Macintosh/iPhone software update round-up – July 25-26, 2008

Macintosh and iPhone software updates and announcements for July 25-26, 2008:

• Candywriter today announced the release of Imagine Poker 3.6 for the Mac. Candywriter teamed up with Los Angeles-based Fearnot Music Studios to bring voices to all 21 Imagine Poker Mac characters as featured in the current iPhone/iPod Touch version of the game. Imagine Poker allows players to pit their wits against 21 infamous characters from history, mythology, and legend. The game features interactive opponents and an adaptive artificial intelligence engine.
• app4mac today released CheckUp 1.2, a new update to the innovative tool that allows you to check the health and monitor the behavior of a Mac computer. Built from the ground up with Mac OS X technologies, CheckUp features an amazing user interface. CheckUp is first designed to monitor the usage of CPU, Memory, Disk Drives and Network Adapters. CheckUp works with any Mac with a PowerPC G4, G5 or Intel Processor.
• David Pogue’s iPhone: The Missing Manual Ebook from O’Reilly is here. Everything you want to know about the iPhone 3G, in Ebook form.
• Black Cat Systems has announced that Elmer version 7.5.0 has been released. This version includes the new Extra Class question pool, which went into effect July 1, 2008. Elmer creates sample tests to help you prepare for your amateur (ham) radio written examination. It contains all FCC question pools for each of the three written exams: Technician, General, and Extra Class.
• Effigent, Inc. is looking to expand its business. Effigent’s PowerEasy Suite has had a successful beta program, and is now generally available. PowerEasy takes advantage of the new features of Apple Mac OS X Leopard, and also has iPhone integration. The PowerEasy accounting solution enables small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to manage key financial operations in a single integrated system.
• iSkin has announced their second-generation revo skin for the iPhone 3G, dubbed the revo2. Embracing features of the 1st gen. revo (such as soft silicone material and antibacterial protection) the revo2 offers additional enhancements including better fit and coverage to protect against everyday use, an integrated docking port cover, anti-glare and anti-fingerprint screen film, and two-tone color designs. The revo2 retails for $39.99.
• Macgamestore.com announced it has begun offering SCRABBLE Journey through its web site. The game is being published by Real Arcade. SCRABBLE Journey features two game modes, adventurous game play, bonuses and rewards. Use your word-building skills to travel the globe in this combination of high-adventure and SCRABBLE fun.
• Fans of cerebral challenges and fun games in general can start worrying about their lives and careers. Ancient Quest of Saqqarah—a vast and cinematic puzzle game by Codeminion—is officially released for Mac OS X. Newly released Saqqarah has already gathered very positive reviews and lots of appreciation from the casual gaming community. Saqqarah indeed plays great with its simple-yet-compelling premise, beautiful graphic style and professional voice acting.