Apple news blog

This script describes an AppleScript that uses Imagesnap, a public-domain command line tool, to take a photo with the built-in iSight camera when a specified file is opened. It saves the photo as a JPEG with a filename based on the time/date, and then hides the JPEG. The light by the side of the camera will flash briefly when the snap is taken.

This hint could be very easily adapted to run lots of different functions, for example taking a screen shot. Before writing this script, I had not realized the large potential of Folder Actions Setup. Also described is a method to simply temporarily disable the action when you are opening the folder.

First create a new folder called UnixApps in the main (top-level) Library folder. After downloading Imagesnap, place the Imagesnap application in the new folder (resultant path: /Library/UnixApps/imagesnap). It could easily be saved elsewhere, but …

One common gripe for the Mac old-timers is the switch from the ‘Spatial Finder’ of OS 9 to the ‘Browser-style Finder’ of OS X (pioneered in Windows 95). You can relive the old days now in Snow Leopard with this tip.

As a bit of background: OS 9 treated displayed each folder’s contents only once on screen, and always in it’s own window, and always in the same place on-screen. This was done to mimic the real life desktop and folder paradigm. OS X follows a more web-like paradigm, where each Finder window can be used to view any folder’s contents, and a single folder can be viewed simultaneously in multiple windows.

However, you can relive the old days of OS 9′s spatial Finder by turning off the sidebar and toolbar. To do this, click the capsule-shaped button in the upper right of a Finder window. Once the sidebar is gone, opening folders will act like they did in OS 9: opening into their own windows.

Note, it’s actually possible to have both OS 9-style folde…

This hint descrbies a method I’ve developed for converting high definition (HD) video captured by my Hauppauge HD-PVR into a high-quality standard DVD format using a series of Automator workflows and additional software.

The combination of the Hauppauge HD-PVR video capture and conversion device and Elgato’s EyeTV 3 software provides the only method of which I’m aware for capturing high definition video (1080i resolution) from any compatible source.

I do it this way because the issues of cost and portability for routinely preserving video captured at HD resolution make standard DVD format the best choice for me. I also believe that this method gives me a higher quality result, in terms of time and effort spent, than any I could achieve through exporting to iDVD or Toast or anything else that I can afford. Also, I don’t believe there’s any other way to preserve 5.1 audio when converting video with these specifications to standard DVD format.

I’ve …

Humble Daisy today announced its Happy Anniversary Macintosh sale for ProfCast. The company is offering a 75% discount on single license purchases of ProfCast between January 24th and January 29th, 2010. ProfCast is a versatile, powerful, yet very simple to use tool for recording and distributing lectures, special events, and presentations as podcasts. It’s perfect for professionals and educators alike who need to provide a more flexible, richer media to supplement traditional pedagogical tools.

The member companies of the Enterprise Desktop Alliance are committed to supporting Snow Leopard migration and management in large organizations. The Enterprise Desktop Alliance is hosting a webinar, Snow Leopard Integration in the Enterprise on February 3 at 10 am ET. The cross-platform solutions available from the Alliance members address systems lifecycle management, and include Absolute Software, Centrify, Group Logic, Web Help Desk and Parallels.

The New York Times reported late last night that Amazon is deploying a software development kit (SDK) to allow developers to bring applications to the company’s Kindle e-book reader. The move follows a change in the Kindle Store’s e-book royalty pro…

WaterField Designs announces a new, custom-fitted Suede Jacket case for the Google Nexus One phone. The minimalist WaterField Suede Jacket made from scratch-free Ultrasuede provides a snug but comfortable fit specifically sized for Motorola’s newest smartphone. Through February 28, 2010, WaterField Designs will donate 5% of all Nexus One case sales to the international medical humanitarian organization, Doctors Without Borders, for Haiti earthquake victim relief. Please join us in our effort.

Norwegian iPhone developer, Nor Eagle, released their latest game Fumbers yesterday. The game’s retail-price was wrong and Nor Eagle failed to disclose the fact that the title is on introductory-sale until the end of the week. Fumbers is a numbers game that its developer claims will help fight Alzheimer’s Disease. Its mechanics fits perfectly with the cognitive reserve theory. Studies suggest that exercising your brain might help prevent the effect of the disease.

Marware Inc. is pleased to announce Project X 2.0, project management software for Snow Leopard, is now available. Project X 2.0 takes a redefined approach to traditional project management by simplifying the usage and focusing on collaboration, communication, and management. Save time, money, and get organized with Project X 2.0. Project X 2.0 is ideal for projects such as: event planning, house renovations, creative designing, construction management, travel and many more.

Parasol today released Revolve 1.0, an experimental ambient reaction game for iPhone and iPod touch. Combining abstract visuals and soothing ambient music by Jori Kemppi with addictive gameplay, Revolve is at the same time a relaxing and challenging gaming experience. The rules are simple: Touch the screen when a circle is in the zone of the same color. Accuracy is rewarded, missteps are punished severely.