Volume 3 - Issue 01 - 13 February 2008
SMARTNEWS
Welcome to our weekly news update, Smart News...
...in which we bring you time-critical news, views and rumours.
It's been a busy week with Apple releasing a significant update to Aperture whilst fixing a plethora of bugs and performance issues in Mac OS X Leopard with it's 10.5.2 release. Whislt Microsoft divert their attentions to taking over Yahoo, they still managed to finish Windows Vista Service Pack 1.
We appreciate your feedback, so please send us any questions, responses and insight you may wish to share, to smartnews@trams.co.uk
Work like a pro from import to output.
Apple has announced Aperture 2, the next major release of its photo editing and management software.
Aperture 2 features incredible tools for managing massive libraries, speeding through photo edits, making essential image adjustments, and delivering photos online and in print using one simple, integrated workflow.
Top Features include:
- Image adjustment controls such as Recovery, Definition, Vibrancy, and Vignette
- Soft-edged Retouch brush for removing unwanted elements from photos
- Next-generation RAW image processing for producing images of the highest quality
- Quick Preview mode for rapid-fire photo browsing
- Simplified user interface that maximizes screen space and provides direct access to your iPhoto library
- .Mac Web Gallery support for instantly publishing photos online, allowing visitors to both view and
download images
Now available at Trams from £109.00 (full version), £55 (upgrade) excl. VAT. Please contact your Trams account manager for more information.
Leopard grows up
Apple has released the much anticipated Mac OS X 10.5.2 Leopard update. At over 180MB the download is now available via Software Update, and a restart is required after installation.
The list of improvements is extensive and covers changes to Active Directory, AirPort, Back to my Mac, Dashboard, Dock, Desktop, iCal, iChat, iSync, Finder, Mail, Networking, Parental Controls, Preview, Printing, Raw Image, Safari, Login and Setup Assistant, System, Time Machine and several others. For a full description of what's changed visit the Apple website.
Haven't update to Leopard yet? There's never been a better time - for pricing and product information please contact your Trams account manager.
Autodesk Combustion 2008
Autodesk Combustion 2008 is now available from Trams.
According th Autodesk Combustion 2008 provides a new generation of artists with a powerful range of desktop visual effects tools, at a price-point that has never been seen before. The easy-to-use interface, non-destructive workflow, and extensive toolset can help you bring your imagination to life while getting your work done faster.
A recent article over at CreativeMac looks at Combustion's most significant new feature the ColorWarper.
Key features and capabilities include:
- Powerful creative tools: Experience in-context access to motion graphics, industry-leading 3D compositing, color correction, image stabilization, vector paint and roto, text effects, short-form editing, expressions, Flash output, and much more.
- Artist-friendly interface: The easy-to-use interface features multiple-screen, in-context design work; easy navigation; and a schematic node based view; all designed to get you to your destination quicker and easier.
- Broad Interoperability: Combustion software delivers unmatched integration with Autodesk® 3ds Max® animation software and Autodeskt® Flint®, Autodesk® Flame®, Autodesk® Inferno®, Autodesk® Fire®, and Autodesk® Smoke® systems.
- Available for both Microsoft® Windows® and Apple® Macintosh® platforms.
Please contact your Trams account manager for more information.
Swiss army knife for QuickTime updated
The Perian team has announced the release of Perian 1.1, a free QuickTime component that adds native support for many popular video formats. With Perian installed, any OS X application that uses QuickTime can now use these additional media types: AVI, FLV, MKV, MS-MPEG4 v1 & v2, DivX, 3ivX, H.264, FLV1, FSV1, VP6, H263I, VP3, HuffYUV, FFVHuff, MPEG1 & MPEG2 Video, Fraps, Windows Media Audio v1 & v2, Flash ADPCM, Xiph Vorbis (in Matroska), MPEG Layer II Audio and more.
Additional information can be found at the Perian website.
Vista Service Pack 1 finished, but not available until March
Nearly a year after the release of Windows Vista Microsoft has release Service Pack 1 to Manufacturers. According to beta test reports the Service Pack improves application compatibility, driver support, security and reliability.
DailyTech have the details. more >>
Haven't update to Vista yet? There's never been a better time - for pricing and product information please contact your Trams account manager.
News snippets
Starbucks is set to Ditch T-Mobile for AT&T. This could be good news for all you iPhone users. more >>
Apple has released the Take 2 update for the Apple TV today. The software update is available for download from your Apple TV itself. more >>
Become a certified FileMaker Pro 9 expert and generate new business opportunities. more >>
Macworld posts a useful article on tweaking Leopard Mail using 3rd party add-ons. more >>
