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

Fresnes, France – Satimage-software is glad to announce Smile 3.4. Smile is a data visualization and automation software for Mac OS X. Its plotting interface makes easier to plot data by importing files, specifying intermediate computations and access display settings, all in the same interface. You can also work by writing scripts which perform the data processing tasks and which make the data visualization graphs. Such scripts can be integrated to a custom interface or to an automatized workflow.

Smile 3.4 brings many improvements, in particular:

* You can now browse easily a lot of data files located in the same folder from a single plot, using SmileLab’s interface.

* Compositing a graphic layout with several plots is now very simple: you can copy and paste graphic views from one window to another, resize them and align them using the mouse – and the plots remain alive.

Some videos demonstrating those features are available in Smile’s gallery.

In order to increase the audience of Smile, Satimage-software offers to students free temporary SmileLab licenses, valid until June’s last day. We also provide time-limited free trial licenses, valid 2 months, on a one per e-mail address basis.

Satimage-software
Smile 3.4
Download Link
Trial licenses & Purchase Link
Gallery
Release notes

Satimage-software is a department of Satimage created to take care of the development of Smile, the automation engine that Satimage developed to power custom automated industrial systems.

Albuquerque, NM – Big Stone Phone today has shipped a brand new application for the iPhone and iPod Touch named “Soundbite”. Soundbite v1.0 lets you record your own snippets of sound to play back at just the right moments. Unlike other soundboard apps, Soundbite enables users to create their own collection of custom sounds to entertain (or provoke) friends at a moment’s notice.

With just one simple tap, Soundbite lets you record those little gems of sounds that will entertain friends, punctuate pauses, or spice up awkward moments.

Stone’s CEO and Chief Computer Scientist, Andrew Stone remarked, “Whether you want to capture your boss in an angry fit of pique for later humiliation, or just for amusing your colleagues, Soundbite is the perfect instant record and play sound machine for the iPhone and iPod touch.”

Users can also label their sounds with names and images taken directly from the iPhone’s camera or from their pre-existing photo library. Additionally, Soundbite allows you to loop sounds for longer playback. Moreover, you can play as many snippets at the same time as you want for the mashup effect. There is no limit to how many sound bites you can create, and it’s easy to delete the unwanted ones.

Soundbite was created by a team of developers who have created applications such as Twittelator Pro, iGraffiti, TalkingPics, Pulsar, Gesture and Kineo. You can find Soundbite on the App Store for just $1.99 (USD).

SoundBite
Download and Purchase
Big Stone Phone Apps
Big Stone Phone
SoundBite Icon
Screenshot

Stone Design is a New Mexico based software corporation founded in 1984 by Andrew Stone which has shipped over 20 titles for Mac OS X and its parent operating system, the NeXT, in the last 20 years. Major applications include Create, a page layout and web authoring app, iMaginator for image processing and Videator for video effects and VJ’ing. In the past year, in conjunction with BigStonePhone, has added 6 iPhone applications to the collection: TalkingPics for field photography and audio recording, iGraffiti which lets you paint on photos and share them, Gesture which lets you turn photos into digital paintings and share them, Twittelator Pro, the most feature laced twitter client for the iPhone/Touch, Pulsar the free pyschedelic strobe light and now SoundBite. BigStonePhone is a collaboration between Stone, Jeff BIggus of Hyperjeff and artist and UI designer Ollie Wagner. Additionally, Geoff Pado of CocoaTouch collaborated on SoundBite.

New York, NY – Thousands of Americans are already celebrating inauguration week by playing beamME/Up – a new contest that lets you win a trip just by meeting new people with your iPhone. Through January 24th, every new personal or business contact made using free app beamME for iPhone/iPod Touch provides an entry into the beamME/Up Sweepstakes. Bonus entries are also available for completing fun challenges, like beaming people named Michelle or the President-Elect himself. One lucky winner and a guest will fly away anywhere in the US.

“This week tens of millions of Americans will celebrate the inauguration by joining together at events across the country,” said Gabe Zichermann, CEO of rmbrME, the developer of beamME. “Whether you’re on The Mall or celebrating at home, beamME makes socializing more meaningful – and rewarding – than ever before.”

beamME is the world’s most popular service for mobile contact exchange, enabling any mobile to “beam” a socially-networked vCard to any other device, without handset or carrier restriction. Card recipients need no special hardware, software or registration to retrieve their new contact and – in most cases – can add directly to their phone or PC address book with a single click. beamME is available as a free download for the iPhone or iPod Touch from the iTunes App Store.

US residents can enter the beamME/Up sweepstakes just by downloading and installing the free beamME application for their iPhone or iPod Touch. Every time they meet someone new during inauguration week and use beamME to exchange their contact information, they receive an entry. Bonus challenges, detailed on the beamME website, offer an opportunity to increase the number of potential contest entries. The complete set of sweepstakes rules and restrictions can be found online.

Sweepstakes Page
beamME
Rules and Regulations
Visuals
Screenshot
beamME Icon

Based in New York City, rmbrME is best known for developing the breathtakingly powerful, simple and popular Mobile Contact Exchange application beamME for the iPhone/iPod Touch and SMS. rmbrME’s core philosophy is that digital contact exchange only works when it is device, carrier and social network independent, lifting the requirement for recipients to have special hardware, software or registration before being able to access new contacts.

Toronto, Canada – Ironic Software has released today OpenMeta, a new open sourced standard for metadata on OS X. OpenMeta, working with established OS X technologies, ushers in a new wave of standards based document management solutions. These solutions can scale from single laptops through to large organizations. Ironic is also releasing free tools to work with the OpenMeta standard. ‘Tagger’ is an application that allows tagging and rating any document, while omtool is a command line utility.

Most document management systems are large, expensive, proprietary and intrusive. OpenMeta solves many of these problems. “Over the years that we have developed document management tools, like Yep for PDFs, and Leap for more general tasks, we came to the conclusion that the Mac was missing a good document management system”, explained Tom Andersen of Ironic Software. “We developed OpenMeta to address an ongoing shortfall in OS X – the lack of good ways to set metadata such as tags and ratings on any file in OS X. We think that this technology will allow companies of any size to organize and find documents with ease”.

How it works:
Ironic Software has developed a system that is extensible, open sourced, and based on the OS X file system. Documents are not ’stored’ in any special database, instead they are simply put where ever they make sense. A document management system must both store documents (which OpenMeta leaves up to the file system), and metadata about the files – meta data being tags, dates, ratings, people, etc associated with the document.

OpenMeta uses unix ‘extended attributes’ to store this metadata. By storing both the files and the metadata on the file system, backing up and restoring a document management system can be done with (almost) any normal backup system. For some offices, Time Machine will do more than an adequate job. Storing metadata and files using no special formats or databases allows for very robust future proof behavior. OpenMeta has been designed to last as long as OS X will last.

There are no proprietary databases to deal with. Searching is accomplished using the Spotlight searching capabilities of OS X. These searches can be done using the familiar – but simple Spotlight search tool in OS X Leopard. Richer search and document tools can use standard Apple commands to enhance and extend the basic search functionality of Spotlight.

In addition to Tagger and omtool, Ironic Software has also recently released ‘Deep’ – an image search and management tool for OS X that allows for searching images by color similarities, tags, size and shape. Deep uses OpenMeta to store color and tag information, and offers a rich immersive search experience. Ironic’s other two document management programs, Leap and Yep will be changing over to use OpenMeta in the coming months.

Why Open Source?
Open sourcing the ‘way’ to set metadata on a file in OS X allows for everyone to do it the same way, but just as important, sends a message to customers looking at an OpenMeta based system. That message being of course that software and solution vendors will have much less ‘lock-in’ than with a wholly proprietary system.

What is open source in OpenMeta is the formats, attribute names and conventions for metadata storage, along with source code to store, retrieve and in some cases validate the information stored. OpenMeta on its own will not be a solution for anyone but the largest companies willing to do in house development of the tools and systems appropriate for their business.

A simple and effective use for document management involves tagging and rating documents. This way documents can be filed where appropriate, and tags and ratings can be set to further categorize a document. The search for a good tagging solution for OS X has been going on for many years. OpenMeta solves this problem handily, allowing tags to be set on any document in a consistent, robust way. Other developers of tagging software for the Mac are encouraged to look at OpenMeta and incorporate it into their products.

OpenMeta
Ironic Software
Screenshot: An OpenMeta application
Deep: Image Search – Uses OpenMeta

Ironic software. Document Managment on the Mac. Our products allow individuals and companies organize documents, images and PDFs using, tags, color and location content and other meta data. Unlike expensive ‘locked – in’ solutions, Deep, Leap and Yep do not use proprietary databases, or force you to import your files into a library.

Chrome puts a shine on Macs in early 2009
Posted on Jan 12, 2009 9:44 pm by Dan Moren

I’m sure you’ve all been waiting, hearts in your throats, to find out when Google will bring its fancy new Chrome browser to the Mac. Well that wait—the wait for finding out when the program is coming, not the wait for the browser itself—is over. So, er, I guess you could say the wait for the wait is over?

Last Friday, Google’s Brian Rakowski, who’s the product manager for Chrome, said that the browser, which internally just hit a new major milestone, is due out for Mac and Linux in the first half of this year. Sometime. Currently, the versions for those platforms are running at the very basic “test shell” level, meaning that they’ve still got a ways to go before they can do anything more than viewing web pages.

via Chrome puts a shine on Macs in early 2009 | MacUser | Macworld.

Viadana, Italy – Creolabs has released PayShield, the most complete way to have full access to your PayPal account for the iPhone and iPod touch. With PayShield you can easily check your online balance, get transaction details, refund a transaction, send money to anyone with an email address and much more.

PayPal is the safer, easier way to pay and get paid online. The service allows anyone to pay in any way they prefer, including through credit cards, bank accounts, buyer credit or account balances, without sharing financial information. With PayShield you have the power of PayPal just a touch away from your iPhone and iPod touch.

PayShield can also be used to monitor your eBay transactions (paid with PayPal) and it enables you to check your online sales very easily.

Key features are:
* Complete Balance information (also on multiple currencies)
* Advanced search for all the past transactions
* Complete transaction details
* Refund transactions
* Send money to anyone with an email address
* Password protect access to your data

Requirements:
* PayShield works with all iPhones and iPod Touches running version 2.2 software or later
* WiFi, Edge, or 3G Network required to use the access your PayPal account
* A business or premiere PayPal account

Pricing and Availability:
PayShield is based on the PayPal API Credentials and it is available worldwide. PayShield is now at the Apple App Store at a special introductory price of $3.99 (USD).

PayShield
Download and Purchase

Creolabs (an SQLabs LLC division) is a company devoted to develop high quality iPhone and iPod touch software. Copyright 2008 uncomplex gmbh. All Rights Reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone and iPod are registered trademarks of Apple Computer in the U.S. and/or other countries.

Markdale, ON, Canada – Synectics Business Solutions, Inc., developer of the BackJack Online Backup Service, today announced a new version of their software to complement their well-established service. For those whose use of the Mac generates income, or supports key business activities, BackJack remains the most trusted name for the online protection and recovery of critical files.

BackJack’s new Business version (v5.1) follows their highly successful flagship Enterprise version (v5.0) which has been in use, since 2007, by some of the world’s largest Mac installations. The Business version was built from the Enterprise version so that small to mid-sized businesses and educational institutions can benefit from more cost-effective pricing, simplified backups, more efficient uploads and enhanced security. Also included in their Business version is an improved web-based account manager which gives administrators greater control over their account information, internal support, storage, and user management.

The company has long been recognized for its personal client care, quality software and ongoing focus on Mac-only solutions. “Since 1998, we have catered exclusively to the Mac online backup market”, states President Chris Brown. “As a result, we offer tremendous advantages for our clients including mature software, unmatched experience with the technology and a solid business practice where business clients know that BackJack will exceed their expectations. We have earned the trust of the Mac business community through years of service and are proud that our longevity and Mac-centric solution continue to set us apart”, states Brown.

Their new Business version confirms Synectics’ commitment to the storage needs of Mac business and enterprise users where the highest standards for backup and recovery must be set and met. Synectics’ upcoming solution, known as Continuum, will complement Leopard’s Time Machine so that both onsite and offsite backups can be performed conveniently and cost effectively.

15-day Free Trial Available Now
BackJack’s Business Version is available for download immediately via their 15-day free trial page. Mac users need 10.4.10 or greater (Leopard compatible)

Enterprise
BackJack’s Enterprise version is their flagship Version 5 solution built to satisfy the unique backup needs of Macs in larger environments. Some of its highlights include client-specific customization, centralized management of users, world-class support, high security and high performance, as well as full integration into the client’s environment. To learn more, visit BackJack’s Enterprise page.

Continuum
Currently in development, BackJack’s Continuum version will complement Leopard’s Time Machine so that both the onsite and offsite components of an effective backup strategy can be met conveniently and cost effectively. To learn more and register for their beta release, visit Continuum online.

BackJack
BackJack’s 15-day Free Trial
Download BackJack

Established in 1990, Synectics Business Solutions, Inc. is rooted in Macintosh, originally as a Mac consulting/software development company and, for the last 10 years, as the developer and provider of BackJack. Since its launch in 1998, BackJack has revolutionized the way Mac users back up and restore their critical files offering a business-class solution with the highest data recovery rate guaranteed.

Port Jefferson, NY – Limit Point Software is offering a promotion of it’s products Mailings and iForm. With the purchase of “The Mailings-iForm Bundle” you receive activation codes for both products and free upgrades forever. Mailings is a full featured application for batch emailing that delivers any web page or plain text document with attachments to multiple recipients for marketing, news announcements, product updates etc.

iForm is a program that you use to serve and process HTML forms. Its basic functionality collects form data submitted by a web browser and then emails that data using formatting templates to select recipients, as well as saving it to a text log file which can be imported into a database.

But… these products work together!

You can use iForm to implement a form which collects email addresses for a mailing list, and then distribute newsletters, product announcements, etc. to that list with Mailings. Refer to the iForm “Tour Sample” for an illustration of how this is done with the help of Apple’s Address Book.

Mailings:
* Simple intuitive interface
* Send HTML or plain text
* Imports comma-separated (CSV) or tab-separated (TSV) text files
* Full Address Book support for groups & distribution lists
* Imports Entourage groups directly
* Imports Daylite contacts with an optional Daylite plugin
* “Simulate Send” mode for testing or learning the program
* Handles thousands of recipients
* “Throttling” to control message rate: inter-message delay or batching
* Scheduling mailings
* Personalized greetings
* Templates for adding Address Book data to message content
* Templates support AppleScript content generation
* Much more!

iForm:
* Does not require a web server because it can serve its own forms using the integrated web server.
* Processes form submissions with fully customized response pages, error replies, email messages and log entries.
* Emailer supports SMTP authentication, multiple file attachments of any type and “plain text alternatives” using multi-part mime messages.
* Template mechanism featuring support for embedded AppleScripts enabling dynamic and multipart form submissions.
* Logs all activity to a plain text file and monitor window.
* Logs each form submission to its own customizable log file, say for import to a database.

All software runs in demo mode for ten days. So you can try before you buy. Each product has a “hands on” tour to get you started quickly and easily.

Pricing and Availability:
The “Mailings-iForm Bundle” is only $28 (USD) until January 25, 2009.

The Mailings-iForm Promo
Limit Point Software
Mailings
iForm
Mailings Screenshot
iForm Screenshot

Limit Point Software has been avidly developing software for the Mac community since 1997. In order to improve the usefulness, simplicity and dependability of our products user feedback has always been highly welcome and encouraged. Our products cover a diverse range of applications. The internet applications include bulk emailing, HTML form processing, web crawling and document indexing and searching. The “Utilities” suite is a large collection of small programs for combining movies, processing images in batch, file property editing, bulk emailing, and much, more.

Austin, TX – Saltlick Labs, developer of the popular applications Little Black Book and BreakkUp, is proud to announce the release of Pocket Workout for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Pocket Workout is an easy-to-use, highly effective calisthenic exercise program stuffed into a mobile application you can take anywhere.

Designed for travelers, life-hackers, active parents, students on a budget and kids, Pocket Workout lets users create customized exercise routines based on test results, a weekly schedule, and improvement goals through a unique personal training system. Emphasizing usability and motivational support, users enter data in two taps and feedback is displayed immediately.

“After using HundredPushups, I was inspired to create a mobile application that could support a variety of calisthenic exercise routines,” said Colin Anawaty, designer of the Pocket Workout and founder of Saltlick Labs. “I don’t have time for the gym and I love saving money. Memberships are expensive, and with our application you can create routines that require no equipment, such as the Daily Dozen as used in the U.S. Marines.”

Whether you are trying to shed pounds, increase dexterity, tone muscles, or build strength, with the 19 pre-configured exercises and ability to add your own, Pocket Workout leaves you with no excuse not to live a healthy and active lifestyle.

Features include:
* Personal Trainer System
* Goal Targeting, Scheduling, Routine Customization
* Persistent Stat Tracking
* Before, During, After Pictures
* Progress Charts
* Positive and Negative Feedback
* Intuitive Interface
* More to come, updates are free!

Minimum Requirements:
iPhone or iPod Touch 2.0 or later

Pricing and Availability:
Pocket Workout 1.0 for the iPhone and iPod Touch is only $2.99 (USD) and available in the Health and Fitness section of the iTunes AppStore.

Saltlick Labs
Pocket Workout 1.0
Purchase and Download

Saltlick Labs crafts lifestyle mobile and web applications for the wired generation. Products include Pocket Workout, Little Black Book, Pocket Massage, and BreakkUp.com for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Saltlick Labs also offers full-service mobile application publishing. Founded in 2008 by Colin Anawaty, Saltlick Labs is headquartered in Austin, Texas with satellite offices in Los Angeles and Australia. Please visit their website for more information.