Macintosh/iPhone software update roundup – July 31, 2009

Macintosh and iPhone/iPod updates and announcements for July 31, 2009:

Macintosh

• Vela Design Group has announced VelaClock Deluxe 2.1.14 and VelaClock 2.1.14, Dashboard widgets. VelaClock is a world clock widget with a highly configurable user interface. Users can quickly display the time of sunrise, sunset, or twilight, duration of daylight, moonrise, moonset, phase of moon, time zone information and more. It can easily be configured to use a minimum amount of screen space or if the user wishes, more detailed information about the currently selected city can be displayed.
• You can hardly turn on a computer or surf a Web page these days without being asked for a password, and choosing and managing passwords has become a pain for many Mac users. Fortunately, it is possible to avoid headaches while using sensible and secure passwords, and for the many people who are stumped on this topic, TidBITS Publishing Inc. has just released the second edition of Take Control of Passwords in Mac OS X, by Mac expert Joe Kissell. In this 120-page ebook, readers can learn the ins and outs of choosing appropriate passwords, smart ways to store passwords, and how to solve password-related problems.
• The Remedy Laptop Shoulder Bag is a minimalist messenger bag with finely detailed features. Each of these models is designed to accomodate the Apple MacBook, MacBook Pro and PowerBook line of notebook computers. The Remedy features a snug-fitting notebook section with high-density padding and an organizer pocket on the front for all your essentials. A stylish and comfortable handle allows the Remedy to be carried as a brief; the removable strap converts it into a shoulder bag.

iPhone/iPod

• Aemade has announced that v1.1 of Roadee—an Openstreetmap based navigation system for the iPhone—is now available in the AppStore. The most important new feature is voice guidance. Included in Roadee is one english voice for giving routing instructions to the user. The next version will give the user the opportunity to buy new voices from within Roadee. Theses voices are of High Quality and available in different languages.
• 4us has released 1Hand Mailer Keyboard, their first application for iPhone/iPod touch. 1Hand Mailer Keyboard is designed for users to write e-mails faster and easier with just one hand using their original keyboard layout.
• xCube Labs is proud to announce the launch of our new iPhone application—Game of Fate – Free (iTunes App Store link)—on the App Store. Game of Fate – Free is a straight-forward, simple application made to tease your curiosity. We all believe in fate and destiny in some way or the other, we all have some tickling questions in our minds that we very much want to know the answers or outcomes. Funny as life is, we are made without the ability to peep into the future. Game of Fate – Free comes in here to make fun of our infirmities in a pleasing way.
• Random Ideas, LLC has announced the worldwide release of The Joy of Being 1.0, a new guided meditation application for iPhone and iPod Touch. The Joy of Being is a set of three guided meditations to help you find inner peace, relax, empower yourself, and open your mind to creativity and freedom. Entitled Beach, Forest, and River, the meditations are professionally recorded with specially selected imagery chosen to enhance the user’s meditative experience.
• Old Jewel Software has announced How Much 1.0, its new bargain shopping application for the iPhone and iPod Touch. In the shortest time possible, How Much lets anyone figure out the exact price they will pay at the register, including sales tax and discounts. Users can enter everything about their bargain purchase in one simple, fast interface. The final price of their purchase appears at the top of the iPhone screen immediately.
• idealius.com has introduced LookItUp! 1.0, their new search engine utility for iPhone and iPod Touch. Developed specifically to leverage the iPhone’s unique abilities and interface, LookItUp! offers a radically improved approach for searching anything. From a single search, gain instant access to millions of pages from hundreds of search engines. Tap into thousands of company websites, job boards, newspapers, images, audio, video, articles, blogs and associations.
• ZTak Software has released Fart Match 1.12, an update to their hilarious card matching game for iPhone and iPod Touch. Fart Match puts a humorous twist on the traditional card matching game. Instead of matching card faces you will be matching farting sounds. With the release of version 1.12 a new timed game called Fart Match Speed has been added. With it you will play against the clock while tying to complete the 56 levels of the game.
• AGF, the design force behind many popular accessories for major mobile brands, has added to its new retail line with the Precision HSD case/carry solution for iPhone 3G and 3G S. The Precision HSD product line features an ingenious case design that unites superior protection, quality construction and ease of use.
• Following the popularity of the recently released Zgrip iPhone Pro by Zacuto USA, a leading maker of camera gear and accessories for professionals, the custom house has launched their consumer version: the Zgrip iPhone Jr. Specifically designed for Apple iPhone 3Gs shooters, this mini-rig comes with multiple fingers to quickly lock the iPhone in place and offers a stable solution for shooting video.