Archive for the 'Software' Category

McAfee Launches iPhone Beta Program

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It looks as though one of the first major virus scanners is seeing life on the iPhone. McAfee has quite un-officially released the, “iVirusScan“, which can be used by the iPhone, or the iPod Touch. As of now McAfee hasn’t made an official announcement of the anti-virus program release.

Just like other anti-virus programs, with the iVirusScan, you can do a full scan of your contents, download updates, and adjust settings.

In a report, from iPodNN, one user got an official response from a McAfee representative stating, “The application you blogged about is indeed a genuine McAfee project…We are always working on new platforms including the popular ones. In this particular case we were running a test to validate some recently developed technology. We happen to be first to test AV technology for iPhone. We’re happy that iPhone users are already getting excited about it, as evidenced by your blog and the thousands of people who are trying out the application. Still, we are not ready to announce a new product, our development work is in the early stages.”

mcafee antivirus

Apple’s “New Software” Section - Is It Enough?

In a post back on March 24th, FreeMacBlog reported on Apple’s decision to bundle Apple’s web browser, Safari in with a Windows iTunes update. This decision was met with heavy criticism by PC users and Mac users alike. It’s been close to a month now since the report, and Apple has decided to remedy the situation, somewhat.

Asa Dotzler
, has released an image of the new update screen for Apple software updates. Instead, of software downloads being grouped together with the updates, they now have a new section. According to Dotzler, this is a step in the right direction, but the box for the software download is still automatically checked. Like what Facebook did with their Beacon service, when it was an opt-out option instead of an opt-in. I definitely agree with Dotzler that this is a step in the right direction. I believe that Apple could actually learn from Facebook’s Beacon fiasco. The lesson being that people want the option to download a service, not automatically having it downloaded, with a choice to un-click it.

Anyway, here is the image released by Asa Dotzler. So what do you think, is the change for the Software Update screen enough? Or does Apple need to make new software an opt-in option instead of an opt-out?

Apple Software Update

Safari 3.1.1 - PWN2OWN Glitch Just Got Owned

Apple released the newest patch for their browser, Safari. Following up on the security vulnerabilities that were found at the PWN2OWN contest earlier in the month. FreeMacBlog reported, reported on the contest earlier. Hackers found a means to hack into a Macbook Air via Safari.

You can find the security update here , or wait for the automatic software download.

WWDC 08 Apple Design Awards

The WWDC Apple Design competition officially began today. According to Apple’s site, “The Apple Design Awards, held at Moscone West during the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference, recognizes technical excellence, innovation, and outstanding achievement in software development.”

Here is a list of categories that you can submit software for:
-iPhone Developer Showcase
-Best iPhone Web Application
-Best Mac OS X Leopard Application
-Best New Mac OS X Leopard Game
-Best Mac OS X Leopard User Experience
-Best Mac OS X Leopard Graphics and Media Application
-Best Mac OS X Leopard Student Product

Entries for the competition will run from April 15th - 5 PM(PDT) May 12th. Here is a list of prizes, that each Mac OS X Leopard category winner and iPhone category winner will receive:

-Two 15-Inch MacBook Pro laptops
-Two 30-Inch Apple Cinema Displays
-16GB iPod touch
-8GB iPhone
-ADC Premier Membership
-ADC Macworld Expo Exclusive Marketing Package

For more details on the contest, as well as contest submission, visit Apple’s official site.

Final Cut Server Launches

Today, Apple launched Final Cut Server, or what they refer to as a “media asset management”. Basically the software will make it easier for anyone using Final Cut Pro, to share files with others on a network.

The software sports a easy to navigate interface, which uses a thumbnail system to find the files you’re looking for. The setup process is simple, which all that requires you to do is choose the folders and directories you want Final Cut Server to search through. After choosing your folders and directories, Final Cut Server will search for relevant files and assets and add them to your network catalog.

Final Cut Server

Final Cut Server is now available for purchase. The software comes in two different versions; the first version is a 10-client software which is $999, while there is an unlimited client software for $1,999.

Apple - Helping America Getting Back Into Shape

The iPod, in my opinion helped spark the re-emergence of jogging and running in this nation. I remember when it was pretty rare to see people out running down the sidewalks of my town. Now I curse at all the people that run out in front of my car. I would say that a large portion of these people have ear buds that are connected to a MP3 device.

Apple it seems has taken notice of this sudden interest in staying healthy. It has been reported that they are in the process of developing a health based software program for the iPod Touch and the iPhone.

Richard Simmons
Let’s Hope Richard Simmons Is an Avatar You Can Use With The Program.

When the software is installed onto your computer, it will ask you a series of health related questions. It will ask you what sort of exercise activities you like to engage in, your fitness goals, and your activity level. Then it will ask you about your health history, and any current medications you’re taking.

Once this is complete, the program will churn out an exercise routine for you. It will give you goals to reach, in your quest for a healthy lifestyle. Your iPod Touch and iPhone will sync up with the program, so you can keep up with your routine when you’re at the gym.