Apple unveils video production software

Apple Computer yesterday rolled out its Final Cut Studio suite of video production software for professionals.

According to ZDNet, it includes a new programme called Soundtrack Pro, aimed at making video and film projects sound as good as they look in high-definition formats.

Final Cut Studio includes Final Cut Pro 5, described by Apple as a big upgrade to its Emmy-award-winning editing software. It also includes Soundtrack Pro, Motion 2 and DVD Studio Pro 4, which lets professionals create high definition DVDs to the latest HD DVD specifications.

Final Cut Studio will sell for $1 299 (R7 800), and an upgrade from any version of Final Cut Pro costs $699 (R4 200). All the individual applications will continue to be sold separately.

Final Cut Pro 5 is $999 (R6 000), but costs $399 (R2 400) if upgrading from an earlier version, Apple said. All the programs will be available in May.

Researchers say it is only a matter of time before voice over IP (VOIP) technology can be commercially adapted for cellphones.

According to the International Herald Tribune, the wireless aspect of cell phones means a jump to VOIP is not as simple as switching phone jacks, but there are signs that mobile VOIP connectivity may eventually match that of its fixed-line counterpart.

International Data Corporation analyst Alex Slawsby says mobile VOIP remains "bleeding edge" in the short term, but early experiments will likely lead to a gradual industry-wide switch in wireless calling to VOIP technology.

"I think we`ll start to see it expanding in both enterprise and consumer world."

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Analysts are watching the popular computer-based VOIP service Skype to see whether its popularity among consumers can facilitate a broader jump to the mobile world.

The growing functionality of phones, coupled with increasing number of cellphone threats means the time could be right for users to consider some form of mobile security option.

According to BBC, a total of eight mobile virus strains and variants emerged last month, while one malicious programme, Cabir, was found in 17 countries.

The trend continued in the first two weeks of April with the discovery of the Mabir, Fontal and Hobbes viruses, although getting infected by any mobile virus is still quite difficult.

Mobile chip designer Arm spokesman Tiago Alves says the desire to put security software on phones will not be driven solely by the growing number of mobile viruses, but, also by the growing use of phones to play music and movies, and as payment mechanisms.

Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is rapidly pushing the adoption of the free software movement.

According to AZCentral, da Silva has instructed government ministries and state-run companies to switch gradually from operating systems made by Microsoft and others to free operating systems, including Linux.

By the end of April, the government plans to roll out a programme called PC Conectado, or Connected PC, aimed at helping millions of low-income Brazilians buy their first computers.

The president`s technology adviser is pushing for the programme to only offer computers with free software, including the operating system, rather than giving consumers the option of choosing a basic edition of Microsoft Windows.