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 Copyright © 1998 Shiro Wilde |
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Apple ended its fiscal year on a high note by posting a fourth successive profitable quarter. Its financial results prove Apple and the Mac have truly returned. Its iMac sales stats illustrate the vital contribution of the iMac, and how it's growing market share. 40% of iMacs are sold to first-time computer buyers or PC defectors. Mac OS 8.5 was released worldwide on October 17. Probably the most important OS release since System 7, it incorporates major new features like Sherlock, integrating Internet searching, plus Find by Content. Other improvements include PowerPC native (faster) QuickDraw and AppleScript, and truckloads of interface enhancements to the Finder, system appearance and Control Panels. There are also improvements in network browsing, configuration and speed, and overall system performance. A free QuickTime 3 Pro license is included. Buy it now. They've even incorporated aspects of Bill Gaver's "Sonic Finder" sound feedback from earlier this decade. Whilst all the attention has rightfully focused on OS 8.5, Apple has quietly delayed Mac OS X Server 1.0 until early 99. Finally, Apple seems to be recommitting to games. It has hired the former head of games publisher MacSoft to run consumer marketing, revamped its Games Sprockets & Developer web site, and released the upgraded 'Revision B' iMac with a faster 3D/video chip and more video RAM for better gaming performance. |
Netscape and Microsoft have been testifying in the massive antitrust lawsuit brought against MS by the US Department of Justice and 20 states. The trial started last month, and is expected to continue for months to come. Netscape and Apple execs have testified to Microsoft's dodgy tactics (which they denied, or claimed that "everybody does it"). If you're interested, but don't want to wade through the details, check out the ZDNet trial summary. Meanwhile, as the battle of the browsers continues in the marketplace, Netscape remains No. 1 despite slipping below 50% market share to 41.5%. MSIE has advanced to 27.5%. Netscape shipped Communicator 4.5 last month, improving speed, bookmarks, and the address/mail components. There is no 68K version, nor standalone Navigator, but Communicator & Navigator 4.08 are offered as well. In a strategic alliance, Netscape joined forces with RealNetworks, whose audio/video streaming technology competes directly with Microsoft NetShow. Meanwhile, word from MS is that Internet Explorer 4.5 is due by the end of the year. Although it will coincide with IE 5.0 for Win, it will have Mac-only features. In any case, the next battle for "portals" is upon us. Netscape and MS are amongst the major players. |
Adobe has just released a minor Photoshop 5.0.2 Update, which improves type layer kerning, colour management, and support for Illustrator 8 files. A new document explains Photoshop 5 Colour Management in detail. Adobe also released a Premiere 5.1 Update which provides numerous enhancements including improved rendering speed and additional support for QuickTime 3. Adobe shipped PageMill 3.0 and ImageStyler 1.0 last month. A PageMill 3.0 Trial and ImageStyler 1.0 Trial are available for download. |
Macromedia has made a comeback this year with record revenue due in part to the successful introduction of Internet-savvy products like Flash, Dreamweaver and Fireworks. Dreamweaver 2 will ship next month, adding workgroup templates, improved site management, and XML support. A Dreamweaver 2 Beta is available to registered users who just can't wait. Things are looking up for neglected Deck II, the high-end audio application Macromedia acquired from OSC a couple of years ago. It has been sold to BIAS, who fully intend to develop Deck 3.0. |
MetaCreations has been undergoing changes. Since its formation by the merger of Specular, Fractal Design and HSC, it has found itself with a heavily bloated product range. It's hired a new CEO, cut back staff, and is expected to trim its product line - recently Final Effects Complete was sold off to ICE. Meanwhile, MetaCreations has announced Kai's Power Tools 5, a major upgrade of one of its flagship graphics products. Following software industry product-naming rationale, they appear to have skipped version 4 for increased impact. |
Bare Bones has announced BBEdit 5.0, a major upgrade of its flagship text editor. Many enhancements have been made to improve its HTML capabilities, including better integrated context-sensitive editing tools, JavaScript syntax colouring, and a drag-and-drop colour palette. Other changes include script and glossary palettes, and user-configurable keyboard shortcuts. A BBEdit 5.0 Demo is available for download. |
Aladdin Systems has just shipped StuffIt Deluxe 5.0. It uses a completely new file format with up to 20% tighter compression, supports the new MacBinary III format, and improves integration with e-mail applications and the Finder. A couple of bugs have already arisen, and a 5.0.1 update is in the works. A corresponding freeware StuffIt Expander 5.0 is available, which will decompress new StuffIt 5.0 and MacBinary III files. |
The final word is that winter is almost upon us. Not only does this impart the inevitable forces of nature, but also certain seasonal consumer realities. Apart from Rev. B iMacs, this year's top sellers for technokids are probably going to include Lego Mindstorms. Co-developed with MIT Media Lab, these fascinating hybrids of Lego construction sets and technology were launched this September and are already a hit. Alas, they're currently sold with programming software for Win only - a Mac version is being developed for next year. |
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Communicator
4.5 PPC |
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Photoshop
5.0.2 Update |
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