Skype has introduced a new beta version of its popular conference application for the Mac. Skype 5.0 beta is now ready for download.
∞ Supreme Court scrutinizes Calif. video game law
Attorneys representing the state of California and the video game industry have pled their case before the U.S. Supreme Court, in a case that will set a precedent for how video and computer games are sold. They’re arguing over the … Continued
∞ Photography for beginners: Why buy a point and shoot?
In the last column, we talked about how an iPhone makes for a perfectly capable and in some ways, even a superior camera for many people. So why would anyone even bother to buy a small pocket sized camera (cameras … Continued
∞ iPhoto 9.0.1 update fixes library upgrade problem
Apple on Friday released an update to iPhoto, version 9.0.1. It’s available through the Software Update system preference and also from Apple’s Web site.
∞ MS favors HTML 5 over Silverlight for cross platform
Microsoft introduced Silverlight in 2007 as its alternative to Adobe’s Flash technology – a framework that managed graphics, multimedia, animation and interactivity – but the company is now favoring HTML 5 to do most of that, according to comments made … Continued
∞ Device lets Mac mini, iMac users replace optical drives with second HD
OWC has announced the expansion of their Data Doubler optical bay drive mounting kit. The kit now works in 2009-era Mac minis and 2009-2010 iMac models. It costs $79.99.
∞ Galaxy on Fire 2 "galactic adventure" game comes to iPhone
Fishlabs has announced the release of Galaxy on Fire 2, the sequel to their outer space shooter and trading simulation for the iPhone and iPod touch. The game is now available in the App Store and costs $6.99 as a … Continued
∞ MacPractice doctor software comes to the iPad
MacPractice, the practice management and clinical software for the Mac, is now available with an iPad interface.
∞ Virtual Programming acquires utility maker Syncode
Virtual Programming – best known for its Mac games, most recently Supreme Commander 2 – has announced the acquisition of Australian developer Syncode, a publisher of utilities for Mac OS X and iOS.
∞ Valve releases Left 4 Dead for Mac
Just in time for Halloween, Valve Software has released Left 4 Dead Game of the Year Edition for the Macintosh. The game is regularly priced at $19.99 but costs $9.99. It’s available through Valve’s Steam download service.
∞ Former Xbox exec says Jobs 'mad' over Halo acquisition
Former Microsoft executive Ed Fries says that Steve Jobs was angry with Microsoft when it acquired Bungie Software, makers of Halo. “He was mad at [Microsoft CEO Steve] Ballmer and phoned him up and was angry because we’d just bought … Continued
∞ Back to the Future game coming to Mac, iPad
Casual game publisher Telltale Games has announced plans to release Back to the Future: The Game for Mac and PC in December. A version for the iPad and the PlayStation 3 is also planned. The Mac and PC versions are … Continued
∞ Photography for Beginners: Is the iPhone a good point and shoot camera?
In the previous (and first) column in this series, I laid out who I was and what I thought this column would be about. In my mind, I had a plan for what I would write about, step by step, … Continued
∞ Blizzard plans online WoW Cataclysm release
Blizzard Entertainment is planning to release the newest expansion pack to its World of Warcraft game in December. The new Cataclysm expansion pack will further enhance the game with new character capabilities, places to explore and more. And unlike previous … Continued
∞ Aperture 3.1 adds many fixes, iLife '11 compatibility
Apple on Wednesday released Aperture 3.1, an update to its pro-oriented photo editing and cataloging software. The update is available through the Software Update preference and through Apple’s Web site.
∞ FaceTime for Mac introduced as public beta
FaceTime, the video conferencing feature built into the iPhone 4 and iPod touch, has come to the Mac in the form of a newly available public beta version.
∞ Mac OS X 10.7 "Lion" coming in summer 2011
Apple gave its first look at Mac OS X 10.7 “Lion,” the next major iteration of its Mac operating system, at a special “Back to the Mac” event at its Cupertino, Calif. headquarters on Wednesday. The software is slated for … Continued
∞ iLife '11 sports overhauls to iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand
Apple on Wednesday introduced an update to iLife, the suite of applications it includes for free on all Macs and also makes available separately for $49. It’s available beginning on Wednesday.
∞ Mac App Store coming within 90 days
During Apple’s “Back to the Mac” announcement in Cupertino, Apple revealed some features of the next Mac OS X version – 10.7, code-named “Lion,” coming in summer 2011. One of the key features is a new Mac App Store, which … Continued
∞ New MacBook Air starts at $999
Apple took the wraps off two new MacBook Air models, with prices starting at $999. Both models ship today.
∞ Study: Mac claims 20 percent US consumer market share
Apple COO Tim Cook took the stage at Apple’s “Back to the Mac” event on Wednesday. He shared some statistics to put today’s announcement in context.
∞ Buying AppleCare on eBay? Be careful
AppleCare – Apple’s extended warranty plan for Macs and iOS devices – can save you a bundle when it comes time to repair equipment, but it comes at a price that some consumers aren’t willing to pay, at least if … Continued
∞ Civilization V is Mac-bound
Aspyr Media announced Tuesday plans to publish Civilization V for the Macintosh. The game is already in development and will be released this holiday season, according to the company.
∞ Bare Bones offers Yojimbo 3, introduces Yojimbo for iPad
Bare Bones Software on Tuesday introduced Yojimbo 3, a new version of their information organizer for Mac OS X. The company has also introduced Yojimbo for the iPad, now available for purchase from the App Store.
∞ Photography for Beginners: An introduction
Buying a digital camera is one of the most important decisions in your life.
∞ New MMO Gaming Mouse targets World of Warcraft players
Apple’s Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad are fine input devices for everyday work, but they fall short of expectations for many gamers. If you’re a fan of Blizzard Entertainment’s hugely popular MMO World of Warcraft, you may be interested in … Continued
∞ HyperMac to stop selling MagSafe-equipped batteries
Embroiled in a patent infringement lawsuit with Apple, HyperMac has announced that it will stop selling its MacBook charging cables and car charger on November 2, 2010.
∞ MobileMe Calendar emerges from beta
After an extended public beta period that began in July, Apple on Thursday announced that MobileMe Calendar is now available to all MobileMe users.
∞ Hands on with the Virgin Mobile MiFi 2200
With MacBooks, Wi-Fi-only iPads and other Wi-Fi-only devices, we have an increasing desire for Internet access when we’re out of the range of a local Wi-Fi hotspot. But we’re also reluctant to lose our unlimited iPhone data plan with a … Continued
∞ Valve to release Defense of the Ancients 2 for Mac and PC
Valve Software has announced plans to release Defense of the Ancients 2, a new game coming to the Mac and PC via Valve’s popular Steam service in 2011.