Archives: May 2004

Mon May 31, 2004

Code-flaw in 10.3.4 tells about a new PowerMac?

After installing the new update 10.3.4, you can notice a little hint hidden in the Os (if you look for this... - Let me tell you how.)

Apple uses codenames for each machine they produce, at least for the ones who support Os X. For example: Power Mac G4 models have "Power Mac 3,X" as their codename, iMac and eMac have the same codename: Power Mac 6,X. - And the lastest model from Apple, the G5 is named "Power Mac 7,2"

When taking a close look at 10.3.4, you can see a new machine that I have yet identified. (maby someone else has?) - The machinename is "Power Mac 8,1" and it's codename is "Image" - This means it's not just a G5 upgrade, since the codename has changed. Even the CPU information has changed, it's now named "SMU_Neo2" - "Neo" Is the G5 CPU, maby it's a upgrade, maby not?

If you guys dont belive me, try take a look on your own, if you have 10.3.4, use the Terminal and Pico to search this file:

/System/Library/Extensions/AppleMacRISC4PE.kext/ Contents/info.plist

Taken from a SpyMac post.

Posted by: on May 31, 04 | 11:33 am | Profile

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Macally Icecad

The Icecad is obviously a very cool drawing tablet. It's small enough for you to carry with you and powerful enough for even the most demanding applications. Inkwell worked flawlessly with the Icecad. But, after the Icecad's Installation, be sure to look for the little but extremely important Applescript in your Applications folder that you must launch only once to get Inkwell to recognize your Icecad. I found that the Icecad worked perfectly with Handwriting Recognition in Microsoft Word, and I also tried Painting with Corel Painter 8 and had alot of fun doing that.

More...

Posted by: Terry M on May 31, 04 | 7:32 am | Profile

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Sat May 29, 2004

UK News: Instant Messaging

This weeks BBC technology show clickonline takes a look at the massive expansion in Instant Messaging, and talks about the possible security ramifications of IM use.

Along with usual round up of technology news and features.

Watch here

The BBC has also posted a nice little follow up piece here

Posted by: Roland J Young on May 29, 04 | 3:44 am | Profile

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UK News: Another music download service.

Oxfam is has launched a music download service to help raise money to fight poverty around the world.

The charity will offer 300,000 songs to download through its Big Noise Music website. tracks will cost between 75p and 99p, with 10p going to Oxfam. Stars who have backed the site include Coldplay, Faithless and The Darkness.

Apple needs to launch there service NOW !, the UK market is already very crowded with Coca-Cola, HMV, Tiscali, Virgin, Ministry of Sound, Napster, BT Yahoo, AOL, Wanadoo and MSN already offering services and I feel they may have missed the boat.

Posted by: Roland J Young on May 29, 04 | 2:31 am | Profile

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Fri May 28, 2004

iTunes helping music industry recover

iTunes and other music download services are helping drive a recovery in the music industry, according to the BBC. "While downloaded music accounts for 1% or 2% of sales currently, Mr Jopling said it could account for 4% or 5% by next year. He said the global industry was looking to the United States see how the market could recover. CD sales in the US have risen 9.4% in the year to date, said Mr Jopling....He said that the online services were also informing people about new music something, something the industry had struggled with previously."

Posted by: on May 28, 04 | 7:05 am | Profile

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Thu May 27, 2004

Harmony H-659 and H-688

These remotes must be the solution to all of our home entertainment questions.
"Why do I have to use 4 seperate remotes to control all of my Television components?"
Well, your answer is the Harmony series. I tested out the Harmony H-659 and the H-688.
They were both pretty cool devices. Nice designs. And I loved the "Activity Buttons."
Instead of "Power" these remotes featured 3 or more buttons labeled "Watch TV," "Watch Vodeo,"
"Listen to Music," "Watch DVD" and a button labeled "More" which had more activities avaliable than what was given on the remote's face. More...

Posted by: Terry M on May 27, 04 | 5:04 pm | Profile

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UK News: iTunes Europe Next Month?


According to a Reuters report, Apple may be ready to launch their iTunes Music Store for Europe as early as next month.



Posted by: Roland J Young on May 27, 04 | 11:23 am | Profile

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New Mac Web Browser

Shiira is a web browser based on Web Kit and written in Cocoa. The goal of the Shiira Project is to create a browser that is better and more useful than Safari.

Visit the Shiira project home page here

I have been testing today and it is pretty smart, there are some really interesting features:-

* monitor cache usage
* ability to add and choose search engines that are used from within the toolbar
* ability to use Safari bookmarks

Not bad for a 0.9 release, we'd love to know what you tihnk, visit our forums today


Update
Shiira version 0.9.2 has been released

Posted by: Roland J Young on May 27, 04 | 10:30 am | Profile

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Microsoft: We'll make a $50 iPod

As reported by Spymac
The Denver Post reports in its Business Briefs that Microsoft will "begin selling portable music players for as much as 80-percent less that Apple's iPod." According to the report, the devices will look and feel as good as the iPod for as little as $50.

Yusuf Mehdi, corporate vice president of MSN at Microsoft, spoke at the Goldman Sachs fifth annual Internet Conference in Las Vegas, saying the company will release a "number of music players" when it launches its own music service later this year, "giving customers more choices than Apple."

Posted by: on May 27, 04 | 8:39 am | Profile

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"Dream Studios" at Macworld Expo Boston ...


IDG World Expo and the Berklee College of Music today announced "Dream Studios", an interactive exhibit at Macworld Expo in Boston (July 12-14) that "will simulate state-of-the-art music studios based on the Mac. Designed and developed by Berklee faculty and students, the Dream Studios will provide attendees with an opportunity to experience the most sophisticated and innovative tools for audio production. The Dream Studios will showcase the latest hardware and software available to build cutting-edge music production setups. Music students, hobbyists, songwriters, cover bands and professionals will be able to take self-guided tours of the Dream Studios, participate in demonstrations and listen to presentations by Berklee faculty."

Posted by: on May 27, 04 | 7:36 am | Profile

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Apple Xcode developer tools update

Xcode 1.2 is available now, According to the release notes, version 1.2 includes "an enhanced version of the Xcode IDE with improved stability and improvements to the user experience and build system." It also provides updates to several additional development tools, documentation and SDKs

Download from the

Posted by: Roland J Young on May 27, 04 | 12:13 am | Profile

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Wed May 26, 2004

Mac OS X 10.3.4 Update Released!

March 26th: Apple released a 40Mb update to its OS X operating system today. The update has the following additions and enhancements...

"-improved file sharing and directory services for Mac (AFP), UNIX (NFS), PPTP, and wireless networks
-improved OpenGL technology and updated ATI and NVIDIA graphics drivers
-improved disc burning and recording functionality
-iPods connected via USB 2.0 are now recognized by iTunes and iSync
-additional FireWire audio and USB device compatibility
-updated Address Book, Mail, Safari, Stickies, and QuickTime applications
-improved compatibility for third party applications
-previous standalone security updates"

Read the entire enhancements by clicking "read more"

We strongly encourage waiting about a week before installing. Check the spymac forums, MacNN, and of course our website for all of the upates.

Update
Apple has released a detailed and also offering a standalone update from

Let us know your thoughts via or our forums

More...

Posted by: Adam Jackson on May 26, 04 | 2:14 pm | Profile

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Mon May 24, 2004

OS X Security Update - but flaw still poses security risk

Apple has released a security update it says is designed to address a potential vulnerability in Mac OS X. The update repairs a theoretical vulnerability in the Help Viewer application that users could have been exposed to when browsing the Web. The update is available through Software Update, and also from Apple's Web site.





Niels Henrik Rasmussen director and CEO of Secunia warnes that his company doesn't believe Apple's fix has gone far enough: "It is still possible to execute arbitrary code on a vulnerable user’s system, just as easy as before Apple issued the security update.

Posted by: Roland J Young on May 24, 04 | 11:42 pm | Profile

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Sat May 22, 2004

The PX100 Headphones By Sennheiser

Sennheiser has always been known for quality headphones , headsets, microphones and other information systems. Their name pops up every time we inquired about quality headphones. So we finaly got some items to review, as my half of a two part review on this company I am reviewing th PX100 while another yet just as talanted writer is reviewing the PXC250 which is a pimped out version of the PX100. Now these are high quality heaphones they are incredibuly lightweight and compact , only 60 grams without the cable. The ear pads rotate 90 degrees in order to allow the heaphones to be tightly packed using Sennheisers own registered "fold and flip" design which locks the headphones in an open and closed position and snugly fit in the carrying case. The PX100 delivers high quality sound thanks to the "Duofol" magnet system. I was very pleased with this product because of the headphones durabilty and comfort , they are great for outdoor use or for use on the go. To order the PX100 o any other great Sennheiser products please visit http://www.sennheiser.com

Also coming soon is a review on the PXC250 a pimped out version of the PX100 , if you are looking for quality noisecanceling headphones , look for this review.

Posted by: Matt Jackson on May 22, 04 | 6:03 pm | Profile

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Fri May 21, 2004

Happy Graduation Seniors!

May 21st: Well, it is finally upon us and graduation is here again. Our owner, Adam Jackson is graduating tomorrow at 6PM. He has been in the same school district for 6 years now; that is a record for him. But the class of '04 in his class consists of 373 seniors and will be a 2 hour ceremony. They are having it at the University of North Florida because over 4000 family and friends are coming for all of the seniors. He wants to give a sort of shout-out to those graduating this year. We at MPG hope all of you the best of luck in the future and to have a safe summer. Don't do anything stupid and survive so you can go on with college or whatever you want to do next. You have worked too long and hard to lose your life or take someone else's. Take care and we want to hear from you. Drop us an Email and let us know how you will spend your graduation. Also, send us some pix and we will post them here. Take care and enjoy graduation!

Posted by: Adam Jackson on May 21, 04 | 7:47 pm | Profile

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Website Issues Fixed!

May 21st: After two weeks of website issues, they have been resolved. Three different people were changing things with the website at the same time, so each time there was an upload, more issues were created but not resolved. Finally, today, we fixed the "Read More" links and will be finishing the shoutbox soon. Please be patient with us. The content is still as good as ever and we have some great editorials and reviews heading your way; including the "SUPER IPOD REVIEW"! Oh, and do you love the graphic for this post?

Posted by: Adam Jackson on May 21, 04 | 5:56 pm | Profile

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Thu May 20, 2004

Apple, W Hotels offer iTunes Days, music downloads

Apple and the upscale W Hotels are launching iTunes Days, a series of monthly special events scheduled for San Francisco, Chicago, and New York that offers an iTunes CD with free iTunes music downloads, "AppleiTini" drink specials while DJs spin music off iPods, and iPod/iMac giveaways at each event. During the summer, W Hotel guests can also download an exclusive iTunes playlist, featuring new tracks each month: The W Hotels' Wonderland Collection is dubbed "the perfect compliment to every mood, emotion, and experience: Sexuality, Fantasy, Intrigue, and Romance." The W Wired Package for guests also bundles 3 free iTunes song downloads with high-speed internet access, a 3-month Wired Magazine subscription, and unlimited local and long distance calling.

Posted by: on May 20, 04 | 1:51 pm | Profile

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Unsanity ' Paranoid Android'

Unsanity has released Paranoid Android to protect Mac users from a security vulnerability in OS X.

Download here

Posted by: Roland J Young on May 20, 04 | 12:17 pm | Profile

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Apple Creates New iPod Division, Shuffles Execs

Apple has created a new division within the company to sell, promote, and develop its popular iPod, the market leading digital music player, the company said on Wednesday. Jon Rubenstein, who has led the company's hardware engineering efforts, will run the new division, an Apple spokesman said. Timothy Cook, head of Apple's worldwide sales and operations, will lead a newly organized Macintosh division, Apple said. Tim Bucher, now in charge of Macintosh system development, will head up the Mac's hardware engineering. The moves were announced in a company-wide internal e-mail sent by Steve Jobs, Apple's chairman, chief executive and co-founder.

Posted by: on May 20, 04 | 6:41 am | Profile

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UK News: Napster launches in the UK

Napster Thursday launched its music service in the UK, beating Apple to the punch overseas and surprising analysts who had only been told the service would debut by the end of summer. In response, OD2, Europe's leading online music store, announced that it will be cutting prices by up to 50 percent to remain competitive. Napster, meanwhile, boasted that its catalog of 500,000 songs is the largest in Europe, and said it would expand its offerings to 700,000 songs within 30 days. Apple declined to comment on Napster's UK launch, telling Reuters only that it plans to launch its service in Europe by the end of summer

Read more here

Posted by: on May 20, 04 | 6:18 am | Profile

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Wed May 19, 2004

UK News: London Apple Store Pictures




Apple is rapidly exapandin with its new (under construction) store on in London. The picture is a shot of the construction on the rooftop.

Update
The building is owned by the Queen and has very strict building laws so alterations are limited, it is scheduled to open later in the year in time for Christmas. The Apple store is in good company with the Hamleys Toy Store, Nike Town and Disney Store close by.

Posted by: Jay C. on May 19, 04 | 4:05 pm | Profile

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Office 2004 Test Drive

Get acquainted with Microsoft® Office 2004 for Mac by downloading the free 30-day test drive. Experiment with the all-new Project Center in Entourage. Try recording audio notes with Word. Create a colorful 3-D graph in Excel. Get creative with the new animations in PowerPoint, and more! Office 2004 helps you get your work done so you can get on with the fun.

Download from the mactopia web site today

Posted by: MPG Staff on May 19, 04 | 12:20 pm | Profile

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Microsoft officially ships Office 2004 ...

Microsoft today officially announced that Office 2004 for Mac is now available, after it began shipping last week. Microsoft also announced the availability of a 30-day "Test Drive" version, which is available as an electronic download from the Mactopia website along a complete flash demo of the new features. Office 2004 for Mac Standard ($400 full; $240 upgrade) and Student/Teacher ($150) editions are available now in English and Japanese, while French, Italian, Swedish and German localizations will be available in the coming weeks. Office 2004 for Mac Professional Edition, which includes Virtual PC 7, is expected to ship this Fall.

Posted by: on May 19, 04 | 5:01 am | Profile

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Tue May 18, 2004

Dragon Burn 3

When it comes to disk burning software, the unofficial crowned leader is Toast Titanium 6 from Roxio. I think this may be due to many factors, but the main reason, is there is not another disk burning software the comes close to it. Roxio did a pretty good job of making Toast an easy to use software and affordable for those who want to do more than just burn a CD from time to time. Up until now, I have not seen a better burner for the Mac. That is, until now. I tried out Dragon Burn 3 from NewTech Info Systems, Inc. and was very impressed. This is Toast with more features, easier to use, and at a price point we can be comfortable with. Even if you only burn Cds or DVDs once a week, the $49 price tag is a great deal for everyone. More...

Posted by: Adam Jackson on May 18, 04 | 12:31 pm | Profile

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Sennheiser PXC 250 Headphones

Sennheiser is known as a leader in the headphone market. When I inquire about good headphones, their name is recommended. In a two-part review, we are looking at the PXC 250 and the PX 100. They both have different functions entirely. One is for street use and everyday listening and street wear; the other is for long flights or at the office. The two models have different uses but deliver great sound. Read on as we explore the features and usability of two Sennheiser headphones. More...

Posted by: Adam Jackson on May 18, 04 | 12:28 pm | Profile

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More free iTunes songs?

A MacNN reader notes that some songs at the iTunes Music Store are available as free downloads, despite not being featured as single of the week nor promoted anywhere else. One such example is the Jamie Cullum track All At Sea. It's unclear how many such free songs exist.

Posted by: on May 18, 04 | 9:09 am | Profile

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Apple ships DVD Studio Pro 3

Apple has begun shipping DVD Studio Pro 3, its professional DVD authoring application that was announced in early April at NAB 2004, according to a MacNN who received shipment confirmation. Version 3 offers render-free transition preview, alpha transitions, graphical views for projects, DTS audio, Compressor 1.2 for encoding to SD MPEG-2, DLT output, iDVD 4 import, integration with Final Cut Pro HD, Motion, Soundtrack and Adobe Photoshop, and more. The full version is $500, while upgrades are $200.

Posted by: on May 18, 04 | 4:57 am | Profile

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Apple re-release Java 1.4.2 update

Apple has re-released Java 1.4.2 update

Posted by: MPG Staff on May 18, 04 | 12:14 am | Profile

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Apple releases GarageBand 1.1

Apple has released GarageBand 1.1, an update to its music creation software.

Posted by: MPG Staff on May 18, 04 | 12:13 am | Profile

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Safari security advisory issued

ecunia has posted a security advisory for a "highly critical" vulnerability found in Apple's Safari Web browser that could potentially allow malicious Web sites to compromise a vulnerable system.

Read more here

Posted by: MPG Staff on May 18, 04 | 12:12 am | Profile

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Mon May 17, 2004

Vistaframe

The Vialta Vistaframe is clearly a cool idea just by looking at it. I found it couldn't be easier to use. It however was very limited at what it could do. 3 simple transitions, and not the best screen. It tended to flutter every so often. My pictures look wonderful on there. But are a bit grainy even on the 5 megapixel camera. I found this to be odd, but then realized that it was just the screen. It couldn't tilt far at all, but had a great design. Accepts the Compactflash cards, Memorystick, SD, and many other popuular types. Vialta could have imroved this, but, I recmmend it to anyone looking for a cool picture frame and doesn't expect it to be optimal. More...

Posted by: Terry M on May 17, 04 | 2:36 pm | Profile

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Apple's Pro Video Update

Apple has released and update for it's pro videosoftwar users which is called Pro Application Support 2.0. This allows you to get future upgrades for Apples video software which includes Final Cut Pro HD, Cinema Tools, Compressor, LiveType, Soundtrack, and DVD Studio Pro.
Apple says: "This update provides improvements for Apple's professional applications and is strongly recommended for all users."
You can recieve it for 2.6 mb of your space from the Software Update Section.

Posted by: Jay C. on May 17, 04 | 4:37 am | Profile

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Sun May 16, 2004

Booq's BooqPaqB3

Booq is a company that makes some excellent computer bags. Their bags are made for the young and young at heart. They use high quality Ballistic Nylon, Big Pockets, bright colors and their rugged bags can withstand a lot, but of course after the day of mountain biking, rocking climbing, and snowboarding you can be confident that all of your computer gear is still safe. That is what I like about their gear, great looking, useful, and your tech equipment is the number one concern. The BooqPaq3 is an awesome backpack from Booq and it holds all of my gear, in comfort, style, and even has an interchangeable back pouch if you like your back pack to match your socks. More...

Posted by: Adam Jackson on May 16, 04 | 6:54 pm | Profile

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Apple is to Multimedia as Adobe is to Desktop Publishing

One thing that not many recognize is those that changed the world. Of course, desktop publishing and digital content creation are definitely not going to be recognized for changing anything. But trust me, what Adobe did for the desktop publishing market with not just their software but their technologies has changed everything. It has made workflow faster, publishing cheaper, and has made it easier. With technologies like, TrueType cross platform fonts, PDF, and Postscript, Adobe has made a lot possible. Even Quark would not have the success they have today without Adobe’s work. Apple has done the same. Back in the day (5 years ago), many were still editing with these huge rigs of equipment. Now, a filmmaker is a guy with an HD camera, a tripod (optional) and a Powerbook with Final Cut Pro. It is amazing how things have changed and how good it is because of Apple’s contributions. Of course this is what Apple is known for. They did it with the Mac, and they did it for digital media. More...

Posted by: Adam Jackson on May 16, 04 | 6:52 pm | Profile

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PC Media and their Cover Stories

If you are visiting this website, I am sure you don’t even dare pick up a PC magazine while at the newsstand. You just don’t do it, but I make a point to for one reason; what are PC users talking about. To really enjoy being a Mac user, you have to know what is happening on the other side. Remember when your Mom would tell you, “think of all of the people out there that don’t have food to eat, they would love to have what you have in front of you.” Well, this is the same idea for my little monthly trip to the newsstands. Of course, I would never buy a PC magazine; in fact I am the proud reader of almost 10 Mac-Related magazines a month. It takes time, but each magazine has their great parts. More...

Posted by: Adam Jackson on May 16, 04 | 6:50 pm | Profile

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Sat May 15, 2004

Apple files patent on translucent windows

Apple has recently filed a patent for translucent windows that automatically adjust the opacity as information is updated (or not updated): "overlaid, Information-bearing windows whose contents remain unchanged for a predetermined period of time become translucent. The translucency can be graduated so that, over time, if the window's contents remain unchanged, the window becomes more translucent. In addition to visual translucency, windows according to the present invention also have a manipulative translucent quality. Upon reaching a certain level of visual translucency, user input in the region of the window is interpreted as an operation on the underlying objects rather than the contents of the overlaying window."

Posted by: on May 15, 04 | 11:13 am | Profile

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UK News: BBC Click Online - who is watching you?

The BBC technology show show focuses on security and ways in which we can be monitored by the authorities - through our passports, credit cards or Identity cards, or by the increasingly common CCTV cameras that watch us on every street corner.

Click Online

Posted by: Roland J Young on May 15, 04 | 7:56 am | Profile

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Thu May 13, 2004

LaCie cancels Pixela FastCoder plans for US market

LaCie this week began notifying that customers that it no longer has plans to bring Pixela FastCoder to the US market (see review). FastCoder, available in the Japanese market, is a hardware-based MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 encoder that plugs into the Mac's FireWire port and encodes files to MPEG-1 or MPEG-2; it is bundled with CaptyDVD 2.0, a rather full-featured DVD authoring program that includes a Dolby Digital - AC3 audio encoder." LaCie's email to customers says that quality issues prevented it from bringing the solution the US market.

Posted by: on May 13, 04 | 9:49 am | Profile

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Apple's iTunes wins two Webby Awards ...

Apple's iTunes has won two 2004 Webby Awards, after being nominated in three different categories last month. Apple's iTunes won in the 'Commerce' and 'Music' categories, but lost in the 'Services' category to Google. Apple was also the People's choice winner in the 'Music' category, while eBay took the People's Choice Award in the 'Commerce' category

Posted by: on May 13, 04 | 4:39 am | Profile

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Wed May 12, 2004

Apple to exhibit at DV Expo during Macworld Boston

Apple is listed as an exhibitor at DV Expo East, which takes place July 13-16 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City. The Expo has almost the same dates as Macworld Expo Boston, which takes place July 12-15 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Apple has still yet confirmed its presence at the semi-annual tradeshow for Mac users.

Posted by: on May 12, 04 | 3:45 pm | Profile

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End of The Year Video Project

May 12th: For the end of the year in sign language class, some fellow seniors wanted to make a great vid so they went to the best video editor in the school and asked me to help make a 15 minute flick. Now this is not the best quality video out there, but compared to what they were going to do, this video is a lot better. So enjoy and let me know what you think. (QT 6 Required)

Right-Click and save to disk.

for comments.

Posted by: Adam Jackson on May 12, 04 | 11:20 am | Profile

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UK News: Mac security alert

In rather a surprise announcement (at least on my-behalf as I have heard of them) the UK government organization responsible for gathering information on IT security incidents has issued two security advisories regarding recently identified vulnerabilities in Mac OS X.

This security vulnerability is described as a "pre-authentication, remotely exploitable stack buffer overflow that allows an attacker to obtain administrative privileges".

The other advisory describes a Mac OS X file server authentication vulnerability – also "high" risk. It is described as a buffer overflow vulnerability in the way the AppleFileServer handles certain authentication requests. UNIRAS suggests that "a remote attacker could overflow a buffer, gain root privileges, and execute arbitrary commands on the system."

The warning was issued by UNIRAS, view the alert here

They appear to old warnings and upgrading to the latest release of OS X will keep you safe

Posted by: Roland J Young on May 12, 04 | 11:15 am | Profile

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Apple adds more exclusive content to iTunes

Apple continues to add exclusive content to its iTunes Music Store with the addition of an exclusive catalog from Death Row Records, exclusive albums from Roy Orbison, an exclusive track from Snow Patrol, and a free single from San Francisco's new wave revivalist quartet Simon Stinger. Apple also recently added exclusive tracks from the Mean Girls feature film and an exclusive track from German DJ-turned-produer ATB.

Posted by: on May 12, 04 | 11:08 am | Profile

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UK News: watch out for the fake Word 2004 attack

A reader of UK magazine Macworld has reported that he downloaded the file from Limewire. The reader told Macworld: "I downloaded the file in the hope that perhaps Microsoft had released some sort of public beta. The file unzipped, and to my delight the Microsoft icon looked genuine and trustworthy."

Read More here

Posted by: Roland J Young on May 12, 04 | 10:48 am | Profile

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Apple wins iTunes interface patent

Apple has won a patent for the interface of its iTunes music software, reports CNET News.com, "underscoring the growing importance of the multimedia business for the company." The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued Apple a patent for its media player software interface on May 4, along with several other features of the company's high-profile products. Other parts of the iTunes software, including the ability to stream songs over a network to another copy of the program, had been the subject of earlier patents. Apple has recently been the recipient of countless of patents, ranging -- in the last month -- from iTunes software components to the swivel arm joint supporting the iMac's flat-panel screen

Posted by: on May 12, 04 | 4:59 am | Profile

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Tue May 11, 2004

Up-Close: Laura Burstein

This is an "up-close" interview of Laura Burstein. She has worked with TechTV, written columns for many websites, and helped write Leo Laporte's 2003 Technology Almanac. She is extremely busy with projects, but MPG wanted to find out more about the Tech-Savvy Beauty. Read More to see the interview. More...

Posted by: Adam Jackson on May 11, 04 | 9:49 am | Profile

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Standit Notebook Stand

My setup at home is pretty awesome. My main machine may be an iBook G4, but it is the stuff sitting around it that make my machine a dream setup. Two products I could not do without is my iCurve from Griffin Technology and Roadtools PodiumPad. Together they help dissipate heat and bring my computer eye level. My iBook has a built in fan so heat is not really an issue for me, but I like having the computer eye level. The iCurve is still not eye level and the PodiumPad is not even close. I wanted a stand that can put my iBook up eye level and amazingly, still dissipate heat. More...

Posted by: Adam Jackson on May 11, 04 | 6:26 am | Profile

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Mon May 10, 2004

Sony unveils 20GB iPod riival with high-res color LCD

Digit Magazine reports on Sony's 20GB iPod rival based on AIWA technology and currently only expected to be sold in Japan starting in June: "The Vaio Pocket VGF-AP1 has a 20GB hard disk drive and a 2.2-inch colour LCD screen with 320-x-256 pixel resolution. In addition to acting as the main user interface, the screen displays track information when songs are being played and displays, if available, album art. On the right-hand side of the display is a touch-sensitive panel dubbed "G-sense" that is used to control the player. Users can navigate a series of on-screen menus by running their fingers over the panel in the appropriate direction."

Posted by: on May 10, 04 | 8:54 am | Profile

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Sun May 09, 2004

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

May 9th: For all of you out there on the net, I suggest getting off your computers and visiting your Mom. Or perhaps just give her a call and say, "I love you, Mom." Of course, if she still has that restraining order against you, then that may not be a good idea. Anyway, get off your bums and celebrate Mother's day.

Posted by: Adam Jackson on May 09, 04 | 2:56 pm | Profile

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Sat May 08, 2004

UK News: German 'confesses' to Sasser worm

An 18-year-old arrested in northern Germany admits creating the Sasser computer worm, police say.

Story Here

Posted by: Roland J Young on May 08, 04 | 11:45 am | Profile

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LimeWire 4.0 due later this month with new features ...

Lime Wire today announced the release of LimeWire 4.0, a major update to its Java-based file sharing application that offers users faster and more successful downloads, improved searches for rare content, and a sleek new interface. LimeWire 4.0 includes a guarantee that "users will get no bundled software when they download this new version, and as always, Lime Wire continues its tradition of not utilizing spyware. LimeWire 4.0 will be available to Pro customers and available for free download on May 18th.

Posted by: on May 08, 04 | 6:49 am | Profile

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UK News: Computer Security

This weeks BBC Technology show Click Online focuses on PC and IT Security, and explains many ways how unscrupulous people are trying to steel our passwords and credit card details.

Click Online

(a copy of Real Player is required)

The BBC News Technology web site is worth bookmarking as it contains lots of useful Technology News.

Posted by: Roland J Young on May 08, 04 | 5:06 am | Profile

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Fri May 07, 2004

SendStation PocketDock

I usually get most of my music while at school. Of course I have an iPod and hated having to wait until home to put the songs on my iPod. I carried the iPod cable with the special connector for my 3g iPod to school with me each day just so I can stay up to date. Well not anymore, and the accessories for my old iPod still work fine due to a mini marvel, The PocketDock. More...

Posted by: Adam Jackson on May 07, 04 | 10:01 pm | Profile

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Windows Longhorn Videos

Longhorn may well be far far away, and has a hint of the Apple OS X look about it.

Judge for yourself here

http://www.neowin.net/events/index.php?cat=2

Posted by: Roland J Young on May 07, 04 | 2:38 pm | Profile

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Looking Back on Today

This title does means a lot to me. It is the title of a song by The Ataris and has many points or symbolism that relates to something that has taken up thousands of hours of my life. School. I have attended school since kindergarten. Kindergarten through 12th grade is 13 years and oh what a time it has been. Looking back on that time, though, I say to myself, “I wasted it and wish I could do it over”. Even when I was younger and did not have fun, when I look back on the things I did, I had a blast and will never get that back. Of course, it did not hit me that school would end until it was too late. It was not until I had 2 more weeks of school left before I noticed how much of it I wasted. To reiterate wasted, I did not waste it in a sense of wasting time, but I did not reach my full potential and succeed to the level I could have. More...

Posted by: Adam Jackson on May 07, 04 | 1:20 pm | Profile

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Apple denies iTunes price hike reports

Today Apple denied a report that the computer maker was planning to raise prices for songs bought on its popular iTunes online music store, according to Reuters. "'These rumors aren't true," said Apple spokeswoman Natalie Sequeira. 'We have multiyear agreements with the labels and our prices remain 99 cents a track.' Apple's statement came after the New York Post reported on Friday, citing one unnamed source, that music fans may have to start paying more for some songs on Apple's music store following contract renegotiations with the record labels ahead of the one-year anniversary of the store.

Posted by: on May 07, 04 | 1:01 pm | Profile

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iTunes singles pricings reportedly to rise [UPDATED]

Apple will reportedly be raising the price of some singles on iTunes to $1.25, according to today's New York Post, which quotes unnamed sources. The move comes as all five major record labels recently resigned and apparently renegotiated some terms of their contracts with Apple. Some albums have already been subject to higher pricing for the last few months, and labels also reportedly wanted to have the option of selling only full albums, an idea that Apple rebuffed. EMI and Sony Music, which launched its own online music service, are said to have been the most aggressive on pricing. If the price of some singles does in fact rise to $1.25, it would be counter to what Apple CEO Steve Jobs told the media when the third-generation iTunes Music Store launched just ten days ago.

UPDATE: Natalie Sequeira from Apple told CBS, Apple has multi-year contracts with record companies for .99¢ a track. The prices will remain the same. Once again, bad reporting. You know how many media groups will run with this story? If New York Post says it, it must be true. Hopefully they will update their article to reflect their BAD reporting.

BY THE WAY THIS IS BEN SHAPIRO'S 50TH STORY CONGTRATS TO SHAP...

Posted by: on May 07, 04 | 9:40 am | Profile

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Thu May 06, 2004

Large shared music libraries don't work in iTunes 4.5

With iTunes 4.5, you won't be able to listen to someone else's shared music (also using iTunes 4.5) if the library is too large. You'll see the "Loading " message in iTunes stays, but the shared library won't appear. Solution: ask your friend to create a playlist in iTunes that contains a smaller subset of her music, and share it instead.

Posted by: on May 06, 04 | 11:15 am | Profile

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Apple-Authorized Guide to Motion by Peachpit Press

In conjunction with Apple's announcement of Motion, its new motion graphics editing software, Peachpit Press has announced the upcoming release of 'Apple Pro Training Series: Motion' ($46), the only Apple-authorized guide to the software. As both a self-paced learning tool and the official curriculum of the Apple Pro Training and Certification the $46 guide by Damien Allen, is scheduled to release early this summer.

Posted by: on May 06, 04 | 5:20 am | Profile

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Wed May 05, 2004

Hotmail to be open bulk mailers

Oh dear, Microsoft - has said it had introduced a white list scheme to allow well-behaved email marketing firms to reach its customers without falling foul of its spam filters.

Read more here http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/05/05/ms_bonded_sender/

Posted by: MPG Staff on May 05, 04 | 2:33 pm | Profile

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MUG Radio

http://www.mugradio.com is a NEW way for mac users to listen to the radio! Along with http://www.iCompositions.com have partnered up to bring mac users garageband creations to YOU!

All of the music which is streamed on this radio station was contributed by your fellow Mac users Was posted on the website...... More...

Posted by: Laurence Anderson on May 05, 04 | 2:06 pm | Profile

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Apple sells 3.3 million songs in one week

Today Apple announced that it has sold 3.3 million songs from its third-generation iTunes Music Store since its launch one week ago and also said iTunes users have already published more than 20,000 iMixes--which have been rated over 50,000 times. In addition to the sold songs, iTunes users have also downloaded more than 500,000 free songs during Apple's week-long “Free Song of the Day” anniversary promotion. "Our third generation iTunes Music Store just blows away any other online music service," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "With over 700,000 songs and innovative features like iMix, it's the easiest to use and most fun to use online music store in the world."

Posted by: on May 05, 04 | 12:22 pm | Profile

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Ads

May 5th: We are changing our ad servers and adding some advertisers so the top banner ads will not be working today. Of course, this may not be so bad for all of you right? We know of the problemand the new ads will be up soon.

Posted by: Adam Jackson on May 05, 04 | 10:13 am | Profile

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Should Apple Go Public with the iPod?

May 5th: Alex Salkev of Business Week wrote a story regarding Apple spinning off its music side of Apple into its own IPO. Now, this sounds good, and many Mac sites just picked up that part and ran with it. If you read the entire article, you will see that Alex is saying this because he thinks the iPod and iTunes music store, for that matter, will be losing market share soon as the MP3 player market is "commoditized". I don't believe this. Microsoft and others will try to do ths, but Apple has the best music jukebox, store and portable player on the market. They have high market share because they are the best. More...

Posted by: Laurence Anderson on May 05, 04 | 7:51 am | Profile

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LiliPod For 3G iPod distributed by Dr. Bott


Dr. Bott today announced an exclusive distribution agreement for the LiliPod For 3G iPod, which will only be available through Dr. Bott authorized resellers worldwide. "LiliPod is a water-resistant hard shell casing that fits snugly around the iPod. It allows you to safely listen to your iPod during activities never previously possible. From skiing to sailing, mountain biking to fishing, and everywhere in between, LiliPod is a must have for any iPod user." It works with the 3G iPod with dock connector and is available for $40.

Posted by: on May 05, 04 | 6:35 am | Profile

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Tue May 04, 2004

A Rant to Part The Waters

I don't normally rant on products but i have to do a rant and a praise today. While walking across our courtyard at my high school, I was using my iPod case from Booq Bags, and I have note reviewed it yet because I wanted to use it extensively but so far things have not gone well with me and that case. Of course I will list its problems soon. So I was using that, it was attached to my pocket and my iPod was in the case. I was also using myTrendyGeek iPod protector. This keeps your iPod scratch free. I reviewed that case a while back. More...

Posted by: Adam Jackson on May 04, 04 | 9:26 am | Profile

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iBook G4 1.0 Ghz

Apple released the iBook G4 a few months bag and just recently updated it. Our friend over at Mike Serieys was nice enough to let us borrow his review of the new machine.

"I had been eagerly awaiting Apple's next line of iBook G4 computers for a week or so before last Monday's announcement. My nine-month old 900 MHz iBook G3 had aged far too quickly, especially with the release of apps I wanted to use like GarageBand. Quite clearly I needed a G4 for such tasks, and the new 1GHz iBook sounded ideal for my needs. What I wasn't expecting was the performance hit I got."

Read More.

Posted by: Adam Jackson on May 04, 04 | 8:49 am | Profile

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WaterField Designs' Cargo Line


In our three-month look at Waterfield Design’s most popular bags, today we are reviewing their largest bags, the Cargo Line. Waterfield Design’s Cargo line consists of different sizes but all have the same function. So far all of the WF bags have done very well and all have unique characteristics, which serve different purposes. The Cargo bags’ best feature is their amazing size. There is a large middle compartment that can hold everything. And there are a few smaller pockets that are still capable of holding a computer or notebook. For the first time, I replaced my backpack and used one bag for holding all of my schoolbooks and computer gear. More...

Posted by: Adam Jackson on May 04, 04 | 8:45 am | Profile

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Volume Logic 1.0

With the release of iTunes 4.5, we noticed that not much has been added to the Equalizer, or effects like Sound Enhancer, or Sound Check. This is where Volume Logic steps in to make your music sound amazing. Volume Logic is made by Octiv and really takes music to another level. By monitoring the drive, bass, volume and it’s own settings for different types of music, Volume Logic is the least expensive sound enhancer for the best digital jukebox, iTunes. More...

Posted by: Adam Jackson on May 04, 04 | 8:38 am | Profile

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Jobs to preview Mac OS X "Tiger" at WWDC keynote .

Apple today announced that Steve Jobs will kick off its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) with a keynote on Monday, June 28, 2004, beginning at 10:00 am at San Francisco's Moscone West. Apple said the keynote will include a preview of "Tiger," the next major release of Mac OS X.

Posted by: on May 04, 04 | 8:14 am | Profile

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OS X 10.3 Security Update 2004-05-03

Apple has released Security Update 2004-05-03 via the Mac OS X Software Update preference pane. According to the release notes, the update delivers several security enhancements and includes updated versions of AFP Server, CoreFoundation and IPSec and is recommended for all 10.3 (Panther) users.

There is also a separate update for 10.2 (Jaguar) users

Posted by: MPG Staff on May 04, 04 | 12:05 am | Profile

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Mon May 03, 2004

New iPod Ad Exlucisive.

May 3rd: Our Partner, Different District.com has the latest iPod ad we rumored to be filmed in New York this past week.
its at DD Movies

Posted by: on May 03, 04 | 5:46 pm | Profile

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Sun May 02, 2004

UK News: Most influential person on British culture

Nope not Steve Jobs but you guessed it - the english designer Jonathan Ive, who designer the iPod, iMac and iBook is to be named the most influential person on British culture.


Read the full story here

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/arts/3481599.stm

Posted by: Roland J Young on May 02, 04 | 12:16 pm | Profile

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Another worms effect Windoz boxes

Oh dear again the world of Windoze is under attack from a security hole in the Operating System - effecting versions Windows 2003, 2000 and Windows XP.

Microsoft describes it as a critical vulnerability and to install Security Update MS04-011, then you will be safe from this worm. (Yeh)

You can get the update from here http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS04-011.mspx

For my sins I have Windows XP and 2000 running on VPC 6.1.1 so its time to update.

Posted by: Roland J Young on May 02, 04 | 2:59 am | Profile

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10.3.4 coming along nicely

Apple has again release another developers seed for OS 10.3. The 10.3.4 update currently weighs in at around 39MB. The latest 10.3.4 build has a few bug fixes from the previous build the list includes corrections in the area of control manager, drag manager, menu manager, text service manager, window manager and Internet Config.

This build now includes the latest version of the Mac OS X High Level Toolbox and HIServices.

Posted by: MPG Staff on May 02, 04 | 2:51 am | Profile

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Sat May 01, 2004

Rumor: Apple films new iPod television spot in nyc for 4th gen iPod

As featured on appleinsider.com
It's no secret that Apple is readying the release of its 4th-generation iPod digital music player. The company retains a strong position on the sale of digital tracks and players, and plans to ease up on the competition are not a part of its playbook. After all, Apple isn't paying its engineers to sit back, smoke cigarettes and sip spiked Capri Sun fruit drinks, though some may find that mental image amusing.

In fact, word has it that Apple and its iPod team are inching closer to deploying the major revamp of its flagship iPod music player, which AppleInsider first reported on earlier this year. And while some industry analysts have expressed doubt that the company would introduce a totally revised iPod just prior to the rollout of the HP iPod, it was never stated which generation of the player HP would first begin shipping. Click read more for full article
More...

Posted by: on May 01, 04 | 11:23 am | Profile

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Opinion: Will there ever be a video iPod


Will there ever be a video iPod? My awnser is no. As cool as it would be to be able to play video's or view your pictures on your iPod it just isn't practical. As reported on MacNN there was a interview with Steve Jobs, and he said "We want it to make toast," said Jobs. "We're toying with refrigeration, too." in another quote from the interview he also said was "You can't watch a video and drive a car," he said. "We're focused on music." I think that these quotes provide evidence that there wont be a video or photo iPod anytime in the near future. But hey thats just my opinion, which everyone is entitled too.

Posted by: on May 01, 04 | 9:02 am | Profile

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UK News : BBC Click Online Latest

The BBC technology show click online this week will make to laugh. The show focuses on PC users who have to take their machines apart to make them look better. But no matter what they do one thing remains the same, they are just not as stylish as Mac.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/technology



Posted by: Roland J Young on May 01, 04 | 1:09 am | Profile

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