panic
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Mac OS X kernel panic screensaver - let the pranks begin
What's better than a Dashboard widget that can display a Mac OS X kernel panic? A full-on screensaver that can simulate one, of course! Mark Johns of Doomlaser has built an eerily realistic kernel panic screensaver, right down to the slowly dropping grey shade of despair, that will surely induce panic in the hearts of its victims in the way that only the haunting question of "oh crap, did I save?!" can. For a nice touch of style, it can even pause iTunes to really stop the show.Watch a demo of the screensaver here in this post, or head over to YouTube for the original. Finally, you can snag your own pranktastic copy from Doomlaser.
Siemens AySystem utilizes GPS / GRPS for emergency tracking, alerting
While Siemens HQ is probably still dusting itself from last year's invasion, that's not stopping the whole show 'round those parts, as the firm is introducing a new form of emergency communication with its AySystem. By utilizing worldwide GSM / GRPS networks (and optionally, GPS), the pocketable device can be tracked, modified, and used as a channel of communication between a caregiver and patient, parent and child, boss and subordinate, or any other useful combination of individuals. Essentially, the Ay token is given to the person who needs monitored, and the other party can adjust various "thresholds" such as motion (or the lack thereof), temperature, and sound, and if that limit is surpassed (i.e. a patient stops moving), the token will sound an alarm whilst simultaneously texting / calling a user-selected individual. Moreover, it can be remotely controlled and tweaked via a web-based interface, and users can add "SnapOns" such as GPS receivers and cameras to extend its functionality even futher. Thankfully, the platform in which the device runs on is entirely Java-based, which should please those looking to code their own programs to take full advantage of what's being offered. As of now, we're not exactly sure how much this fancy panic button will end up costing, but it is slated to be made available "via mobile carriers or through pre-paid plans" in the not too distant future.[Via Gizmag]
Transmit 3.5.4
Don't panic! Panic just released an update to their uber-popular FTP/SFTP client Transmit which purportedly squashes all those nasty bugs which have been driving you crazy. Version 3.5.4 fixes issues with certain SFTP servers, adds a preference pane to keep you connected even through some troublesome routers, improved WebDAV support and permissions reliability, and fixes an issue with the "Transfer Complete" sound. 3.5.4 also improves overall application stability. Now, this might seem a bit silly, but my favorite thing about the notification email I received from Panic is the fact that they put a big, prominent download link at the top of the message. Thats the kind of smart thinking and small touches I love and expect from Mac developers.
More Portland Apple Store drama
We mentioned that the Portland Apple Store was a no go, but Cabel Sasser, Portland resident and Mac developer (of Panic fame) has investigated the story some more. It seems that the good people of Portland were concerned about Apple just plopping another carbon copy of an Apple store in their fair city. Apple, hip to style, worked with the Landmarks Commission to come up with a rendering as seen above, which is a departure from the normal Apple Store. Sadly, it still wasn't good enough and it looks like Apple is taking its ball and going home.Cabel has heard that Apple might try again, and here's hoping they do. I mean, who doesn't like the Apple Store?
Transmit 3.5.4 released
Transmit, Panic's FTP client that I firmly believe was coded by angels, has been updated to version 3.5.4. They offer detailed release notes, but the cliff notes include SFTP error improvements, upload/download error and Growl notification fixes, navigation tweaks and much more.Transmit 3.5.4 is a free update and available from Panic's site.
Game & Watch compilation coming soon?
Nintendo of Japan recently announced that through its Club Nintendo program, gamers over in Japan would be able to acquire Game & Watch Compilation, which features three classics in Donkey Kong, Oil Panic, and Greenhouse. In purchasing Japanese Nintendo games, there are included inserts that equal a certain amount of points, 500 to be exact, will score the gamer a copy of this compilation. As of now, there is no word on a release for the US, but here's to hoping it's successful over there as I know I'm not the only US gamer who would love to get their mitts on a copy.[Via Game Brink]
FTP explained
Who better to explain the ins and outs of the twisted FTP world than Steven Frank, one of the minds behind Transmit? Well, that's exactly what Steve has done for us on his blog. If you don't know your SFTP from your FTPS then this is the article for you.Sure, he recommends that you try his company's FTP application, but that doesn't mean he isn't FTP knowledgeable.
Omni Group adds tshirts to product list
Not to be out done by Panic, the Omni Group has decided to enter the tshirt fray. They are offering three different designs (my favorite is WWOGD?) each for $24.95. Not only that, but the blog post announcing the shirts hints at a new Omni product that will be available shortly.I hope it is pants.Thanks, Dan.
Got files to transfer? Check out Yummy FTP
I keep a lot of backups safely tucked away on my online storage space. So, I spend a decent amount of time each weekend either in Terminal or Transmit. However, that doesn't mean I'm unwilling to check out alternate FTP clients. Yummy FTP looks pretty good. It has support for both FTP and SFTP, automatic failure recovery, folder synchronization and more. What I really like are the "bookmarks." Basically, they're droplets that you can point to any directory in your online space. From there, you just drop a file you want transferred onto the bookmark and off it goes. Yummy FTP is good about asking if you want to make a new bookmark for new directories, as well as where you'd like them stored.* Other features include: Easy scheduling setup Can be scripted with Applescript Remote editing with your favorite editor Yummy FTP requires Mac OS 10.3 or later, and costs $25US for a single license. A fifteen day trial is available.*Yes, I know that the current version of Transmit lets you create droplets as well, but I liked Yummy FTP's method.
Use a webpage as your desktop with WebDesktop
Here's a handy bit of freeware. WebDesktop lets you use any web page as your desktop picture. Simply enter the URL of a terrific website (like, say, this one), set the transparency and reload rate and you're all set! When in the background, the page you're monitoring acts as your desktop picture, but when in front, you can scroll, click and otherwise interact with that site as if you were using a typical browser.MacDesktop requires Mac OS 10.3.9 or higher, is free, and universal.[Via FreeMacWare]
Flying suicide bomber drones could be almost unstoppable
If you thought the 12-gauge shotgun-wielding AutoCopter was bad news, imagine one of the little menaces in the hands of a terrorist and strapped with several pounds of explosives -- or worse, biological, chemical, or radiological payloads. Several experts are warning that we are nearly defenseless against such attacks, even though terrorists have already shown a propensity for using such tactics in the Middle East and South America, and are known to have purchased so-called "drone" airplanes capable of high-precision navigation even over long distances. One scenario that is particularly disturbing involves a fleet of drones or robotic helicopters launched from an off-shore freighter, sent en masse to attack a large gathering like a sporting event where stampeding from panic would likely cause more deaths than the bombs themselves. The Pentagon is supposedly working on an drone-killing drone of its own, called Peregrine, that would patrol the skies and intercept any hostile aircraft -- but the main problem seems to be finding, not destroying these things, and you'd need a whole lot of Peregrines to cover every potential target in the US.[Via Phys Org]
Tips on removing apps from the Sync Services database
If you've ever installed an app that can take advantage of .Mac syncing services and then stopped using it or removed it for one reason or another, you might have noticed that its listing in the .Mac System Preferences pane still lingers. This could be a nuisance to neat-freaks, but it could also cause complications in some cases.Fortunately, a post at macosxhints has done some digging into the matter and revealed a few clues to cleaning up the mess. It turns out that Panic, makers of Transmit, offer a Terminal tip for removing Transmit from the .Mac sync services list. This inspired the macosxhints poster to do some digging to see about other services, so check out their post if you're looking to do some .Mac sync services spring cleaning.
Panic updates Stattoo
Panic's Stattoo helps you keep track of what you need to keep track of. When launched, it "tattoos" a strip of statistical capsules (I hate to say it, but think "widgets") across the bottom of your screen (you can reposition it if you like). You can assign a hotkey or key combination to briefly move it in front all windows, otherwise it simply acts as a part of your desktop picture. Available capsules include a clock, iCal event monitor, Mail monitor (now with Gmail support), weather, disk status, an RSS reader and more. Today, Panic released version 1.5. Changes include: Universal Binary, The mail capsule now supports GMail A new RSS capsule There's more, of course, and you can get the full run-down here. Stattoo costs $12.95 for a single license and requires Mac OS 10.4 or later.
Candybar 2.6 is available
Earlier today, The Iconfactory and Panic made Candybar version 2.6 available for download. I just love this app. With Candybar, you can easily (and safely) change your Mac's system icons, but it doesn't end there. Just drag any application onto the "App Extras" well and alter any of its associated icons. Put the icons you want in Mail's toolbar or iPhoto's edit window for example. Backups of your original icons are made, and restoring them is easy if things go wrong. Changes to version 2.6 include: Added built-in support for up to Mac OS X 10.4.6 Application icons can now be changed in the App Extras tab Applications tab now supports type-ahead for finding applications quicker Fixed problem with iPods not appearing in the Volumes tab Universal binary There's much more, of course, and you can get the full run-down here. This is a free upgrade for registered users, and a single license will cost you $12.95US. Candybar requires Mac OS 10.3.9 or later.
Video of DS Lite's eyeball-melting display
Cabel, co-founder of "shockingly good" Mac software group Panic--who also (pointedly) make those awesome Namco-licensed We Love Katamari shirts--recently got his very lucky hands on an imported DS Lite. He was so wowed by the screen's brightness, he made a video and shared it with us.After praising the screen's color and impressive viewing angle, Cabel narrates, "The real kicker here is that this thing is not even at its brightest level. You can take it to a higher level, at which point it demolishes the old system. And you can even take it to a higher level at which point using the DS Lite might kill you [emphasis his]! The screen is undoubtedly amazing..."Alright Cabel, we get it: you're literally swimming in Katamari t-shirts and you have a DS Lite that is so bright, you can damage your eyes just thinking about it. Some guys have all the fun. See also:DS Lite pr0n galleryMore DS, DS lite, & GBA SP comparison pics[Thanks, Cabel]
Transmit goes universal
Transmit, Panic's great FTP client, has been updated to version 3.5. This release is a universal binary, and other changes include: The ability to edit any remote file, in any application Improved synchronization The ability to create your own droplets You can read the full change log here. I use Transmit all the time and really love it (iDisk is way faster via Transmit than OS X's Finder). Transmit requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later and is priced at $29.95US.
