News for Wednesday, 31 May 2006

An update is available for QuickTime:

QuickTime 7.1.1 addresses an issue with 3rd party start-up items on Intel Macs. This release also fixes an issue exporting to Keynote presentations to iDVD. Also delivers numerous bug fixes, support for iLife06, and H.264 performance improvements. This update is highly recommended for all QuickTime 7 users.

Eighteen months ago,the PC manufacturer AOpen has tried to release a Mac mini clone, the product was delay for many months, and the new version based on Intel Core Duo has finally be unveiled.

This clone is really similar to the Mac mini in size, it also features a GMA950 video chipset, a Core Duo, a 2.5" HD and a slot-in DVD-R drive. It also includes, USB2, FW and WiFi.
Now, what is different:
- no BT, but a mini PCI slot.
- 1 DDR2-DIMM slot instead of 2 DDR2-SODIMM for the Mac mini Intel.
- A TV output.
In summary, there are not much differences (despite the design) and prices are not known yet.

Following recent release from Logitech, Microsoft has also decided to introduce its Mac-dedicated keyboard/mouse kit.
Of course, the keyboard does not feature Windows specific keys, but has iApps-specific keys.
The "Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop for Mac" should be available this summer, and its estimated retail price: US$99.95.

Intel has added a new product to its Core Duo models, a Ultra Low Voltage CPU labeled U2500 clocked at 1.2GHz with a TDP of 9W!
This CPU is designed for ultra portable notebooks or devices such as Tablet PC, both markets for which Apple does not have products yet.
But Cupertino has all the tools to develop good product: patent on the click-wheel, writing recognition software InkWell, etc.

Thanks to Vincent to report that ProTools version 7.1.1 is now available for download from DigiDesign website, it adds MacIntel support.
You will need a valid version 7 license number to install this update, and it is a MacIntel only update: http://www.digidesign.com

Thanks to Lentz to report that there is a compatibility issue between EyeTV and the last version of DivX 6.5.
In the meantime, ElGato has told us that a fix is being tested, and should be available for download next week.

Yesterday, we were reporting the information released by Robert Raiola, Adobe France Marketing Manager, during an Adobe Live event, announcing that FreeHand development will be stopped.
In the meantime, Alexander Hopstein, PR-Manager Central and West Europe was denying our report on the German website Macnews.de.
To summarize his comments, FreeHand will be sold as a standalone product, as it was already the case previously (Macromedia took it away from its Studio Suite), and user should expect a maintenance release update before the end of the year.
However, the way Alexander Hopstein denied our report does not bring clear answer about FreeHand future... it remains vague enough, and playing with words to hide the truth. Yes, FreeHand will remain sold buy Adobe (available in the catalog, can still make money out of it), the already planned maintenance release update will be available before the end of the year, but the mid-term future of FreeHand remains unknown. He does not deny the core of our yesterday news: FreeHand development will be stopped, you can still buy it and use it , but it will not evolve anymore.
Adobe Stuff should learn that after years of experience dealing with Apple's 'no comments' strategy we have learned to understand the real meaning behind words; as well as confirming information before publishing them online.
In addition, Alexander Hopstein should also try to coordinate PR or information released by other Adobe managers. Last but not least, since yesterday, we have received many confirmation of our original report from independent sources. So who lies??