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

Los Angeles, CA – App4mac has released a public beta version of CheckUp 2.0. Checkup is an innovative tool that allows you to check the health and monitor the behavior of a Mac computer (even from a remote computer). Built from the ground up with Mac OS X technologies, CheckUp features an amazing user interface. CheckUp works with any Mac with a PowerPC G4, G5 or Intel Processor.

CheckUp is first designed to monitor the usage of CPU, Memory, Disk Drives and Network Adapters. You can display detailed information about all running processes and pause or terminate these at any time. By adding rules that will be triggered when certain conditions are met for a specified resource on the computer, you can receive visual notifications.

For example, CheckUp can alert you when a certain resource exceeds a certain value or when a hard drive seems to have hardware failures, even when the application is not opened (thanks to an innovative background process and the use of S.M.A.R.T technology). CheckUp can also help you to determine if your computer is able to run Mac OS X Leopard or determine if your computer have enough memory to run all your Applications at the same time.

The graphical user interface is designed with a top priority on high usability in mind. Unlike other competing products it takes a very short time to setup your environment. CheckUp is lightning-fast on the latest Intel-based Macs. One of the most innovative feature of CheckUp is the ability to monitor a Mac on a network or via internet. It’s a powerful feature for IT administrators interested to check a remote computer or a remote server.

What’s new with version 2.0:
* Improved user interface
* New function to test the memory and detect bad components
* New function to optimize the performance of your computer
* New documents tab view
* New function to find duplicate files
* New function to see how many files you have per type and the related app.
* Totally redesigned system view
* Improved uninstall function (more items can be uninstalled)
* Redesigned wireless network detector
* Possibility to quit all applications with one click
* Discovery of computers on the local network (to check computers in a remote way)
* Many other small improvements

Pricing and Availability:
A license of CheckUp is available for $29 (USD) only. The public BETA version is now available to every Mac user and works with Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger or Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard. The final version is planned for January 4, 2009.

app4mac
CheckUp 2.0 BETA 3
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app4mac is a company created in 2001 with the goal of providing innovative applications for Mac OS X. We take great pleasure building Mac products. We are committed to creating quality software that will make the Mac even more user-friendly. Copyright 2001-2008 app4mac. All Rights Reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, are registered trademarks of Apple Computer in the U.S. and/or other countries.

Boston, Massachusetts – Big Spaceship joins the speaker line up at Flash on Tap Conference May 28-30, 2009 taking place at The Castle in Boston. Big Spaceship, a digital creative agency in Brooklyn, NY has mastered the process of telling stories and starting conversations in the digital world. Their skills and work have earned Big Spaceship numerous creative awards. This presentation delivered by Jamie Kosoy, Associate Technical Director, Big Spaceship, promises to give attendees a look under the hood at the approach, process, decisions, and rationale behind the firm’s design and build mantra.

“How firms combine design, development, strategy and production determines the quality of, not only the work they produce, but the user experience,” said Chris Allen, Flash on Tap Conference Program Developer and Infrared5 CEO. “I’ve been to Big Spaceship to see how they run projects (which is very different than our approach at Infrafed5). It’s a very effective and unique way to do things. In his presentation, Jamie will share how two developers and six designers can and did work together simultaneously, creating very cutting edge stuff.”

In Kosoy’s presentation A Portrait of a Site he’ll show and tell the backstory behind the process Big Spaceship has created to enable a team of people, who all contribute to the creation of client projects, the ability to perform disparate tasks simultaneously. And how does Big Spaceship measure success? The duration of the “stay” or how long visitors spend on a Big Spaceship created site.

“We’ve worked really hard to create a process which allows collaboration across responsibilities,” said Jamie Kosoy, Technical Director, Big Spaceship. “Our firm believes in team concepting – that ideas come from everywhere – which allows us to create compelling experiences on the web. Our sense of fun drives our passion and that passion drives creativity.”

Kosoy joins thirty-one other speakers who share their insights, knowledge, and Flash industry experience with attendees of the Flash on Tap Conference taking place May 28-30, 2009 in Boston. Additional speakers presenting at the conference with experience in both design and development can be viewed on the website. To register for the conference, pre-conference workshops, or both – go directly to the conference registration page.

The first 100 registrants can purchase Super Early Bird tickets for $495 (USD) which includes a signed, custom-designed Keith Peters limited edition Flash on Tap t-shirt. Keith is known for his books about the Flash platform and is creating artwork which will be silk screened on a limited edition t-shirt and available for the first 100 registrants. Included in all conference registrations are breakfasts, lunches, and reception tickets for all parties including the Flash on Tap barbecue and Flash Trivia night. For more information on the conference, speakers or to register for Flash on Tap visit our website.

Flash on Tap
Registration

About Flash on Tap:
Flash on Tap is the first conference created for Flash designers and developers by Flash designers and developers where attendees can experience the excitement of a beer festival while soaking in new ideas, knowledge, information and inspiration. Flash on Tap takes place in Boston May 28-30, 2009 at The Castle. This conference has been created by the teams from Infrared5, Influxis and Red5Server.

Flash on Tap Sponsors:
Flash on Tap 2008 is supported by key industry partners including ActionScript, Adobe, AIGA/Boston, Electric Rain, Flashgoddess, friends of ED, IdN World, Influxis, Infrared5, NetDiver, Noble Desktop, Peachpit, PilotVibe, PointRoll, Ribbit, Sapient and The Beer Advocate.

Los Angeles CA – “Welcome to Macintosh – The documentary for the rest of us” will be presented for one night only during the week of “Macworld” 2009 in San Francisco. On Thursday January 8th a special “Macworld Exclusive” version of the film will be presented on the big screen, with the Directors and select interviewees available for Q&A immediately after the show.

“Macworld is a landmark event for Apple and Mac fans around the world and we are excited to present the film to such an international audience,” says Rob Baca, Co-director of the film. “We are looking forward to having select interviewees on hand afterward for the audience to interact with,” adds Josh Rizzo, Co-director of the film.

“Welcome to Macintosh” will be presented at Sundance Kabuki Cinemas, San Francisco’s’ premiere venue for independent film. Sundance Cinemas is part of the Sundance family of businesses created by Robert Redford which includes the Sundance Institute, Film Festival, Channel, Resort and Preserve.

Attendees will also receive a discount on the Welcome to Macintosh DVD when purchased online through FilmBaby. The filmmakers recently announced that the DVD will contain a DRM Free Digital Bonus Version in addition to over three hours of extras.

Seating is limited and selling fast. Tickets are available online via BrownPaperTickets. Doors open at 7pm. Show starts at 7:30pm. Popcorn and soda are available for purchase in lobby.

When:
Thursday: January 8th @ 7:00pm

Where:
Sundance Cinemas Kabuki
1881 Post Street at Fillmore
San Francisco, CA 94115

Parking:
Park at the two Japantown parking lots. One is at Fillmore and Post, the other is at Post at Webster. Validated parking for $2.75 for the first 3 hours. Free secure bicycle parking in both lots. Sundance Cinemas Kabuki is easy to reach via public transportation. Several MUNI lines serve the theater, including the 3 Jackson, 22 Fillmore and 38 Geary. For more information, please go to their website (SF MUNI) or call 415-673-MUNI.

Welcome to Macintosh
Screening Tickets
Purchase DVD
Official Trailer
Sundance Cinemas
SF MUNI

“Welcome to Macintosh – The documentary for the rest of” is the first documentary of its kind to mix history, criticism and an unapologetic revelry of all things Apple into a movie experience. The film explores the early years of Apple, the many challenges Apple has faced, and what the future may hold for the company and its products. Ex-Apple employees, engineers and community members offer insight on the company’s innovations, failures, cultural impact and what the future may be like beyond the reign of its co-founder Steve Jobs. Interviews include notable Apple personalities Andy Hertzfeld, co-creator of the original Macintosh, Guy Kawasaki, long time Mac evangelist, Leander Kahney, author of the book “Cult of Mac”, Jim Reekes, creator of the Macintosh start-up sound and Ron Wayne, original co-founder of the Apple Computer Company. Welcome to Macintosh is an independent motion picture and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Apple Inc. Macintosh, iPod and iTunes are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.

Luxembourg – Houdah Software is pleased to announce the immediate availability of ACTCurrency 2.0. This is a major – yet free – update to Houdah Software’s universal currency converter for the iPhone and iPod Touch. ACTCurrency 2.0 features an all new UI design and expands the automatic download of exchange rates to support 190 world currencies.

ACTCurrency is a universal currency converter. It is your ultimate travel companion. ACTCurrency automatically retrieves daily exchange rates for 190+ world currencies. You may add more currencies as needed. For these you will need to manually enter exchange rates.

Features:
* Calculates as you type
* Converts both ways on the fly
* Fast: minimized number of taps
* Automatic exchange rate updates for 190+ currencies
* Universal: add or update exchange rates as you travel

ACTCurrency always performs currency conversion both ways. It answers both questions you may ask when faced with a price in a foreign currency:

“How much is this in my home currency?”
“How does the price back home convert to the foreign currency?”

Want to know how much 45 EUR is in USD? Just tap 4 and then 5. There is no step 3: ACTCurrency calculates the converted value as you type. How about 45 USD in EUR? It’s the very same 2 taps. Indeed ACTCurrency always performs the conversion both ways.

Pricing and Availability:
ACTCurrency is priced at $1.99 (USD) and available exclusively through Apple’s App Store. The update is free for existing customers. If you like ACTCurrency, please take the time to write a review on iTunes. If not, please let us know. Your feedback shapes the future of our products. Email support and discussion forums are available in English, French and German.

Houdah Software
ACTCurrency – iPhone Currency Converter
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Houdah Support
Discussion Forums

Houdah Software s.a r.l is a small company based in Luxembourg, Europe. The company was founded in late 2005 by Pierre Bernard. Apple, Macintosh, Mac, Spotlight, iPhone, iPod, WebObjects and the Mac logo are trademarks of Apple Computer. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Sydney, Australia – MoGeneration is delighted to announce Moo Shake!, their animal mix and match game for iPhone and iPod Touch. Kids from three to ten can now enjoy a fun, educational game on an iPhone or iPod Touch. Moo Shake! is an interactive version of the animal mix and match books that many of us had as kids. Moo Shake! takes the idea into the 21st century by adding sound, movement and a competitive element.

“Within five seconds of the Moo Shake! most kids know what to do thanks to a ‘seeing is doing’ animated introduction” says MoGeneration CEO Keith Ahern, “players move animal heads, bodies and feet until you complete an animal, all accompanied by appropriate animal sounds. Shake the iPhone and the animals shuffle around while barking, mooing and meowing.”

The illustrations were created by an award winning children’s book illustrator. Players can also play against the clock when they are confident completing animals. This holiday season record sales are expected for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Moo Shake! is a perfect first application for kids to learn how to use the device, as well as giving parents a few minutes of well earned rest.

“MoGeneration normally create media and enterprise applications for other companies like News Corp but we could only watch so many kids pick up iPhones and master the user interface before we decided create some fun but educational games for them.” Moo Shake! is the first of many kids games from MoGeneration which will be marketed under the Shake and Play brand.

Pricing and Availability:
Moo Shake! is available worldwide at the iPhone App Store at a price of $0.99 USD ($1.19 AUD). Evaluation copies available on request.

Moo Shake!
Download and Purchase
Screenshot – Overview
Screenshot – Moo Cow
Screenshot – Moo Coo and Karate Zebra
MoGeneration

MoGeneration is Mobile 2.0 production company based in Sydney and Brisbane, Australia. MoGeneration create applications exclusively for Apple iPhone and Google Android devices. MoGenerations customers include News Corp, Moshtix and Xumii. Copyright 2008 MoGeneration. All Rights Reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone and iPod are registered trademarks of Apple Computer in the U.S. and/or other countries.

Cupertino Cloud, California – iAPPSnow, LLC is happy to announce its newest iPhone and iPod Touch App called Will It Blend?. You Tube sensation Will It Blend? has been downloaded over 100,000,000 times. These videos were catapulted to superstardom when millions watched Tom Dickson put his iPhone in a blender. Fittingly, these fun and entertaining videos are now featured in their very own iPhone App. The 20 most popular blends are included in higher quality than ever seen before including: iPhone 3G, iPod, Glow Sticks, Marbles, and Chuck Norris. Share with others even when no internet connection is available.

What makes this app unique is that it contains original footage of Will It Blend? videos in a higher resolution that has ever been released before. The iPhone’s stunning screen is the perfect platform to see details of the blends that have gone unnoticed till now. The iPhone 3G blend was filmed using a state of the art Red Camera at 1000 frames per second. Best of all, since the videos are stored natively on the iPhone, there is no waiting for a download or wondering how good the connection is.

Features:
* Scrollable Picker for choosing video
* Mystery button that pulls regularly updated new releases
* Coming Soon – Ability to blend anything in Photo Library
* Link to all Will It Blend? videos in one location
* More info button

Minimum Requirements:
* iPhone OS 2.0 or higher
* 154 Mb of memory

Pricing and Availability:
Will It Blend? for iPhone is only $1.99 (USD) and available exclusively through Apple’s App Store.

iAPPSnow
Will It Blend?
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Screenshots
Will It Blend? Icon
Will It Blend? Demo

iAPPSnow, LLC is dedicated to helping companies use viral marketing to achieve inexpensive visibility of a product or idea that is highly effective. iAPPSnow seeks to becomes a world leader in viral marketing through innovative ideas and using various medias available to reach millions of potential customers. Copyright 2008 iAPPSnow, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone and iPod are registered trademarks of Apple Computer in the U.S. and/or other countries.

Toronto (Ontario, Canada) – Agile Web Solutions today announced the release of 1Password 1.4 for iPhone, which greatly improves stability, adds full support for landscape mode and new Password Generator. 1Password for iPhone is a free for a limited time and can sync with 1Password for Mac.

What is 1Password?
* The most popular password manager for Mac OS X and iPhone (according to MacUpdate, VersionTracker and iUseThis ratings).
* Makes your Mac passwords available on iPhone/iPod touch.
* Secure database with 2-tier encryption to keep track of logins, secure notes, identities, credit cards, bank accounts, and software registration information.

Detailed Changelog:
* NEW: Added Password Generator and Password tab.
* NEW: Added support for landscape mode in most views, including web view.
* CHANGED: Improved overall stability of the application, especially in the web browser.
* CHANGED: Improved adding of the new items.
* CHANGED: Now displaying error message when iPhone master password entered incorrectly on Request Sync.
* CHANGED: Improved Wallet Item detail view.
* FIXED: Fixed several problems that could cause a crash during sync.
* FIXED: Fixed problem when iPhone could stop going to sleep after the sync.
* FIXED: Fixed a sync problem that could happen when current time on iPhone is different from time on Mac (requires 1Password for Mac version 2.9.5).

System Requirements:
* iPhone OS 2.1. 1Password for Mac requires OS X 10.4 (Tiger) or 10.5 (Leopard)

Pricing and Availability:
For a limited time 1Password for iPhone is available for free. A Single User License of 1Password for Mac is available for $39.95 (USD) and a five user Family License for $59.95 (USD). All prices are in US dollars. 1Password for iPhone can be found in iTunes App Store and installed for free. 1Password for Mac may be downloaded online, which includes a fully functional 30-day trial version, along with a free version limited to 20 items. Special media licenses are available for members of the press and the blogging community upon request.

Agile Web Solutions
1Password 1.4
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Founded in the fall of 2002, Agile Web Solutions, Inc., develops 1Password, the premier Password Manager for Mac and iPhone, and AllBookmarks, a bookmark manager. Agile Web Solutions is a privately held company headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. For more information about the company or any of its products, please visit the Agile Web Solutions web site.