Podding.net notizie e risorse per iPad, iPhone e iPod

SQL Backup and FTP 7.0 (Windows)

SQL Backup and FTP can schedule jobs to backup your SQL Server databases (Full/Differential/Transaction Log), zip and encrypt the backups, zip and encrypt file folders, FTP(S) the backups to a remote FTP Server or save it on the LAN, send you an e-mail confirmation on job's success or failure, and execute custom SQL scripts before and after backup.

Sprocket Junkie 1.0 beta (Windows)

Fire grappling hooks at opponents to yank them off of their rockets, set up rope clotheslines, and make hairpin turns. Find power-ups and traps in each arena to gain an edge over the competition.Sprocket Junkie features multiple game modes and numerous maps to play in. Take everyone on in free-for-all combat, or join forces with your friends in Team Battle.Doing well in combat earns you more Sprockets, which you spend to customize your rocket in the Garage. Choose from a variety of parts and rocket bodies, allowing you to ride in style!Some manufacturers won't sell their hardware to just any schmuck. Earn Praise from the crowd, building your reputation over time to convince the manufacturers that you can do their rockets justice. Or you can bribe them with in-app purchases to gain Praise faster.

Handy Backup Network Server (64-bit) 7.1.3 (Windows)

Handy Backup Network Server (64-bit) is a complete, fully extensible data backup solution. Features include full, incremental, and differential backup and can store your data to FTP, HDD (including any local and external drives), CD or DVD, LAN and Online. Multi-threaded transfer engine provides quick and invisible backup not disturbing the user. Scheduling tasks for automatic execution on a regular basis.Other features include 10 levels of backup compression to save storage space and reduce backup time, can also run as Windows Service, and perform tasks even if the administrator is logged off, E-mail notifications about operation results, all backup, restore, and synchronization procedures, extended operation modes- expert mode with more advanced adjustment options, include or exclude filters, create drive images of the central server or any remote workstation, enhanced database backup from the server, and splitting backup data into several parts to fit the capacity of the storage media.

Handy Backup Home Pro 7.1.3 (Windows)

Handy Backup Home Pro is a complete, fully extensible data backup solution. The program features variety of backup storage media like any local and networked drives, remote FTP locations, secure SFTP locations, and integrated online backup service. Management and Control functions includes turn off computer after backup, verify backups to optical disks, repeated backup of missed tasks, backup with timestamps, email notifications, and other program to run before/after running the tasks.Other features includes automatic data backup, backup password protection, exclude temp files using file filtering, spanning backup across multiple optical discs, import/export of all settings and registration, synchronizing files and folders, and different media of storage.With Pro version you are able to take HDD Image Backup, databases supporting ODBC, storing backup to SFTP, and disaster Recovery Module.

Handy Backup Network Server c (Windows)

Handy Backup Network Server is a complete, fully extensible data backup solution. Features include full, incremental, and differential backup and can store your data to FTP, HDD (including any local and external drives), CD or DVD, LAN and Online. Multi-threaded transfer engine provides quick and invisible backup not disturbing the user. Scheduling tasks for automatic execution on a regular basis.Other features include 10 levels of backup compression to save storage space and reduce backup time, can also run as Windows Service, and perform tasks even if the administrator is logged off, E-mail notifications about operation results, all backup, restore, and synchronization procedures, extended operation modes- expert mode with more advanced adjustment options, include or exclude filters, create drive images of the central server or any remote workstation, enhanced database backup from the server, and splitting backup data into several parts to fit the capacity of the storage media.

Timesheets Lite 3.3.1 (Windows)

Timesheets Lite is a software written for companies that cost their employees time on an hourly basis. This could include accountancy firms, consultants, or contractors. It enables companies to create projects in the software, create employees in the software, and then allow those employees to book their time against the projects.

iSpy 4.1.7 (Windows)

iSpy uses your webcams and microphones to detect and record movement or sound and provides security, surveillance, monitoring and alerting services. You can Control cameras with PTZ, one-click or auto upload to YouTube, auto FTP to any servers, Listen to and monitor audio live over the network, connect and monitor as many cameras and microphones as you like, import and export object lists to share with colleagues, connect multiple computers in a group and manage over the web.

Batch CHM to PDF Converter 2012.4.513.1173 (Windows)

Batch CHM TO PDF Converter is a CHM to PDF Document Batch Converter that can convert HTML Help to PDF document and file easily. Batch CHM TO PDF Converter supports search for a lot of files. It supports project and command line, GUI, drag and explorer context, and Multi-Thread conversion engine so you could control the conversion action very easily. You can stop or pause and continue it in any time. You can save your conversion work in a project file for re-use. You can run the batch-chm2pdf project in Microsoft Windows Explorer or command line directly.

PDF Preview for Windows 8 1.0 (Windows)

By default Windows 8 does not have the ability to preview PDF files like images in Windows Explorer or other apps like Office 2010.PDF Preview allows PC users to preview PDF file in Windows 8 without opening.This freeware tool installs PDF Preview add-in for Windows Explorer, Microsoft Office, and Microsoft Outlook, and automatically configures itself to preview a PDF file in the Preview pane of Windows Explorer or in the Reading pane in Outlook 2012, 2010, 2007.Once installed, the application also shows a thumbnail preview for icons and also the icon changes to the one from PDF Preview. However, it cannot preview password protected PDF files.This freeware program is specifically designed for Windows 8, and works on both Windows 8 64-bit and Windows 32-bit systems. The software outperforms its peers both in speed and stability.PDF Preview features include:PDF document can be previewed in thumbnail when it is not opened via the Preview Handler interface in Microsoft Windows 8.The icon of your PDF document is generated on the fly according to the content of the first page in your PDF document.Just install the software, and it works with all versions of PDF files.The preview thumbnail can be displayed instantly after you mouse click on it.PDF Preview for Windows 8 gives your PDF files a high-quality preview thumbnail.PDF files with Asian, Hebrew, Arabic, fonts can be opened and viewed easily.In Windows 8 64-bit operating system, PDF Preview works as twice as much faster than on 32-bit.

EraserDrop Portable 2.1.1 (Windows)

EraserDrop Portable is an easy-to-use secure data removal tool. It is a drop target (a floating icon on your desktop) that you can drop files onto to quickly erase them so they can not be recovered. EraserDrop does away with the standard Eraser Portable interface and is packaged as a portable app so you can easily delete files on the go.

Handy Backup Home Standard 7.1.3 (Windows)

Handy Backup Home Standard is a complete, fully extensible data backup solution. The program features variety of backup storage media like any local and networked drives, remote FTP locations, secure SFTP locations, and integrated online backup service. Management and Control functions includes turn off computer after backup, verify backups to optical disks, repeated backup of missed tasks, backup with timestamps, email notifications, and other program to run before or after running the tasks.Other features includes automatic data backup, backup password protection, exclude temp files using file filtering, spanning backup across multiple optical discs, import or export of all settings and registration, synchronizing files and folders, and different media of storage.

Thinner 15-Inch MacBook Pro Coming with Retina Display and USB 3.0?

Following the appearance of a benchmark potentially signaling a near-term launch for Apple's much-rumored thinner MacBook Pro, 9to5Mac reports that it has received specific information on the new 15-inch MacBook Pro's design from a source who has handled prototype casings and other components.

Mockup of thinner 15-inch MacBook Pro design (left) compared to current design (right)


The most obvious change for the new machine is its design, and while the report's source indicates that it will be considerably thinner than the existing MacBook Pro due to the removal of the optical drive, it will look essentially like a thinner version of the current MacBook Pro rather than adopting the tapered design of the MacBook Air as had been rumored previously.

While many have speculated that the new 15-inch MacBook Pro will pickup the design from the late-2010/mid-2011 MacBook Air, sources familiar with the prototype units say that this is untrue. Instead, the new 15-inch MacBook Pro is described as being an ultra-thin version of the current MacBook Pro. Basically, the prototype design is a thinner, yet more robust, version of the late-2008 design. It has no tapering like the MacBook Airs.

The casing of the forthcoming MacBook Pro reportedly includes ports for the MagSafe power connector, two USB ports, and audio in/out jacks along the left side, with a battery level indicator also included along the same side. The right side is said to offer a pair of Thunderbolt ports, another USB port, an SD card slot, and a Kensington lock slot.

Mockup of port layout on thinner 15-inch MacBook Pro


The machines are said to lack a dedicated Ethernet port, with users apparently needing to rely on the USB-to-Ethernet dongle introduced with the original MacBook Air if they wish to use a wired connection. Given its height, the Ethernet port is one of the primary features limiting how thin the MacBook Pro can be, and it appears that Apple may simply have removed the port entirely in order to achieve the thin design it desired. The new MacBook Pro may also forgo FireWire connectivity, although the report appears unsure on that point.

In line with previous rumors, the machine is said to include a "Retina" display, a development that has been rumored for some time and for which evidence has been showing up in builds of OS X Lion and Mountain Lion. According to the report's source, OS X will simply offer a set of resolution quality options for the new machine ("such as big, small, or optimal") to allow users taking advantage of this new "HiDPI" support to select their desired combination of sharpness and resolution.

The report indicates that the USB ports on the new MacBook Pro will support USB 3.0, a feature some had questioned whether Apple would adopt given the move to Thunderbolt connectivity. But last September it was reported that Apple was still considering support USB 3.0 alongside Thunderbolt, and that appears to be the route the company has taken as Thunderbolt peripherals have been rather slow to roll out in many cases. A fresh report from Digitimes also claims that Genesys Logic has won a contract to supply USB 3.0 chips for a forthcoming MacBook Air revision, and it seems likely that such compatibility would also be coming to the MacBook Pro.

A launch timeframe for the new MacBook Pro remains unknown, with the company expected to be able to introduce updated machines any time now as Intel's Ivy Bridge production ramps up. With Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference just four weeks away, it is possible the company could use that event for a major product introduction, although Apple typically limits its hardware announcements at the event in order to focus on iOS and OS X discussion Digitimes claims that Apple's MacBook suppliers will begin increasing their shipments in June with production peaking in July, suggesting that Apple may indeed be targeting a major push for June.





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Applelinks iOS News Reader – Monday, May 14, 2012

Which iPad Is Better?
• Tablet Computing in Portrait Mode
• Intel Survey Finds 'Digital Over-Sharing' is Leading Mobile Etiquette Faux Pas
• How to Calibrate Your Home Button
• Intel Wants To Be Inside The iPad
• Intel Looks To Build Efficient Mobile Chips Apple 'Can't Ignore'
• A New 7-Inch iPad Could be Another Right Move from Apple
• Pixorial Rolls Out First iOS Video App to Sync With Google Drive
• OtterBox iProtection for iPad, Now with Color
• OtterBox Clears the Way for Apple iProtection.......Continue Reading

Tags: News | Tech-Industry | iPhone | iPhone News |

Applelinks Tech Web Reader – Monday, May 14, 2012

• Apple May No Longer Support Your Older Mac, but Microsoft Will
• Dropbox Fixes App Rejection Issue, Complies With Apple's Rules
• Kodak Hero 3.1 Printer: Bargain Price, Cheap Ink, Great Photos
• Kodak Hero 5.1 Wireless Color Printer with Scanner & Copier
• Can Dell's Open Source XPS Ultrabook Steal Apple's MacBook Air Thunder?
• Enhance Your MacBook Trackpad Or Magic Trackpad/Mouse Capabilities With MagicPrefs
• Why Steve Wozniak Doesn't Have Broadband At Home
• Does Your Mac Have Loud or Constantly Running Fans?
• Looks Like GameStop Will Be Selling Used MacBooks Soon
• Free Mac Malware Remover 1.1.3 Released
• Sleipnir 3.4 Gesture Focused Web Browser Released
• Adobe Creative Cloud Now Available - Two New Touch Apps for iOS and Adobe Muse Also Shipping
• CBT Nuggets Releases New Microsoft Excel 2011 for Mac Training Series.......Continue Reading

Tags: News | Tech-Industry |

Unreleased 2012 MacBook Pro and iMac Models Showing Up in Benchmarks

As noted in our forums, two new benchmark results appearing in Geekbench's database within the past few days are sparking discussion about imminent upgrades to Apple's MacBook Pro and iMac lines.

The first item of interest is a MacBookPro9,1 entry, which would correspond to an unreleased MacBook Pro model of unknown size coming as a successor to the current MacBookPro8,x line. While such results can be faked, the result in question is consistent with what is known or assumed about the forthcoming models.

This new MacBook Pro is listed as carrying an Intel Ivy Bridge Core i7-3820QM quad-core processor running at 2.7 GHz. That processor has long been viewed as the natural successor to Apple's current offerings in high-end 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro models. With the i7-3820QM being a 45-watt chip, it is extremely unlikely that Apple would be using it in a new 13-inch MacBook Pro model.

The unreleased system carries a benchmark of 12,262, compared to scores in the range of 10,500 for the corresponding current MacBook Pro processor, the Core i7-2860QM.

The motherboard identifier included with the new entry corresponds to one of several unreleased Mac configurations identified in the first OS X Mountain Lion developer preview back in February. In addition, the Geekbench result lists the test machine as running OS X Mountain Lion build 10A211, which would be newer than the 12A193i build seeded to developers on May 2.

On the iMac side is a new iMac13,2 entry, which would appear to correspond to a new 27-inch iMac model. The machine is listed as running an Intel Ivy Bridge Core i7-3770 quad-core processor running at 3.4 GHz, which would correspond to a relatively high-end option in a new model. The system carries a benchmark of 12,183, only slightly higher than typical scores in the range of 11,500 for current iMac models using the top-of-the-line Core i7-2600 processor.

Like the MacBookPro9,1, this iMac13,1 carries a motherboard identifier first seen in the initial OS X Mountain Lion developer preview back in February. The machine used for benchmarking is listed as running build 10A2040 of OS X Mountain Lion, and while a four-digit suffix on the build number is somewhat unusual for OS X, such patterns have been observed in special builds in the past.

Such pre-mature benchmarks have shown up in Geekbench's database prior to new hardware launches from Apple in the past. Consequently, it is feasible that these results do represent genuine machines due for launch in the near future.





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Growing pains evident on first PC Thunderbolt-enabled motherboard

According to a first-look review at AnandTech of the first Thunderbolt-enabled PC desktop motherboard heading to market, there are some driver issues that need to be sorted out as well as  features that are missing from the Thunderbolt implementation on the Mac. Fixes are in the works, Intel reportedly says.

The first-look review by AnandTech founder and editor in chief Anand Lal Shimpi looks at a MSi (Micro-Star International Co.) Z77A-GD80 motherboard, which supports Ivy Bridge and Sandy Bridge processors. It sports 8 SATA ports,  a pair of USB 3.0 ports and an option for two more. It also has an on-board FireWire header.

It’s all interesting reading. In his evaluation, his workbench littered with Thunderbolt storage devices “just worked,” except for the Pegasus R6 RAID array. There was no need to install drivers; all had native support under Windows 7.

However, there were limitations. For example, there are 4 PCIe slots on the logic board, but only a couple of slots can be used at any time dues to the Thunderbolt controller and overprovisioning concerns.

In addition, Anand said the system won’t support hot-plugging of Thunderbolt devices, including the Thunderbolt drives tested.

You can remove a Thunderbolt device once in Windows, but you cannot add a new one. Anything you want access to in Windows has to be plugged in at boot. OS X allows more flexibility in this regard as you can add/remove Thunderbolt storage and other devices while the OS is running, but even then it’s not always well behaved. It’s not all that uncommon to need a reboot after plugging in a chain of Thunderbolt devices under OS X, although admittedly Apple has been improving compatibility and behavior over time.

Update: Intel has informed us that we will see updated drivers for Windows certified Thunderbolt devices that will enable hot plugging under Windows. Intel further informed us that MSI’s board has not yet made it through the certification process and a lot of these teething issues will hopefully be addressed by then.

Or not. We will see how things move along. Mac users and developers have a year up on the Windows platform. Certainly, all Thunderbolt devices have been built with Macs in mind and tested on Macs. I hot-plug my Pegasus 4 regularly and I’ve had no troubles since the installation of the latest firmware.

According to Anand, Thunderbolt chains with many devices sometimes hang and it appears more frequently on the PC tested than with similar setups running on Mac OS X.

Anand offered several thoughts on the Thunderbolt market. He expects Thunderbolt won’t be deployed widely on PCs because of the extra cost of controllers and components.

Instead you can expect higher end motherboards to integrate it, or offer an add-in card of sorts which is the route ASUS is taking. I’d expect Ultrabooks to make better use of Thunderbolt naturally, but we will see it on desktops this year.

‘iPhone 5′ Headphone Jack and Earpiece Component Surfaces

Part leaks from the next-generation iPhone are beginning to ramp up, with component vendor SW-BOX.com having recently added a new headphone jack/earpiece/Wi-Fi cable part claimed to be from the device (via Cydia Blog). The new part joins a claimed micro-SIM tray that surfaced on the site several weeks ago and home buttons that appeared on several sites late last month.

If the new part is indeed legitimate, it does represent a significant departure from the component organization in the current iPhone. In the iPhone 4 and 4S, the headphone jack, volume buttons, and mute switch are grouped together on a single component, while this new part associates the headphone jack with the earpiece speaker and Wi-Fi cabling.

It is not terribly unusual for Apple to tweak the organization of components, and the new part leak offers essentially no information on any potential changes to the device's form factor, but with part leaks beginning to accelerate it may not be long before more substantial parts begin showing up.





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Ashton Kutcher Spotted Wearing Steve Jobs’ Trademark Wardrobe

The casting of Ashton Kutcher in the role of Steve Jobs in an upcoming independent film focusing on the Apple co-founder's life has certainly generated a significant amount of attention for the project, despite the fact that the film is a completely separate effort from the high-profile planned Sony Pictures film to be based on Walter Isaacson's authorized biography of Jobs.

With filming on the indie film starring Kutcher having already begun with the star on break from his work on the TV show Two and a Half Men, TMZ shares a few photos of Kutcher seen wearing Jobs' trademark outfit of a black turtleneck, jeans, and sneakers. The photos were reportedly taken on Friday while Kutcher was walking to the set of the film.

Kutcher has been said by some to bear an uncanny resemblance to a young Steve Jobs, particularly with having adopted a close copy of Jobs' hairstyle and facial hair from those days. Jobs did not adopt his trademark wardrobe until a number of years later, but Kutcher is clearly taking on that aspect of Jobs' identity for the role as well.

Apple Interested In Acquiring German Television Maker Loewe? [Updated: Company Denies]

Apple is in talks to acquire German luxury television manufacturer Loewe, according to an unconfirmed report from AppleInsider. The site claims Apple has offered €87.3 million for the company, a 48% premium from Loewe's Friday close on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

Word of the negotiations was exclusively revealed to AppleInsider, and although the offer has yet to be accepted, a source claims that Loewe "has been advised by its financial advisor to accept the offer and a final decision is scheduled to be announced internally before 18 May 2012."

Loewe makes sleek, minimalist televisions that would seem to fit well with Jony Ive's product designs. The company also makes speaker systems, including the AirPlay-compatible AirSpeaker, as well as a sleek app that controls the Loewe television set via an iPad.

Loewe's largest shareholder is Sharp, the same company that has been rumored to be Apple's choice to work with Foxconn to build a television set. Foxconn and Sharp announced a partnership to work together in March. AppleInsider says a decision on the acquisition will be announced internally by the end of this week.

Update: A Loewe company spokesman told German website Heise (via The Next Web) that the report has “absolutely nothing to it.”





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New iPhone Rumors Reiterate Claims of Smaller Dock Connector, No Change to Screen Aspect Ratio

Apple is planning on implementing a new, smaller dock connector, according to a report by iMore. The site has been reliable in the past and correctly predicted the release of an LTE equipped iPad. iMore also reported that Apple is still in the prototyping phase for the next iPhone and that the design is not yet set in stone.

Despite some rumors to the contrary, according to our sources Apple still hasn't finalized the design of the next generation iPhone 5 (or whatever Apple ends up calling iPhone 5,1). No giant screen. No 16:9 aspect ratio. No metal back.



[…]



Once again we're hearing that if the screen size does change, it won't be by a lot (no larger than 4-inches). We've heard nothing to indicate a planned change in the aspect ratio either way (and such a change still doesn't make much sense to us).

iLounge previously claimed that the next iPhone would have a smaller, redesigned dock connector as well as a 4" screen that is larger in height only -- this would result in an adjustment to the screen's aspect ratio. The iPhone 4's design has served Apple very well, with the company selling millions upon millions of units. It is possible that the company will choose to stick with the successful design, albeit with some minor changes, rather than a wholesale redesign.



Other recent iPhone rumors include a claims that the next iPhone will launch in September; another that it would use the same micro-SIM as current iPhones, rather than a new nano-SIM concept; and that the next iPhone will retain its physical home button -- a claim that iMore reiterates.





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