Tuesday, November 18, 2008

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) (13 сообщений)

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  • New variant of RSPlug trojan making the rounds

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    Our friends at Intego sent out an alert this morning, warning users about a new variant of the RSPlug trojan horse, found on several adult websites. The risk to users is classified as "medium."

    RSPlug trojans, themselves a form of DNSChanger, change local DNS settings to redirect to phishing sites for banks, PayPal, and eBay. All these trojans must be downloaded at the user's request, and an administrator password has to be supplied.

    When visiting certain sites, the user is alerted that there is a "Video ActiveX Object Error" and is told that their "Browser cannot play this video file." The alert instructs the user to download the "missing Video ActiveX Object." If the user clicks OK, a disk image called "cleanlive.dmg" downloads (which may change in the future). Depending on the user's browser settings, this disk image may mount and installation may automatically start.

    Intego VirusBarrier X5 users are, as you might imagine, already protected. Updating your virus definitions today will improve detection.

    And, as always, be careful where you put your mouse online.

    TUAWNew variant of RSPlug trojan making the rounds originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Curio 5.3 is out

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    I'm currently working on a piece detailing exactly why Zengobi's Curio has become a favorite of mine, especially in the area of project management and brainstorming, but also in general as a truly enjoyable-to-use application. In the meantime, though, I thought I'd better get an announcement out for version 5.3, released today. For those unfamiliar, Curio is a note-taking, brainstorming, to-do managing, file-gathering application which works in a (surprisingly productive) free-form manner. It's similar in concept to Circus Ponies Notebook, but I find it to be even more flexible and powerful.

    Version 5.3 adds to an impressive feature list with customizable print headers and footers, the ability to convert lists to mind maps and vice versa, as well as an importer for AquaMinds NoteTaker. Detailed release notes are available here. Version 5.3 is a free upgrade for all Curio 5 users, and upgrade pricing is available at the Zengobi store. The regular version of Curio is $99USD, and a Pro version is available for $149USD (find out what the difference is here). Academic discounts are available, and a free 15-day trial can be downloaded on the Curio page.

    TUAWCurio 5.3 is out originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Versions out of beta

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    Since getting schooled in the comments on my last mention of Versions (a favorite of Robert's), I've reacquainted myself with Subversion ... and come to really enjoy using this polished and highly usable SVN client. Git may have its benefits, but for a lot of what I do (especially solo web design), Subversion (and Versions) make a lot of sense. Versions is, as of yesterday, officially out of beta and available for purchase. I even received a 10% discount for being in on the beta test.

    Versions 1.0.1 is already out, which fixes the registration issues that some of us ran into. The initial 1.0 release included a lot of additional functionality, and Versions has become an amazing tool for handling all manner of Subversion-related revision control. Top on the list of new features, and of pretty major importance (at least to me), is the addition of an "Ignore [file/folder name]" option to the context menu. The full release notes are available at the Versions site, where you'll also find the download for the free demo. Versions is retailing at €39.00 (about $49USD), and users on the email notification list should have received a 10% discount coupon number.

    Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

    TUAWVersions out of beta originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • LED Cinema Displays now available

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    Apple's LED Cinema Displays, announced at a special event in September, are finally available on the Apple Store online, and at Apple retail locations, which should make Cory happy.

    The LED Cinema Display, which is more suitable as a laptop docking station more than another monitor for your desktop Mac, sells for $899. Shipping is free from the Apple Store online.

    I went to the San Diego-area UTC Apple Store on Sunday, and saw a display model. The color was sharp, and looked identical to the display on my 24-inch iMac. Compared to the MacBook Pro next to it, the pixel density is looser (making objects of the same pixel size seem larger on the Cinema Display than on the laptop), typical for Apple's desktop displays. Unlike the iMac, the stand for the display had a tapered foot that was thinner at the front than in the back: Something I hadn't noticed before.

    Additionally, adapters that connect the new Mini DisplayPort to DVI and VGA are also available, and will ship within 24 hours.

    An update from the commenters: The Mini DisplayPort adapters are for MacBook Air, and won't help connecting a Mac Pro (for example) to this new display. Sorry, my mistake. Also, not all retail stores have the displays, so you might want to give them a call first before heading over there.

    TUAWLED Cinema Displays now available originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • iTunes 101: Use smart playlists to limit size

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    Want to make an iTunes playlist that will fill your iPod, without making one that's too big to fit? With an iTunes Smart Playlist you can do this and much more. In this Mac 101 tip I'll show you how.

    Start by making a new Smart Playlist by selecting File > New Smart Playlist (or hold down the option key and click the gear that appears in the bottom left hand corner). You can select what you want from the drop-down menus in the middle section. For instance, I chose "Genre ... is ... Rock," but you can choose any of the options you want. Check the box next to "Limit ..." and type in how much storage your iPod or iPhone has, then select "GB" or "MB" from the next drop-down menu for Gigabytes and Megabytes. You also should make sure the "Live updating" checkbox is checked.

    When you're done, click OK. You then need to make sure that you sync this and only this playlist to your iPod by going to your iPod (under devices) > Music, and select "Sync Music," and "Selected Playlists." Then put a check mark beside the playlist you just created. Re-sync, and you're done!


    Want more tips and tricks like this? Visit TUAW's Mac 101 section today.

    TUAWiTunes 101: Use smart playlists to limit size originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Raging Thunder tries online multiplayer

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    Raging Thunder is one of those games we've been watching since the App Store was first announced, and now it may have reached another milestone. Polarbit says that with version 1.0.3, which is in the App Store now, they've released online, real-time competitive multiplayer. They say it's an App Store first, and I think they're right -- a few games have offered wifi multiplayer before (Apple's Hold'em does, and Raging Thunder did previously), and some games have done some non-real time multiplayer (Loot Wars is interesting in that way) but allowing players to play competitively online in real-time is something that hasn't been done much.

    It's not quite on the level of Xbox Live yet -- Polarbit is offering a free beta of their server software on the website, so you've apparently got to have your own server running (or sign on to someone else's) to race against your friends online. I just gave it a shot, and it worked well. The lobby system is a little awkward and without voice chat (strange how much I've just taken it for granted in multiplayer nowadays), it's hard to tell whether people are playing or just waiting in a room (or why they're dropping out of the race, as a few players did while I played). But once you get into the game, it's Raging Thunder with other people driving the cars. Well done.

    It would be nice to see player names above cars. Easier to do trash talking when you know who you're talking about. This is only the beginning, however -- here's to many, many great online multiplayer experiences on the iPhone.

    Update: Commenters have piped up (thanks!) with some other games that have attempted online multiplayer, including Tap Tap, Galcon, and Adrenaline Pool. Keep in mind that we're not talking about wifi multiplayer here, though that's cool, too -- this is real-time multiplayer with other people who are around the world.

    TUAWRaging Thunder tries online multiplayer originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Apple releases Trackpad firmware update for MacBook and MacBook Pro

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    If you are one of the early adopters who rushed out to purchase a MacBook/MacBook Pro, only to realize that the new Trackpad was a bit buggy, then you may be in for a treat. That's because Apple just released the much anticipated Trackpad fix for unrecognized clicks. Here's what Software Update tells us:

    This firmware update addresses an issue where trackpad clicks may not be recognized on MacBook (Late 2008) and MacBook Pro (Late 2008) systems.


    Apple notes that because this is a firmware update, you will need to follow the on-screen instructions after the download is completed through Software Update (Apple menu > Software Update). If you wish to download the installer file directly, you can do so by going to Apple's update download website. After you install the update, come back here and take part in our poll -- we would like to know if this took care of your Trackpad woes.

    Thanks to everyone who sent in this tip!

    View Poll

    TUAWApple releases Trackpad firmware update for MacBook and MacBook Pro originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • QuickTime H.264 Compatibility Update is out

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    Apple just released a software update for QuickTime. The update titled "H.264 Compatibility Update" claims to improve QuickTime compatibility with iChat.

    You can download this update by opening Software Update (Apple menu > Software Update), or by downloading the installer package directly from the Apple website (it should appear there shortly).

    Thanks to Tony, and others who sent in this tip!

    TUAWQuickTime H.264 Compatibility Update is out originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • A "gaming shield" for the iPhone and 3G

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    I have a feeling people will probably love these or hate these, but personally, I like the fact that they look a little different than most iPhone cases out there. The folks at Element Cases sent us a note about their new "gaming shields" for the iPhone. If you're trying to make your iPhone look different, they'll certainly help. Marketed towards gamers, the cases offer impact protection and an easier form factor to hold on to, even during raucous games of MotoChaser.

    I also like their "Flip-Lid" idea -- the front of the case is retained by magnets, and can be "flipped" to the back of the case for storage while you use the iPhone. It's a neat way to keep the front covered without that awkward flap that some cases use.

    My iPhone is currently sitting in an iSkin Revo (I like how thin and tough it is, even though it grabs lint from my pocket like crazy), and my iPod is in an awesome leather Vaja case. However, if I ever picked up an iPod touch for using around the house, I'd definitely consider this -- at $99US it's a bit pricey, but for a custom-built case that adds rugged style to your iPhone, it's worth checking out.

    Special note: next week TUAW will be giving away 5 of these. Each case is a custom order, so winners will be able to customize the case before they receive them.
    - Ed.

    TUAWA "gaming shield" for the iPhone and 3G originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • December: White-market iPhones coming to Taiwan

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    The iPhone 3G will be officially arriving in Taiwan during the month of December, according to Kaddy Chung and Adam Hwang of Digitimes.

    Chunghwa Telecom will be "exclusively" offering the phone for sale, but did not release any details about pricing or when exactly it will hit store shelves. Gray market handsets have been available in the country for as much as NT$28,500 (≈ US$865).

    According to NetworkWorld, the iPhone might be next destined for China, as a release in Taiwan suggests that Chinese language support is finished (or nearly so).

    [Via Cult of Mac.]

    TUAWDecember: White-market iPhones coming to Taiwan originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Farewell to a friend: NetRestore goes EOL

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    Go on, I dare you -- name an individual who has done more to improve the lot of Mac OS X system administrators than Mr. Mike Bombich. Over the course of the past six years, while working both at educational institutions and as an Apple SE, Mike has given of his time and energy in an effort to deliver some deeply useful tools: Carbon Copy Cloner, BootPicker, NetRestore and more. CCC was one of the first effective & free drive cloning tools for Mac OS X; NetRestore set the standard for deployment frameworks and led the way in Boot Camp compatibility for restoring Windows partitions on the Mac.

    CCC continues on, but we have to say goodbye to the other half of the dynamic duo: Mike announced that he has end-of-life'd the NetRestore utility, citing a lack of time for the necessary work to bring it forward to current standards and future functionality. It's true that the basic capabilities of NetRestore have been replicated elsewhere (particularly Winclone for Boot Camp partitions, and Apple's NetBoot services in Leopard Server for machine imaging over the LAN), but many have built very capable and complex deployment strategies on top of NetRestore's PHP and database support. It's a shame to see it go.

    If you're shedding a tear at the departure of NetRestore, you might take Mike's advice and give DeployStudio a look -- many of the deployment approaches he had planned for "NetRestore 4" can be found in that free and actively-developed system. DeployStudio will allow you to image machines from a local boot drive or from a NetBoot repository; you can even create an image server for your Windows machines and wipe them remotely. Another option, and one that permits very rapid customization of your image config, is the InstaDMG project.

    For the latest help and tips on deployment strategies, be sure to visit afp548.com and macenterprise.org.

    Thanks to Josh Z for the tip.

    TUAWFarewell to a friend: NetRestore goes EOL originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • First Look: NMobile for iPhone

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    If you find yourself running into police speed traps often, then you might want to give a new iPhone app a try. NMobile [iTunes link] allows you to locate speed traps, red light cameras, and radar locations. All of these speed detection devices are mapped out on a Microsoft Live map -- this is one of the first native uses of Microsoft Live Maps on the iPhone.

    If you are using this application with the iPhone 3G, then you will have the ability to use your GPS location in conjunction with the tracking service from Njection. In "Browse Mode," you can check your area for speed traps, red light cameras, and radar devices. The speed trap locations are submitted by users, and can be submitted through the application (or on Njection's website). Red light cameras and radar locations are also submitted by users, and verified for accuracy by the developers. Speed trap locations are only verified by users.

    In addition to browsing for speed traps, you can also be alerted audibly of upcoming traps -- you can find this under "Alert Mode." In this mode, NMobile will tell you when you are approaching a trap, you will also see how many miles ahead the trap is.

    Bottom line: this application is solid, but I would like to see a couple features added. For one, you can't get directions in this application like you can in the default Maps app on the iPhone. It would be nice if you could plan a route, and see the speed traps along the way. If you're using this application on a first generation iPhone, you might not get the best experience; however, this can't really be blamed on NMobile; the location data on the GPS-less phones isn't specific enough. You should exercise care and caution while using this application on the road. This application is just a little pricey at $9.99, and is now available on the iTunes App Store.

    TUAWFirst Look: NMobile for iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Google is listening, and iPhone users are talking

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    According to the New York Times and the Google iPhone page, the big G is about to add voice recognition capabilities to its iPhone search app (iTunes link), with the new version showing up on the App Store any minute now. You'll be able to ask questions (the kind Google can answer, of course; someone else will have to tell you if those pants make you look fat) and get speedy search results returned from the web or your own address book.

    [As of Saturday afternoon 3:30pm ET, the new version is still not in the App Store; interestingly, the Google page no longer has the video embed of the voice recognition demo, nor does it show the new feature listing. Perhaps there was a last-minute delay?

    Update, Sunday AM: Techcrunch is reporting an anticipated Monday release for the new version. No details given on the reason for the delay. -Ed.]

    Update, Monday PM: The app isn't listed as updated in the App Store, but removing the old Google Mobile app from the phone and reinstalling it brings it back with the voice search capability. Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

    The voice recordings from the application will be sent to Google's servers for processing "in the cloud." Given the size of Google's infrastructure and its ability to transfer gargantuan amounts of data, it may have the advantage over existing voice-driven search apps such as Yahoo's oneSearch. Google execs seem hesitant to quantify the accuracy of the voice recognition software, but here's hoping it at least tops some of the iPhone voice-dialers I've been playing with.

    You can see a sample video of Googlers testing the feature in the continuation of this post.

    [via Truemors / blogtopten]

    Continue reading Google is listening, and iPhone users are talking

    TUAWGoogle is listening, and iPhone users are talking originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 22:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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