The editors of IDG's Macworld magazine and Web sites on Wednesday announced their picks for Best of Show at Macworld Conference & Expo 2005 in Boston, Mass. The show runs through Thursday, July 14th, at the Hynes Convention Center.
The Best of Show awards represent the most exciting hardware and software products announced at Macworld Conference & Expo in Boston. Jim Dalrymple, Editor Online for Macworld, presented the awards on the show floor today.
"Whether iPod or Macintosh products, developers at Macworld Conference & Expo, Boston are making innovative solutions that are both powerful and easy to use," said Dalrymple.
To be eligible for Best of Show consideration, products were either making their public debut at Macworld Expo or were recently introduced and likely to generate excitement on the show floor. In addition, the editors had to see the products in action.
"Macworld Best of Show Awards" represent a highly-coveted honor within the Macintosh industry and are presented exclusively at Macworld Conference & Expo.
@Last Software SketchUp 5.0
@Last Software Inc. has released SketchUp 5.0, the latest version of its architectural design tool for Mac OS X users. The new version of the software adds a collection of "Sandbox" tools to aid landscape designers, a vastly expanded component library, enhanced sketching tools, improved file import and export support and much more. It costs US$495 or $95 to upgrade from previous releases.
DLO Transpod for iPod shuffle
Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) has introduced the Transpod for iPod shuffle, an FM transmitter for iPod shuffle users that plugs into your automobile's cigarette lighter or accessory jack. Tunable to any FM radio frequency, it charges the iPod shuffle and plays using a USB connector, but the device also touts a 3.5mm auxiliary audio input to connect any other headphone-equipped music player or device -- and the USB connector can charge gaming systems and cell phones.
Harman Kardon Drive + Play
Harman Kardon's Drive + Play lets you hard-wire your iPod into your automobile. It includes an illuminated navigation wheel, a backlit LCD display that lets you view the contents of your iPod and the "Brain," an interface box that connects the iPod to the vehicle and charge it while you're driving, through a Dock Connector interface. A 3.5mm output connects to any car with an auxiliary input jack, and it can send your songs to an FM receiver if your car can't accept an auxiliary input. It can also route other audio signals like satellite radio to the car's audio system. Look for it in September for $199.
Parliant PhoneValet Anywhere, PhoneValet Podcast
Parliant Corp. has extended the capabilities of their PhoneValet software and hardware -- which turns a Mac into a virtual call center, complete with call history tracking, custom voicemail greetings and much -- with PhoneValet Anywhere. PhoneValet Anywhere lets PhoneValet Message Center 3.0 users access their messages and reports, call log and phone book from anywhere using an Internet connection. PhoneValet Anywhere costs $79.95 for the Web server software and a two-user license; additional licenses cost $19.95. The software requires PhoneValet 3.0 hardware and software, which costs $199.95.
Parliant is also reaching out to companies and individuals experimenting with the burgeoning medium of "podcasting" with PhoneValet Podcast, an extension to PhoneValet Message Center 3.0 that includes tools for capturing, cleaning and editing phone-based conversations using VST editions of BIAS's SoundSoap 2 and Peak Express -- existing users can upgrade for $74.95, or you can purchase the whole kit for $249.95.
Software MacKiev The Print Shop for Mac 2.0
Software MacKiev is adding page layout functionality requested by users to its forthcoming release of The Print Shop 2.0 -- it now includes rules, gridlines, guidelines and snap functionality through menu items and in a layout palette. A redesigned project window makes it easier to get started by grouping items into four categories: Celebration, Stationery, News and Projects. Drag and drop support has been added to iPhoto, Mail and other applications, and Tiger users gain Spotlight search and eight photo effects that leverage Tiger's Core Image technology. The software can also open files created in Windows editions 6 - 20, as well. Priced at $49.95, the Print Shop for Mac 2.0 will be available in August.
"IDG's Macworld announces Best of Show awards" Comments