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As I’m typing away at this article, there’s no doubt a iPhone dev company working away at the next killer app. At the WWDC, there were some iPhone applications announced that sounded very intriguing. Here are a few apps being release; via the Software Development Kit (SDK).

Super Monkey Ball - This game was announced when the SDK was first launched. Now Sega released even more details at the WWDC. Apparently there will be 100 levels to playthrough. To navigate the character, Sega has utilized the iPhone’s accelerometer.

Loopt -  This app sounds like something that might potentially be used by a stalker. Basically it’s a social networking app that can let your friends know where you’re at, by way of a push-pin map. Your profile shows places you’ve been, along with blogging, texting, and other social networking devices.

(via: MacRumors)

Released in 2005, Apple gave users a way to provide a total network solution for data storage. This solution was called Xsan, it has been 3 years since its’ release and it has seen success which leads to Apple’s unveiling of Xsan 2.

There have been numerous improvements over the original XSan. Probably the most obvious is their improvement to the user interface. Apple boasts about what functions have been improved, “complex tasks such as expanding a volume, optimally configuring volume settings, or managing file system permissions are now easier and less error prone. SAN components — computers, volumes, and LUNs — are logically presented as assets, and an overview of SAN health is prominently displayed.”

The other massive update for Xsan 2 is the introduction of MultiSan. With MultiSan, different computers will be able to access different XSan volumes simultaneously. Having volumes on different XSan controllers improves performance and reliability.

Another pretty cool feature with XSan is the Spotlight. Spotlight works like a more comprehensive search tool that iTunes uses. Instead of just searching for file names, you can search by actual content inside the files.

The XSan 2 retails for $999.00, but hey atleast the Apple store provides free shipping.

Aperture 2 has been released, and photographers around the world rejoice. Aperture is a photo editing software that lets you import, and manage all of your photos seemlessly.

Aperture 2 is an upgrade from its’ predecessor, and hosts 100 new features. Aperture 2 has a more user-friendly interface, and makes organizing your photos alot easier than the original. Along with the more intuitive interface, Apple is also boasting that performance and speed have been improved with the upgrade.

Aperture 2 also integrates well with your other Mac programs and devices. Aperture 2 will link up with Mac Web Gallery, so you can create unique online portfolios. Probably the most impressive is it’s compatibility with the iPhone, and iTouch.

Aperture 2 will cost you $199, or if you have the original Aperture the upgrade will set you back $99.

The latest version of VisualHub has been released and there is now support for high-resolution format for widescreen video on iPod, iPhone, AppleTV, Mac, Win, Linux, PS3 and Xbox360!
Other enhancements: 

• Full support for 8-core Mac Pros.
• Support for PSP firmware 3.30 and up. Full resolution 480×272 video is now possible!
• Raw FLV files are now created with appropriate metadata.
• Up to 100% speedup when converting to DV on Intel Macs!
• The Apple TV preset will now create full 720p video from PAL HD sources.
• Tweaks to Apple TV and iPod bitrate presets and rate control.
• Xgrid conversions no longer have the potential to create huge log files.
• Two Pass conversions can now be cancelled during the first pass.
• When creating streaming MP4 files, a lower distance between keyframes is now used.

(more…)

Apple today announced that iPhone™ users will be able to enjoy YouTube’s originally-created content on their iPhones when they begin shipping on June 29. A new Apple-designed application on iPhone will wirelessly stream YouTube’s content to iPhone over Wi-Fi or EDGE networks and play it on iPhone’s stunning 3.5 inch display.

In addition, Apple announced that YouTube is now live on Apple TV™. Users can download the free software update using Apple TV’s built-in software update feature, and then easily navigate through YouTube’s familiar video browsing categories or search for specific videos. YouTube members can also log-in to their YouTube accounts on Apple TV to view and save their favorite videos.
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With the Office Open XML Converter, you can convert Office Open XML files to a format that is compatible with Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac and Microsoft Office v. X for Mac. You can choose to convert and open one file, or convert a large number of files.

This version of the Office Open XML Converter can convert the following Office Open XML file formats:

• Word Document (*.docx)
• Word Macro-Enabled Document (*.docm)
• These files are converted to Rich Text Format (RTF), which can be opened in Microsoft Word 2004 and Microsoft Word X.

The converter is a Beta release, and might be unable to convert all the data in Office Open XML files. After you convert a file, you should review the file carefully to make sure that it contains all of the information that you expect.
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Now you can visually compare many analysis instruments side by side over time. That’s because Xray creates a time-based record of your entire application run, storing information such as CPU load, network and file activity, and memory allocations as separate “tracks” of data.

These tracks are displayed synchronized over time, allowing you to quickly identify application events — like what was happening with the disk just before the CPU usage spiked. Xray gives you a complete picture of your application, so you can better understand cause-and-effect relationships and make changes to improve performance.
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 I installed the new Safari 3.0 Beta on my iMac and at first I could not see any difference at all - so I started looking for the changes and here is the list so far:

• New and much improved “find on this page” Apple+F
• Warning when you try to close a window with more than one tab
• Click the fav-icon to select the entire URL in the browser
• Merge all windows into one browser session (from Window > Merge All Windows)
• Drag tabs to other windows or a stand-alone window - just grab the tab and pull it out of the tab bar.
• Reopen Last Closed Window (from History)
• Reopen All Windows from Last Session (from History)
• Text field resize (any submit form - useful for making comments)
• Drag tabs allowing you to re-order your tabs

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Apple® today announced that it’s bringing the Internet’s most popular originally-created content from YouTube to the living room with Apple TV™. Beginning in mid-June, Apple TV will wirelessly stream videos directly from YouTube and play them on a user’s widescreen TV. Using Apple TV’s elegant interface and simple Apple Remote, viewers can easily browse, find and watch free videos from YouTube in the comfort of their living room.

“This is the first time users can easily browse, find and watch YouTube videos right from their living room couch, and it’s really, really fun,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “YouTube is a worldwide sensation, and Apple TV is bringing it directly from the Internet onto the widescreen TV in your living room.”

Full story

With iTunes 7.2, preview and purchase iTunes Plus music—new higher-quality, DRM-free music downloads from participating music labels.

If you already have iTunes Store purchases that are now available as iTunes Plus downloads, you may upgrade your existing purchases. To do so, visit the iTunes Store and follow the onscreen instructions.

I have installed the update with no problems, as usual it is a good idea to repair permissions before and after the update.