Apple Updates Logic Pro Audio Apps Alongside Mac Pro Launch [Mac Blog]
Alongside today’s launch of the redesigned Mac Pro and updates to Final Cut Pro X and its associated professional video apps, Apple has also released updated versions of its professional audio apps. Updates include:
Logic Pro X 10.0.5 [Direct Link]
– Adds 3 new Drummers and 11 new Drum Kit Designer patches
– Significant enhancements to Channel EQ and Linear Phase EQ plug-ins including redesigned interfaces that are also accessible within the Smart Controls area
– Solo now works as expected on channel strips using an External I/O plug-in
– Volume and pan automation is now included in XML interchange with Final Cut Pro X
– Loops that belong to the same family can be selected and changed using a new control in the region header
– The waveform size in an audio region now adapts to the value of the region Gain parameter
– The Link mode button is now available for the Piano Roll editor
– Includes stability improvements
– Compatible with Logic Remote v1.0.3
– Save & load times are significantly faster
– Workspace can be hidden to allow a larger area to view Channel Strips
– Various stability improvements
Apple’s Logic Remote 1.0.3 for iPad has also been updated for compatibility with MainStage 3.0.2. [Direct Link]
     |
Apple Looks to Improve Displays with Research on Quantum Dot Technology [iOS Blog]
Apple has filed for a United States patent detailing a quantum dot-enhanced liquid crystal display with a dichroic filter that can provide a greater accuracy of colors over traditional displays, reports AppleInsider. Similar technology is currently being used by Amazon in the Kindle Fire HDX 7, which significantly outperforms that of the Retina iPad mini with regard to color gamut and accuracy.
The patent describes quantum dots as being similar in shape to traditional nanocrystals found in regular displays, but can also change sizes in order to emit light of different colors more effectively. For instance, bigger quantum dots can emit a longer wavelength light color such as red, while small quantum dots can emit shorter wavelength light should as blue light or violet light. This results in the quantum dots being able to cover a wider and more varied color spectrum compared to current LEDs, which can only emit light in a fixed spectrum.
As one example, Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductors in the form of nanocrystals that provide an alternative display. The electronic characteristics of the QDs are generally governed by the size and shape of the nanocrystals. Quantum dots of the same material, but with different sizes, can emit light of different colors when excited. More specifically, the emission wavelength of the QDs varies with a size and shape of the quantum dots. As one example, larger dots may emit longer wavelength light, such as red light while smaller QDs may emit shorter wavelength light, such as blue light or violet light.
Apple goes on to note that one of the issues with quantum dots is the toxic nature of their contents, going on to suggest that cadmium-free quantum dots or heavy metal-free quantum dots could be used in order to alleviate the problem. The patent also suggests that there “remains a need” for designing the quantum-dot enhanced display to achieve more breakthroughs before it becomes ready for general use, including reduced toxicity, improved performance, and lower cost in fabrication.
Meanwhile, the dichroic filter that would be deployed on the quantum dot display would help reduce the density and toxic content of the quantum dots, and would also improve color and luminance levels, resulting in a more vibrant and accurate display. The filter itself would help in transmitting red light and a green light while reflecting most of a blue light, so that white light can be produced and ultimately benefit color accuracy as a whole.
It is not known exactly if or when Apple plans to integrate quantum dot enhanced displays in its products, but the company would have incentive to do so given criticisms of the Retina iPad mini display compared to Google’s and Amazon’s 7-inch tablets. Beyond mobile devices, quantum dot displays may also make their way to notebook computers, televisions and other consumer electronics over time.
| |
Shipping Estimates for Mac Pro Online Orders Slip to February 2014
Just hours after Apple began taking orders for the new Mac Pro with shipping estimates of “by December 30″ for stock configurations, availability has already slipped significantly with new orders currently being quoted shipping in February.
The rapid move to push shipping off by over a month indicates that Apple has indeed been struggling to have any Mac Pro units at all ready to ship in order to meet its previously announced launch timeframe. Reports had indicated that Intel’s chips are in short supply and may have been one of the major bottlenecks for Mac Pro production, but with an all-new design, high-end technology throughout, and Apple shifting assembly to the United States, there are any number of areas where Apple may be experiencing production constraints.
| |
KitKat coming to Galaxy S4 and Note 3 in January
French carrier, SFR, which is the evleaks of software, has reaffirmed past suspicions by stating that the Galaxy S4 and Note 3 will receive its Android 4.4 KitKat upgrade in late January/ early February.
All of you Samsung fanatics should be jumping for joy, but take a deep breath and lets break it down. Once Samsung pushes the update to its carriers, it is only a matter of time before the carriers push it to their consumers. However, this “matter of time” could take months!
Feel free to vent your frustrations and tell us how you really feel!
Source: Sammobile
The post KitKat coming to Galaxy S4 and Note 3 in January appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Alleged Galaxy S5 specs found on benchmark site
One of the expected Galaxy S5 variants, the SM-G900F, has once again shown up in a benchmark, this time on AnTuTu’s benchmark database. The AnTuTu team says it’s “almost sure” this is the international variant of the device, but comparing the benchmark results to all the leaks about the S5′s hardware, it’s possible we’re looking at a prototype that isn’t yet running the final hardware.
The main point is that the benchmark shows a screen resolution of 1,920×1,080 pixels instead of 2,650×1,440 – it’s possible the 2K display is not yet ready for use, and Samsung is simply testing the rest of the device by using a standard 1080p display at the moment (perhaps so carriers can start testing the S5 on their networks early).
Other specs of the phone match those rumored and leaked before – there’s a 2.5GHz Snapdragon 800 (MSM8974AC) processor, 3GB of RAM, a 16-megapixel rear camera and 2 megapixel front-facing camera, and Android 4.4 KitKat – and are as high-end as one would expect, though that might not remain the case when the Galaxy S5 launches, so hopefully Samsung is doing all it can to make its next flagship awesome!
Let us know what you think and if you’re holding out for the “Next Best Thing”.
Source: Antutu
Via: Sammobile
The post Alleged Galaxy S5 specs found on benchmark site appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Droid Ultra and Droid Maxx receiving Android KitKat 4.4 today
Verizon is pushing KitKat 4.4 to Droid Ultra/Max/Mini starting today and going out in phases. It’s kinda of nice to see Big Red pushing out updates in a timely manner to its flagship line of phones. So what are you waiting for? Christmas?
Follow the simple instructions below and tell us where your at (Time Zone) and what phone you have, so we can share the love.
From the Home screen, tap the Menu Key > tap Settings > About phone > System updates > Download
Source: VZW
The post Droid Ultra and Droid Maxx receiving Android KitKat 4.4 today appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Security hole left Samsung Account data vulnerable – update your account
Well here’s a bit of bad news. According to a report from Galaxy Unlocker, some Samsung devices could have exposed your Samsung account information during the account creation process.
So far only the Galaxy S 4 and the Galaxy Tab 3 are confirmed to have had the vulnerability. It’s possible more devices are affected.
What would happen is during the Samsung account creation process, the devices in question would transmit your personal data (name, e-mail address, and password) in an insecure fashion, making it possible for anyone on the same Wi-Fi network as you to swipe your info.
It doesn’t sound like much, but as you may already know, your Samsung account provides for a method to remotely control your device and track down its location. Anyone with your Samsung account information would then, in turn, be able to track you and control your device. Not good.
Supposedly Samsung has already fixed the issue and there’s nothing left to worry about, but it’s recommended you take the time and change your account password. You can do so by visiting this page on Samsung’s site.
The post Security hole left Samsung Account data vulnerable – update your account appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Early Valve Steam Machine easily torn down by team iFixit
It looks like tearing apart a Steam Machine apart is infinitely easier than getting your hands on one. Luckily iFixit had one of few fortunate beta testers on its crew, so they naturally proceeded to dismember his box and controller. Unlike other gaming consoles, this one is designed to be opened and modded by its owners, since it’s essentially a small form factor PC with removable components. After removing the single Philips screw (yay!), the team found a punchy Zotac NVIDIA GTX 780 3GB graphics card, 1TB Seagate hybrid SSHD drive, 16GB of DDR3 RAM, an Intel Core i5-4570 CPU clocked to 3.6GHz and a 450W power supply. As for the controller, the team easily cracked it open and were fans of its configurable nature and wealth of buttons. Overall, the only snafus iFixit noted were hard-to-remove RAM and a tricky cable routing system, and gave it a top-notch 9 out of 10 repairability score. This is the part where we normally say to avoid such exploits if you’re lucky enough to get one of the 300 boxes — but given these results, we’d say go for it.
Source: iFixit
Zeebox update for iOS lets you follow TV show news before the air date
Zeebox’s value as a TV show companion usually fades quickly once the credits start rolling, but it should be useful around the clock in the wake of the latest iOS app update. A fresh My TV feature lets viewers follow TV shows like they would a Facebook friend; you can now catch news and chat with fans well before an episode airs. Regardless of when you load the app, it should also be easier to join TV discussion rooms. Android users can’t join the party just yet, but Zeebox promises a My TV update for their platform in late January.
Filed under: Cellphones, Home Entertainment, Tablets, HD
Source: App Store
Europe’s billion-pixel camera blasts into space to snap the galaxy
When thinking about powerful cameras, most gadget nuts would be happy with a Lumia 1020 or a 5D Mark III, but neither of those can match what’s just left the planet. The European Space Agency has launched the Gaia satellite with a mission to photograph and map the galaxy surrounding us with an unprecedented level of detail and accuracy. Armed with a one billion pixel camera, the lens can pinpoint a far-away star with an error margin of seven micro-arcseconds, or measure a person’s thumbnail on the moon — from Earth. The satellite will now travel 1.5 million kilometers away from our home, a which point it’ll begin a five year mission to, you know, explore strange new worlds, seek out new life and new civilizations and boldly photograph where no one has photographed before.
Filed under: Cameras, Transportation, Science, Alt
Via: BBC News
Source: ESA
AIVAnet 