A.P.P.L.E. Glimpses is where we introduce new Apple and Macintosh products. Each month, we will be writing about items that we think are noteworthy here. Although items are listed here, it does not mean an endorsement. It only means that we figured the item was interesting enough to be noted to the Apple community.
This month we have a nice variety of items. We hope that you will find them as interesting as we did. If you do decide to purchase a product we mention here, say that you saw it in Call-A.P.P.L.E. Magazine.
Apple releases Bluetooth Preview 2
Apple computer Inc. released the next preview release of the Bluetooth software for PDA’s. Some of the items that they have updated in this release are the support for the 2-byte character sets such as Japanese and Chinese characters as well as support for devices other than cell phones. They have also added the ability to create outgoing serial ports.
While the adapters have been available for $49 from the apple web site since March 23rd 2002, the software has still been fairly preliminary. This update goes a long way in keeping the interest in the product but the lateness off the final release shows that Apple still has a long way to go in finalizing the software side.
Apple also has established a new feedback email address for the Bluetooth technology. The address is bluetooth@apple.com.
Apple Computer Inc.
1 Infinite Loop
Cupertino, Ca. 95014
408-996-1010
http://www.apple.com/bluetooth/
Vindigo releases OS X version
Vindigo Corporation released a version of its popular personal navigation software for OS X. While this version is for the Palm Desktop 4, it is a definite plus in the arena of portability software allowing those users with Palm PDA’s and OS X to use their machines. While support has been slow in turning to the OS X platform, it is finally forthcoming and Vindigo’s product goes a long way in making the transition a bit less painful.
Vindigo Inc.
259 W. 30th Street
4th Floor
New York, NY 10001
www.vindigo.com
Gefen Inc. Extends USB to 1650 feet
Gefen Inc., one of the premier cable extension companies has struck gold once again with its new USB 500 which allows 4 USB cables to be extended up to 1650 feet. The extension is done through two USB 500 boxes and fiber optic cable. This box while not really useful for the home user, has some potential in the corporate world.
Gefen also has other cable extension products as well as conversion and multi cable products which are useful in almost any environment.
Gefen Inc.
6265 Variel Ave.
Woodland Hills, CA, 91367
www.gefen.com
