Macintosh/iPhone software update roundup – July 21, 2009

Macintosh and iPhone/iPod updates and announcements for July 21, 2009:

Macintosh

• Speck has introduced updated versions of its popular SeeThru and soft-touch SeeThru Satin hard shell cases to address recent Apple design changes in both the 13″ and 15″ MacBook products released earlier this month. The updated cases also fit previous editions of MacBook and MacBook Pro aluminum unibody models originally launched in October 2008.
• Karelia Software has released Sandvox 1.6.3, its award-winning website design software for Mac OS X. Version 1.6.3 is a free, maintenance update and provides full compatibility with Apple’s Safari 4 and Safari 4 WebKit and preliminary compatibility with Snow Leopard. Until August 7, 2009, Sandvox is available as part of the just-launched MacWeed Creative Bundle, as well as directly through Karelia’s online store.
• Illume Solutions, Inc. has announced their nationwide service plan for repairs and upgrades for all models of Apple Macintosh computers. This nationwide service plan includes laptop screen replacements, hard drives, optical drives, enclosure parts, RAM, logic boards, and much more. Illume Solutions has graduated into a unique partnership with over 30 years of collective experience specializing in repairs and upgrades for all models of Apple Macintosh computers.
• MacHighway has announced its Easy hosting package for do-it-yourself Web site owners and small businesses. MacHighway’s Easy hosting package comes with unmatched service and support, 10 gigabytes of disk space, 100 gigabytes monthly bandwidth and 5 domain email accounts as well as free registration for one domain for the first year. MacHighway can provide the infrastructure needed to support its customers while taking a carbon-neutral approach to its business.
• ProteMac has announced ProteMac Meter 2.8, an update to their network Activity monitor and network traffic logger utility for Mac OS X. With a focus on ease-of-use, ProteMac Meter allows control network activity for every application on your Mac, showing you exactly what was transmitted and to where. ProteMac Meter provides real-time processes monitoring and shows the history of every network activity. Version 2.8 sports a new powerful database engine, speed increased and misc bug fixes.
• Macvide has announced FlashVideo Converter 3.2, an update to its professional Flash to video conversion utility for Mac OS X. The FlashVideo Converter is a powerful and versatile program for converting any flash video file to one of many popular video formats including iPhone/iPod mp4, Mobile .3gp and MPEG2. Converted movies can be saved for custom editing, or recorded for use in DVD players, or on iPod, iPhones and other mobile devices.
• Zevrix Solutions has announced the release of LinkOptimizer 4, a major new version of its workflow automation solution for Adobe InDesign. LinkOptimizer allows to reduce InDesign job size and speed up processing by eliminating excess image data, performing essential image adjustments and converting file formats. The latest version has more than 20 new powerful features and improvements, including settings presets, resampling methods, detailed logs and a redesigned user interface.
• Group Logic has announced the immediate availability of ArchiveConnect. Available now, ArchiveConnect enables organizations with Mac desktops to take full advantage of the benefits of file archiving and hierarchical storage management solutions. It provides end-users with an easy and intuitive way to identify and access archived files. It eliminates inadvertent recalls of archived files by Finder previews, Quick Look and Cover Flow, an issue that has impeded the adoption of file archiving.
• Managing Editor, Inc. has announced the release of the Integrated Production Suite 4.6, the latest version of the powerful collection of MEI products for enterprise publishers. IPS is used in demanding multi-site operations to streamline and distribute all facets of ad and page production. Its powerful components work through the IPS Engine, which blends standards-based technology with innovative design to create a scalable architecture for one publication or 100.
• Commence Corporation, a leading provider of customer relationship management (CRM) software solutions designed specifically for small- to mid-size businesses, has announced that its award-winning Commence OnDemand CRM application, compatible with the current Mac operating system, will also be compatible with the new Mac OS X Snow Leopard, which is scheduled for release in September. Commence OnDemand is the only CRM solution for small to medium-sized businesses available with native support for the Mac OS.

iPhone/iPod

• mobya has launched InstantPay for iPhone and Android. The app allows you to very quickly initiate a payment request for a loan or a sale and be paid right back. It is very simple to use and is based on the principle that “a debt paid is a friend kept.” When you loan money or sell an item to someone, it’s easy: create a record on your cell phone; the debtor receives an email instantly with a link to repay you, which he can do with either his credit card or his PayPal account. As soon as the payment has been entered you will see it automatically in InstantPay.
• New Zealand based App City has announced the release of Pocket Whip 1.0.1, their free whip simulator app for iPhone and iPod touch. Pocket Whip uses the iPhone’s built in accelerometer to sense how the user is wielding the whip. Users can move their iPhone or iPod touch from side to side, up and down or in a circular motion above their head to create various, realistic, wooshing sound effects. Users can then flick their wrist to create a biting crack of the whip.
• Calf Trail Software, LLC has announced Inbugz 1.0, a native FogBugz client for the iPhone and iPod touch. The first release of Inbugz allows users to reply to incoming customer emails, assign bugs to the proper project, and route tickets to the responsible team member. The native iPhone interface enables developers and managers to keep on top of their projects while away from their desks.
• Readdle has announced the release of PDF Expert 1.0, a professional PDF document reader solution for the iPhone. PDF Expert extends PDF viewing capabilities of the iPhone along with a large set of professional functions including saving PDF email attachments, full text document search, support for password protected documents, navigation through embedded PDF bookmarks and handling for large PDF files.
• Kitty Code, LLC has announced the availability of Hurricane 3.0, a hurricane and tropical storm tracker for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Hurricane introduces a whole new way to track tropical storm systems with a new highly detailed, zoomable map covering storms in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. A dynamic information page for each storm provides you with satellite and radar imagery when available and the latest plots for active storms.
• Flat Earth Studio has announced two new translations for its version 1.3 update for Yi Jing, also known as I Ching, the Book of Changes, for the iPhone and iPod touch. I Ching helps explore all of the different meanings and interpretations of this ancient Chinese oracle. The update includes “Yi Jing / Book of Changes” by Gregory C. Richter, and “Gia-Fu Taoist I Ching” by Gia-Fu Feng and Frank R. Kegan.
• Rapid Turtle Games has announced that My Squares! Here & Now!, a strategy board game with puzzles is now available for the iPhone and iPod touch on the App Store. The game features four players, any number of which can be human or computer, thousands of levels, three difficulty settings and two game modes.