory upgrade
for any 2006-2009 Dual-Core, Quad-Core, or 8-Core Mac Pro model, OWC
has created a simple to use guide that shows what RAM type and speed
each Mac Pro model utilizes. To use the guide to select and order OWC
Memory Upgrade Kits for Mac Pro models, visit https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/Mac-Pro-Memory
64 GB Certified for Flawless Use with Mac Pro 8-Core
By maintaining its own lab of nearly every Apple Mac model ever
made, including all of the latest Mac Pro 2009 models, OWC's MaxRAM
certification program can confirm use of memory configurations that
exceed Apple's officially supported RAM maximums. This program also
confirms OWC Memory Upgrade Kits for the Mac Pro meet, if not surpass,
AppleDesign Specifications, including specific required thermal
EEPROM, board design, chip components; and are fully RoHS and JEDEC
compliant. Also, like all fully tested OWC memory upgrades, these new
OWC Upgrade Kits for Mac Pro Quad-Core models are engineered with
premium quality components for cool, flawless operation and are backed
with a Money Back Guarantee and OWC's Lifetime Advance Replacement
Warranty.
For more information on various Mac machines that have been
confirmed to be able to utilize up to four times the amount of RAM than
factory offered, visit https://eshop.macsales.com/memory/maxram
Free 'Do-It-Yourself' Video for Easy Installation
OWC Memory Upgrade Kits for 2006-2009 Mac Pro models are fully
supported with free online
instructional videos to make user installation an easy 15-minute
procedure.
The full OWC Memory line, as well as a compatibility guide for the
correct upgrades for each specific Apple model, can be found online .
Gesture Cube Concept: No Need to Touch - Just Give
It a Wave!
PR:
Gesture Cube uses 3D spatial movement tracking to help transform
navigating a device into a magical intuitive experience. The underlying
GestIC technology detects your hand's approach and movements - your
favorite apps and media all at just wave your hand to access music,
web, your family and friends.
You don't even need to touch the surface.
The Gesture Cube is not just technology for tech's sake. It is
thoughtfully designed and deeply rooted in a genuine understanding of
consumers' expectations and needs. The developers have explored the
possibilities of 3D technology to craft a product experience that is so
intuitive it's almost magical. Using natural gestures to control the
electronics helps to draw them closer to our natural behaviour, making
things easier and more fun. The result is an intelligent product
concept with unlimited possibilities for enhancing daily life with
effortless interaction. The Gesture Cube's design is simple yet so
beautiful it doubles as a sculptural icon in your living space.
Technology
GestIC
electric field sensing technology makes 3D spatial hand or finger
movement tracking possible. GestIC detects movements and distances in
3D space and provides the technical backbone for Gesture Cube's 3D user
interface. GestIC enables touchfree three-dimensional gesture control
on 2D screens from mobile phones, tablet PCs, picture frames and MP3
players all the way to 3D devices like Gesture Cube. Let Gesture Cube
inspire you!
Let Gesture Cube inspire you.
Gesture Cube is a joint development by three partnering companies:
IDENT Technology AG delivered the underlying touch-free GestIC
technology used in Gesture Cube. User interface studio ZINOSIGN
designed Gesture Cube's user interface and website. Design company
LUNAR Europe created the overall product design.
Currently, the Gesture Cube is still at the concept stage, but we
hope it will become more than that soon.
As specialists
from different fields, the collaborators pooled their expertise to
create Gesture Cube, an advanced concept for the next level of smart
digital devices.
IDENT Technology AG is a worldwide technology leader in intelligent
and intuitive user interface solutions, providing intellectual property
and semiconductor solutions for the consumer electronics industry. We
create electric field sensing systems that enable intuitive and fun
use, minimized power consumption, enhanced user-interface and
industrial design, and new 3D gesture control functionality.
IDENT Technology AG delivers and licenses solutions for the consumer
electronics and mobile device industry. Our technology is protected
worldwide by over 30 patents and 210 patent applications.
ZINOSIGN is a top-performing agency for user interface design and
usability. The solutions we create are based on our many years of
experience working in an interdisciplinary team for a wide range of
clients.
ZINOSIGN specializes in the interactive and conceptual design of
technical products and software systems. Because interface design
includes many aspects of human behavior, a successful design makes a
product enjoyable to use. A successful interface uses positive
experiences to trigger positive emotions.
LUNAR is a global design firm with LUNAR Europe in Munich, Germany
as its European headquarters that helps clients to innovate and create
experiences that are relevant to their customers. Our
cross-disciplinary team of designers, engineers, researchers and
strategists, uses a variety of techniques to craft relationships
between people and products. Marrying empathy for people with a deep
understanding of how products should behave, we create remarkable
experiences that people love.
At LUNAR, interaction design moves beyond the mouse and keyboard to
touch screens and interfaces of all kinds, delivering solutions that
make a difference.
Link: Gesture
Cube
Software
RealPlayer SP for Mac
PR: RealPlayer SP has been very well-received by PC users
worldwide. But no matter how happy we've been with the results, we've
had one thing nagging at us - the lack of Mac support. We've been all
over the country in the last six months talking about RealPlayer SP,
and the one universal complaint was that it was PC-only. That all
changes today as we're thrilled to announce RealPlayer SP for Mac. Mac
users have been able to download videos to their machines for a few
years with RealPlayer 11, but with SP, you're now able to take those
videos and put them on your favorite phones, iPods, and even your
Xbox.
reeaalmacscreenshot.png
The Mac version works slightly differently than the PC software, as
there are certain requirements/allowances for Mac OS X. For
instance, the infamous download this button you may be familiar with in
the PC version is not in the Mac version. Instead, whenever you watch a
video, the download/converter window of RPSP will open and ask if you d
like to save that video to your Mac and convert it to your device. This
is similar to how RP 11 currently works. The only difference is that
now you ll have the option to move the videos elsewhere.
This should be great news for people who like the functionality of
RPSP but have their iPhones synched with a Mac (like I do)! Now all of
those hilarious web videos, awesome sports videos or videos of your
kids can now go wherever you go. We d love for you to give the Mac
version a try, give us feedback and spread the word. We ll be
monitoring our Facebook page closely, looking for any feedback as well
as suggestions for future versions.
Link: RealPlayer SP for Mac
MacSpeech Releases MacSpeech Scribe
PR: MacSpeech, Inc. today announced the release of MacSpeech
Scribe, the world's most advanced personal transcription solution for
the Macintosh.
Now for the first time, a Macintosh user running Snow Leopard can
transcribe their recorded voice into written text with up to 99%
accuracy, in a single button click. MacSpeech Scribe is available
immediately, in English only, exclusively for Macworld Conference and
Expo 2010 attendees and currently registered MacSpeech Dictate 1.5
customers for $99, regularly suggested retail priced at $149.
scribe.jpg
"MacSpeech Scribe significantly advances the MacSpeech quest to
create the best speech recognition and, now, transcription solutions on
the Macintosh," explained Andrew Taylor, founder and CEO of MacSpeech,
Inc. "One person, their profile, an audio file, one button click. It
just doesn't get any easier than that."
MacSpeech Scribe automatically creates an individual speech profile,
in one of 13 different English dialects, from an initial recorded
sample of the person's voice. A single MacSpeech Scribe license can
create and use up to six individual voice profiles, each compatible
with all accepted audio file formats. MacSpeech Scribe accepts audio
files in .wav, .aif, ..aiff, .m4v, mp4, or .m4a formats.
When composing a letter or other document by voice, users can
include spoken punctuation, and MacSpeech Scribe will automatically
include the punctuation marks in the output text.
Audio file quality directly impacts the accuracy achieved and as
such MacSpeech Scribe customers are encouraged to minimize background
sound and produce spoken-word audio files using a high-quality
recording device such as one of the certified recording devices listed
at http://www.macspeech.com/recording/
System requirements: MacSpeech Scribe requires Mac OS X 10.6 Snow
Leopard.
MacSpeech Scribe is available immediately, in English only,
exclusively for Macworld Conference and Expo 2010 attendees and
currently registered MacSpeech Dictate 1.5 customers for $99, and
available immediate at $149 directly from the MacSpeech, Inc.
website.
MacSpeech Scribe is currently only available in English in the US,
the UK, Canada, and Australia.
Link:
MacSpeech
Apple Releases Aperture 3 - Free 30 Day Trial
PR: Apple this week introduced Aperture 3, the next major
release of its powerful photo editing and management software, with
over 200 new features including Faces, Places and Brushes. Building on
the innovative Faces and Places features introduced in iPhoto '09,
Aperture 3 makes it even easier and faster to organize large photo
libraries. Aperture 3 introduces new tools to refine your photos
including Brushes for painting image adjustments onto parts of your
photo, and Adjustment Presets for applying professional photo effects
with just one click. Stunning new slideshows let you share your work by
weaving together photos, audio, text and HD video.
app31.jpg
"Millions of people love using iPhoto to organize, edit and share
their digital photos," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice
president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "Aperture 3 is designed for
both professionals who edit and manage massive libraries of photos and
iPhoto users who want to take their photos further with easy-to-use
tools such as Brushes and Adjustment Presets."
"Aperture 3 gets it right," said National Geographic photographer,
Jim Richardson. "The image editing tools are exactly what I have been
asking for, they're so easy to use and give me a level of control that
I never even thought possible."
"I chose Aperture because it was the most powerful archiving
application around, but it's now an unbelievable imaging tool as well,"
said Bill Frakes, Sports Illustrated staff photographer. "I am beyond
impressed with the massive changes made in Aperture 3."
Aperture 3 allows you to organize large photo libraries with even
more flexibility using Projects and the new Faces and Places. Faces
uses face detection and recognition to find and organize your photos by
the people in them. You can view faces across your entire photo library
or view just the faces that appear in selected projects. In a new view
that speeds up the organization process, Aperture 3 displays faces that
have been detected but haven't yet been named. Places lets you explore
your photos based on where they were taken, and like in iPhoto, Places
automatically reverse geocodes GPS data into user-friendly locations.
In Aperture 3, you can assign locations by dragging-and-dropping photos
onto a map or by using location information from GPS enabled cameras,
tracking devices or your iPhone photos.
app32.jpg
The new Brushes feature allows you to add professional touches to
your photos by simply painting effects onto the image. Aperture 3
includes 15 Quick Brushes that perform the most popular tasks like
Dodge, Burn, Polarize and Blur, without the complexity of layers or
masks. Brushes can automatically detect edges in your images to let you
apply or remove effects exactly where you want them. Aperture 3
includes dozens of Adjustment Presets that apply a specific style or
look to the entire image with just a click. You can create your own
custom presets or explore the techniques of other photographers by
importing theirs.
Aperture 3 makes it easy to share your work with stunning slideshows
that weave together photos, audio, text and HD video. You can select
one of six AppleDesigned themes or choose your own transitions,
background, borders and titles, and even add your own soundtrack. You
can export your slideshows directly to iTunes to take with you on your
iPhone or iPod touch. You can also share photographs as beautiful
prints, create custom-designed hardcover books and publish to online
photo sharing sites like Facebook and Flickr, right from Aperture
3.
app33.jpg
Aperture 3 is available through the Apple Store, Apple's retail
stores, and Apple Authorized Resellers for a suggested retail price of
$199, and existing Aperture users can upgrade for a suggested retail
price of $99. A downloadable 30-day trial version is available at
apple.com/aperture/trial.
Aperture 3 runs as a 64-bit application on Mac OS X Snow Leopard on
Macs with Intel Core 2 Duo processors. Full system requirements, online
tutorials, and more information on Aperture 3 can be found online.
Try Aperture 3 For Free For 30 Days
To get a fully functional copy of Aperture 3 for your Mac, enter
your name and email address in the box to the right. You'll receive an
email with a link to download Aperture 3 and a serial number for
activation. The free trial will expire 30 days after you open the
application for the first time.
Aperture 3 requires a Mac with an Intel processor. See Aperture 3
system requirements for details.
Link: Aperture 3
Onix International Launches EncryptStick for
Mac
PR: Onix International Inc. have announced the launch of
EncryptStick™ Version 4.1 with dual support for Macintosh and
Windows operating systems. EncryptStick is available on a preloaded USB
flash drive or as standalone software that can be downloaded onto any
USB flash drive, acting as a highly-secure data vault to store and
secure sensitive information.
The most advanced portable security application available on the
market today, EncryptStick acts as a digital safe to secure all the
sensitive documents, cherished photos, irreplaceable videos and
passwords stored on your computer. EncryptStick lets users create an
unlimited number of invisible, encrypted vaults (folders containing
sensitive files) on the flash drive itself, on any computer or
removable device such as servers or portable hard-drives, as well as
writeable media such as CDs, DVDs or SD memory cards.
"While PC owners have traditionally been the most common targets for
hackers and thieves, Macintosh security experts recently warned that
exploits in the OS X operating system suggest that Macs are now
just as vulnerable to malware and viruses and simple computer theft,"
said Tyrone Phipps, CEO of Onix International. "We're very pleased to
deliver EncryptStick Version 4.1 to provide Mac owners with the same
level of comprehensive security offered to our PC customers."
EncryptStick is unique among USB data security offerings in that it
uses 512-bit polymorphic encryption, a variable algorithm resistant to
all known cryptanalytic attacks, which to this date remains unbroken
with over 4 million downloads.
Once the user plugs the EncryptStick-enabled flash drive into their
computer's USB port, the software will run automatically and prompt
them for their personal password. Once entered, the user can open
existing vaults, create new vaults and easily encrypt or decrypt any
file by right-clicking and selecting from a drop down menu, or simply
dragging and dropping the files into the vault folders. EncryptStick
also enables "encryption on the fly" with the ability to edit documents
within vaults while the files are encrypted. All of this takes place
without ever leaving a footprint on the host PC or Mac.
In the event of a lost flash drive, the EncryptStick application
renders the files impenetrable and provides an immediate Key Recovery
function from the www.encrypt-stick.com website. With your original
files saved on another computer and an encrypted copy on your
EncryptStick USB flash drive, you can leave your laptop at work and
simply plug the EncryptStick-enabled flash drive into your home
computer to gain access to all your remote files and passwords.
The preloaded 4 GB EncryptStick Flash Drive can be ordered
today for $119.99 at www.onixinternational.com with support for Windows
XP, Windows Vista, and Mac OS X version 10.4 and higher.
A downloadable version of the software is available for $39.99 that
can be loaded onto any serial numbered USB flash drive to provide the
same features and functionality.
Link: EncryptStick
Maxon Introduces Free New Version of Benchmarking
Suite, CineBench Release 11.5
PR: Maxon, a leading developer of professional 3D modeling,
painting, animation and rendering solutions, today announced the
immediate availability of CineBench Release 11.5, an advanced hardware
testing suite that assesses a computer's performance capabilities.
CineBench is based on the same powerful technology as Maxon's
award-winning animation software Cinema 4D, which is used extensively
by studios and production houses worldwide for 3D content creation. The
new version of CineBench includes the ability to more accurately test
the industry's latest hardware, including systems with up to 64
processor threads and the testing environment better reflects the
expectations of today's production demands. A more streamlined
interface makes testing systems and reading results incredibly
straightforward.
First introduced in 2000, CineBench quickly became the essential
benchmarking tool for hardware manufacturers, leading publications and
system administrators. Unlike abstract benchmarks, which only test
specific functions of CPUs or GPUs, CineBench offers a tangible
benchmark incorporating a user's common tasks within Cinema 4D to
measure the performance of a system's processor and graphics card under
real-world circumstances. During the testing procedure, all relevant
data is measured and resulting values among different operating systems
are compared, making CineBench a useful tool for hardware evaluation,
as a marketing tool for hardware vendors or simply as a means to
compare hardware among colleagues or friends.
CineBench Release 11.5 is immediately available free of charge via
download from the Maxon website and can be utilized on Windows and
Macintosh operating systems.
As a leading innovator of high performance workstations and
rendering systems, BOXX Technologies relies on CineBench benchmarking
analysis to clearly demonstrate how our solutions will perform in
real-world scenarios, said Shoaib Mohammad, Director of Marketing and
Business Development at BOXX. CineBench is a tremendous asset,
providing reliable and consistent data, ensuring us that our hardware
is performing at its peak, and giving our customers confidence that
when they choose BOXX they are making the most informed decision
possible.
The CineBench test scenario uses all of a system's processing power
to render a photorealistic 3D scene, "No Keyframes" the viral animation
by AixSponza. This scene makes use of various algorithms to stress all
available processor cores.
The OpenGL graphics card testing procedure uses a complex 3D scene
depicting a car chase with which the performance of your graphics card
in OpenGL mode is measured. During the benchmark tests the graphics
card is evaluated by way of displaying an intricate scene that includes
complex geometry, high-resolution textures, and a variety of effects to
evaluate the performance across a variety of real-world scenarios.
System Requirements
To evaluate CPU performance CineBench requires a minimum 1024 MB of
RAM and a supported processor type running at a minimum clock speed of
1 GHz. CineBench will test the graphics card to ensure it supports the
necessary features to display the test scene correctly.
CineBench is immediately available free-of-charge via download from
the Maxon website, maxon.net, and can be utilized on Windows and
Macintosh operating systems.
Link:
CineBench Release 11.5
Desktop Mac
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