Appletell | Apple, Mac, iPhone, iPod | News, Rumors, Reviews, How-Tos

Macintosh and iPhone/iPod/iPad product updates and announcements for June 24, 2010:

• Macintosh
• iPod

Macintosh

• Valve has announced a massive “Perils of Summer” sale beginning today on Steam, a leading platform for PC and Mac games with over 25 million accounts worldwide. Through July 4, gamers will find massive savings on today’s top releases, classic titles, and publisher catalogs. In addition, special 1-day sales will offer discounts up to 90% off regular prices. Don’t get caught without your sunscreen, the savings are hot. For more information, please visit www.steamgames.com.
• Early Innovations, LLC has announced PhotoLinker 2.2, a major update to their advanced photo linking application for Mac OS X. The app enables complete photo annotation and supports over 100 metadata tags. Sophisticated geotagging capabilities permit both live, interactive geotagging as well as several different manual modes. PhotoLinker is compatible with all the most common GPS receivers and file types, and imported tracks may be viewed on an extensive array of integrated maps.
• Ambrosia Software has announced the immediate release of iToner 2.0.6, a free update to its best-selling custom iPhone ringtone utility. This update addresses compatibility issues with iTunes 9.2 and the new iOS 4 as well as minor changes to improve the iToner user experience and reliability. iToner is the original utility designed to easily turn any audio from your Mac into a customized iPhone ringtone without paying per-ringtone fees or jail-breaking the iPhone.
• Booq has expanded its stylish Mamba line with the addition of Mamba catch S/L. For years, messenger bags have been designed with flimsy exteriors that lose shape, collapse, and look sloppy when not packed to their limit. Whether travelling light or packed to the max, booq’s water-repellent ballistic nylon and innovative no flap design holds form and keeps you looking sharp. Available at booqbags.com and retailers throughout the country, booq combines sophisticated design and functionality to deliver high-quality bags and cases for the next generation of ambitious professionals.
• Other World Computing has announced the OWC Data Doubler, an optical bay mounting solution for MacBook or MacBook Pro notebook computers that enables users to add a second hard drive or SSD for up to an additional 640GB of internal drive capacity, internal RAID, or other user customized internal data storage configurations.
• Noise Industries development partner Dashwood Cinema Solutions has released a significant update to its award-winning, professional Stereo3D Toolbox plug-in for stereoscopic 3D mastering, as well as an inexpensive limited edition (LE) version for a more accessible entry into stereoscopic 3D content creation. Developed by stereo-cinematographer and Dashwood Cinema Solutions founder Tim Dashwood, both plug-in suites are powered by FxFactory and are designed to work with Adobe After Effects, Apple Final Cut Pro, Apple Motion, and Apple Final Cut Express applications.

iPhone/iPod/iPad

• Meez, the largest online social entertainment community for teens, has announced the availability of its first app for the iPhone. The Meez Avatar Creator is animation-rich and allows users to create and share avatars for themselves and friends, assign avatars to their contacts list, and much more.
• Spinning Air Hockey Lite is an air hockey game with the “spinning” and “curving” pucks. Catch the new sensation of spinning the pucks, and score with a beautiful goal. You can really feel immersed in it. Once you get used to it, you cannot return to common air hockey games again.
• Phantom Fish today has announced Byline 3.2, one of the first releases on the App Store to offer high-resolution graphics for iPhone 4’s Retina display. Byline 3.2 also brings multitasking with background syncing and caching to the popular RSS news reader and offline web browser for iPhone and iPod touch. Artwork has been optimised throughout the app to take full advantage of the unprecedented resolution offered by the new Retina display.
• TapFactory Apps has announced WebToolbox+ 1.0, a new app for the iPhone, iTouch and iPad that features over 60 tools designed to make the Safari mobile browser more like a desktop browser. The first of its kind to hit the App Store, WebToolbox+ is the largest collection of iOS optimized bookmark tools available. With a video tutorial, step-by-step instructions, and a unique approach to installation, WebToolbox+ tools are more accessible and easier to install than ever before.
• 3d6 has announced Shaolin Training 1.0 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Developed by Fernando Ribeiro, Shaolin Training is an iPhone game that mixes platforming, physics puzzle, and zen-like meditation. It is a unique concept featuring 15 levels in the game, with the difficulty ramping up rather quickly. The graphics are nicely rendered in 3D, the physics are solid, and the music is peaceful and relaxing, despite the constant cannon fire.
• 3DTOPO has announced the immediate availability of PhotoZap 1.0.0, a universal iPhone and iPad app that wirelessly transfers images from an existing Photo library or new image captured with the iPhone. PhotoZap features automatic paring. Just pick an image on one device, then click receive on the other device. It also will allow a photo from to be taken from an iPhone camera and saved directly to an iPad or iPod Touch.
• BeeTV, a new service that helps consumers find and discover TV shows and movies on television, the web and mobile, has announced the launch of an iPhone App available now in the Apple iTunes App Store. The BeeTV mobile application enables users to receive personalized recommendations for content ranging from real-time broadcast programming to online and mobile TV shows and movies.
• TKO Solutions has introduced the Onhand X-Band, their innovative accessory for iPad. Particularly in work environments, the iPad screen often needs to be shown to co-workers, patients, or clients. Consisting of four leather corner loops, connected to a neoprene and nylon X strap, the X-Band allows the user to safely “get a grip” on their iPad. The comfortable glove allows the user to securely and easily display the screen horizontally or vertically using just one hand.
• Silicon Studios has announced iDownload 2.0, a new release of their best selling app for iPhone and iPad. iDownload lets users download files directly to their iPhone or iPad and share them with any browser-enabled device. From office documents and PDF files, to music and movies, the app supports numerous file formats. Version 2.0 adds new iPad compatibility and a range of enhanced features including multi-tasking support for iOS4 and multiple file transfer options.
• Sweden’s Interactive Institute has released iSpooks: The Manor 1.0, a unique, experimental audio game for iPhone. Taking place in a haunted house, iSpooks: The Manor is an adventure game where the sound is the primary gameplay driver. The player has to solve a mystery via interaction with the resident ghosts. The over 30 ghosts live in a meticulously designed house, faithfully rendered in 3D.
• Casual gamers around the world are salivating at the thought of playing Farm Frenzy 2: Pizza Party, a new release for the Apple iPhone and iPod touch. Alawar Entertainment has made the pepperoni-packed sequel to the No. 1 arcade farming sim available on the iTunes market for a price of $2.99. In Farm Frenzy 2: Pizza Party, the player grows crops, feeds animals and collects produce, and then turns these goods into the ingredients needed to make a variety of pizzas.
• Tropical Software has announced TopXNotes 1.6, an update to its award-winning personal note manager for Macintosh. With its new NoteSync feature, version 1.6 now has note synchronization with Apple touch devices including iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. This new capability builds on TopXNotes 1.5 which completely modernized the User Interface, a rewritten NoteOrganizer, two-finger scrolling, new icons, and several cosmetic improvements.
• Redbits has announced Group Text! 1.0 for iPhone devices. Group Text! - the easy way. With Group Text! you can send SMS to groups, to handpicked set of contacts or to custom distribution lists that don’t affect your groups. You can also create some templates to save time if you send the same text frequently. Ready for the iPhone4 retina display, Group Text! is already a hot app in many countries including United States, United Kingdom and Italy.
• Zattikka has announced the release of Saucer Panic. Saucer Panic lets the player take charge of space traffic control on a series of busier and busier planets and space stations whilst constantly scanning the skies for comets, asteroids and other passing traffic. Myriad in-game upgrades are available to the user, from the ability to rewind time to a ‘Panic Button’ which automatically lands all saucers at once, saving a possible disaster on an astronomical scale! Do you have what it takes to go up through the ranks to become a Space Traffic Controller, or will you succumb to Saucer Panic?
• Readdle has released Calendars 1.0.2, a new iPhone application that lets people work easily with Google Calendar online service on their devices. Calendars supports all important functions of Google Calendar, including search, event reminders, invites and even can work offline. A streamlined interface with an intuitive navigation allows users to track events planned for a certain day, forthcoming weeks or months.
• iPhone fitness application developer Abvio LLC has announced that Runmeter, Cyclemeter and Walkmeter version 4.0 are now in the Apple iTunes Store, just in time for iPhone users who are already have or plan to download the latest version of the iPhone operating system, iOS 4. Abvio’s iPhone fitness applications fully leverage the new multitasking capabilities in iOS 4 and enable users to continually track runs, rides, hikes and walks, while also using any other app on their iPhone 3GS or iPhone 4. Runmeter, Cyclemeter and Walkmeter 4.0 will continue to record location, elevation, speed and distance and voice your announcements, while you answer calls, reply to texts, or use the iPod app.
• Revision3, the leading Internet Television network, lets consumers catch all their favorite shows through a new iPhone app available for free at the Apple iTunes App store. Popular Revision3 shows, including DIGGNATION, AppJudgment, Tom’s Top 5 and PENN POINT (starring Penn Jillette of Penn and Teller fame), can be viewed anytime, anywhere with an iPhone or iPod Touch.
• Phiaton Corporation has announced the introduction of models PS 20 NC and PS 20 Primal Series ”Half In-Ear” Earphones. Lightweight and stylish, the new personal in-ear listening solutions feature advanced sonic technologies for a dramatically enhanced listening experience and are ideal for use with iPhone, iPod, laptops, MP3, CD or DVD players. Both models will be available in glossy black and glossy white versions. The PS 20 NC is scheduled to be available next month, and the PS 20 will be available in August.
• Ballistic, has announce its newest creation for iPhone 4. The Ballistic HC (Hard Core) offers an impressive four layers of durable protection, making it the most technically advanced rugged case on the market. The Ballistic HC case has been specifically designed to “survive life.” It features an interchangeable outer gel skin layer, front facing inward holster and built-in screen protector. It also incorporates innovative connector seals, to ensure that dirt and other corrosive materials do not enter into the ports.
• AG Findings has debuted three new lines of intelligently designed cases for iPhone 4. The Vandelay, Beetle and Hidden Clip all contain unique design elements and boast a fashion-forward appearance, offering consumers a plethora of models and colors to match their own personal style. Each case within the AG Findings line is assembled with high-quality materials to ensure utmost durability and feature today’s most popular colors and patterns. AG Findings has included a number of unique design elements in their new case lines, most notably is the two-piece shell feature to allow docking without removing your device from the case.
• Smule has released a major update to the I Am T-Pain application that allows users to capture video recordings T-Pain style in Auto-Tune. The update uses the new iOS 4video services as well as the iPhone 4 front-facing camera. The result: you can create your own music videos straight from your iPhone 4, complete with Auto-Tune and premium T-Pain music background tracks.  Or, you can Auto-Tune your pets, friends, or the local popo, capturing the result with video. With a single click, your new T-Pain-ed video is shared with the world:
• Coveroo has debuted its line of customizable cases for the iPhone 4. Customers can place their orders for iPhone 4 cases today at prices starting at $29.95. Cases will begin shipping on July 1. Coveroo is the first company to offer customized cases for the newest generation of iPhones.
• My Virtual Girlfriend will be on sale this weekend only, dropping in price from the regular $2.99 to just .99 cents. The sale starts tomorrow, June 25th, and ends Monday June 28th.
• Allan Pease has been known as Mr. Body Language for almost four decades, since his The Definitive Book of Body Language co-written with Barbara Pease became a multi-million best seller. Now their world-renowned interpersonal and communication skills can be accessed on the iPhone with the new Definitive App for Body Language in a day-to-day digital calendar. Available for the first time for immediate download to your iPhone and iPod Touch, Allan and Barbara Pease’s innovative methods of reading male and female body language signals can be at your fingertips wherever you go with this calendar body language app.