January 26, 2005

REAL Software News

REAL Software Presenting at DEMO@15
REAL Software Inc. has been selected among hundreds of applicants to present its newest product line at DEMO@15! The conference takes place on February 13-15, 2005 at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona. In its 15th year, the DEMO conference attracts executives, analysts, venture capitalists and journalists who seek to learn about new technologies. The invitation-only event enables these industry leaders to gather information and gain insight to help them make better business decisions relating to technology and investments.

REALbasic Items

Undo Toolkit v1.2.2
Undo Toolkit allows you to add unlimited undo and redo to your REALbasic project. The toolkit includes classes that track and record undoable actions, a Window subclass that automatically prompts the user to save changes, support for MacOS X features such as sheet windows and the Aqua "red dot" change flag, and one-to-one replacements for the built-in REALbasic controls. New in version 1.2.2 are updates to UndoableEditField, UndoableListBox, and better stack trace support.

Code Spell v1.0
Code Spell is a spell checker designed for spell checking programming source code comments and quoted strings. The source code is parsed and comments are color coded with misspelled words marked in red. Correcting misspelled words is as simple as point and click. Code spell supports the parsing of user definable single line and multiline comments. Code Spell allows you to batch spell check source code efficiently. Pricing for Code Spell is $15.00. Code Spell is available for Mac OS X and Windows.

REALbasic Calendar Event System
REALbasic Calendar Event System is a collection of classes that allows developers to implement a fully interactive month and daily view of event data within the REALbasic programming environment. There's a Month view and week view included. With this, you can easily add a "iCal-esque" style calendar system to your RB applications. It's provided as open source (with some limitations). Updates include the ability to do multi-day and all day events in the month and daily view, convenient event-handling and more.

My Money Minder v1.5.2
My Money Minder allows you to keep track of all your expenses, income and bank account balances. These can be organised into an unlimited number of user defined Categories. Similar Categories can be organised into Groups (e.g Home, Work, Holidays). My Money Minder requires a Mac running Mac OS X v10.1 or greater or Mac OS 8.5/9 with the Carbon Library v1.1 or higher installed. My Money Minder is available as a fully functional 30 day time limited demo and can be purchased for $US 12.50.

RuntimeException Plus v1.0
RuntimeException Plus is a module that extends the built-in RuntimeException class to support collecting a stack trace from a built application. It adds the following methods and "properties" (they're really methods, but they behave like properties) to RuntimeException: Cascade, StackTrace, and Type. Drag the RuntimeExceptionPlus module into your app, and a very short exception handler to the end of every method, function, event and menu handler and your App.UnhandledException event should then examine the error.StackTrace, and do something appropriate with it (like, say, prompt the user to e-mail it to you). See the included demo project for examples and instructions.

Really Basic REALbasic Site
Really Basic REALbasic website, aimed and beginning to intermediate REALbasic programmers, has had a major make-over. The site is now powered by pMachine® and has been completely reorganized. Visitors should find it easier to get around and the new site search feature will make it easy to find information on a particular topic. The Really Basic REALbasic website features easy to understand illustrated tutorials, example projects for downloading, questions and answers, a learning resources list, and more.

Made With REALbasic

TaskTime3 v3.3
TaskTime provides a straightforward method of tracking time spent on an unlimited number of projects for an unlimited number of clients. TaskTime can easily easily track expenses and project by project status, and can generate customized invoices which can be emailed, printed, and saved. Other important features include: project status tracking, Address Book integration for adding clients, linking of related resources to projects for easy reference, project expenses tracking, ability to bill for flat rate items, scheduled and manual data backup, minimizing of project windows to small floating time controllers, and much more. TaskTime3 is shareware. The registration fee is $15 ($5 to upgrade for registered users).

ohmiGene v0.66
OhmiGene is a freeware program for genealogical data processings. This software works only on Mac OS X, provided with a screen of a minimum resolution of 1024x768 A adaptation for MacOSclassic and PC (Windows), even Linux, is possible in the end of the phase of development.

Studiometry v2.1
Studiometry is the best, most complete solution for small to medium companies to store client data, project data, to-dos, timers, invoices, payment data, and more all in one convenient yet secure location. Studiometry 2.1 adds a slew of updates, include a brand new Contact Logs feature, localization support, Studiometry tips, and greatly improved networking. The contact log tracker, which allows the user to sort by client, project, or contact, makes sorting through and searching for specific contact logs simple and efficient. Studiometry is $79.99 for a single user, and $44.99 for each additional license. ($799.99 for a site.)

KidzMail v1.5.1
KidzMail is a full-featured email client designed for children. With KidzMail, children draw pictures and send them to people in their address book. Addressing email is as simple as choosing recipients from a list of pictures and names. Parents control the address book, so they know who their children are sending email to. KidzMail sends real email that any email client will accept. Pictures are sent as both JPEGs (a popular picture format found on the Internet) and KidzMail pictures. Even somebody without KidzMail should be able to receive and view KidzMail pictures. KidzMail is $19 to register.

FastTunes v1.2.1
FastTunes is a little utility that helps you control iTunes. When you activate it, it will show the default iTunes controls, floating over your screen. You can use these buttons just like you would use them in iTunes. Version 1.2 improves (dis)appearing, enables you to choose the information that is shown about a song and fixes several bugs. Version 1.2.1 adds customizable hotkeys for play/pause, next song, and more.

GuancheMOS v1.0
GuancheMOS allows REALbasic Mac developers to include in their applications the ability to generate and check unique serial numbers or license keys with a minimum effort and a minimum footprint in their executables. By using this plug-in, REALbasic developers will be able to build a Program-automated assignment and control serial numbers in a per-application basis, and integrate the serial validation process in their own projects and final products with the simple call to a function. [Editor's Note: Beware, there doesn't seem to be an english version of the website.]

Rondo v1.0
Rondo is a new Midi player for MacOS X. Rondo has been designed from the ground up to be simple, uncluttered and easy to use. Rondo has many interesting features including a vertical piano roll with live scrolling and a pull down piano that will play along with the music. Whether you are a music student, hobby musician, or just enjoy playing Midi files, you will find Rondo's amazing ease of use and uncluttered interface a pleasure to use. Other features include multiple columns for viewing any type of Midi data, per column track filtering and the ability to slow down and loop a piece of music. Rondo is priced at US $25. Early purchasers will also be eligible for a free upgrade to version 2.

SyBrowser v6.6
SyBrowser, a table browser SQL generator and ER diagramming tool for MS SQL, Sybase, PostgreSQL, Oracle and MySQL RDBMS, is a suite of 32-bit Macintosh, MacOS X and Win32 ODBC and native client applications that provide an overview of the tables in Sybase, Oracle, PostgreSQL and MS SQL databases hosted on UNIX, Linux, and Windows servers. It allows the execution of SQL queries against these RDBMS and the query results can be saved to disk. Version 6.6 adds improved UTF-8 support, OpenBase and FrontBase connections in Windows, and much more. Complex queries can be saved to disk for reuse. SyBrowser is $89 to register and $49 for upgrading.

Redlien Account Executive v1.2
Redlien Account Executive is the premier CRM and sales contact management software built exclusively for Apple Mac OS X. Redlien Account Executive allows users to store, track and manage over 60 unique fields of data, customize data lists, create email and call script templates, design a product catalog and more. Version 1.2 delivers over 30 new features and improvements designed to help sales and account professionals be more productive, and includes a completely new calendar and scheduling system that automatically synchronizes with Apple’s iCal. Available for Mac OS X for $89.99.

Sp@mX on Mac OS X and Linux With Anti-Phishing
Sp@mX enables everyone from end users to IT professionals working in complex networked environments to effectively reduce spam in their e-mail Inbox and on their network. Sp@mX works by automatically tracing the source of spam and reporting offenders to their respective Internet Service Providers. Sp@mX users typically see their spam levels drop to near zero within four weeks. Sp@mX now has the added capability to track down 'phishers'. Sp@mX is available in both client and server editions. The client edition is priced at $19.95 US. The server edition is priced at $399.95 US.

January 19, 2005

REALbasic Items

FSScrollingCalendar is Now Free
FSScrollingCalendar is the premiere solution for interactive calendars in REALbasic applications. If your application has a calendar or you're planning on writing an app that needs one, you must get FSScrollingCalendar as it is the best way to display a scrolling calendar with any range of dates. Key features include a modifiable date range, fully customizable interface and behavior, full drag and drop support, and it's extremely easy to use! FSScrollingCalendar is released free of charge but contributions are warmly accepted.

PlaceholderField v1.0
The PlaceholderField class from Freak Software is a simple class which displays a placeholder string in gray text in the field when there's no text in the field. An example of this is "Google" in the search field of Safari. The class can be used in any application, free of all obligations.

IcnsReader Module v1.0
The IcnsReader Module from Freak Software, is a cross-platform module that reads large 128x128 icons from icns files. The module was written after just a few hours of good old fashioned reverse engineering and searching high and low for something that didn't exist. The module is released free of charge. Please contribute if you'd like!

Multiple Document Project Template
The multiple document project template from Freak Software was written because the one included with REALbasic is really lacking. The template demonstrates features such as: Multiple Document Architecture Including: New Document, Open Document, Open Recent Menu, Save, Save As, Save To, Revert to Saved, Page Setup and Printing (based on modified example code from Aaron Ballman's Proper Printing article on aaronballman.com), Full Functioning Window Menu, About Window with HTML styled credits and Mac OS X styling, Preferences Window with Mac OS X toolbar and resizing window, Cool Seth Willits coding style.

XMLDictionary v1.2.6
Tilde Soft's XMLDictionary class extends the Dictionary class in REALbasic to allow saving/loading to/from XML. The latest version, 1.2.6 partially optimizes the LoadXML method such that, in a very quick, inaccurate, debug build test, it loaded a large file 3 times faster. XMLDictionary is freely available to use in all applications.

Extended Plugin v1.6
The Extended Plugin adds four new data types to REALbasic, which are ExtInteger, ExtFloat, ExtComplex, and IAExtFloat. These data types add the capabilty to have no limitations on the size of the data types except by the amount of memory available to the application. Version 1.6 adds the equate function for ExtFloats. This also is a mutable function like add, subtract, multiply, and divide. I'm defining a mutable function as one which changes the value associated with an existing ExtFloat object. The Extended Plugin is freeware.

REALbasic Printing Tutorial
Aaron Ballman's "Proper Printing" is a fantastic article demonstrating how to properly handle printing options and print in REALbasic. The article outlines printing basics such as page metrics and how to print multiple pages, and goes on to explain a bit about the StyledTextPrinter object and its uses. The example project demonstrates (with a ton of comments) how to properly print a document while keeping in mind things like the number of copies or the page range from user input.

Made With REALbasic

Front End Digital Media Player v2.0
K-werkx Inc. released v2.0 of Front End Digital Media Player, a playlist-based play back and presentation application for QuickTime supported digital media featuring: Full screen presentation, fast and slow motion directional playback. Mark in and out points to play only certain parts of sounds and movies. Create, save and load play lists of movies sound, music and images. New and improved interface remembers your bass and treble and other settings. Front End Digital Media Player is freely available for Mac OS X, Mac Classic, and Windows.

iSticky v1.7
iSticky gives you the capability to post small aqua-like notes to your desktop and beyond. iSticky also enables you to send your notes to others by using Rendezvous, Internet (IM) and Short Message Service (SMS). For communication beyond your local network, iSticky makes use of the iStickyServer. This server manages the communication to and from your free worldwide iSticky account. It stores the notes you haven't yet read and synchronizes your notes on the different desktops you may have. In addition, the iStickyServer gives you an up to date status of your sent SMS and of the iSticky SMS credits you have remaining. iSticky starts at just $24.

IntelliScanner Express
The IntelliScanner Express barcode scanner is a premium handheld device for both Mac OS X and PC platforms. Available in either USB 2.0 or BluetoothR wireless versions, IntelliScanner Express features integrated keyboard emulation as well as support for all four IntelliScanner Express applications, Wine Collector, Media Collector, Auction Automator, and Home Assets. Also included with IntelliScanner Express are 50 asset tags, each with unique barcode, for permanent identification of furniture, appliances, or rare and one-of-a-kind items.

January 12, 2005

Tuesday was certainly exciting, wasn't it? (For those of who were visiting Mars, it was the day of MacWorld SF 2005 Keynote address.) I imagine that in all the rumormongering over the past week, REALbasic developers got caught up in it and couldn't get much work done! Well at least now users of the Windows version of REALbasic have a great low-cost solution to a owning and developing for Mac OS X. Hopefully this Mac mini will make our mini community a bit bigger!

REAL Software News

Slayfire Reality Savings Promotion Extended
Have you ever noticed that software promotion specials are like year end closeout sales at auto dealerships? There's always another one or an extention despite the barrage of "this is your last chance!" commercials and reminders. I guess Slayfire and REAL Software's promo is no exception. Not that it's a bad thing of course.

Slayfire Reality is a suite of performance and reliability tools that will help you optimize your REALbasic code, locate and solve problems and improve the overall quality of your REALbasic applications. REAL Software has arranged a special introductory price on Slayfire Reality when purchased along with a REALbasic subscription renewal. This offer ends on Friday, January 14. Learn more.

REALbasic Items

SQLitePluginPro v1.3.1
The fine folks at SQLabs released SQLitePluginPro version 1.3.1. SQLitePluginPro utilizes REALbasic's built-in database API allowing seamless transitions from another database engine and the same ease of use. The plugin uses SQLite as the database backend for its speed and stability and is fully cross-platform. The databases themselves can even be opened on Windows, Linux, Solaris, Irix, and any other OS that supports SQLite. An SQLitePluginPro single-user license is $119. Company and redistribution licenses are also available. For more information, visit the SQLabs website.

Made With REALbasic

Safer Workstation v1.0
Safer Workstation ia a Mac OS X application designed to turn removable devices such as an iPod or thumb drive into a user account "key". Even if someone has their computer require a password, anyone who knows the password can log in to the account -- passwords can be stolen. Introducing Safer Workstation. Simply run Safer Workstation and "tie" a thumb drive or iPod to the user account. When that drive is ejected, the user is logged out. Even if someone knows the log-in password, Safer Workstation will notice that the key is missing and will log the user out. Safer Workstation is shareware and only costs $20.00 to register. A 7-day trial period is included. See the online documention for details.

MacA&D OSX v1.0
Excel Software began shipping MacA&D OSX 1.0, a native Mac OS X edition of its flagship products, WinA&D for Windows and MacA&D OS9 for Macintosh OS 9. MacA&D OSX is a software engineering tool that automates requirements management, software modeling, code generation, reengineering and flexible report generation. It builds on an 18-year lineage of MacA&D OS9 and WinA&D use by thousands of software developers in consulting, industrial and defense companies. MacA&D OSX implements the full UML notation for object-oriented software design. MacA&D OSX supports structured analysis and design of multi-tasking, real-time systems. MacA&D OSX runs on Mac OS X 10.1 or later. The Single User License priced at $1995 includes both printed and PDF manuals on CD.

January 05, 2005

REALbasic Items

EnhancedDrawString v1.0
EnhancedDrawString is a module that extends the REALbasic Graphics class by overloading the DrawString method. It provides text alignment and vertical clipping. Documentation and an example project are including.

ElfData v3.4.5
The ElfData plugin is a string processing library, which can make many string processing operations both simpler and faster, and even make things possible that before, weren't possible! The ElfData plugin is built for Unicode from the start, offering almost all of it's functionality for Unicode as well as bytes. There are many things you can't do in REALbasic that you can with ElfData, like verify that some text is valid UTF8, or check for BOMs automatically and more. New in 3.4.5 are a few bug fixes and features added to ElfDataDictIter.

Windows Functionality Suite v1.1
Previously known as the Win32 Declare Library, the Windows Functionality Suite is a set of REALbasic classes and modules that provide convenient access to things that are not included in the framework already. It is an on-going open source project that includes many different pieces of Windows-specific functionality for your application. It is provided free of charge and includes a rich feature set including OS Information, System Colors, Registry, Locale Info, Cryptography, System Controls, Notification, and a whole lot more. Version 1.1 contains more than 140 new methods.

MBS Plugin v4.3
Monkeybread Software released version 4.3 of the already instanely large and all-encompassing MBS plug-in for REALbasic which has over 450 classes, 4 controls, and over 9,000 documented functions. Like I said, it's huge. Major updates for version 4.3 are improved Linux support, new classes for CoreGraphics and QuickTime, and the ability to run Java code in REALbasic. Licenses are on per/year subscription model similar to REALbasic for 40 and 80 Euros for private and commercial uses respectively.

Made With REALbasic

SEEdit v2.0
SEEdit is the XHTML Editor for Macintosh OS X. SEEdit is used by beginners and professionals worldwide. Take a look at this page for some example sites written by Warner Bros Entertainment (Harry Potter), using SEEdit. SEEdit is loaded with features including valid XHTML code checkers, fast prviews, CSS support, and a whole lot more. SEEdit requires Mac OS X 10.2 and costs $24.95 to register.

Blixx Beta
Class One Software has released its game Blixx, a bubble-bursting game. Blixx is distributed as 'Promoware'. There are free registration codes on the website needed to fully register the game. Blixx requires Mac OS X 10.1 or Windows 98 running on a G3 or Pentium processor.

Radiant Weirdness Zone v1.0
Radiant Weirdness Zone, from Armadillo Games, is a side-scrolling shooting game. Your job is to pilot Clancy, the flying armadillo, through twelve increasingly weird and dangerous stages of play, and to destroy all of the floating Squids therein. Fortunately, Clancy has three powerful weapons at his disposal: the standard shot; the wave shot; and the backfiring laser. Radiant Weirdness Zone recommends an 800 mhz processor running Mac OS X 10.2 or later and is $10 to register.