GIMP 2.6.6

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a freely distributed piece of software suitable for such tasks as photo retouching, image composition, and image authoring. It is a powerful piece of software with capabilities not found in any other free software product. It can be used as a simple paint program, an expert-quality photo-retouching program, an online batch-processing system, a mass production image renderer, or an image-format converter. GIMP is modular, expandable, and extensible. It is designed to be augmented with plug-ins and extensions to do just about anything. The advanced scripting interface allows everything from the simplest task to the most complex image-manipulation procedures to be easily scripted.

Version 2.6.6 is a bug-fixing release.

Adobe rolls out new open-source projects

Web developers should appreciate two of Adobe's latest open-source initiatives announced Tuesday, both designed to help media companies and other publishers build richer Flash applications.

The first project, Open Source Media Framework (OSMF), lets designers create more sophisticated media players to run Adobe Flash presentations. The second, Text Layout Framework (TLF), helps developers add more advanced typography and font layouts to their Flash apps.

Both OSMF and TLF are available for free as open-source applications.

OSMF is the open source piece of the Adobe project formerly known by the codename Strobe, a framework for Flash media players. Using OSMF, developers can create Flash players with not only advanced playback and navigation controls but also plug-ins for advertising and tracking, a key benefit for media companies. OSMF can work with any kind of Flash content, including video, audio, and images.

Developers can learn more about OSMF and download the source code and components at the OSMF Web site.

TLF lets developers add sleeker and higher-quality typographic layouts and effects to Flash presentations. In conjunction with the new text engine in Flash Player 10, TLF offers support for vertical and bidirectional text, flowing text around images and across columns, and multiple languages.

More information and a demo of TLF can be found at the Adobe Labs TLF site.

These latest two initiatives are part of Adobe's strategy to provide more robust programming tools for Flash. For the first time, Adobe is facing potential competition for Flash from other Web technologies, notably Microsoft's Silverlight.

Skype for Mac gets new features

(Credit: iFR)

Skype, the solid chat, VoIP, and videocam software has been around for awhile now on the Mac and we have already sung its praises for its free computer-to-computer long distance. Call clarity has always been quite good and if you have one of many available USB handsets, you know it's just like talking on a regular phone. For a little extra money through the company's pay-as-you-go or monthly subscription services, you can call cell and land lines and the prices are fairly affordable. But today, Skype for Mac got some new features that definitely make it worth updating your client.

Skype 2.8 for Mac now offers a pay-as-you-go public Wi-Fi service, screen sharing, and even better-quality video and sound. The Wi-Fi service lets you use your Skype Credit to connect to public Wi-Fi. Simply add money to your Skype account, which is used for calling landlines as well, and you're ready to go. The screen-sharing feature lets you show your friend, coworker, or family member what's on your screen--great for when you're helping someone with a computer problem or sharing a design layout with a coworker, for example. The video and sound quality were already pretty good, but the update made both sound and video clarity noticeably better.

Use the Share button at the top of the chat window to show your full screen or just a portion with another user.

(Credit: iFR)

Skype has always been one of our favorites for VoIP and video chat, but as has always been the case, Skype offers no emergency numbers so you should not use it as a replacement for your regular phone. Still, with all the features already available and the new additions, we think Skype is definitely worth a look for those new to the program and a must-download for current Skype users.

Post-it Digital Notes 4.7

From 3M :

Post-it Digital Notes are easy, intuitive, and packed with features to get you organized. So you can make lists and reminders, key-code them with colors and photos, sort them by category, and set alarms to remind yourself of projects and appointments. Sort and search, add photos, and set alarms.

Version 4.7 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.

The Download Now link will download a small installer file to your desktop. Remain online and double-click the installer to proceed with the actual (12.3MB) download.