KeyCue is a handy tool for learning and remembering keyboard shortcuts. Whenever the command key is kept pressed for a while, KeyCue displays a table with all keyboard shortcuts available in the currently active application.
iKey is a popular macro program that lets you perform custom action sequences with hotkeys. As with menu shortcuts, when you have defined a lot of useful macros, remembering all the hotkeys for invoking them becomes a challenge.
Starting with version 5.2 of KeyCue and version 2.5 of iKey, the two applications work together allowing KeyCue to show the currently active iKey shortcuts. The new version of KeyCue comes with a number of enhancements and fixes, including improved compatibility with FileMaker Pro 11 and Keyboard Maestro.
“With KeyCue, it has always been possible to display and explore available shortcuts on your Mac. With iKey, you can automate repetitive actions by creating shortcuts. The cooperation with Plum Amazing allows us to make KeyCue’s functionality available also for iKey shortcuts,” said Günther Blaschek, CTO of Ergonis Software. “This combination will take the productivity of our joint customers to a new level.”
“On the Mac, there has always been a mystery what hotkeys are being used and for what purpose. KeyCue solves this mystery in a very elegant way, by showing all the available hotkeys in one place. iKey automates repetitive actions or series of actions and assigns them to hotkeys. The integration of KeyCue with iKey gives Mac users a boost in productivity. iKey owners get a way to see all their shortcut hotkeys in one place when they also use KeyCue. Together, KeyCue and iKey are a great team,” said Julian Miller, CEO of Plum Amazing.
The productivity paradox of keyboard shortcuts is that shortcuts were designed to increase productivity. However, productivity actually decreases when applications provide large numbers of shortcuts, in particular when the shortcuts are defined inconsistently across applications. KeyCue’s elegantly simple solution is to detect and display an instant overview of all shortcuts, i.e., the overall functionality of any application. Over time, KeyCue users will automatically remember frequently used shortcuts and start working more efficiently.
KeyCue has already received many awards, including a 4.5-Mice award from MacWorld magazine.
Availability and Ordering:
KeyCue 5.2 requires Mac OS X 10.4 or newer. Mac OS X 10.6 or newer is recommended. KeyCue 5.2 is a recommended update for everyone running on Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard).
KeyCue can be purchased securely on the Ergonis Software website. The upgrade to KeyCue 5.2 is free for anyone who has purchased KeyCue in the last 2 years. For information about purchases, including enterprise licenses, volume discounts, and upgrade pricing offers, see http://www.ergonis.com/products/keycue.
iKey is available from Plum Amazing at http://plumamazing.com/mac/ikey.
“A lack of competitive tablet PC products from other brands continues to drive Apple’s market share in the mobile PC segment. As the iPad continues its worldwide rollout, one developed region where the acceptance of the iPad has been weak is Japan, however. Questions of local language content and language-specific apps have slowed acceptance in this tech savvy region,” noted Chris Connery, Vice President of Large Format Displays at DisplaySearch. “As other players come to market with tablet PCs it will be interesting to see if they can move beyond the Western-centric nature of Apple’s product and develop an infrastructure to support local needs, especially with the growth of consumer spending in China on personal computing devices.”
“On a global scale, the adoption of iPad is not without its challenges,” noted Hidetoshi Himuro, Director of IT Market Research at DisplaySearch. “Localized content in non-English speaking regions is sparse, and iPad owners must have a PC for downloading content from iTunes. As a result, penetration in developing regions will be slow.”
HP maintained its position as the global leader in mobile PC shipments with 9.5 million units shipped in Q3’10, accounting for a 17.3% market share. Acer followed close behind with 9.1 million units shipped and a 16.5% market share. Apple’s MacBook shipments have also increased, but have not had the impact of the iPad. Without the iPad, Apple’s mobile PC share would be 4.8%, ranking #8 globally. The top five brands account for 65.2% of the total mobile PC market, as the strength of brand names continues to grow.
In Q3’10, worldwide mobile PC shipments (which include tablet PCs) reached 55 million, up 9.6% Q/Q and 19% Y/Y, the highest volume since DisplaySearch first began to track this segment in 1999.
Both sequential and yearly growth seemed strong in many regions, but it should be noted that new personal computing devices such as netbooks and tablet PCs, as well as lower-priced notebooks, are driving most of the demand. In high-growth regions such as China, consumers still favor traditional desktop PC and external monitor configurations, typically purchased as a DIY (do-it-yourself) kit, for home use. However, the market is changing quickly in China, so the transition from desktop to mobile PCs is poised to happen much faster in this region than it did in others. Recognizing the evolving definition of a “personal computer,” especially for consumers, is key to understanding the true demand outlook.
The DisplaySearch Quarterly Mobile PC Shipment and Forecast Report covers the entire range of mobile PC products shipped worldwide and regionally. Covering global and regional brands, the Quarterly Mobile PC Shipment and Forecast Report provides an objective, expert view of the market with insight into historical shipments, revenues, forecasts and more. For more information about the report, please contact Charles Camaroto at 1.888.436.7673 or 1.516.625.2452, e-mail contact@displaysearch.com or contact your regional DisplaySearch office in China, Japan, Korea or Taiwan or more information.
Based on the Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure TV special, the app follows the Latina heroine as she travels through time to teach the mischievous fox Swiper all about the spirit of Christmas. Even though Swiper has given Dora trouble on her past adventures, Dora believes everyone deserves a second chance, especially during the holidays.
“In terms of interactive storytelling, I think Dora is the best possible property to work with,” says Michael Elman, Creative Director at Budge Studios. “The television show is already extremely interactive, often calling on children to answer questions, or sing and dance along. Our apps take that experience and bring the interactions to life. It’s the perfect fit.”
“This app allows kids to continue enjoying Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure in a fun and exciting way that gives them control over the action,” said Tanya Van Court, SVP and GM of Nick Jr. and ParentsConnect. “Kids are able to interact with Dora by playing an app that features state-of-the-art technology on three of their favorite portable devices.”
Children and parents can follow along as Dora narrates the tale, or they can choose to read the story for themselves. Along their Christmas journey, they will interact with the environment to help Swiper in when he encounters challenges. The app features wonderful animations, all-original songs and several enjoyable in-game activities.
Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure at a glance:
Features several activities and mini-games
Offers wonderful lessons on sharing and the spirit of Christmas
Users can listen to Dora’ narration of the story, read it on their own, or have it read to them
Features Dora singing a special Christmas song
The iPad version features HD graphics and remarkably smooth animations
The iPhone and iPod touch versions feature special motion control in a “time traveling” mini-game
Watch Trailer: www.budgestudios.ca/dora
Pricing and Availability
Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure is $2.99 for the iPhone and iPod touch and $4.99 for the iPad and available exclusively on the App Store in the Games – Kids section. At launch, the apps will have a Special Discount for a limited time: $1.99 for the iPhone and iPod touch and $3.99 for the iPad.
algoriddim, creators of the award-winning software djay for Mac, today announced its djay for iPad App is now available on the App Store. The app takes advantage of the enhanced audio capabilities of iOS 4.2 and leverages iPad’s innovative Multi Touch interface to bring users ever closer to the experience of mixing on real turntables.
Since its release, DJ’s and audiophiles have viewed iPad as the next frontier for creating and mixing their favorite music. djay for iPad delivers the audio capabilities and interface necessary to stretch the limits of any music maker’s creativity to make this vision a reality. The app directly links the user to their iTunes music library providing easy access to their favorite tracks, enabling them to get spinning and making music right away.
Helping to blur the line even further between touchscreen and vinyl is djay for iPad’s remarkably low latency, providing an ultra-responsive and realistic scratching experience. Furthermore, the app offers eye-popping waveforms that allow users to mix their songs visually as well as automatic detection of a song’s tempo and rhythm for easy synchronization and seamless, beat-matched transitions between songs.
“djay for iPad takes the idea of iPad as a portable sound system to a whole new level,” said Karim Morsy, CEO of algoriddim. “By combining direct access to a user’s iTunes music library with our intuitive dual-turntable and mixer set-up designed exclusively for iPad, the djay App lets users of any skill level explore the world of DJing. From Automix to live performance, djay for iPad was designed to be the ultimate solution for aspiring DJs and professionals alike.”
With one of the most realistic dual-turntable interfaces currently available and algoriddim’s cutting-edge audio technology powering a host of new features, djay for iPad will keep even the most seasoned spinner engaged for hours. Professionals can tactilely spin records the way they would when utilizing professional equipment, adding an entirely new tier of user interaction with iPad’s large, high-resolution display and innovative Multi Touch interface. djay for iPad follows the highly-acclaimed releases of djay 3 for Mac, the Vestax Spin controller, and djay Remote for iPhone and iPod touch.
Feature Highlights:
* Direct Access to a User’s iTunes Music Library: Browse your entire music library and easily select, play, mix and scratch your favorite songs;
* Automix Mode: One of djay’s most popular features now incorporated for iPad. Automix blends an iTunes music playlist into a continuous mix with automatic transitions;
* Live Recording: Capture your mix in pristine audio quality to share with the rest of the world;
* Seamless AirPlay Audio Integration: Stream your mix wirelessly to Apple TV, AirPort Express station, or any AirPlay-supported speaker dock, AV receiver, and stereo system;
* Visual Mixing with Waveforms: Mix music visually, using stunning overview and detail to seamlessly cue to specific points;
* BPM Sync: djay’s automatic beat and tempo detection allows users to easily match the playback speed of two songs for a perfect transition with the click of a button;
* Pre-Cueing: Preview and prepare the next song with headphones (requires optional split output adapter);
* Auto-Cut Scratching: Lets you scratch in sync with the song’s beat and rhythm while djay operates the crossfader automatically;
* Multi-Tasking: Run djay in Automix mode and listen to a continuous mix running in the background while you surf the web or play games.
Pricing & Availability:
The djay for iPad App is available for $19.99 from the App Store on iPad or at www.itunes.com/appstore.
For more information on djay for iPad or any of algoriddim’s award-winning products, please visit www.algoriddim.com.
Bracketron, the leading manufacturer in mounting solutions for mobile consumer electronics, today introduced the new Hip-Kicker line for Apple iPhone 4G. The Hip-Kicker is sold as a stand-alone belt clip, or with a variety of detachable mounting configuration options for your car, including windshield and air vent.
For added convenience, the product also features a “kickstand” feature for viewing in portrait or landscape mode on a desktop.
“The Hip-Kicker product line offers iPhone 4 users unparalleled versatility in their car or on the go,” said Mark Mandel, Executive Vice President. “This is an exciting new line for iPhone users everywhere and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to developing innovative products for that market.”
Hip-Kicker products are available at many leading consumer electronics retailers and on the Bracketron website at www.bracketron.com.
Verizon showcases its new announcement with a video explaining all the bells and whistles of LTE but it is at the 2:35 mark (view) of the video that is of interest. Lindsay Notwell, Executive Director, 4G LTE Startegy and Planning, talks about “connected cars” with a video shot of an iPhone 4 running onStar’s app. Now while this could be just a still shot pulled from GMs site and nothing more than that, wouldn’t Verizon at least wish to show off one of its phones? With the ability of any phone to connect to a FordSync equipped vehicle, for example, Verizon could have easily picked up on some Ford marketing for a shot to better fit the Verizon Wireless line of handsets. Instead, the hottest smartphone on the market only available on its competitor network was shown. Mmmm.
So, is this just a mere oversight on Verizon or a hint that the iPhone 4 is just around the corner? I believe this is just another tea leave exposing that indeed, Verizon and Apple will be soon announcing the iPhone 4 coming to the largest network in the United States. My guess is we will Steve Jobs pulling his infamous One More Thing at the iPad 2G announcement and bring out on stage Verizon’s CEO Ivan Seidenberg to make the announcement this January.
Yes, the new year is looking mighty good.
Bracketron, the leading manufacturer in mounting solutions for mobile consumer electronics, today announced two new mounting solutions for the popular Apple iPad. The first, a desktop stand is ideal for use at home or the office. The second product is a headrest mount that attaches to the back of the driver or passenger headrest for backseat viewing.
“The iPad has exploded in popularity and revitalized the tablet computing business,” said Mark Mandel, Executive Vice President. “These two products are ideal solutions that intelligently extend the use of the iPad at home, the office or when traveling.”
Both products are available at many leading consumer electronics retailers and on the Bracketron website at Bracketron, the leading manufacturer in mounting solutions for mobile consumer electronics, today announced two new mounting solutions for the popular Apple iPad. The first, a desktop stand is ideal for use at home or the office. The second product is a headrest mount that attaches to the back of the driver or passenger headrest for backseat viewing.
“The iPad has exploded in popularity and revitalized the tablet computing business,” said Mark Mandel, Executive Vice President. “These two products are ideal solutions that intelligently extend the use of the iPad at home, the office or when traveling.”
Both products are available at many leading consumer electronics retailers and on the Bracketron website at www.bracketron.com.
The NewerTech NuPad Organizer is available immediately for $49.95 MSRP from
NewerTech’s exclusive distributor, Other World Computing (OWC®), as well as through the retail channel, and comes with a Lifetime NewerTech Warranty. For more information, visit: http://www.newertech.com/products/nupadorganizer.php. For more information on NewerTech’s complete line of computer accessories and upgrades for Macs, PCs, and iDevices, visit: http://www.newertech.com/products.
Organizes & Adds Comfort With Factory Look
The NuPad Organizer improves Mac user productivity by keeping various Apple input devices cleanly arranged and readily accessible with a factory-like appearance. Engineered to hold all Apple Aluminum Keyboard models, the NewerTech NuPad Organizer’s durable Optix acrylic base features a permanently affixed premium grade leather wrist rest for improved typing comfort. When used with a standard Apple Aluminum Keyboard, the NuPad Organizer offers open space for using either the Apple Magic Trackpad or any Apple mouse via the included top grade Brazilian leather mousepad.
Product Highlights:
• Opaque White Optix Acrylic base
• Permanently affixed premium grade Brazilian leather wrist rest
• Non-slip, natural closed cell sponge rubber underside for optimum stability
• Accurate tracking surface for optical, laser or rollerball mice
• Handcrafted in the US
• Weight: 1.2lbs
• Lifetime Warranty
Compatible With:
• Apple Wireless Keyboard Aluminum
• Apple Keyboard Aluminum
• Apple Keyboard Aluminum with Numeric Keypad
• Apple Magic Mouse, Apple Mighty Mouse, or any other type of mouse
• Apple Magic Trackpad
“Studies have shown that a well-organized work area boosts productivity, and the NuPad Organizer enables Mac users to take control of their desktop,” said Grant Dahlke, Brand Manager, Newer Technology, Inc. “The NuPad Organizer’s comfortable wrist support and non-slip tray make this an ideal workspace enhancer for home, business, and educational use.”
TotsMobile has just released BugMath, a new educational game for the iPhone that teaches kids (ages 3 to 6) fundamental skills in counting, sequencing, addition, subtraction, and matching in a fun and interactive way. But what sets BugMath apart from competitors is its method of instruction, which is based on Singapore’s math principles.
Since Singapore’s math curriculum consistently earns top 3 ranking worldwide, Totsmobile created BugMath using the country’s main concepts, utilizing comprehensible visual cues, reinforcement of lessons in the form of games, and an engaging storyline to more effectively teach math to young children.
BugMath features a friendly alien named Ug-ug who crash-lands on Aliennz, a planet that’s full of bugs. Kids can join Ug-ug on his adventure to escape his buggy foes in five fun games, all of which teach math skills in a graduated format. Kids can start with Counting and Bug Attack and then progress on to Big & Small, Matching, and Plus Minus Bugs.
Check out our video review of the all new Sonos Wireless Dock 100 and see how you can play Apple’s FairPlay protected content on any Sonos system.