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Apple Inc

• 'Fake Steve' going on real tour - Meet him, greet him and, most of all, buy his book... Insanely Great Mac
• Jobs' Alter Ego Plans Coming Out Party - The "Fake Steve Jobs" blogger who jealously guarded his anonymity for nearly a year is now arranging a publicity tour and touting his real-life biography in a forthcoming book. Forbes magazine editor Dan Lyons had intended to publish "oPtion$: The Secret Life of Steve Jobs" under a pseudonym. MacNewsWorld
  
• Chris Breen Fears Return of "Arrogant" Apple - Long time Mac and iPod columnist Chris Breen fears that recent decisions and products from Cupertino hint that Apple could be becoming a company that doesn't listen to its customers and approaches the marketplace with the kind of arrogance it used to have. In a column for Macworld, Mr. Breen cited seven recent issues behind this fear. Mac Observer
• Valve co-founder: Apple’s not serious about gaming - In an interview with the Kikizo web site, Gabe Newell, Valve Corporation’s co-founder, says Apple simply isn’t serious about gaming. Valve is an entertainment and software company that makes such games as “Half-Life,” “Counter-Strikek” and “Portal.” MacimumNews
• ‘Fake Steve’ has book coming next month - The “Fake Steve Jobs” blogger who guarded his anonymity for nearly a year will soon embark on a publicity tour to promote his forthcoming book, reports the Associated Press. MacimumNews
  
• Apple & Nike face Leaper attack - Leaper Footwear files suit against Apple and Nike, claims the two larger firms stole the idea for the Nike + iPod Sport Kit from the smaller Utah-based company. Macworld UK
• Fake Jobs to embark on real book tour - SAN FRANCISCO - The "Fake Steve Jobs" blogger who jealously guarded his anonymity for nearly a year will soon embark on a publicity tour to tout his forthcoming book. Yahoo! NEWS

Mac Hardware

• Apple updates MacBook Pro battery firmware, QT for Windows - Apple on Wednesday afternoon release two small software updates, one a security update targeting the Windows version of its QuickTime media software, and another to address battery performance issues on its 15-inch MacBook Pro notebooks. AppleInsider
• New iMacs plagued by interface freezing issues - A growing number of users have reported that Apple's aluminum all-in-one computers suffer from a flaw that locks up the interface, rendering the system all but inert until a reboot. AppleInsider
• Will the Mac mini Get nano-ed? - Apple launched the Mac mini a few years back to much fanfare, but hasn’t really taken it anywhere since. Maybe the time is ripe for a major refresh, and even (read more) Applematters
• THIS DAY IN APPLE HISTORY October 3, 1979: What Should a Mac Do? - When Jef Raskin first conceived of the Mac he envisioned a low cost computer. After a cost investigation revealed that there was no way Apple could produce the Mac and (read more) Applematters
• FireWire 800/USB card from Sonnet - Lots of ports for all of your high-speed peripherals Insanely Great Mac
• Battery Update 1.3 for 15-inch MacBook Pros released - Apple has release Battery Update 1.3, which updates battery firmware and addresses battery performance issues with the 15-inch MacBook Pro. Accompanying documentation states: MacFixIt
• Sonnet Technologies Introduces FireWire 800/USB 2.0 PCI Express Card - Sonnet Technologies announced Wednesday Tango Express 800, a PCI Express (PCIe) adapter card for Mac Pro, Dual Core Power Mac G5, Xserve, and Windows computers. The card offers both FireWire 800 and USB 2.0 ports for your Mac (or PC), for those needing expansion of these ports. Mac Observer
• Timing a New Mac Purchase - Hot Forum Topic - Today TMO readers are discussing when is the best time to buy a new Mac. Mac Observer
• WaterField Announces Apple Wireless Keyboard Cases - WaterField Designs announced two new compact keyboard cases on Wednesday designed to fit Apple's ultra-thin wireless aluminum keyboard. The cases will offer padded protection and will be available in two different styles with a choice of six colors. Mac Observer
• In Which EyeTV 250 plus Helps Dr. Mac Enjoy Television Once Again - Episode #81 - This column is my opinion of my new Elgato EyeTV 250 plus, an analog/digital TV receiver and video converter that lets me watch, record, and convert TV shows among various file formats on my Mac. The Elgato EyeTV 250 plus does all that and more quite elegantly and has made watching television a more viable and pleasant experience for me. Mac Observer
• Synchrotech Introduces ExpressCard CompactFlash Reader - Synchrotech announced its CFExpressPro+ ExpressCard to CompactFlash reader on Wednesday. The card fits standard ExpressCard 34 and 54 slots, and can transfer data to your Mac at up to 2.5Gbps. Mac Observer
• New flash storage card may offer a glimpse of the future - A new flash storage card from Fusion io could make huge storage area networks go the way of the dinosaur and DoDo bird, according to a TG Daily report. However, don’t look for it to happen soon at a price of US$30 per gigabyte. MacimumNews
• NI ships Guitar Rig 3 trial version - Use many amplifiers, classic cabinets and apply special effects using your Guitar, a Mac and Native Instrument's Guitar Rig 3. Macworld UK

OS X & Software

• Possible Bungie departure would open door to Mac games - Even as copies of Halo 3 have barely reached gamers' hands, reports have claimed that its developer Bungie may jump ship from Microsoft to pursue other games, and potentially other game platforms. AppleInsider
• Leopard 'Notes' to sync with iPhone - New evidence suggests that a more significant software update for Apple's iPhone handset will arrive following the release of the company's Mac OS X Leopard operating system, adding features such as Note syncing, among others. AppleInsider
• Apple patches for QuickTime for Windows - Apple has released a security update for QuickTime 7.2 for Windows, protecting against a vulnerability that allowed maliciously crafted QTL files. itwire
• Photoshop: Color Highlights in Black & White Images - TMO Quick Tip - Black and white or full color photos can be striking on their own, but mixing the two draws your viewer's eye exactly where you want it -- and with dramatic effect. It's actually really simple to create this striking effect in Photoshop without much effort. All you need is a color image. Mac Observer
• Grooveshark plans P2P music file-sharing community - Grooveshark, now in beta testing, is a peer-to-peer (P2P) music file-sharing community that brokers music files free of digital rights management (DRM) between members. The catalog of songs available on the Grooveshark network—anything from the Barenaked Ladies to Beethoven—is limited only by what members choose to share on the network, claims Sam Tarantino, founder and CEO of Grooveshark.. MacimumNews
  
• Montage 1.3 reaches beta status - Mariner Software has released the beta version of Montage 1.3, screenwriting software developed exclusively for Mac OS X. Announced earlier this year, Montage 1.3 introduces several new features, including the ability to export Montage scripts to Final Draft. MacimumNews
• iBank beefs up import speed for downloaded bank transactions - IGG Software has updated its iBank financial manager for Mac OS X to version 2.5, which beefs up the import speed of downloaded bank transactions. There are also improvements to the smart accounts feature, and the ability to manage money market accounts. MacimumNews
  
  
• IK Multimedia ships SampleMoog - IK Multimedia is shipping SampleMoog, a US$299 virtual instrument done in cooperation with Moog Music Inc. and Sonic Reality. SampleMoog has over 1,700 sounds from 16 synths spanning the entire Moog history, sampled and programmed with the addition of built-in effects. MacimumNews
• Snowboarding, Aperture and the Mac - MacBook Pros and Aperture are the perfect tools for winter sports photographer, Richard Walch, who needs his kit to be able to handle freezing temperatures reliably. Macworld UK
• MacFamilyTree 5 beta ships - MacFamilyTree 5 is completely Leopard-compatible and has been re-written using Apple's Xcode and the Cocoa development IDE. Macworld UK
  
• IOV 2007 hosts Final Cut Studio seminars - Apple video business development manager, Al Mooney, to present eight seminars at the Institute of Videography’s Annual Convention and Trade Exhibition this month. Macworld UK

iPods & iTunes

• Microsoft unveils second generation of Zune media players - Continuing on its quest to make a dent in Apple's dominate share of the digital media player market, Microsoft on Tuesday evening announced three new models of its Zune player that feature media syncing over a Wi-Fi connection. AppleInsider
• Zune 2.0 arrives - No threat to the iPod, but Creative and SanDisk may suffer Insanely Great Mac
• PRODUCT PROFILE Hi-Def Radio Tagging: Hear It on the Air, Buy It on iTunes - Did you see this? I know this has been around for awhile, but there is something significant going on here. Apple and a company called iBiquity Digital teamed up to provide a service to folks with digital HD radio that will let people "tag" a song they hear for purchase at the iTunes Store. The service is called "iTunes Tagging" and it's pretty cool technology. MacNewsWorld
• Zestier Zune Spoiling for a Fight - Not giving up on its foray into portable media players despite the iPod's dominance, Microsoft is expanding and improving its stable of Zune devices and pairing their release with a new, music-oriented social networking site. Chairman Bill Gates and Corporate Vice President J. Allard announced three new Zune models, including two based on flash memory. MacNewsWorld
• Bungie May Be Leaving Microsoft - Mac Gaming News - Erstwhile Mac game developer Bungie may be leaving Microsoft, according to reports on the Internet. The story was first reported on Monday by blogger 8bitjoystick on his Seattle Post-Intelligencer blog), and was then confirmed by GameInformer.com. According to the reports, Bungie effectively bought itself back from Microsoft, and will be free to publish future games on whatever platform it wishes, though Microsoft will continue to own the Halo franchise. Mac Observer
• REAL Software Opens Registration for REAL World User Conference - REAL Software announced Wednesday that registration for REAL World, the company's user conference for REALbasic and REAL SQL Server, is now open. The event takes place at the Omni Hotel in Austin, TX from March 19-21, 2008. Mac Observer
• IK Multimedia Ships SampleMoog Virtual Instrument - IK Multimedia announced Wednesday that SampleMoog is now shipping. SampleMoog is a virtual instrument that includes, "the sounds of all the most sought-after Moog synthesizers spanning the entire Moog history." The package includes more than 1,700 basses, leads, pads, and effects sounds from Moogs ranging from the first Moog Modular systems to Minimoogs, Taurus Bass Pedals, Polymoogs, Memorymoogs, and more. Mac Observer
• iCube II Docking iPod Speaker - iPO Review - The Boynq iCube II is a nice little iPod speaker system with the operative word being "little." It's chock full of thoughtful touches not usually found in such a small (or relatively inexpensive) speaker system. Read on to see how this compact speaker system held up when Bob LeVitus put it through its paces. Mac Observer
• Zune Ready to Take On iPod Again... In November - iPodObserver - Microsoft hoped its original Zune media player would knock Apple's iPod for a loop, and now is ready to try again in November. The Redmond-based company announced on Tuesday that it plans to roll out a new Zune product line up next month. Mac Observer
• Microsoft Announces 2nd Generation Zune Music Player - Microsoft announced three new models of its Zune music player on Tuesday. The new models mirror Apple's iPod Nano and iPod lines by introducing a flash-based 4GB/8GB at $149 and $199 along with a larger 80GB hard-drive based model at $249 MacRumors.com
• Broadcasters announce support for ‘iTunes Tagging’- Last month Apple, iBiquity Digital, and some radio broadcasting groups unveiled the result of an industry-wide initiative to create a new, free service called “iTunes Tagging” enables consumers using HD Radio receivers that have been equipped with a special Tag button, to “tag” songs that they hear on the FM dial for subsequent purchase via iTunes. Now some major broadcasters announced that they would be supporting iTunes tagging as part of the emerging HD Radio specification. MacimumNews
• Let your iPod whiten your teeth - Add this to your list of bizarre iPod accessories. Professor Bocelli has released RockMyTeeth, an iPod accessory designed to help you whiten your teeth. It includes a custom cable with ear phones and tray jack that works with most digital music players. MacimumNews
  
• Amazon may emerge as iTunes rival - Amazon MP3, launched last week, is the latest online music service to try and challenge iTunes’ dominance. However, DRM-free tracks and variable pricing could give Amazon a boost that past iTunes rivals didn’t have. Jim Dalrymple talked to analysts to get a feel for how the potential rivals stack up against each other, and which company is poised to dominate. Macworld
• Touch-sensitive Zune takes on touch - Microsoft unveils three new Zunes to take on the iPod this Christmas. New features include touch-sensitive screens, syncing over WiFi and a new Zune social music community. But with only 1.2 million sold so far, will it be enough to dent Apple's ubiquitous iPod music player? Macworld UK
• iPod alarm mirror launched - MacAlly's £79.95 combined iPod speaker/radio/alarm system is available now in the UK, features unique mirrored flat panel speaker. Macworld UK
• iPod cheap in Hong Kong, but a Brazil bank-breaker - CANBERRA (Reuters) - In the market for a new video iPod? Head to Hong Kong or, if Europe-bound, stop off in Switzerland. But best avoid Brazil.
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• Microsoft shows off new Zune players - REDMOND, Wash. - Microsoft Corp. took the wraps off its second-generation Zune digital media players late Tuesday, showing three models that bring the software maker's offerings more in line with Apple's market-leading iPod. Yahoo! NEWS
• Analysis: Amazon MP3 may emerge as iTunes rival - It boasts a DRM-free selection, variable pricing, and cross-platform compatibility. But does the new digital music service from Amazon.com have what it takes to go toe-to-toe with the 800-pound gorilla of the digital music retail world, Apple’s iTunes Store? Yahoo! NEWS
• Microsoft's Revamped Zune Still No Match For Apple iPod - Despite its better screen and improved wireless capabilities, analysts suggest Microsoft's second attempt at dethroning Apple still lacks innovation. Yahoo! NEWS
• Microsoft's New Challenge to the iPod - Microsoft is singing a new Zune tune. On Tuesday, the technology giant took the wraps off what it described as "the next generation" of its media player, software, and online store, for release in November. The open question is whether this next generation will be able to jumpstart the Zune line to compete more effectively with the current generation of Apple's iPods. Yahoo! NEWS

iPhone

• Apple working on improvements to Web-based iPhone SDK - Apple is reportedly working on solutions that will help developers gain more exposure for their Web-based iPhone apps, but presently holds no plans to issue a "true" software developers kit (SDK) that would allow for native third-party application development. AppleInsider
• Apple considering Intel chip for future iPhone - Apple may eventually abandon its custom-designed Samsung system on chip (SoC) found at the heart of the iPhone for one developed by Intel, according to a new report. AppleInsider
• Apple : You Frak Your iPhone, We Brick It, You Fix It - After all, they're only $399 now... Insanely Great Mac
• Future iPhones to Use Intel MID Platform? - But not until 2009. Insanely Great Mac
• iPhone Brick Fix: Dr. Frankenstein Would Be Proud - Ever since the release of the iPhone this summer, it's been a battle of wills between Apple and hackers to see who would ultimately win control of the much-coveted device. This week the hackers scored another point by devising a way to roll back the clock, in a limited way, to before their phones were disabled by Apple's most recent upgrade. Apple's firmware upgrade, version 1.1.1, was released last week, and effectively rendered hacked iPhones useless -- thus coining the term "bricking" for its end result. MacNewsWorld
• iPhone "SDK" To Receive Improvements, Remain Web-based - Apple's iPhone "SDK" will remain web-based for the foreseeable future, according to an Arstechnica source. However, the source elaborated to say that Apple is actively working to expand the capabilities given in the web-based SDK. MacRumors.com
• Intel Inside Future iPhone? - DigiTimes cites OEM sources stating that Apple is considering using Intel's Moorestown mobile Internet device platform processor in a future iPhone. MacRumors.com
• Macworld Podcast: Bricked iPhones - Last week’s iPhone Software Update 1.1.1 is still very much on everyone’s mind in this edition of the Macworld Podcast. Chris Breen is joined by editorial director Jason Snell and senior editors Dan Frakes and Rob Griffiths to talk about the update, particularly on how it disabled unlocked iPhones and eliminated many third-party applications. Macworld
• Game developer pleads for iPhone chance - Apple's decision to lock down the iPhone is a disappointment to many third party developers, not least cross-platform, computer and mobile device games maker, James Bryant. Macworld UK
• Intel 'Moorestown' chip for future iPhone - Apple may migrate to use another Intel processor - the recently-announced 'Moorestown' chip - in future generations of iPhone, a report declares. Macworld UK
• Application blocking diminishes iPhone - Apple is under great pressure to open up application development for its iPhone, as users seek their own solutions for their digital lives.Macworld UK
• iPhone competitors tout 'open advantage' - iPhone competitors are highlighting their open platforms after renewed criticism of the iPhone's largely closed development environment. Macworld UK
• Hackers hit back at iPhone update - 'Bricked' phones get some functions restored The Register
• Apple to dial x86 for iPhone? - Claimed shift to Intel could explain downer on third-party apps The Register
• Apple's Not 'Bricking' Hacked IPhones for Revenge - Many people seem to think Apple is deliberately "bricking" hacked iPhones with a software update as payback for users having the temerity to hack the devices. Wired
• Verizon unveils iPhone rival - NEW YORK (Reuters) - Verizon Wireless unveiled three new cell phones on Wednesday for the holiday season, including a high-end handset named Voyager that will compete with Apple Inc's iPhone. Yahoo! NEWS
• O2 UK digs deep for iPhone advertising splash - LONDON (Reuters) - Spanish-owned O2 UK and U.S. consumer electronics group Apple plan to launch a multi-million pound joint advertising campaign later this month as they get ready to bring iPhone mobile phones to Britain. Yahoo! NEWS
• As Apple Asserts iPhone Control, Hackers Fight Back - Appearing at a London Apple store for the UK launch of the iPod, Steve Jobs was asked about the rash of solutions for "unlocking" the iPhone, software and procedures that allow customers to use the device with a carrier other than AT&T. Yahoo! NEWS
• Verizon Wireless Announces Four New Phones - Verizon Wireless announced Wednesday four new multimedia phones for music-lovers, consumers checking in with their businesses, and those who crave an iPhone but want to stay with Verizon. Yahoo! NEWS
  
• Verizon Adds iPhone Lookalike In Challenge To Apple - The Voyager, made by LG and offered exclusively by Verizon Wireless, has a large touch screen that slides open to reveal a full keypad. Yahoo! NEWS
• iPhone Rivals Tout Their Openness - While Apple Inc. faces criticism for appearing to penalize iPhone users who download third-party applications, Apple competitors are stepping up their marketing efforts about how open their phones are. Yahoo! NEWS
• Apple competitors tout their phones' openness versus the iPhone - San Francisco (IDGNS) - While Apple faces criticism for appearing to penalize iPhone users who download third-party applications, Apple competitors are stepping up their marketing efforts about how open their phones are. Yahoo! NEWS
• Verizon to launch iPhone look-a-like - NEW YORK - In time for the holidays, Verizon Wireless is launching a cell phone that looks a lot like the hottest phone so far this year: Apple Inc.'s iPhone. Yahoo! NEWS