Handbrake 0.8.5b1 is Released

HandBrake, an open-source, GPL-licensed, multiplatform, multithreaded DVD to MPEG-4 converter, available for MacOS X, Linux and Windows.

Handbrake - http://handbrake.m0k.org/

HandBrake 0.8.5b1 is released. Changes in this version:

  • User presets (Mac)
  • AppleTV and PS3 support
  • Anamorphic, even in QuickTime
  • Surround sound (both AAC 5.1 and Dolby Pro Logic II)
  • Chapter markers (QuickTime-style)
  • Official support for the Windows GUI
  • PPC Linux support
  • High profile H.264

HandBrake 0.8.5b1 is available for:

HandBrake Project
http://handbrake.m0k.org/

Mac OS X Dashboard Widget: iStat Pro 4.0

iSlayer’s iStat Pro

iSlayer's iStat Pro Dashboard Widget version 4.0

Dashboard Widget
Version: 4.0
Release Date: April 21st
File Size: 752kb
Requirements: OS X 10.4
License: Free

iStat pro is the ultimate system monitoring widget, consisting of nine sections which can be shown or hidden.
It features highly detailed information on CPUs (up to 8 cores), memory, hard drives, IP and external IP, bandwidth, battery, wireless keyboard and mouse battery, uptime, temperatures, and fans. You’ll know exactly what’s going on inside your Mac!
Not for the faint-hearted or anyone with a small screen.

This is one must-have Dashboard Widget for Mac OS X, especially for portable Macs (iBook, PowerBooks, MacBook, and MacBook Pro).

iStat Pro 4.0 new features

Please consider donating to the developer if you like this application.

http://islayer.com/index.php?op=item&id=7

Apple Releases Security Update 2007-004 and Aperture 1.5.3

Apple Releases Security Update 2007-004 and Aperture 1.5.3
04.19.2007

Security Update 2007-004
Security Update 2007-004 (10.3.9 Server)54.1MB
Security Update 2007-004 (10.3.9 Client)37.6MB
Security Update 2007-004 (PPC Mac OS X 10.4.9)9.3MB
Security Update 2007-004 (Universal 10.4.9 Client and Server)16.1MB

Security Update 2007-004 is recommended for all users and improves the security of the following components:

AFP Client
AirPort
CarbonCore
diskdev_cmds
fetchmail
ftpd
gnutar
Help Viewer
HID Family
Installer
Kerberos
Libinfo
Login Window
network_cmds
SMB
System Configuration
URLMount
Video Conference
WebDAV

For detailed information on this update, please visit this website:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=61798

Aperture 1.5.3 Update129.5MB
Aperture 1.5.3 addresses issues related to overall reliability and performance.
Apple ID and valid Aperture serial number is required for manual download

What’s New in this Version
Aperture 1.5.3 addresses issues related to overall reliability and performance in a number of areas, including:

  • Generation of thumbnails for adjusted images
  • Entering and exiting Full Screen mode
  • Working with large sets of keywords in the Keywords HUD
  • Restoring from a vault

Among the specific issues that have been addressed:

  • Previews now update properly when images are sent to an external editor.
  • Leaf Aptus 22 and Aptus 75 images are now imported with the correct orientation.
  • When folders are imported as projects, the folder structure is now correctly preserved when identically named subfolders are included in the hierarchy.
  • Reconnecting referenced images that have been externally edited now works more reliably.
  • Setting the ColorSync profile in the Aperture Print dialog now correctly suppresses color management settings in the Mac OS X Print dialog.

http://www.apple.com/support/downloads

Apple Unleashes Final Cut Studio 2 and Final Cut Server

April 15th, 2007.

Apple annouces Final Cut Studio 2 and Final Cut Server at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show in Las Vegas.

Final Cut Studio 2

Apple’s professional audio and video production suite, consists of six applications:

Final Cut Studio 2 pricing (U.S. market):

  • New – $1,299.00
  • Upgrade from Final Cut Studio* – $499.00
  • Upgrade from Final Cut Pro or Production Suite* – $699.00* The upgrade version requires a valid serial number from a commercial version of Final Cut Studio, Production Suite, or Final Cut Pro 1, 2, 3, or 4. Academic and not-for-resale versions are not eligible for this upgrade.

Final Cut Server

Apple’s new media asset management and workflow automation software, to ship in Summer 2007. Final Cut Sever catalogs and provides search tools for media files stored locally and remotely.

Note: The Final Cut Server video showcase features KCBS/KCAL TV stations.

Skype 2.6 Beta for Mac and Skype 3.2 Beta for Windows are Available

Skype 2.6 Beta for Mac

Version 2.6.0.72 for Mac. April 11, 2007
Skype_2.6.0.72_BETA.dmg (Size: 30 MB)

What’s New:

  • See when others are writing a message with typing indicator
  • Join public chats
  • Call any Skype Prime premium services provider and seamlessly pay with your Skype credit
  • Use DTMF tones during Skype-to-Skype calls

http://share.skype.com/sites/mac/skype_for_mac/

Skype 3.2 Beta for Windows

Beta release. Version: 3.2.0.82. Release date: April 11, 2007
File name: SkypeSetup-Beta.exe File size: 22 MB

What’s New:

  • Send Money with PayPal
    Send money to friends and family direct from Skype.
  • Video snapshot
    Update your profile picture with photos of yourself.
  • Who’s on Skype?
    Invite friends from Hotmail, Gmail and Yahoo! Mail for a call.
  • Simple account management
    Manage your account and pay for your favorite products.

http://www.skype.com/go/windows-beta

Boot Camp 1.2 beta and Windows Vista on MacBook Pro – Part 2

Previously, I installed Boot Camp 1.2 beta beta on my 15-inch MacBook Pro Core Duo 2.0GHz. Unfortunately I didn’t have large enough partition to install Windows Vista Ultimate on it. I had an existing 8GB partition with Windows XP Pro installed, and it’s recommended to have a minimum of 12GB partition. I currently have another MacBook Pro to work on. It’s a 15-inch MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo 2.33GHz. I am going to reinstall Mac OS X Tiger on this computer, but in the meantime I’m gonna install Windows Vista Ultimate for testing.
I will update this post in the next few days.

The MacBook Pro specs:

To be continued!

Download Boot Camp 1.2 beta
http://www.apple.com/macosx/bootcamp/

VMware Fusion Beta 3 for Mac is Released

VMware Fusion Beta 3 for Mac is released.

VMware Fusion Beta
Beta Version | 4/5/07 | Build 43733 | 134.5 MB
VMware-Fusion-e.x.p-43733.dmg

From VMware:

What’s New and Improved with VMware Fusion Beta 3

  • Improved performance: Option to turn off debugging features in VMware Fusion
  • Support for Boot Camp: Run Windows XP side-by-side with Mac OS X off your existing Boot Camp partition
  • Windows Easy Install
  • Virtual machine packages: Move your virtual machines to another hard drive or Mac simply by copying a file.
  • Enhanced virtual machine management
  • Improved international support: European and Japanese Apple keyboards now work properly in virtual machines.

For more information and download:
http://www.vmware.com/products/beta/fusion/