New and Noteworthy: Apple Buys FinalTouch Software Maker; Strong Sales Of Apple Macs Seen Offsetting Slowing iPods; more

Apple Buys FinalTouch Software Maker eWeek reports that Apple has purchased a San Diego-based company that makes color correction software and other applications. "Silicon Color is known for its professional-grade software, especially its FinalTouch 2K software, which is used by film colorists for both television and movies. The company also makes less expensive products for amateur filmmakers and photographers. In a statement on its Web site, Silicon Color announced that it has been purchased by the Cupertino, Calif., computer maker for an undisclosed sum. Apple will acquire all of the company's intellectual property and honor any maintenance contracts." More.

Strong Sales Of Apple Macs Seen Offsetting Slowing iPods CRN opines that the growth of iPod sales is slowing but Apple Computer Inc. may surprise investors with strength from its original business -- computers -- when it posts quarterly results Wednesday. "Apple completed the transition of its computer line to Intel Corp. microchips in August, when it introduced its professional desktop Mac Pro and Xserve products and is poised for further market share gains in the computer market, analysts said. With more than 75 percent of the U.S. market for digital music players, there's limited room for growth in iPod market share. But there is plenty of room to boost Apple's original business, selling the Macintosh computers known for their industrial design and included package of media software." More.

Macs ready for marketshare exposion, researchers claim In a Macworld UK piece, ChangeWave Research claims that, based on a survey of 3,046 people, 37 per cent say they are now more likely to buy a Mac, now they are powered by Intel processors. In June 2005, interest stood at 19 per cent. "Apple has gained significantly in laptop purchases for the past 90 days - up 3 points to a new all-time high of 12 per cent." More.

Previously on MacFixIt

• Mac OS X 10.4.8 (#12): Reminder: Update device firmware; More problems with Windows services -- fix
• Little Snitch caching DNS information: How to clear
• Cocktail 3.7.3 resolves compatibility issues with Mac OS X 10.4.8
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