Macintosh/iPhone software update roundup – January 21, 2010

Macintosh and iPhone/iPod updates and announcements for January 21, 2010:

Macintosh

• Ortelius 1.0.5, the vector-based map illustration tool for Mac OS X, was released today for download. Ortelius is loaded with hundreds of map styles and symbols, dozens of royalty-free vector map templates, and special cartography tools that help you streamline the creation of custom map graphics, plans, and scaled drawings. Ortelius 1.0.5 is a free update for existing users and is available as a free download for evaluation.
• Conceited Software has announced Linkinus 2.1.2, an advanced chat app for Mac OS X. Linkinus 2 provides a rich, social IRC experience, featuring embedded media, short URL expansion, message starring, combined chats, emoticons, and much more. Assign colors to chat participants, grouping consecutive messages into a unique block, customizing emoticons, smart scrolling, putting the spotlight on specific channel users, jumping to highlights and being alerted of relevant content automatically.
• Xeric Design has announced EarthDesk 5.2, an update to its award-winning, real-time dynamic desktop map. EarthDesk replaces your static desktop with an image of the Earth showing current sun, moon and city illumination, as well as real-time global cloud coverage, allowing you to track hurricanes and other weather systems on your Macintosh or Windows desktop. Version 5.2 adds a fourth map style – a new high-resolution shaded relief map. The cloud updating mechanism has been greatly improved.
• Macware today announces DiskTools Pro 3.6.0, a free update to users of its popular Mac utility suite software. DiskTools Pro is a total system utility for the Mac, and the only one that allows you to schedule when to perform important tasks such as file defragmentation, backup and bad sector repair in a single, easy-to-use interface. Version 3.6.0 features major enhancements with the defrag tool, along with other new features and options.
• Marware Inc. has announced Project X 2.0, project management software for Snow Leopard, is now available. Project X 2.0 takes a redefined approach to traditional project management by simplifying the usage and focusing on collaboration, communication, and management. Save time, money, and get organized with Project X 2.0. Project X 2.0 is ideal for projects such as: event planning, house renovations, creative designing, construction management, travel and many more.
• Twelve South has introduced BookBook, a unique new leather MacBook case that looks just like a vintage book. Designed exclusively for Apple MacBooks, BookBook features a hardback cover and a padded leather spine that keeps your Mac safe and secure as you shuttle it from place to place. Since it looks like a vintage book, BookBook also disguises your Mac, reducing the risk of theft. BookBook for 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro is available now at http://twelvesouth.com for $79.99.
• danholt4mac today released Calories 2.1 an update to it popular nutrition tracking software for Mac OS X. Calories is a perfect compliment to body building, fitness and other sports. Users caring about their body and their health will be pleased by Calories 2′s new options. Version 2.1 comes with a new feature for activities. Calorie consumption by sports or other activities can now also be tracked and will be recorded for the calorie balance.
• Humble Daisy has announced its Happy Anniversary Macintosh sale for ProfCast. The company is offering a 75% discount on single license purchases of ProfCast between January 24th and January 29th, 2010. ProfCast is a versatile, powerful, yet very simple to use tool for recording and distributing lectures, special events, and presentations as podcasts. It’s perfect for professionals and educators alike who need to provide a more flexible, richer media to supplement traditional pedagogical tools.
• Zevrix Solutions has announced File Courier 1.1, an update to its professional digital delivery solution with emphasis on needs of graphics industry professionals. File Courier delivers files and folders to FTP and local destinations and sends automatic e-mail delivery notifications. The software can also create a lo-res version of PDF file, compress items and protect deliveries with password. The new update implements a more robust, powerful e-mail engine and expands FTP options.
• Since its release in the US, the Withings WiFi Body Scale has taken additional steps in expanding its connectivity by sharing its platform with a number of growing partners. Due to the scale’s built-in ability to receive updates wirelessly and seamlessly, Withings has been able to partner with many popular websites that focus on coaching and fitness. To date, Withings has partnered with various overseas websites plus US based companies DailyBurn.com and its 350,000 members, RunKeeper.com that has had over 900,000 iTunes app downloads, FitOrbit.com and gymtechnik.com. By offering this added connectivity to these popular fitness sites, Withings is giving their customers more outlets to track their progress.

iPhone/iPod

• KApps has announced A Text 2 Speech Caller 1.0, their free app for iPhone and iPod Touch. A Text 2 Speech Caller is an entertaining and useful new app that allows you to call your friends, family, and coworkers and deliver a message using high tech Text-to-Speech technology. The application is a breeze to use: simply enter the recipient’s phone number and your message. A Text 2 Speech Caller is great for delivering messages to land lines without disturbing others.
• Independent software developer Robert Landis is pleased to introduce SpotACop 1.0, his new cop and law enforcement locator for iPhone 3G and 3GS devices. Designed specifically to take advantage of the iPhone’s unique capabilities and touch interface, SpotACop allows anyone to see where police officers are currently spotted by other drivers. To prevent from getting a speeding ticket, SpotACop also issues a warning to let drivers know to slow down before they approach one of these areas.
• WebIS Inc. has announced a major update to its Calendaring/To Do application for the iPhone, Pocket Informant. This release adds many major new features such as Tags, TextExpander Touch integration, redesigned search view, and literally a hundred other different improvements. Also included is public beta support for Desktop Outlook sync. And finally from January 20th through the 21st we are donating all proceeds to Doctors without Borders for Haiti relief fund.
• Super Happy Fun Fun has announced the first app update for their fast-paced wintery racer, Snowboarding TnT. The new version will up the downhill challenge with the addition of a new Black Diamond course, “Thunderbolt,” and will be available as a free download for anyone who has previously purchased Snowboarding TnT on the App Store.
• What better way to welcome the New Year than by getting into trouble with Adam? Yes, he’s back and in more danger than the last time. Adam’s Trouble will pull you into a killer adventure that’s as exciting as it’s frustrating. Help Adam to safety through 25 levels that will make the Spanish inquisition look like fun. There are bigger enemies to dodge, more friends to be rescued, power ups to be used and more than enough doors, locks, keys and gases to leave you dizzy with confusion.
• EUROCOMP has announced PocketCAS 2.0, its well-acclaimed Computer Algebra System for the iPhone and iPod touch. PocketCAS is a very advanced computer algebra system which turns an iPhone or iPod touch into a device capable of calculating complicated mathematical problems in just seconds. Apart from a new visual theme and an improved mathematical keyboard, the update features a new function plotter as well as native support for several physical units.
• Nickelodeon [iTunes App Store link] has announced the availability of new apps for the iPhone and iPod touch based on some of its most popular television properties and proprietary websites. “iCarly: Sam’s Remote” and “Go, Diego, Go: Musical Missions” join recently launched Nickelodeon apps including “SpongeBob Tickler,” “SpongeBob Jellyfish Jam,” AddictingGames’ “The World’s Hardest Game” and “iParkIt,” “Shockwave Daily Jigsaw to Go” and “Dora Saves the Crystal Kingdom.” Nick’s full suite of apps have had more than 4.5 million downloads worldwide since the launch of its first app in February 2009.
• Parasol has released Revolve 1.0, an experimental ambient reaction game for iPhone and iPod touch. Combining abstract visuals and soothing ambient music by Jori Kemppi with addictive gameplay, Revolve is at the same time a relaxing and challenging gaming experience. The rules are simple: Touch the screen when a circle is in the zone of the same color. Accuracy is rewarded, missteps are punished severely.
• Nor Eagle has released their latest game—Fumbers—a numbers game that its developer claims will help fight Alzheimer’s Disease. Its mechanics fits perfectly with the cognitive reserve theory. Studies suggest that exercising your brain might help prevent the effect of the disease.
• Coladia has announced Secret of the Lost Cavern Episode 3 for iPhone and iPod Touch. Secret of the Lost Cavern is an episodic adventure game that plunges the player into an inspiring journey that takes place during the Paleolithic period in prehistoric time, 15,000 years B.C. The gameplay and each puzzle were redesigned to take unique advantage of the touch capabilities of the iPhone. 3D graphics and videos were also optimized for an unparalleled visual quality on mobile devices.
• CBTReferee is an application that provides users with mobile tools to assist in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy—a type of psychotherapy that involves journaling and reflecting to deter dysfunctional emotions and feelings. Simple and convenient, the app supplies a platform for users to jot down their thoughts and learn from them while on the go .
• The Digital Lifestyle, an online video channel of Apple-related news, reviews and lifestyle information is launching a new show aimed at connecting users with app developers. The iPhoneDevShow is a live weekly show, highlighting two or three app developers, talking about their apps, the app store, and answering questions from viewers. They will talk about their favorite apps and comment on developing for the platform.