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Adobe Premiere Elements 10 and Photoshop Elements 10 available in the Mac App Store

iPhone and iPad News and Reviews — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:29:11 +0000

Adobe releases its new Photoshop Elements 10 and Premiere Elements 10 in boxed form for $99 or $149 for both. In the Mac App Store the apps are just $79.99 each.

Photoshop Elements 10 and Premiere Elements 10 available for download in the Mac App Store with the same functionality improvements that the box versions produced, including:

New Facebook features allow you to auto analyze your images to identify people and tag them based on your Facebook friends. Those tags are then carried over to Facebook when uploading from Elements. A new object-based search is one of the most impressive enhancements, allowing you to find images containing a particular object such as a house or vehicle. Other features include auto enhance and color correct for video footage, allowing you to “Automatically boost tone and vibrance without affecting skin tones, or use sliders to adjust color with complete control”. You can now also paint 1 of 100 new paint effects onto specific photo areas, add new text effects, and immediately upload video clips to Facebook and Youtube. Learn more about all the new features in these latest releases here.

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Apple releases iPhoto 9.2

iPhone and iPad News and Reviews — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:45:14 +0000

Apple releases iPhoto 9.2 which brings compatibility with iCloud and its Photo Stream feature as well as a number of other improvements and fixes.

“iPhoto 9.2 supports compatibility with iCloud and iOS 5. This update also addresses minor stability, performance and compatibility issues, including:

- Left and right swipe gestures can now be used to navigate between photos in Magnify (1-up) view
- Previously imported photos are now displayed in a separate section of the Import window
- Book/calendar themes and card categories can now be selected using a pop-up menu in the carousel view
- Resolves an issue that could cause some pages of books to print incorrectly
- Rebuilding a library now correctly preserves saved slideshows and books”

The update is recommended for all users of iPhoto ’11.

Technorati Tags: iPhoto 9.2 update

Apple released Aperture 3.2 with iOS 5 and iCloud support

iPhone and iPad News and Reviews — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:39:31 +0000

Aperture 3.2 supports compatibility with iCloud and iOS 5. This update also addresses minor stability, performance and compatibility issues, including:

- Resolves an issue that could cause the “Loading” indicator to reappear in the Viewer when cropping a photo
- Aperture now automatically relaunches into Full Screen mode if the application was in Full Screen mode when last quit
- Pinch-to-zoom gesture now automatically activates Zoom mode in the Viewer
- Left and right swipe gestures can now be used to navigate between photos in the Viewer
- Microsoft Outlook can now be chosen in Preferences as the application used by Aperture for emailing photos
- Fixes a problem that could cause Aperture, running on OS X Lion, to quit unexpectedly when using brushes to apply adjustments
- Loupe now correctly displays magnification levels between 50-100%.
- Fixes an issue that could cause Aperture, running on OS X Lion, to display the incorrect color profile on externally edited images
- Import window now includes an option to delete photos from iPhone and iPad after they have been imported into Aperture
- The Lift & Stamp tool now displays the correct cursor icons when being used in Split View and Viewer only modes

The update is recommended for all users of Aperture 3.

Technorati Tags: aperture 3.2 update

Apple releases OS X 10.7.2 update

iPhone and iPad News and Reviews — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:32:41 +0000

The 10.7.2 update is recommended for all OS X Lion users and includes general operating system fixes that improve the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac. It also includes support for iCloud, a breakthrough set of free cloud services that automatically and wirelessly store your content on iCloud and push it to all of your devices. iCloud on OS X Lion includes the following features:

- iCloud stores your email, calendars, contacts, Safari bookmarks, and Safari Reading List and automatically pushes them to all your devices.
- Back to My Mac provides remote access to your Mac from another Mac anywhere on the Internet.
- Find My Mac helps find a missing Mac by locating it on a map and allows you to remotely lock the Mac or wipe all its data.

Getting started with iCloud is easy. After installing the update, OS X will automatically present an iCloud setup panel. Simply enter an existing Apple ID or create a new one and then follow the on screen instructions. To learn more about iCloud visit http://www.apple.com/icloud.

The 10.7.2 update also includes Safari 5.1.1 as well as fixes that:

- Allow reordering of desktop spaces and full screen apps in Mission Control.
- Enable dragging files between desktop spaces and full screen apps.
- Address an issue that causes the menu bar to not appear in full screen apps.
- Improve the compatibility of Google contact syncing in Address Book.
- Address an issue that causes Keynote to become temporarily unresponsive.
- Improve VoiceOver compatibility with Launchpad.
- Address an issue that causes a delay in accessing the network after waking from sleep.
- Enable booting in to Lion Recovery from a locally attached Time Machine backup drive.
- Resolve an issue that causes screen zoom to stop working.
- Improve Active Directory integration.

Apple has also released Lion Recovery Update, addressing issues with the recovery and reinstall process and Find My Mac.

“The Lion Recovery Update includes improvements to Lion Recovery and addresses an issue with Find My Mac when using a firmware password.”

Technorati Tags: OS X 10.7.2 update

OS X Lion releasing Wednesday 7/20

iPhone and iPad News and Reviews — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 13:29:57 +0000

Reports are coming in from multiple sources that Apple’s retail stores will be holding an overnight meeting for employees on Tuesday. This is the preparation for the release of OS X Lion on Wednesday. We are also hearing that each store has been sent a Lion-packing Mac Pro for an unknown purpose, more than likely for demonstration and training the employees on the new software.

New MacBook Airs with Thunderbolt and faster chips are expected to launch alongside Lion, Apple has also been known to push back release dates with little notice. So we will just wait and see what tomorrow has in store.

Technorati Tags: OS X Lion, OS X Lion availability

Apple responds to Final Cut Pro X complaints

iPhone and iPad News and Reviews — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:34:32 +0000

Apple has finally removed the wool from their eyes and responded to the customer complaints…officially. Here are the answers to the most common questions asked:

Final Cut Pro X is a breakthrough in nonlinear video editing. The application has impressed many pro editors, and it has also generated a lot of discussion in the pro video community. We know people have questions about the new features in Final Cut Pro X and how it compares with previous versions of Final Cut Pro. Here are the answers to the most common questions we’ve heard.

Import

Can I import projects from Final Cut Pro 7 into Final Cut Pro X?

Final Cut Pro X includes an all-new project architecture structured around a trackless timeline and connected clips. In addition, Final Cut Pro X features new and redesigned audio effects, video effects, and color grading tools. Because of these changes, there is no way to “translate” or bring in old projects without changing or losing data. But if you’re already working with Final Cut Pro 7, you can continue to do so after installing Final Cut Pro X, and Final Cut Pro 7 will work with Mac OS X Lion. You can also import your media files from previous versions into Final Cut Pro X.

Can I import my video directly into Final Cut Pro X as I could in Final Cut Pro 7?

Yes. Final Cut Pro X allows you to import video from a wide range of devices, including many AVCHD-based cameras and DSLR cameras. You can find a list of supported cameras here:http://help.apple.com/finalcutpro/cameras/en/. The list will grow as we continue to test and qualify new cameras.

Some camera manufacturers will need to update their import plug-ins to work with the new 64-bit architecture of Final Cut Pro, and we are working with them to provide these updates as quickly as possible. Until then, you can use your camera manufacturer’s import software to convert video for Final Cut Pro X.

For example, Sony offers an XDCAM Transfer application that allows you to convert XDCAM video without transcoding so it can be imported into Final Cut Pro X. You can find more information here: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4724. If you are working with RED cameras, you can use the free RED software REDCINE-X, designed to transcode RED RAW video to ProRes for use in Final Cut Pro X: https://www.red.com/support/all/downloads.

Editing

Can I edit my tape-based workflow with Final Cut Pro X?

Yes, in a limited manner. Final Cut Pro X is designed for modern file-based workflows and does not include all the tape capture and output features that were built into Final Cut Pro 7. Final Cut Pro X does support FireWire import for DV, DVCPRO, DVCPRO 50, DVCPRO HD, and HDV. In addition, companies like AJA and Blackmagic offer free deck control software that allows you to capture from tape and output to tape.

Does Final Cut Pro X support multicam editing?

Not yet, but it will. Multicam editing is an important and popular feature, and we will provide great multicam support in the next major release. Until then, Final Cut Pro X offers some basic support with automatic clip synchronization, which allows you to sync multiple video and audio clips using audio waveforms, creating a Compound Clip that can be used for simple multicam workflows.

Does Final Cut Pro X support external monitors?

Yes. If you have a second computer monitor connected to your Mac, Final Cut Pro X gives you options to display the interface across multiple monitors. For example, you can place a single window — such as the Viewer or the Event Browser — on the second monitor, while leaving the other windows on your primary monitor. Like previous versions, Final Cut Pro X relies on third-party devices to support external video monitoring. We’ve been working with third-party developers in our beta program to create drivers for Final Cut Pro X, and AJA has already posted beta drivers for its popular Kona card: http://www.aja.com/support/konaNEW/kona-3g.php.

Can I save different versions of my project?

Yes. Final Cut Pro X automatically saves your project during the editing process, so you never lose your work. If you want to save a version of your project, with or without duplicate media, select it in the Project Library and choose File > Duplicate Project.

Are keyboard shortcuts in Final Cut Pro X different from those in Final Cut Pro 7?

Many keyboard shortcuts for navigation, start/end marking, and tools are the same in Final Cut Pro X and Final Cut Pro 7. Some keyboard shortcuts have changed to support new features. Final Cut Pro X offers powerful keyboard customization, and you can view and modify keyboard shortcuts at any time by choosing Final Cut Pro > Commands > Customize.

Can I use my third-party plug-ins in Final Cut Pro X?

You’ll be able to use them as soon as they are updated. Because Final Cut Pro X has a modern 64-bit architecture, third-party plug-ins must be 64-bit too. Final Cut Pro X already supports 64-bit Audio Units plug-ins. For motion graphics, third-party developers can build effects, titles, transitions, and generators as templates in Motion 5 for use directly in Final Cut Pro X. Developers can also build 64-bit FxPlug 2 plug-ins for Motion 5, and integrate those plug-ins into templates that can be used in Final Cut Pro X. These templates, together with any associated FxPlug 2 plug-ins, will work in Final Cut Pro X even if Motion is not installed on the computer.

Media Management

Can I specify a scratch disk location?

Yes. When you import media, you can specify the Event and the drive where you’d like to put it. You can also specify where you’d like to put your project. In Final Cut Pro X, a project and its rendered media always travel together in the same folder, so it’s easy to move projects between different hard drives and computers.

Can I share projects with other editors?

Yes. You have several options for sharing projects. You can hand over just the project file, and the recipient can reconnect the project to his or her own copies of the Event. Or you can send the complete project and Event as a package to another editor. Final Cut Pro X includes options for duplicating, moving, and consolidating projects and associated media to streamline sharing between editors.

Can I store media in locations other than my system drive?

Yes. Turning off the “Copy files to Final Cut Events folder” option leaves the imported files where they are currently located. You can also move the project and associated media at any point during the editing process by dragging the project to another mounted hard drive within the Project Library.

Can I hide Events that I am not working on?

Yes. You can hide Events in Final Cut Pro X by moving them out of the Final Cut Events folder. In the Finder, navigate to the /Users/username/Movies folder and create a new folder. Then move the Events you are not using out of the Final Cut Events folder and into your new folder. The moved Events will no longer appear in Final Cut Pro X. If your Events are located on an external drive, you can move the Events to a new folder on that drive, or you can simply unmount the drive.

Export

Can Final Cut Pro X export XML?

Not yet, but we know how important XML export is to our developers and our users, and we expect to add this functionality to Final Cut Pro X. We will release a set of APIs in the next few weeks so that third-party developers can access the next-generation XML in Final Cut Pro X.

Does Final Cut Pro X support OMF, AAF, and EDLs?

Not yet. When the APIs for XML export are available, third-party developers will be able to create tools to support OMF, AAF, EDL, and other exchange formats. We have already worked with Automatic Duck to allow you to export OMF and AAF from Final Cut Pro X using Automatic Duck Pro Export FCP 5.0. More information is available on the Automatic Duck website: http://automaticduck.com/products/pefcp/.

Can I send my project to a sound editing application such as Pro Tools?

Yes; you can export your project in OMF or AAF format using Automatic Duck Pro Export FCP 5.0. More information is available on the Automatic Duck website: http://automaticduck.com/products/pefcp/.

Does Final Cut Pro X allow you to assign audio tracks for export?

Not yet. An update this summer will allow you to use metadata tags to categorize your audio clips by type and export them directly from Final Cut Pro X.

Can I customize my export settings?

Yes. Compressor 4, available from the Mac App Store for $49.99, allows you to create a wide variety of custom export settings that you can use in Final Cut Pro X. The most popular export options and formats, including ProRes and H.264, are already built into Final Cut Pro X.

Purchase

Can I purchase a volume license?

Final Cut Pro X, Motion 5, and Compressor 4 Commercial and Education Volume Licensing will be available soon via the Apple Online Store for quantities of 20 or more. After purchasing, customers will receive redemption codes they can use to download the applications from the Mac App Store.

Technorati Tags: Final Cut Pro X problems

Mac OS 10.6.8 released

iPhone and iPad News and Reviews — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 04:39:07 +0000

Apple has released 10.6.8 version of the Mac OS X Snow Leopard just in time for the July Launch of OS X Lion. 10.6.8 provides Macs for the upgrade to OS X Lion through the Mac App Store and also fixes some bugs. The update also improves IPv6 and VPN support, and also removes more known versions of Malware.

The 10.6.8 update is recommended for all users running Mac OS X Snow Leopard and includes general operating system fixes that enhance the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac, including fixes that:

Enhance the Mac App Store to get your Mac ready to upgrade to Mac OS X Lion

Resolve an issue that may cause Preview to unexpectedly quit

Improve support for IPv6

Improve VPN reliability

Identify and remove known variants of Mac Defender

Technorati Tags: Mac 10.6.8, Mac OSX Lion

Final Cut Pro X will be available next week in Mac App Store

iPhone and iPad News and Reviews — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 03:45:05 +0000

Apple made note at WWDC 2011 that they revamped the professional film making software. Macotakara.jp reports that Final Cut Pro X will be available for download in the Mac App Store for $299.

Technorati Tags: final cut pro x, mac app store

iTunes 10.3 now available for download

iPhone and iPad News and Reviews — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 21:05:48 +0000

iTunes 10.3 will let you do the following right now –

Automatic downloads – Purchase music from any device or computer and automatically download a copy to your Mac and iOS devices

Download previous purchases – Download your past music purchases again at no additional cost. Your purchases are available in the iTunes Store on your Mac or in the iTunes app on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. Previous purchases may be unavailable if they are no longer on the iTunes Store.

The rest of the services will be available this Fall, along with iOS 5.

iTunes ~~10.3~~ 10.3 is now available for download, Get it here

Technorati Tags: iCloud, iTunes 10.3

iWork for iPhone and iPod Touch

iPhone and iPad News and Reviews — Tue, 31 May 2011 17:16:29 +0000

Today Apple confirmed that iWork will be coming to the iPhone and iPod Touch. Keynote, Pages and Numbers will now be universal apps that run on the iPad, iPad 2, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and iPod Touch 3rd & 4th generation.

“Now you can use Keynote, Pages and Numbers on iPhone and iPod touch to create amazing presentations, documents and spreadsheets right in the palm of your hand,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “The incredible Retina display, revolutionary Multi-Touch interface and our powerful software make it easy to create, edit, organize and share all of your documents from iPhone 4 or iPod touch.”

Full Press release below:

Apple iWork Now Available For iPhone & iPod touch Users

CUPERTINO, California—May 31, 2011—Apple® today announced that its groundbreaking iWork® productivity apps, Keynote®, Pages® and Numbers®, are now available for iPhone® and iPod touch®, as well as iPad®. Created for the Mac® and then completely redesigned for iOS and Apple’s revolutionary Multi-Touch™ interface, Keynote, Pages and Numbers allow you to create and share stunning presentations, beautifully formatted documents and powerful spreadsheets on the go. iWork apps are available on the App Store™ for $9.99 each to new users and as a free update for existing iWork for iPad customers.

“Now you can use Keynote, Pages and Numbers on iPhone and iPod touch to create amazing presentations, documents and spreadsheets right in the palm of your hand,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “The incredible Retina display, revolutionary Multi-Touch interface and our powerful software make it easy to create, edit, organize and share all of your documents from iPhone 4 or iPod touch.”

Keynote, Pages and Numbers import and export documents from iWork for Mac and Microsoft Office; print wirelessly using AirPrint™; and include beautiful Apple-designed themes and templates. All iWork apps now include improved document management with thumbnail images that let you find your files quickly, organize them and group them into folders using intuitive gestures. From the Tools button in the toolbar, you can easily share any presentation, document or spreadsheet without leaving the app.

Keynote makes it easy to create impressive presentations, complete with animated charts and transitions. You can play your presentation in Full Screen view on the stunning, high-resolution Retina™ display or connect to a projector or HDTV for a large audience. Available separately, the Keynote Remote app allows your iPhone or iPod touch to control a Keynote presentation on any iOS device or Mac.

Pages is the most beautiful word processor ever designed for a mobile device and has everything you need to create amazing documents. Pages takes full advantage of the high-resolution Retina display on iPhone 4 and iPod touch so you can see all the detail and richness of your documents. To make working with text easy on iPhone and iPod touch, Smart Zoom automatically zooms in to follow the cursor while you’re editing and zooms back out when you’re done.

Numbers uses Multi-Touch gestures and an intelligent keyboard to help you create compelling, great-looking spreadsheets with over 250 easy-to-use functions, flexible tables and eye-catching charts. Just like Pages, Numbers takes advantage of the high-resolution Retina display and Smart Zoom to make working with text and cells on iPhone 4 or iPod touch easy.

Pricing & Availability

Keynote, Pages and Numbers are universal apps that run on iPad and iPad 2, iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4, and iPod touch (3rd & 4th generation). Keynote, Pages and Numbers are available from the App Store for $9.99 (US) each for new users, or as a free update for existing iWork for iPad customers. Keynote Remote is sold separately via the App Store for 99 cents (US).

Technorati Tags: iwork, iWork for iPhone, WWDC 2011

iOS 5 map app will still use Google map data

iPhone and iPad News and Reviews — Sat, 28 May 2011 02:17:52 +0000

We have received a tip that says Apple is still going to be using data from Google maps for the integrated map app in iOS 5. Despite talk from Apple saying they were going to improve the Maps app.

There are two map data providers, Navteq, which is owned by Nokia and TeleAtlas, which is owned by TomTom. They require users to license the data from them, with the exception of Google, who has re-mapped and compiled their own database.

If Apple really is making improvements to the map app in iOS 5, it will more than likely be in the layers above the raw map data. They will implement cool software and user interface to differentiate the difference and kind of making it their own. Other than that it will be the same old Google maps app that we have been seeing since 2007 (iOS 1)

Technorati Tags: Google maps, iOS 5, map app in iOS 5

Apple release iTunes 10.2.2

iPhone and iPad News and Reviews — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 04:24:28 +0000

Apple released iTunes 10.2.2 which has a number of bug fixes.

* Addresses an issue where iTunes may become unresponsive when syncing an iPad.

* Resolves an issue which may cause syncing photos with iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to take longer than necessary.

* Fixes a problem where video previews on the iTunes Store may skip while playing.

* Addresses other issues that improve stability and performance.

Technorati Tags: bug fixes, iTunes 10.2.2

Apple’s Final Cut Pro unveiled at NAB in Vegas

iPhone and iPad News and Reviews — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 03:40:08 +0000

The next version of Final Cut will be unveiled in Vegas next week at the NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) event. Apple said this will be a year for mainly software, so far they are keeping their promise.

Rumors are flying that Apple will be using the Vegas Supermeet to announce the next version of Final Cut Pro. Supposedly, Apple will be taking over the entire event for their announcement, cancelling all other sponsors, including AJA, Avid, Canon, BlackMagic, Autodesk and others, who were set to give presentations.Philip Bloom just confirmed with me that Canon has canceled his appearance at the Supermeet. Canon was told last night that Apple has demanded ALL “lecturn” or stage time exclusively. Some sponsors who were not using presenters may continue to sponsor the Vegas event, but none of them will be presenting on the stage. I can’t imagine any news that would warrant this kind of “take-over” other than to announce and demonstrate the next full version of Final Cut Pro and possibly an entirely newly designed FCS4.(UPDATE: Avid confirmed that Supermeet (Michael Horton) told them last night that their sponsorship had been cancelled. According to Avid, “Apple doesn’t want anyone to have stage time but them.”)

Technorati Tags: final cut pro unveiled

Mobile Me overhaul set for April Launch

iPhone and iPad News and Reviews — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 16:50:39 +0000

iLounge is reporting that Apple is planning to launch its overhauled MobileMe service next month.

The source, who works for a major educational institution, claims the schools supplier has said the current version of MobileMe is no longer available, and that Apple is suggesting new students sign up for the 60-day trial to cover the gap between the final MobileMe shipment and the launch of the new version.

Apple is planning to support the existing MobileMe service for the next year so the people that have paid for the years worth of service will receive the remainder of the old version. This only suggests that the new “revamped” version of MobileMe will be a scaled down possibly free version.

Apple has been said to be working on an overhaul of MobileMe, and last month they discontinued the retail box versions of MobileMe and removed the option for bundling discounted MobileMe service with new Mac purchases, suggesting that Apple may be downplaying its current MobileMe services ahead of the revamp.

Technorati Tags: mobileme update

iTunes 10.2 is out prior to iOS 4.3

iPhone and iPad News and Reviews — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 03:42:39 +0000

Whats New:

• Sync with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iOS 4.3.

• Improved Home Sharing. Browse and play from your iTunes libraries with Home Sharing on any iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iOS 4.3.

Download iTunes 10.2

Technorati Tags: iTunes 10.2