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

Boston, Massachusetts – MediaSilo, the professional video online tool suite announces the release of its new logging and transcription service. The plugin based feature will debut at NAB Show 2009 (booth SL9512).

“Our shift to a modular platform architecture enables MediaSilo to provide online tools that directly address key components of the production workflow.” said Kai Pradel, MediaSilo CEO. “We think with MediaSilo’s core platform of content management, collaboration and broadcast tools are universal. The new plugins build on that platform for a truly customizable production toolset.”

Designed for maximum flexibility, the logging/transcription module allow for user-generated lognotes or outsourcing from within the platform for as little as $1 per minute. Lognotes are generated within a customized user interface within MediaSilo’s feature-rich application and can include verbatim transcription, scene descriptions and reel and take information. The metadata generated from lognotes within MediaSilo remains attached to the video clip within the platform or overwritten on the client server for search and archive.

“We’ve negotiated preferred rates with a group of select, established transcription companies who understand the needs of video pros,” Pradel said. “We’re simply integrating their service into our user-friendly logging module and offering the service within MediaSilo at preferred rates, saving our users time and money.”

MediaSilo’s new logging/transcription tools can also be used as a stand-alone plugin for user-generated lognotes.

“We give you two options for transcription,” said Dan Green, MediaSilo’s workflow specialist. “Do it yourself, or outsource. The important thing is streamlining workflow and maximizing metadata, and that’s what MediaSilo does best.”

MediaSilo is a pioneer in online video collaboration and technology workflow, offering online video review and approval, metadata creation, content management, web broadcast and Final Cut Server integration.

The company offers enterprise solutions for major production companies and organizations through a growing network of integrators, workflow consultants and hardware providers. Additionally, MediaSilo’s online portal boasts tiered usage plans to encompass the needs of a variety of users. The most popular offering is the “Hollywood” package which provides unlimited storage and bandwidth in addition to the standard toolset for just $99 a month. Complete pricing, plans, enterprise solutions and workflow offerings are available.

MediaSilo

MediaSilo is Boston-based online media company created by video production professionals and web application designers to deliver an Internet based video content management and collaboration solution. MediaSilo is privately held.

New York, NY – Stolen Bases today announces “Postcards”, a new iPhone Application. Postcards is a free download, available now, from Apple’s App Store. Postcards, is an easy to use application that allows anyone to create and mail a physical postcard directly from an iPhone or iPod Touch.

Postcards has a simple elegant interface that allows the user to select-or take-a photo, click a button and have a 6″ x 4.25″ postcard sent via the U.S. mail to any U.S. address in the iPhone’s address book. Optionally a caption can be put on the front and a longer message on the back.

“In this digital age it’s especially touching to receive something tangible. We give each customer two free postcards to show off the high quality printing and finishing” says Michael Angst, CEO of Stolen Bases. “We have kids; our kids have grandparents; we use this app ourselves.”

To get a polished user interface, Stolen Bases teamed up with Big Stone Phone, maker of Twittelator Pro. “Postcards was a fun side-project. Tweets are instantaneous, ephemeral and you never know who is receiving them. Postcards are the perfect complement” says Andrew Stone, founder of Big Stone Phone.

Postcards is the first phone-specific application for the WYWH Postcard service, available to all mobile-phone users.

Download and try out
WYWH Postcard service
Stolen Bases
netomat
Big Stone Phone
Screen Shot

WYWH is a joint venture between Stolen Bases, LLC and netomat, a leader in mobile community solutions. Copyright 2009 WYWH. All Rights Reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone and iPod are registered trademarks of Apple Computer in the U.S. and/or other countries.

About Big Stone Phone
Big Stone Phone is the iPhone development branch of Stone Design. Big Stone Phone has shipped seven iPhone apps: Twittelator, Twittelator Pro, SoundBite, TalkingPics, MobileMix, iGraffiti and Gesture.

Camerino, Italy – One of the most flexible and advanced Interest Calculator for iPhone & iPod Touch has been released. Due to its complete set of features and maximum flexibility in the choice of what to calculate, this is the ultimate tool for people looking to detailed and complete money investment evaluation. Including inflation impact on interests evaluation, this is especially useful to program your future interest rate targets.

Interest Calculator Pro is:

* Complete, because it supports any kind of interest options (simple, compound or continuous capitalization; fixed or yearly variable interest rates; civil year, commercial year or mixed day counting convention)

* Flexible, allowing you to set any element of the interest equation as the unknown: thus users can either calculate the final amount, or the principal, or the interest rate, or the start date, or the end date of your investment

* Useful, since users can also evaluate the impact of taxes on interests and inflation (many world countries past inflation rates are included for use, including US and UK past inflation rates ranging from 1900 to 2008)

The application also features a practical summary view, showing the users an year over year view of their investment plan. Finally, an handy and flexible percentage calculator is included as well. Interest Calculator Pro is localized in English, Italian, French and Spanish.

Pricing and Availability:
Interest Calculator Pro 1.0 is $1.99 (USD) and available exclusively through Apple’s App Store.

Interest Calculator 1.0
Screenshot
Screenshot/App Icon

Paolo Grifantini is the developer of one of the most downloaded MacOs X widgets ever, as well as several successful finance mobile applications. All Material and Software (C) 2009 Paolo Grifantini / All Rights Reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, and iPod are registered trademarks of Apple Computer in the U.S. and/or other countries.

Burolo, Italy – Mac applications publisher Hyperbolic Software has announced the release of Tidy Up! 2, the latest version of the company’s award-winning duplicate finder and disk tidying utility. For a limited time, the regular price of $39 (USD) is being reduced to $30.

Tidy Up! has become a must-have utility for Mac owners seeking to reclaim disk space being taken up by duplicate files and packages. Employing a fast search algorithm that quickly scans any mounted drive volumes (hard drives, optical discs and portable drives) without writing an index, Tidy Up! locates duplicate items using a wide range of criteria including: owner application, time created or modified, name, label, extension and content. Tidy Up! also offers the capability to scan the databases of popular Apple applications such as iPhoto, Aperture, iTunes and Mail. Tidy Up! makes use of “Smart Baskets” for quick and easy organization of found items, with the ability to trash, move or archive duplicates, as well as the option to export a list of found items as HTML or text files.

Version 2 of Tidy Up! introduces nearly 50 new features to this already comprehensive tool. Among the key improvements are:

* A new Basic Search mode with over 90 predefined search types
* EXIF information supported through new search criteria and Smart Basket criteria
* The ability to exclude any supported applications (iTunes, iPhoto, Aperture and Mail) from the search, allowing for identification of items not included in their databases
* Smart Basket capability to identify items belonging to a particular album, playlist or mailbox
* Moved and trashed items may now be replaced with an alias or symbolic link
* A new and improved interface, including additional information displayed when selecting a found item
* New user manual

Pricing and Availability:
Version 2 of Tidy Up! requires OSX 10.5 or greater; for machines running earlier versions of Tiger and Leopard, Tidy Up! versions 1.2.11 and 1.4.10 are still available. For a limited time, Tidy Up! 2 can be purchased for $30 instead of the regular $39; users of Tidy Up! version 1.x can upgrade for $20.

Hyperbolic Software
Tidy Up! 2
Download Tidy Up!
Purchase Tidy Up!
Screenshot
App Icon

Hyperbolic Software has been creating award-winning software exclusively for the Macintosh since 1996. In addition to Tidy Up! the company publishes MacGizmo, Smart Trash, iTunes Dupe Barrier, Maigret and Doublet Scan (the Mac Classic only predecessor to Tidy Up!). Products may be purchased online.

Denver, Colorado – Two years after launching its video show, MacMost has added a second major podcast to its network. MacAnswers is a short daily audio podcast where Mac expert Gary Rosenzweig answers a Mac, iPod or iPhone question each day. The questions come from listeners of the new podcast, or from viewers of MacMost’s videos or readers of MacMost’s Web site content. Topics range from the Mac OS, to applications like iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie and third-party utilities for the Mac. The podcast will also cover topics related to the iPhone and iPod.

“The idea is to produce a daily series of tips, tricks and techniques based on questions that listeners ask,” said the show’s host, Gary Rosenzweig. “Over the course of a few episodes there should be something for everyone.” The episodes are short, from one to two minutes long, and are in a standard mp3 format so they will play on any computer or mp3 player.

“This new show is definitely a two-way street,” said Rosenzweig. “It will be a conversation between myself and the listeners.” Rosenzweig said that listeners are free to try to ask him anything. Technical questions are what he expects, but he also hopes to talk about news, rumors, and any topic concerning Apple or technology. The only qualifications for a question is whether it will be interesting to the audience and whether he can answer it in one to two minutes.

MacAnswers begins in the shadow of MacMost’s video podcast, MacMost Now, started in 2007 and now with more than 225 five-minute episodes. In addition, the MacMost website contains hundreds of other articles and tutorials. It also features a section on iPhone Games, an iPhone App directory, Mac OS X software recommendations and an evolving set of free iPhone Ringtones. MacMost also has a free weekly newsletter.

Listeners should go to the MacMost Web site to subscribe to the show
for free using iTunes. New episodes will automatically load into iTunes as they are available. They can then listen on their computer or transfer the shows to their iPod, iPhone or other mp3 player.

MacMost
MacAnswers

MacMost is a Web site a podcast network dedicated to helping people get the most from their Mac, iPhone and iPod. The site includes tutorials, news, reviews and commentary. Copyright 2009 MacMost. All Rights Reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone and iPod are registered trademarks of Apple Computer in the U.S. and/or other countries.

Springville, Utah – Clever Coding today announced the release of their latest iPhone/iPod touch App, iColor Easter Eggs. The App hits the iTunes App Store just in time for Easter this coming Sunday. iColor Easter Eggs is an innovative application that allows users to color Easter Eggs, choose a greeting and background, and email the e-card to their friends and family.

Building on the success of previous interactive games, Clever Coding wanted to build a game that fun and simple for all age groups. “The focus has always been on creating something that is visually appealing and fun to play at the same time,” said Brandon Pluim, a Clever Coding developer. “I think we have met those expectations with iColor Easter Eggs.”

When users open the game they are able to choose one of six custom egg designs. From the designs they are able to color the eggs in any way they would like. After color the eggs, users can pick one of six colorful backgrounds for their picture. The last step is to add one of many Easter greetings, ranging from “Happy Easter” to “Your Eggstra Awesome”

“We were really going for something a little bit goofy that would make fun cards to send around.” said Pluim. “We are hoping that everyone finds something to enjoy about the app.”

Pricing and Availability:
iColor Easter Eggs for iPhone is only $0.99 (USD) and available exclusively through Apple’s App Store.

Clever Coding
iColor Easter Eggs 1.0
Download and Purchase

Clever Coding was founded in 2008 with the single goal in mind of creating brilliant iPhone apps. We develop apps for clients around the world as well as some killer in house apps. Check out our two Apps section to get a feel for what kind of apps we develop. Copyright 2008-2009 Clever Coding. All Rights Reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone and iPod are registered trademarks of Apple Computer in the U.S. and/or other countries.

Bray, Ireland – 7sql today releases iBrowseTwo 1.0 for iPhone. iBrowseTwo is an application which enables users to have two websites displayed simultaneously on the screen. Never before has this feature been offered in the iPhone application. Website pages are displayed together with the innovative navigation bar which packs all the basic functionality into a small screen space.

Compact navigation bar delivers nearly full-screen experience without sacrificing the user comfort. There is no need to shake iPhone, use multi-finger gestures, etc. While employing standard gestures it innovates the web navigation and makes it more intuitive. Both browsed websites also respond to standard taps, pinches, and scrolling. They can also be resized by dragging the navigation bar up and down.

iBrowseTwo’s unique navigation bar packs following functions in a small space (30 pixels high and screen wide):
* Tap the address labels to enter/edit URL
* Double tap the address labels to refresh/stop loading
* Swipe the address labels left/right to go back/forward
* Drag/swipe navigation bar up and down to resize/maximize the web windows
* Colors – green bar means connectivity, red – no Internet connection

Feature Highlights:
* Browsing two pages at the same time (both visible on the screen)
* Innovative navigation bar
* Handling links with “_blank” target
* Handling of SSL links/connections (automatically opened in Safari even if redirected from standard http)
* Resizing the web space by draging/swiping the navigation bar (it snaps to top and bottom for easier operation)
* Reloading both browsed pages after restart

Minimum Requirements:
* iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPod touch 1G, or iPod touch 2G
* iPhone/iPod touch OS 2.0 Software Update

Pricing and Availability:
iBrowseTwo 1.0 is available now world wide and can be purchased from the iTunes App Store for $0.99 (USD) for a limited time.

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iBrowseTwo 1.0
Download and Purchase
Screenshots
iBrowseTwo 1.0 Icon

Located in Bray, Ireland, Sole Tradership was started in 2008 by Michal Wagner. It delivers iPhone software and development services. All Material and Software (C) 2008-2009 Michal Wagner /All Rights Reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, and iPod are registered trademarks of Apple Computer in the U.S. and/or other countries.

Los Angeles, CA / Boston, MA – The Final Cut Pro User Group Network (FCPUG Network) have announced a sneak peak at the agenda for the 8th Annual NAB FCPUG SuperMeet, to be held in the Amazon Ballroom at the Rio Hotel (Las Vegas, NV) on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 beginning at 4:30PM. It is expected this event will be the largest gathering of Final Cut Pro Users and digital content creators and filmmakers during the 2009 NAB Show.

“We’ve got something for everyone,” says Michael Horton, SuperMeet co-producer and founder of the Los Angeles Final Cut Pro User Group. “This is one of the strongest agendas of user driven presentations we have had in years.”

“Our SuperMeet marks the tenth anniversary of Final Cut Pro and much of what you will see on stage has never been seen before,” added Daniel Berube, SuperMeet co-producer and founder of the Boston Final Cut Pro User Group. “We will showcase brand new workflows for Final Cut Pro as well as premiere exciting new products.”

The agenda will feature breathtaking HD footage as screened by documentary filmmaker Arthur C. Smith, director of the acclaimed film, “Ice Bears of the Beaufort.” From tapeless HD acquisition to post, Art will show how he is bringing the digital age to Alaska’s Arctic Frontier by using the tools of digital cinema to produce this award-winning film.

Over 3 years in the making, “Playing For Change: Peace through Music” is the second film born out of an idea that director Mark Johnson had while watching two Monks play music in a NYC Subway 10 years ago. It is a powerful documentary that takes us around the globe then brings us together through the simple but transformative power of music. Jonathan Walls, co-director and editor, will present.

“Digital Guy” Bruce Nazarian will introduce for the very first time in public a simple workflow to author replicable Blu-ray discs entirely on a Macintosh.

Craig Yanagi of JVC and Tim Dashwood of DVInfo will give a hands-on look at “instant editing” in Final Cut Pro using native QuickTime files captured with the new JVC GY-HM700 Camcorder.

Karl Soule of Adobe will show off the newly announced roundtripping workflow involving direct import of Final Cu Pro project files into Creative Suite 4 Production Premium on both Mac and PC.

Final Cut Studio Guru Larry Jordan will give one of the first public demonstrations of the highly anticipated new music creation plug-in from SmartSound that works directly inside of Final Cut Pro. Post Production Supervisor Jeremy Garchow will show off a never before seen Final Cut Pro workflow that will shave hours of post off of Multi-cam production.

Kim Salyer of Video Arts in San Francisco and freelance producer/editor Joanne Dorgan will present a Final Cut Pro case study involving the Coca-Cola Pavilion and the Adidas Spiral Theater at the Beijing Olympics and filmmaker Steve Sherrick of RedUser will discuss Indy-style Red Digital Cinema Workflow and show footage. And back by popular demand, San Diego’s Wounded Marines Careers Foundation will premiere their newest video produced by their current class.

Rounding out the evening will be the “World Famous Raffle” with over $90,000 worth of prizes to be handed out to dozens of lucky winners, featuring “super secret” new product introductions as raffle prizes from JVC, AJA and Blackmagic Design.

The FCPUG Network will also be on the NAB show floor for the first time in South Hall with the “SuperBooth” (#SL10129), featuring a full four-day schedule of free half-hour training sessions by many of the countries most recognized Final Cut Studio Gurus and digital filmmakers. Presenters include: Alex Lindsey, Mark Spencer, Steve Kanter, Shane Ross, Rob Birnholz, Dan Berube, Philip Hodgetts, Larry Jordan, Arthur C. Smith, Jim Kanter, Richard Harrington, Noah Kadner, Anthony Artis, Ernie Schaffer, Adrian Ramsier, Gary Adcock, Rick Young, Karl Soule, Cynthia Stein, Scott Simmons, John Flowers, Norman Hollyn, Joanne Dorgan and Kim Salyer and Abba Shapiro.

Tickets are on sale now online only for $15.00 each and this event is expected to sell out. Historically every SuperMeet has always sold out. For daily updates on the 8th Annual NAB SuperMeet and to purchase tickets, please visit FCPUG Network online.

8th Annual NAB SuperMeet
Playing For Change: Peace through Music
Ice Bears of the Beaufort
JVC GY-HM700 Camcorder

About the Final Cut Pro User Group Network
The Final Cut Pro User Group Network is a worldwide community of Final Cut Pro and Digital Video User Groups officially recognized by Apple. The FCP UG Network’s mission is to build connections between Final Cut Pro users, filmmakers and professionals who wish to lead the digital filmmaking revolution. The FCP UG Network provides both advocacy and education about Digital Video on the Macintosh and membership opportunities for learning and growth in Digital Storytelling.

About the SuperMeets
SuperMeets are gatherings of Final Cut Pro editors, gurus and Mac-based digital filmmakers from throughout the world who use or want to learn to use Apple’s Final Cut Studio suite of applications, most importantly Final Cut Pro. SuperMeets are held annually along side large trade shows such as Macworld in San Francisco, NAB in Las Vegas, IBC in Amsterdam and in 2009 as a stand alone event in London. The agenda usually includes appearances by Apple, demos of new products, digital video tips and tricks, and filmmaker show and tells.