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10-31-09 / 04:44 PM : Unity Indie 2.6 free (cjed)
Unity Indie (2.6) games development solution is now available for free. It was priced 199$ before. That is here for download. We can access to a demo projet and licenses (the Pro version is still priced 1499$), and the iPhone targeted version isn't free (however a 30 days demo is provided).
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10-28-09 / 11:34 PM : Pianoteq PRO and standard 3.5 (cjed)
ModArtt released Pianoteq PRO, that allows per note settings (22 parameters), and a rendering up to 192 Khz (48 Khz in the standard version). We can watch a video here. It is priced 399 euros (249 euros for the standard version).
Pianoteq Pro also includes the enhancements brought by Pianoteq 3.5 (see here and there). A demo version of Pianoteq standard 3.5 is available.
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10-28-09 / 11:01 PM : Pro Tools 8.0.3pr for Snow Leopard (cjed)
Digidesign provides a preview of Pro Tools 8.0.3 for Snow Leopard. This version doesn't make use of Grand Central nor OpenCL (however it uses its own mechanism to dispatch threads), and isn't 64 bits compatible. Logically PowerPC mac aren't supported anymore (the same for old Mbox interfaces).
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10-28-09 / 10:46 PM : Google Map Navigation soon (cjed)
Google may provide soon on Android (and a bit later on iPhone, for free and ads-free) Google Map Navigation. However the application won't onboard maps, and will then require to download them in realtime : slowdown (considering some problems could still happen on GPS navigation softwares that include the full maps), less accurate Google maps (and low cover from Street View), high cost when in foreign countries (roaming), Google level interface (that is less nice than Navigon).
Finally we can still use a similar solution, XGPS (requires a jailbreaked iPhone).
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10-28-09 / 01:58 AM : CP2JavaWS 0.91 available (cjed)
A new version (0.91) of CP2JavaWS is available. It is a bug fixes release :

- fixed a bug with habilitation filter's init (as filters's init methods order can change, we don't pass anymore the userSessionKey info from the authentication filter's init method to the habilitation filter's init. That information has then been added also in the habilitation filter's config in web.xml).

- fixed a potential bug in authentication filter when comparing request uri with authCredentials's uri, for cases where the browser returns its host in authCredentials's uri (shouldn't).

- remote methods that returned a String (root, not JSON) leaded to an error when decoding on the client side (missing quotes). It was ok for String attributes in nested objects of the return graph.

- calling a remote method without any parameters (that is passing nil to the single selector part - ie [remoteService aMethod:nil]) now works properly (fixed test for remaining invocation arguments).
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10-26-09 / 11:44 PM : Websocket in WebKit : Apache mod and tests (cjed)
Implementation of Websocket (client side) started this Spring in Firefox, and this Summer (since late June) in WebKit. We could also read a document, WebKit Web Socket design doc (that was slightly revised early september), written by WebKit members working on this task (Fumitoshi Ukai, Yuzo Fujishima, etc.). References to many cpp sources files about Websocket implementation have emerged these last three months in the long WebKit development timeline.

In early September Yuzo pointed out (in a thread about requirement for an Apache module that manages Websocket) an experimental open source extension for Apache, mod_pywebsocket, that brings server-side Websocket implementation. These elements are now listed in the latest changelogs of WebKit timeline (10/26), and test files are provided (start with pywebsocket/test, see also here and there).
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10-26-09 / 10:42 PM : NI Pre-Bass/Amped and NN-Bass/Amped (cjed)
Native Instruments presents Pre-Bass, Pre-Bass Amped (respectively priced 89 and 119$), as well as MM-Bass and MM-Bass Amped (also 89 and 119$).
The dry versions include 3 Gb of samples, and Amped versions - 4 amp types (Fat, Heavy, Crunchy, Pop) - 12 Gb. Audio demos are available.
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10-24-09 / 01:47 AM : Apple drops ZFS support (cjed)
Previsous ZFS support in Leopard (was read-only) has been completely removed from Snow Leopard. Apple may be working on its new own filesystem, since Sun was acquired by Oracle.
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10-23-09 / 12:19 AM : iPhone Ace Combat/Star Wars:Trench Run (cjed)
A more advanced video of Ace Combat XI for iPhone is available at youtube.
We can also find a first video of Star Wars: Trench Run.
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10-23-09 / 12:14 AM : iPhone Ravensword / Earthworm Jim (cjed)
A stunning video of Ravensword game for iPhone (expected soon) is available. It is of a quality very close to WOW on mac !
We can also watch a video of Earthworm Jim (remastered graphics and sound), still available at the AppStore.
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10-22-09 / 11:56 PM : Sierra games on the web ! (cjed)
The site sarien.net provides web versions of famous Sierra games (from 1985 to 1987) : the first 3 KingQuest, the first 2 SpaceQuest, etc. The game engine from Sierra, AGI (Adventure Game Interpreter), has been rewritten in javascript, and image files (original ones ?) make the scenes (as it was the case initially). Moreover the developers added a multiplayer feature : then we can see other players (as clones or artefacts) appearing/disappearing, as if we were playing WOW.
Controls use the keyboard or mouse (with a feature to move quickly the character to a location, by double-clicking on the destination - can lead to some bug, like still swimming character because we left water without going through the expected out path).
The lower textfield is for chat, while available actions are selected through a menu (right click). Through the menu's more item we can access to an options submenu : disable multiplayer, and even direct access to all of the game's locations (select location) !
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10-22-09 / 11:18 PM : iMac : displayPort input and DVI / BluRay ? (cjed)
New iMacs miniDisplay port now also works as an input, which allows to plug a MacBook (or another computer fitted with such output technology). We can even plug a DVI-based older computer (including the MDD G4 :-)) using a convertuer (Atlona DVI to Mini DisplayPort Converter, priced 179$). The converter manages source resolutions up to 1920*1200 (that is exactly the MDD G4's Radeon 9000 Pro limit). Apple is also expected to unveil such adapters.

About the new 27 inches iMac display, a BluRay player would have been a logical feature, and price difference (500$) with a similar MacPro (performance-wise) could confirm rumor about removal of that drive at the last time (in order to put pressure on royalties deals). Then originally the iMac featuring BluRay would have been priced close to the MacPro, and the pros would then have choosed the MacPro (they don't need a BluRay drive). Without that peripheral, the new quad core iMac reduced price could blend pros choice.

Finally Apple should introduce a lower-priced entry-level MacPro (not more than 2000$) to avoid pros looking toward to the new iMac.
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10-21-09 / 12:54 AM : New mac mini (cjed)
Besides new iMac and the new unibody MacBook, Apple updated the mac Mini, with faster processors (2.26GHz to 2.66GHz), and an NVIDIA GeForce 9400M that now onboards 256 Mb also on the entry model (599$, 2 Gb of ram and still 160 Gb hard drive). The later model (799$) includes 4 Gb of ram (and still 320 Gb of hard drive). The disks still are 5400 rpm, however the mac mini keeps its firewire 800 port.
A new model with Snow Leopard Server and two 500 Gb hard drives (still 5400 rpm) has been added, and is priced 999$ (that is an interesting alternative to XServe).
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10-20-09 / 11:57 PM : New imacs : LED/HD/QuadCore/MagicMouse (cjed)
Apple presented new imacs, fitted with HD LED backlit (1920 by 1080 pixels on the 21,5 inches, and 2560 by 1440 pixels on the 27 inches) et quad core processors as an option on the 27 inches model (Core i5 2,66 Ghz or Core i7 2,8 Ghz, with Turbo Boost technology to overclock a core if others aren't in use, and Hyper-Threading on the Core i7).
The 21,5 inches model keeps a core duo 2 processor, at 3,06 or 3,33 Ghz (are also available on the 27 inches model), and onboards a NVidia 9400M chipset, or an ATI Radeon HD 4670 with 256 Mb. The quad core models are provided with the Radeon HD 4850 with 512 Mb (the HD 4670 with 256 Mb is also available on the Core i5) . Hard drives (SATA) range from 500 Gb to 2Tb and are 7200 rpm.

These new iMac are bundled with the new Magic Mouse (multitouch), that can also be purchased separately (69$) for all macs under Leopard (10.5.8 required).

Best attractive configurations are the 3,06 Ghz 27 inches model (core 2 duo, 4 Gb of ram, 1 Tb hard drive) with ATI Radeon HD 4850 512MB option (1699+150, that is 1849$), and (more) the 27 inches Core i5 (same configuration as the previous, however with a 2,66Ghz quad core, for 1999$). This later model logically offers about same performance as the entry level quad 2,66 Ghz MacPro (Xeon processor, however NVIDIA GeForce GT 120, only 3 Gb of ram and 640 Gb of hard drive), that is priced 2499$ (that is 500$ more, despite the imac providing a 27 inches display).
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10-19-09 / 12:23 AM : Eastwest Hollywood Strings details (cjed)
Eastwest added details about Hollywood Strings library, that will be available January, 2010, 12. The Diamond version will be priced 1695$ on hard drive (16 and 24 bits samples, 5 mic positions), and Gold verison 1195$ (on DVD, 16 bits, one mic position). Audio demos will be provided before December, 12.
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10-19-09 / 12:14 AM : E-on Software Vue 8 soon (cjed)
The Vue 8 suite, that was announced this August, will be available in November. It will be composed of 3 families : Vue 8 for CG Professionals (Vue 8 Infinite & Vue 8 xStream), Vue 8 for 3D Artists (Vue 8 Esprit, Vue 8 Studio, Vue 8 Complete), and Vue 8 for 3D Enthusiasts (Vue 8 Pioneer, Vue 8 Frontier). Among new features we note 3D Terrain Sculpting, 3rd Generation Spectral Atmospheric Technology, and shader-based OpenGL preview. A 64 bits Cocoa version is expected shortly thereafter.
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10-14-09 / 11:48 PM : VSL Epic Orchestra pack for Ensemble PRO (cjed)
The Vienna Ensemble PRO player is now provided with the Epic Orchestra pack (3,4 Gb - 6,2 Gb once installed), that includes some instruments from various famous VSL libraries : Appassionata Strings Ensemble, Woodwinds Ensemble, Oboe d'amore, Cornet, Epic Horns (8 horns ensemble), Fanfare Trumpets (6 trumpets ensemble), and Drums & Percussion. The pack is also available (priced 65 euros) for registered Vienna Ensemble 3 users (that can upgrade to Vienna Ensemble PRO for free). Audio demos are available.
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10-13-09 / 10:49 PM : Lexicon PCM92 (cjed)
About one year after the PCM96, Lexicon announced the PCM92, that brings 28 new and legendary Lexicon reverbs, delays and modulation effects. Lexicon’s new Room algorithm provides a more flexible alternative to convolution type reverbs. In fact convolution-based reverbs are said to alter too much equalizing. It is priced 2699$ (the PCM96 was priced 3499$ initially, and is now provided at a 2999$ special price).
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10-13-09 / 10:36 PM : Toy Story 3 trailer / 3D (cjed)
The first Toy Story 3 trailer is available in HD at Apple site. The movie will be out in June, 2010, and in 3D at some theatres. The first two episodes will also be available in 3D in theatres, a few months before.
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10-11-09 / 11:47 PM : Lexicon PCM Native Reverb Plug-in Bundle (cjed)
Lexicon presented PCM Native Reverb Plug-in Bundle, a plugin (AU, RTAS, VST) that features 7 reverb algorithms : vintage plate, plate, hall, room, random hall, concert hall, chamber. A 1,8 Ghz G5 or Intel mac is required. The software is priced 1899$ !
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10-11-09 / 11:37 PM : Logic Express 9 on G4 (cjed)
Installing Logic Express 9 on a G4 (MDD 1,25 Ghz) finally didn't require any change to the installer. Moreover performance seems good, as it could run the demo song (by disabling some tracks). It uses 9,7 Gb space (4,7 Gb of EXS samples, 900 Mb for Ultrabeat loops, 3,5 Gb of GarageBand instruments, 500 Mb of AppleLoops, and 720 Mb for the application - after the 9.0.1 update).
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10-08-09 / 01:02 AM : iPhone : Beneath a Steel Sky: Reloaded available (cjed)
The previously announced Beneath a Steel Sky: Reloaded is now available at the AppStore (4,99$). As with Monkey Island port, it brings enhanced graphics and musics. Finally the controls scheme now uses touch, instead of requiring to move around the cursor (that ended to be painful and counter-intuitive in Monkey Island for a touch capable device - however it probably made the port easier to program). A video is available here.
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10-08-09 / 12:43 AM : London FOWA 2009 : Atlas video available (cjed)
The video of the full Atlas presentation at London FOWA 2009 is now available at carsonified (30' length). It demoes the fully fonctionnal screens compositing (nested views), the RSS controller (that had also been seen during the first Atlas presentation in March) - we can also see Array Controller, FaceBook and Twitter controllers -, various project templates (among these a new document-based one), a Bespin text editor component, and a new "native" target mode (that is said to use an own solution instead of Titanium Appcelerator, for some explained reasons).

Finally I would like to thank Francisco for his kind words about Java server-side support for Cappuccino - that is CP2JavaWS - (26') :
About backend support, there are Lift, Scala, Rails, and Java as well [was the first, January, 5]. The Java support is pretty amazing, as it takes Java Objects [full objects graphs, through JSON] and serializes these into Objective-J objects.
The Direct2CP mode of CP2JavaWS, and its digest authentication management and automatic session tracking per endpoint, are also complementary to Atlas (that focuses mainly on UI components, but not to their behaviour on the server side - except the RSS feader component).

An extension mechanism to Atlas (through plugins) was suggested initially (in March’s first announcement), and I then explained it was a great idea, that could use Osgi bundles concepts, and would open the way for business (alla Eclipse plugins). I proposed to write a plugin for remote services calls (through CP2JavaWS), such a controller that could be added to existing RSS, FaceBook and Twitter ones. I hope such architecture will be provided by Atlas beta's mid-November release.
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10-06-09 / 11:55 PM : Sofa : EnStore made using Cappuccino (cjed)
Sofa company, presented a Cappuccino version of its EnStore admin application, that allows to customize and deploy web stores. They provide their experience with the Cappuccino development process and nib2cib, and explain why they found this solution the most suited and productive (easy to add drag&drop feature thanks to advanced AppKit, easier controls customizing, browser independant). All this without even considering the upcoming Atlas ! A stunning video is available.
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10-06-09 / 11:11 PM : Flash Apps on iPhone using a compiler (cjed)
While Adobe knows that a Flash plugin for iPhone won't likely happen (besides strategic reasons around RDA, this is the result of long non optimized Flash for OSX ), they are trying to circumvent this restriction, by providing a compiler (based on LLVM) that will produce ARM assembly code from ActionScript programs. It will be included in Flash CS5 (a beta is expected by the end of the year), and will work on both mac and Windows.
The limiting factor will be the lack of debugger, but it should be ok for simple applications, as development and debugging could be made on a desktop computer (by simulating the iPhone drawing area and limited processor power). The compiler would then be used only at integration test steps, and for final deployment. However, for more advanced (demanding) applications or games, such solution will end being very difficult and tedious, as optimizing near the limits won't be possible.
Finally it will paves the way for paid Flash applications on iPhone (there have still been some iPhone games derived from free Flash games).
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10-05-09 / 11:22 PM : VSL Vienna Ensemble PRO (cjed)
VSL presents Vienna Ensemble PRO, a new version of its player. It is the first OSX host application that supports 64 bits AU plugins (Cocoa), and Leopard (10.5) is required. It can also manage 32 bits AU plugins (Carbon) on Intel and PowerPC (PPC64 is listed as working but not supported, however we don't know if it just implies G5 support - that are 64 bits processors - in 32 bits mode, or the full 64 bits adressing on these processors).
The software can also host other vendors's plugins (see the list here), and provides a networking mode (between mac and/or PC), that allows to share both audio and Midi, by using a simple Ethernet (Gigabit) connection. It is priced 145 euros.
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10-05-09 / 11:05 PM : Kreativesounds SYN ImpOSCar Sounds V1 (cjed)
Kreativesounds provides KS SYN ImpOSCar Sounds V1, a collection of 24 patchs for GForce ImpOSCar. An audio demo is available, and the pricing (through Paypal) is free (at least one euro for fees) !
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10-05-09 / 10:56 PM : Flash 10.1 : too late ? (cjed)
As we could expect, a 10.1 update to Flash brings hardware accelerating through the GPU (not available on iPhone nor OSX as usual). However iPhone's WebKit still had been providing hardware accelerated CSS Effects through Core Animation (that uses the GPU) for more than a year, and this year's HTML5 new features clearly confirmed the upcoming Flash demise. Finally Flash was mainly used for ads banners, then unuseful medias (that were also resources hungry).
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10-05-09 / 10:46 PM : Tablet Mac / 3GS without Wolfson (cjed)
The tablet mac project would have been in development since 2003, and a PowerPC based prototype might have existed. However it is said that the device couldn't be manufactured without recent enhancements in processors and graphic chipsets power management, and battery performance.

We also learn that the new 3GS iPhone doesn't use anymore Wolfson DAC (that were used on previous 3G). On other models (iPod Touch, etc.) they had still been replaced by Cirrus Logic converters (that are generally considered as less warm).
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10-05-09 / 10:37 PM : Windows Mobile app store : 34 apps vs 8500 (cjed)
While Microsoft just opened its Windows Mobile app store, with only 34 applications (that are also priced more than the ones at AppStore), Apple reached 85 000 applications at the AppStore (that still had 500 applications available when it opened 15 months ago).
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10-01-09 / 09:56 PM : Live London FOWA / Atlas pricing (cjed)
Some videos (two only for now) from London 2009 FOWA are available at ustream.tv, as well as live chat. However we cannot find yet new infos about the Atlas presentation that took place today. We just learnt from Cappuccino forums (and people that went to FOWA) that a beta of Atlas will be release November, 15, and priced 20$, and that the final version will be priced more.
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