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Pics by the batch

AutoBatch It from iRedSoft Technology is a batch image-processing utility consisting of two "modules," one that operates from the command line prompt, and another for timer-based operation that resides in the system tray. The program can save images as JPEG, TIFF, PNG, BMP, and GIF files; add prefixes and suffixes to file names; resize images; and create thumbnails.

AutoBatch It is actually easy to use, even if you don't have much experience with the command prompt. The dialog-based interface has three sections: Image Processing Properties, for setting resizing options; Image Manipulation, which lets you set the interval … Read more

Long lines mark the arrival of iPhone 4 in stores

SAN FRANCISCO--As the iPhone 4 made its debut across the U.S. Thursday, people came out in droves to be some of the first to buy one in stores.

Even several hours after stores opened, queues remain long, and supply appears to be thinning in some places. But overall, the official first-day sales of the iPhone 4 appear to be going as smoothly as can be expected. Apple stores opened at 7 a.m. first to customers who had reserved an iPhone ahead of time, and employees slowly began working in a separate line of customers who queued up without a preorder reservation. Many people were unable to submit preorders when Apple and AT&T's system crashed repeatedly the first day preorders were available.

The line remains hundreds of people deep at the Stockton Street store in San Francisco, wrapping around two city blocks. The line is significantly longer for those who had already reserved a device. But at two stores in New York, it was the line of walk-in customers that extended longer.

Brian Yin stood a block and a half from the entrance to the Stockton Street store at 8 a.m. as an employee told him he was looking at a wait of about four hours since he didn't have a reservation. He looked relieved. "I was going to leave by noon or 1 p.m., but I can wait." … Read more

The 404 609: Where we put Wilson on an iPhone 4 time out (podcast)

iPhone 4 launch day is finally here! Wilson, Natali, and the rest of the CNET TV team were at the 5th Avenue flagship Apple store in New York this morning to cover the release and chat with the Appleheads patiently waiting in line. With Wilson being the fanboy that he is, it's no surprise he has an actual 32GB iPhone 4 in the studio, and we all agree it shouldn't come within 30 yards of Jeff Bakalar's handset-killing magnetic field.

And although Natali Del Conte is already getting sick of hearing about the device, we have to … Read more

In line for an iPhone 4? Share your pics, stories

We'll be on the scene on both sides of the U.S. covering the iPhone 4 launch at various retail outlets, but we can't be everywhere. That's where you come in. Will you be out braving the crowds (or maybe lack thereof in your neck of the woods) to get a shiny new iPhone? If so, we want to see any line photos and hear any stories (both good and bad) about your launch day adventure that you think CNET readers would enjoy.

Send us your photos, anecdotes, or news tidbits from wherever you are to ReaderSubmissions@cbs.com, … Read more

Google like it's 1981 with command-line tool

Google has released a tool to let command-line aficionados use several of the Net giant's services with the full glory of a text-based interface.

The tool, called GoogleCL, offers commands to control the contents sites of YouTube, Blogger, and Picasa, and the Google Apps sites of Docs, Calendar, and Contacts.

For example, people can create a photo album, change a document in a text editor, delete all blog posts mentioning a certain word, list all videos, or add a calendar appointment.

Command-line tools aren't for most folks--do you relish the prospect of typing "google youtube post --category … Read more

The battle of the virtual guitar iPhone apps

If two data points make a trend, here's a new one: there will soon be two iPhone apps that promise to turn your humble mobile phone into a mobile electric-guitar rig, complete with multiple amps, effects, and microphones.

DJ and electronic music apps for the iPhone aren't much of a stretch--after all, a lot of electronic musicians have been using computers as their primary instrument since the 1990s, and the iPhone is as powerful as the highest-powered desktops from a decade ago.

But most guitarists are stubborn analog creatures, hunting vintage music shops and Craigslist for the perfect … Read more

Ford recruits 'virtual soldier' for ergonomic tests

Ford's newest employee has moved from the army to the assembly line. But since he's virtual, that type of job change shouldn't pose a problem.

Designed to test the safety of Ford's auto factories, Santos is a virtual avatar that can mimic and record all the physical strains and pains that plague us poor humans. By reaching, lifting, and stretching in his own virtual world, he can provide feedback on how those activities might affect an actual person.

Initially created for the U.S. Department of Defense to help find ways to relieve physical strain on soldiers, Santos is now working at Ford testing the ergonomics of assembly lines. His job is to perform the same physical tasks that a factory worker would perform when building a car to gauge their impact on the human body. The automaker's goal is to improve the quality and safety of its factories before assembly lines are even created.

First-step troubleshooting for Mac audio issues

Occasionally you may experience issues when attempting to play audio from the built-in speakers on your Mac. Sound may still work from external speakers or headphones, but the internal speakers appear to not be working. Follow these simple steps and you should be back up and running in no time.… Read more

Lines form for Apple iPad 3G, even at 5 on a Friday afternoon

NEW YORK CITY--Maybe it's the unseasonably warm weather, or maybe it's just the appeal of surfing the Web from your iPad anywhere at anytime--but there are people lined up outside of Apple retail outlets waiting to buy the new iPad 3G.

For the Wi-Fi version of the iPad released on Saturday, April 3, the early morning lines were long (even if the crowds thinned quickly) and most everyone waiting for a system was able to buy one on launch day. This time around, the launch window has been moved to 5 p.m. EST on a Friday, and … Read more

Powerline technology to be standardized

A big shortcoming of powerline adapters is the fact that they tend not to interoperate across vendors. For example, the adapters made by Cisco are unlikely to work with products made by Netgear. This is because the powerline market has been fragmented and does not have a common standard. However, this is about to change.

The HomePlug Powerline Alliance announced Tuesday that an initial sponsor ballot was passed for the IEEE P1901, the working group that develops the global standard for high-speed powerline communications. This is an important step toward establishing a global standard for powerline (PLC) networking.

According to … Read more