Macintosh/iPhone software update roundup – November 17, 2009

Macintosh and iPhone/iPod updates and announcements for November 17, 2009:

Macintosh

• Snarb.tk today announced Everplay Public Beta, a preview of the successor to their popular iTunes controller Cover Stream. A light weight, stand alone media player, Everplay plays music from your iTunes music library as well as from Last FM online radio services. It lets you browse, search and play your iTunes music library and playlists in one simple, beautiful and easy-to-navigate Cover Flow window. All this without launching iTunes.
• Apparent Corporation has introduced Barcode Producer 5.6, now available as a cross-platform product for Mac OS X and Windows. Barcode Producer is Apparent’s award-winning barcode generation suite aimed toward graphic designers and industry professionals. Barcode Producer 5.6 delivers support for the Code 93 symbology, an enhanced version of Code 39 with high density printing support.
• Christian Kienle today has announced Ebbinghaus 3.0 for Mac OS X. Ebbinghaus is an easy-to-use flash card application with a beautiful iTunes-like user interface. Organize your cards in decks, folders and smart decks. When selecting a deck, its cards will be shown in a table. Each card has a progress indicator so that you see your overall performance at a glance. Ebbinghaus was a German psychologist, who invented the learning curve.
• Dejal Systems, LLC has announced Caboodle 1.3.4, a lean, clean, snippet machine to store and organize useful tidbits of text, images, PDFs, and more. Caboodle is elegantly simple, but includes some innovative and useful features. Arrange items in an outline-like hierarchy, and include both structured fields and free-form text and pictures. Version 1.3.4 improves performance by storing attachments separately from the main data file, and includes a number of other fixes and improvements.
• Apps & More Software Design, Inc. has announced Script Timer 2.6.2, a Snow Leopard compatible version of its popular script, Automator workflow, and application scheduling utility for Mac OS X. Script Timer can schedule the execution of AppleScript, Perl, and shell scripts, as well as applications and Automator workflows. The application ships with more than half a dozen sample scripts that illustrate its use, including examples of Finder and third party application scripting.
• Urban Design Limited has announced Qu-s 1.5. With Qu-s, using Stickies like notes that have the facility to create numbered lists, check boxes or bullet points, you can structure your ideas and develop and explore how these strands of inspiration come together. By utilizing the Desktop, or by making your notes floating, it keeps what you need at your finger tips. Version 1.5 is now a universal 32/64-bit executable fully compatible with Snow Leopard.
• TeamViewer GmbH has released the beta version of TeamViewer 5. Already recognized as a premium desktop sharing solution, TeamViewer 5 brings a host of innovative features, including the latest VoIP and video conferencing technology, to their proven, user-friendly remote software.
• The Sims are off on an adventure of a lifetime! The EA Play Label of Electronic Arts Inc. has announced that The Sims 3 World Adventures Expansion Pack, the first expansion pack to the best-selling PC game of calendar 2009, The Sims 3, is available at retail nationwide and for digital download today for the PC and Mac. The game will be in stores worldwide in 60 countries and in 22 languages this week.
• FileMaker, Inc. has announced the Bento 3 Holiday Pack, a free, fun and easy way to get organized for the holidays that works with Bento 3, the popular personal database from FileMaker that is as easy to use as your Mac. Whether the task is planning holiday parties or organizing gift lists, the Bento 3 Holiday Pack makes it easy.
• RadTech has announced the STM Sonic Stylish 15in Laptop Messenger Bag, a retro-styled bag that combines modern materials, rugged hardware and a dedicated laptop cell. Sonic’s distinctive style offers uncompromised protection for a laptop computer, while also affording plenty of space for books, folders and accessories. The fixed, thickly-padded laptop section surrounds your computer in high-density shock absorbing padding. Sonic’s roomy interior allows you to pack in everything else you need, without compromise.

iPhone/iPod

• Handjoy has announced a contest in which everyone will win. There is only one rule; write anywhere on the internet, “I want Gelex for free!” and they will make it happen. People can write this message on their blog, Twitter account, in YouTube comments, on various discussion forums or anywhere else, where Google can record it. Gelex is an iPhone/iPod Touch game for both casual and hardcore players that combines physics elements with the traditional match 3 concept.
• Racer has been updated to v1.2.1. New game modes can be played, cool sport cars can be chosen, and iTunes music from your library can be selected during your extreme highway driving. Also, a few bugs have been fixed and art enhancements have been made. Racer keeps its simplicity, fun and addictive gameplay.
• Happymagenta has announced Net Scan 1.3, an update to their popular network scanner for iPhone and iPod touch. Developed specifically to leverage the iPhone’s peerless capabilities, Net Scan will effortlessly scan hosts or network ranges on the Internet or LAN for running services as well as dig for other useful information. The utility can scan by either IP address or any network range for hosts and services and run in several different modes. Version 1.3 sports many new features.
• 24x7digital today has introduced TimesTables 3.0, an educational title for the iPhone and iPod Touch which teaches the basics of multiplication with an emphasis on learning the times tables and becoming very fast at recalling multiplication facts. The 3.0 update has a revamped user interface and adds multiplication flash cards, skip-counting apple orchard, and multiuser profiles.
• ASD Soft Company has published ASD Poker, featuring the classic 6-Card and Russian Poker. They are based on real casino games, and tested and approved by experienced casino players. High-quality graphics and nice sound effects conjure up the atmosphere of a real casino.
• ASD Soft Company has published Kill Hill, a funny addictive shooter! Mr. Hill Wates has occupied the house, turned all the residents out of it and barricaded himself there. As you are the very hero to save the residents, you need to shoot the villain, appearing in the windows. The weapons here are heavy boots, tomatoes, eggs and creamy cake. The game features 20 levels, which become more challenging as you progress. The more you strike the target, the more points you get. In case of failure, you lose one of 5 lives. Be careful! Don’t shoot a penguin appearing in the windows from time to time, otherwise you will lose 1,000 points!
• Niles Technology Group has announced Essay Writing Wizard 1.2 for iPhone and iPod touch. The Essay Writing Wizard tools brings essay writing and critical thinking skills into the pockets of high-tech students. In order to find the best application for a student’s assignment, Niles Technology Group has setup a quick app selection tool where students can email their assignments in and receive a list of app tools that meet their particular needs in less than a day.
• AdrenalineApps has announced CrashSpace 1.0 for iPhone and iPod touch. Working in conjunction with the CrashSpace website, CrashSpace App helps anyone get repair quotes for their damaged vehicle. Users enter information about their vehicle and upload photos of the damage. Local body shops within a 25-mile radius are notified of the user’s repair request. Users then logon to CrashSpace to review the quotes and communicate with the body shops.
• Findhorn Press Ltd. today released Wisdom Cards 1.0 by Diana Cooper & Greg Suart for iPhone and iPod Touch users. The app provides portable advice, guidance and inspiration for people on the go by assisting them tap their own internal wisdom. Biding by the recommended daily usage helps build a steady stream of guidance and synchronicities. Findhorn Press is one of the world’s leading independent publishers in the fields of spirituality, healing, and self development.
• Mail Point GmbH today releases Amateur Models 1.0 for iPhone and iPod Touch users. Mail Point GmbH has designed Amateur Models in a way that once the images have been downloaded allows fans to view the professional quality photos offline. The steamy snapshots can then be used as wallpaper, with new photos available daily.
• zinc Roe has announced Tickle Tap Apps for iPhone and iPod Touch devices. Tickle Tap Apps is a new series developed by child gaming experts, vetted by educational researchers and tested by kids. They are designed to help children ages three to five practice key skills and learn about sounds, numbers, colors, patterns and shapes. They help children improve concentration and motor skills via simple tap and touch controls.
• Gotow.net has announced Layers 2.0 for iPhone and iPod Touch. Layers is a powerful painting tool for the iPhone that allows you to draw on multiple layers-taking your mobile painting experience to the next level. Use up to five layers in your drawings and create a masterpiece with ten high-quality brushes and extensive undo. Version 2 is a major upgrade to Layers featuring a new smudge tool, a redesigned tool palette, and a revamped photo import panel.
• Cramzy has announced 1,001 Murphy Laws 1.1 for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Loaded with tens of hundreds of these funny and ridiculously true universal laws of how life really works, this is a great collection to have in your pocket. Perfect for social gatherings and personal entertainment the app is sure to enjoy people for days. Cramzy has also released a free demo version of the app, so people can try before buy.
• Westbright has announced Zombies 1.0, a simple turn-based board game for the iPhone and iPod touch. Zombies is based on the old classic Daleks game. Wipe out all the zombies. Collect and cast spells and more. Users can choose either male or female player. Suitable for the entire family, Zombies features include comedy sounds and a fun soundtrack, beautiful cartoon graphics.
• You now have instant access to all the hottest trailers for movies, games and more, with the release of TrailerSpy Mobile, a new app for the iPhone and iPod touch. TrailerSpy Mobile has been designed to provide users with a quick and easy way to access all of the latest trailers as soon as they hit the internet. This is the ultimate resource for movie buffs, TV aficionados, hardcore gamers, or anyone else who wants to have a huge library of trailers at their fingertips.
• Appetizer Mobile has released Cover Up for iPhone and iPod touch. Cover Up gives women the discretion they need when nature calls. With five different noises to choose from, Cover Up can help save face in those potentially awkward situations in the office place bathroom, public restroom or at the new boyfriend’s house.
• Ready and live, App Store users will now be able to download and update their current version of the 80’s arcade classic, Pang, to include online leader boards (challenge your friends and become the world’s best bubble burster) and achievements (unlock achievements by reaching high scores in Infinity Mode, Pang’s most brutal game mode).
• Marware has announced the EcoSleeve for the iPod nano 5G, the latest eco-conscious slim, Eco-Fabric case, is now shipping. The EcoSleeve for iPod nano 5G is made from 100% cotton canvas. This soft, stretchy Eco-Fabric feels better, is better for the environment, and keeps your iPod secure while providing access to all the functionality and features of your nano. An environmentally friendly solution, the EcoSleeve for iPod nano 5G protects your iPod with a custom fit.
• Clickgamer’s new music game, DJ Nights: Global Tour for iPhone and iPod touch, is now available in the App Store. DJ Nights gameplay involves rhythmic tapping, shaking and even virtual turntable scratching as the player tries to keep time with the beat. The game innovates on iPhone and iPod touch as when players miss a beat, that note is not played.
• Griffin Technology Inc., has announced a partnership with community-centric online apparel store Threadless. The Griffin+Threadless Co-Op Initiative combines clever original art and case design to produce a line of accessories.
• Classic Media, a global media company with a portfolio of some of the world’s leading family and pop-culture entertainment brands, has announced that it has signed a deal with games publisher Mastertronic and developers Codemonkeys to bring a Casper’s Scare School game to the iPhone and iPod Touch handsets. Spooky Sports Day is available now on digital download from Apple’s App store (UK). Based on the popular series aimed at kids aged 6-9yrs and currently airing on Boomerang (UK), the game challenges users to a series of ‘spooky’ sporting events as the Scare School celebrates its annual Spooky Sports Day. Gamers control the games using the iPhones touch screen and accelerometer.
• How steady are you? How responsive? How cooperative? For the first time, these intangibles can be measured through an application. Download Balince today and find out just how balinced you are.
• Chillingo has announced the release of its genre-defining new role-playing game, Ravensword: The Fallen King [iTunes App Store link]. Developed by Crescent Moon Games, the fantasy epic offers a unique experience to iPhone and iPod touch owners. “Ravensword offers a game experience unlike anything seen before on the iPhone and the iPod touch,” said Chillingo’s Head of Publishing, Johnny Coghlan. “Fans of adventure and fantasy have understandably been waiting for a game like this. The wait is over – they can dive into an adventure that they may never want to end.”
• Riff Raters is an iPhone app that lets musicians record and share their riffs with the world. Listeners rate and comment on the music they hear, helping to determine which riffs make the Top 25. Riffs are “short repeated melodic phrases,” usually lasting no more than twenty seconds—like a musical “tweet.” Musicians can record original riffs on their iPhone/iTouch with any instrument.