The MacTrack – iPhone, iPod, iPod Touch and Mac News

Alameda, California – Karelia Software has released version 1.5.2 of Sandvox(R), its award-winning software that allows Macintosh users to create compelling websites. Version 1.5.2 boasts over 50 enhancements, including smoother handling of media and various improvements to pages and pagelets, with updates to page archives, contact forms, collection indexes, Amazon lists, photo grids, sitemaps, raw HTML editing, and QuickLook previews.

Under-the-hood improvements speed file handling and offer greater stability. Version 1.5.2 also includes the latest version of the Karelia iMedia Browser, which features improved live updating of media libraries and the ability to quickly and easily browse and drag photos, music, movies, and bookmarks directly into Sandvox sites.

A pioneer in drag-and-drop website assembly and in offering live editing without a separate preview mode, Sandvox now offers fifty stylish and flexible designs, eleven page types, and nineteen different pagelets. With each update, Sandvox continues to offer Mac users an easy, elegant, and cost-effective way to build web sites and share their news with the world.

Sandvox 1.5.2 is available for downloading and purchase from Karelia’s website in both Regular and Pro editions. Single-user licenses are $49.00 (USD) for Sandvox (Regular edition) and $79.00 (USD) for Sandvox Pro. Household licenses (allowing multiple users in one household) and site licenses are also available.

A Universal Binary for PowerPC and Intel architectures, Sandvox 1.5.2 requires Mac OS X “Tiger” version 10.4.11, or “Leopard” version 10.5 and above, and is available in English, French, Danish, German, and both Simplified and Traditional Chinese.

More information about Sandvox is available at Karelia’s website (created with Sandvox, of course).

(Review copies for traditional and online media are available. Please direct requests to karelia.com and include your name along with your publication’s or podcast’s name and/or URL and any information about particular features or needs of special interest to your readership or audience.)

Karelia Software
Sandvox 1.5.2
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Karelia Software is the California-based company that originally brought you Watson, the ground-breaking Macintosh Web utility, winner of the MacWorld “Eddy” and the Apple Design Award for “Most Innovative Application.” Karelia is headed by Dan Wood and Terrence Talbot. We joined forces to create Sandvox when we realized that even for the technically inclined, it was just too painful to get words and pictures on the Web.

West Midlands, United Kingdom – 65bit Software today announced the launch of EasyCatalog for InDesign CS4. A 15 day trial version is now available for download from the 65bit Software web-site.

“Following the recent release of Adobe InDesign CS4, we are pleased to announce that the CS4 version of EasyCatalog is now available for download from our website,” said Mark Haden, Director of 65bit Software Ltd.

“We first released EasyCatalog for InDesign 2 back in 2003. Since then, both InDesign and EasyCatalog have come a very long way in terms of functionality and ease of use. We are excited by this latest release of InDesign and look forward to enhancing EasyCatalog even further.”

EasyCatalog for Adobe InDesign makes database publishing easy. Data can be imported from a complex, relational database, or a simple CSV or tab-delimited file exported from Excel. By linking InDesign content directly to source data, EasyCatalog improves accuracy and reduces page make-up time.

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St.Petersburg, Russia – Macvide is proud to announce FlashVideo Converter 2.2, their Flash to video conversion utility for Mac OS X. With a focus on ease-of-use, FlashVideo Converter allows conversion of Adobe Flash SWF and FLV files to video. It fully integrates the process into the Mac experience by allowing human interaction on the content during conversion.

All of the most popular formats are supported, including MP4 (iPod Video), MOV, 3GP, MPEG, and helps bridge the gap between many video standards. And FlashVideo Converter is a great compliment to Apple’s iLife Suite.

FlashVideo Converter can be used for a myriad of different purposes. Create a video or dvd collection by converting flash movies. Record the passing of favorite flash games to video files, and more. This makes the application particularly suited for converting Flash SWF and FLV files to MP4 and 3GP media content for mobile devices.

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Ma On Shan, Hong Kong – bambooapps proudly announces the release of Keep Your Word 1.2 for Mac OS X Leopard. Keep Your Word adds data import and export and a new tag browser. Are you studying a new language? Your class notebook is an endless list of words that you have to learn? You remember that your teacher told you how to say a lot of useful things but, can you find them in your notebok?

Keep Your Word lets you build your own dictionary, classifying and grouping the terms exactly how you want to, while helping you to learn the longest list of words thanks to its different exercise modes. Keep Your Word supports all the character sets that your Mac supports, so you can write any word in the world.

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Vienna, Austria – Markus Mueller today has announced MindNode Pro 1.0.3, an update to his popular mind mapping application for Mac OS X Leopard. With a focus on ease-of-use, MindNode Pro features a very simple and intuitive interface that lets the user focus on expressing and developing ideas.

MindNode Pro 1.0.3 is a maintenance release that adds German localization and improves the handling of FreeMind documents.

MindNode Pro was specifically created with the user in mind so nearly no time is required to learn the interface. By leveraging technologies introduced in Leopard, MindNode Pro’s features are carefully integrated and only surface when required. Easily print, share and export mind maps as TIFF image, FreeMind, PDF, HTML or OPML documents.

Among MindNode Pro’s most prolific features is that maps are not restricted to the size of a page. Multiple maps can be used on one canvas and the application resizes automatically in the background accordingly.

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Plantation, Florida – Bebosoft, Inc. is proud to announce Mediata Survey, an update to their professional level, web-based survey application for Mac OS X, Windows and Linux. With a focus on ease-of-use, Mediata Survey was developed specifically to create and analyze web-based surveys. Create slick, professional, multipage surveys for market research or any other activity that could benefit from more user input without any programming knowledge to implement them.

Without programming knowledge, users may assemble surveys with a variety of different questions and answers. Surveys are created in PHP and results may be saved in either a MySQL or PostgreSQL database. The application can accept and create multiple question types, including open response, single and multiple response, as well as evaluation or matrix type questions.

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New York, NY – BreakThru Radio introduces Drunken Politics to the iPhone and iTouch on-demand today. Your daily dose of alternative news. Drunken Politics Radio is for young people disillusioned with corporate media and a political system that doesn’t speak to them.

The other news channels claim young people are disengaged, apathetic citizens with no interest in politics or world news. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Barack Obama’s unprecedented on-line campaign demonstrates how engaged and enthusiastic young people are to participate in their government, and a recent New York Times article reports that young people are more liberal, and are more enthusiastic than ever about politics.

Drunken Politics caters to this untapped and impassioned demographic by speaking in a funny, informal jargon that the youth understands. The show balances satire and comedy with the real, important stories that viewers will never see or hear on corporate channels.

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Paris, France – Coladia today released Secret of the Lost Cavern, its prehistoric adventure game for Mac OS X. Secret of the Lost Cavern plunges the player into an inspiring adventure that takes place during the Paleolithic period in prehistoric time, 15,000 years B.C. Delve into a world of exploration and intrigue as you embark on a Stone Age quest filled with puzzles and mystery. Use your wits and powers of observation to survive the vast wilderness as your journey leads you to one of mankind’s forgotten wonders.

Experience your adventure through the eyes of Arok and meet many fascinating characters. Contend with the wild world where fishing, hunting, gathering, and mysterious shaman ceremonies are all part of the struggle for survival as you follow the path of your mentor and work with him to recreate the paintings of the renowned Lascaux Cave.

Also featured is an integrated encyclopedia filled with historically accurate data on the Paleolithic period, and the Lascaux Cave is represented in 3D for the 1st time in a video game. Pristine photo-realistic graphics and environments including rivers, troglodyte caves, and green valleys, will take players back to the dawn of human existence.

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Luxembourg – Houdah Software is pleased to announce the release of HoudahSpot 2.3, their popular file search utility for Mac OS X. HoudahSpot 2.3 is a free update, and is a recommended update for all Leopard users.

HoudahSpot 2.3 improves the signature BlitzSearch feature by adding support for keyboard shortcuts. BlitzSearch may now be used to its fullest without ever touching the mouse!

HoudahSpot 2.3 brings full support for Finder labels. They are now displayed by their name. It is also possible to make query against Finder label names.

By popular demand, HoudahSpot’s accent color is now customizable. The default color has been changed from yellow to blue. The yellow accent color, as well as red, green and grey alternatives, are now available from HoudahSpot’s general preferences window.

HoudahSpot 2 integrates well LaunchBar, QuickSilver and PathFinder. The use of AppleScript, custom URL scheme and standaard protocols paves the way for integration with many a third party tool.

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Frankfurt am Main, Germany – Berbie Software announces an update for TrailRunner 1.8, the outdoor oriented route-planning and journaling software for Mac OS X. Among other improvements, the latest update can display recordings from current iPhone 3G and iPod touch models equipped with a GPS. By using the companion application iTrail for iPhone, users can record trails with the iPhone and display recordings in TrailRunner. Within TrailRunner users can analyze recordings, journalize events and share routes with outdoor communities like GPSies.

TrailRunner integrates a wide range of GPS, mapping and workout related scopes into a simple to use application. These include a seamless integration with online services to display topographic maps, satellite photos and elevation data. Easy workout import and geo visualization for Garmin ForeRunner and Edge devices. Workout import and geo matching for running devices like the Apple + Nike iPod Sport Kit, Nike+ SportBand or selected Polar heart-rate monitors. Export of route directions as NanoMaps for color iPods or cellphones. Import and export of various file formats. Integration with free digital mapping communities like GPSies and OpenStreetMap.

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Castellamonte, Italy – TweakerSoft has released VectorDesigner 1.4.6. VectorDesigner 1.4.6 now supports the new unibody MacBooks multi-touch trackpad for panning and zooming.

By leveraging the full capabilities of Quartz and CoreImage, VectorDesigner retains the feel of traditional drawing applications and features a wide assortment of tools, including smart shapes, rectangles, ovals, rounded rectangles, polygons, stars, bezier creation and editing, as well as raster to bezier conversion.

Combine shapes using unite, subtraction, xor and intersection boolean tools. Text can be fitted inside a shape or along a path preserving all the text editing capability of Mac OS X. All filters and composition may be applied non-destructively to shapes and images. A particularly useful feature is the integrated flickr browser; search texture and images by tags, or by color and download them directly inside the document.

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Castellamonte, Italy – TweakerSoft today introduces CoffeeBreak 1.0, their new coffee junkie app for iPhone and iPod Touch. Developed specifically to leverage the iPhone’s GPS abilities and interface, CoffeeBreak uses a 3D rendered and gorgeous animated user interface to quickly discover and compute the route to the nearest coffee shop.

Fast easy and accurate, CoffeeBreak is ideal for the coffee junkie or frequent traveller. The application includes eight popular store brands as well as alternative shops. Users can see each coffee shop’s location on the map, view the route from where they are, add a location to their contact list or even email the information to family and friends.

Feature highlights include:
* 3D Rendered and animanted user interface
* Eight major brands and other coffee places availables with a single touch
* Uses iPhone GPS to find the users current location
* Save the coffee shop to the contacts
* Email the coffee shop address
* Show the coffee shop on the map
* Compute the route to the coffeeshop

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Hollywood Fl – Marware Inc, designer and manufacturer of innovative products for the Apple market, is pleased to announce the Eco Vue for iPod touch 2G. The Eco Vue is perfect for gaming or enjoying any of the hundreds of applications for your iPod touch while providing superior protection. The Eco Vue comes with a clear screen protector that provides scratch protection without adding bulk or loss of screen sensitivity. This eco-friendly case for the iPod touch 2G is perfect for use in pockets, bags, purses, or backpacks.

Features:
* Eco-friendly reinforced case
* Open-faced design for full touch screen access
* Allows full access to all touch features and functionality
* Strap closure system
* INCLUDES: eco-friendly jacket, clear film protector, and microfiber cleaning cloth
* Marware’s Lifetime Warranty

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Luxembourg City, Luxembourg – publicspace.net announces version 8.0.3 of A Better Finder Rename. The new release provides the option of switching off the automatic file name conflict resolution feature during the preview. When handling large numbers of files this can dramatically speed up the previewing speed of the application since the conflict resolution is the most time-consuming part of the preview computation.

Version 8.0 recently delivered a new user interface, save-able presets, automatic software updates and a brand new multi-threaded renaming engine.

System Requirements:
* Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard
* Universal Binary for Intel and PowerPC
* 5 MB Hard Drive space

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Suffolk, United Kingdom – Leading internet supplier iWebTemplate today has introduced their Google Tool Set, a web-based resource for Mac enterprise and web developers alike. Offered exclusively for click and mortar, website or online business, Google Tools is a comprehensive, browser based collection of tools designed to help anyone get a better handle on their AdWords, Google Ads, or Google Ranking.

iWebTemplate has labored to cultivate eleven of the most useful tools in one convenient location. There is something for everyone, including Google Banned Checker, a Datacenter Search, Google PageRank Prediction, Multi-Rank Checker, PageRank Checker, Rank Checker, Link Price Calculator, Search Engine Position, Search Listings Preview, a Google Adsense Calculator and Adsense Preview. Users are encouraged to try out all, or discover those which are most useful to their needs.

The Adsense Preview allows users to review what ads are targeted for their website. This is a great way to determine who competitors are, as well as test out new variations. And by using the Adsense Calculator, it’s easy to quickly calculate Adsense earnings based on Page Impressions. With the Link Price Calculator, quickly estimate how much to pay for a link based on different criteria. Use the Datacenter Search to find the right keywords/phrase through different Google data centers.

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Ozark, Missouri – MacInfopreneur(C) Millard Grubb has given Macintosh computer owners an unfair advantage when it comes to making money in their home business.

“I started with the Mac SE 30 years ago making flyers and promotional pieces for my entertainment business, so, from almost Day One, I was able to make some cash from my Mac,” explains Millard Grubb.

“The Mac is the perfect entrepreneur’s tool, right out of the box, to create cash. You can have an idea in the morning, create a product in a couple of hours, then start making money off of it. The Mac gives almost anyone the ability to create useful products that can be sold over and over again,” Millard continues.

Millard Grubb wrote his first book in 1992. Then wrote another book for the entertainment industry that has been sold entirely on the ‘Net. Millard has also created several audio products and manuals that are sold electronically almost exclusively on the ‘Net as well.

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Luxembourg – Houdah Software is delighted to announce the immediate availability of ACTSudoku EASY for iPhone and iPod Touch. ACTSudoku EASY brings you all the signature features of ACTSudoku UNLIMITED at the unbeatable price of FREE. Enjoy the streamlined interface, the advanced game generator, the automatic markers, the intelligent hints… ACTSudoku EASY is of great help in discovering, learning and getting addicted to the popular Sudoku game. ACTSudoku UNLIMITED improves upon ACTSudoku EASY by offering 3 levels of difficulty.

ACTSudoku leads the pack of iPhone Sudoku implementations by providing a unique feature set. First and foremost it distinguishes itself by being backed by a powerful Sudoku generator. This generator will produce a virtually unlimited number of Sudoku games for 3 levels of difficulty. All game boards are symmetrical and guaranteed to be solvable by logic only. No guessing or backtracking required. The most noticeable advantage of ACTSudoku is its intuitive touch interface. This sports both positive (green) and negative (red) markers (pencil notes).

How is ACTSudoku unique?
* Advanced game board generator
* Virtually unlimited number of boards to play
* Rotational symmetry
* Boards guaranteed to be solvable by logic only
* No guessing. No backtracking
* Both positive (green) and negative (red) markers (pencil notes)
* Optional automatic markers

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Florence, Italy – Tapping It is delighted to introduce Memento 1.0, their e-card creation and sending app for iPhone and iPod Touch. Designed from the ground up to leverage the iPhone’s unique abilities and interface, Memento is an elegant e-card sending application offering a natural feel and ease-of-use. Share an emotion, a precious moment or a unique event.

So much more than a plain e-card, Memento’s emails are of unmatched quality and richness. Its built-in designer styles support and enhance anyone’s photos, and help convey a mood or feeling. Easily compose a card by picking one of the beautiful 14 styles, add a favorite photo, enter personalized text, and email just the perfect postcard.

Feature highlights include:
* 14 Designer Styles Included
* Visual, Fully WYSIWYG display of Cards
* Multiple Email Recipients
* Amazing yet familiar User Interface
* Compatible with Mac OS X Mail, Thunderbird, Yahoo! Mail, Gmail, MobileMe

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American Fork, Utah – iZATT is pleased to announce the release of its Signals Series for the iPhone/iPod Touch, Fingerspell. Fingerspell is an iPhone/iPod Touch application designed to provide an entertaining way of learning the American Sign Language alphabet. It was the first application in the Signal Series from Izatt International and has already been used in many countries. Fingerspell is a fun way to learn and use the American Sign Language Alphabet.

Fingerspell has three ways to learn, three ways to have fun:

Quick Reference:
* All 26 signs displayed in an easy to see reference screen
* Single tap and flag fills the screen
* Switch to turn on/off English letters

Flash Cards:
* Full screen sign photos display in random order
* You select the speed they display
* English letter appears after chosen time to help you learn.

Word Play:
* Enter a word and see how it’s signed
* You choose the speed
* Practice your own words to match the screen!

Fingerspell is a great way for grownups and kids to learn the American Sign Language alphabet while having a great time doing it.

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Montpellier, France – HDRsoft announces the release of Photomatix Pro 3.1. Designed for professional photographers and advanced amateurs, Photomatix Pro combines differently exposed photographs of a high contrast scene into one image with details in both highlights and shadows.

With a focus on ease-of-use, Photomatix Pro is a stand-alone application which enables users to blend exposures hassle-free, allowing them to create and process 32-bit HDR images using a powerful tone mapping tool. The software includes automatic alignment of hand-held photos, options for ghosting reduction and automation with a powerful batch processing tool.

The new version adds options to automatically reduce chromatic aberrations and noise in HDR images, as well as several settings to its most popular exposure blending method. Version 3.1 also offers smooth integration with Adobe Lightroom thanks to a Lightroom Export Plug-in to Photomatix Pro.

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