HeartMath has finally released a version of its biofeedback based stress release system for Mac. The HeartMath emWave software uses a pulse sensing ear clamp to detect changes in heart rhythms and helps you adjust your state of mind. With stress reducing games and biofeedback control targets the software claims to help you release creativity and increase energy while reducing stress and it’s many nasty side effects. The company makes special note of stress-eating and has special programs targeting healthier alternatives. Emotion shaping images and sounds are combined to help channel stress into more productive energy.

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The final version of XBMC has been out for a while now. The alpha/beta releases were buggy, but this final one, look stable. I’m on my way to switch from Mediaportal after 3+ years of use.

XBMC can be installed on various platforms including Xbox, Windows, Linux or Macintosh computers. It is intended to be used for media PCs (like the Xbox but with additional features) that stream the media to the television but it can be installed on any computer meeting the requirements obviously.

The interface has been designed with usability and wow effect in mind. Links to video, music, images, settings and plugins are available from the main menu. The first three entries lead to similar sections of the media center. The user has to first pick at least one data folder that contains files that can be read by the player. This takes a few seconds at most and it is possible to navigate with the keyboard, mouse or gamepad in the menus.

The media center will pick up metadata automatically but it can also search the Internet for additional information like movie posters, plot summaries or actors.

Plugins enhance the system further. They can add all kinds of new functions to the system like games, communication, news and service integration (Youtube, Apple Trailers, Podcasts).

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Five Apple laptops positioned in chronological order, all booted at the same time to compare how long each takes to boot up. From Left to Right:

• PowerBook G4 (Titanium)
• iBook G4 (14″)
• PowerBook G4 (12″)
• MacBook (Core 2 Duo)
• MacBook Pro (Core 2 Duo)

Still the top-selling software suite for Mac users, Microsoft Office has been improved and enhanced to take advantage of the latest Mac OS X features. You’ll find lots of new features in Office 2008 for Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Entourage, but not a page of printed instructions to guide you through the changes. Office 2008 for Macintosh: The Missing Manual gives you the friendly, thorough introduction you need, whether you’re a beginner who can’t do more than point and click, or a power user who’s ready to tackle a few advanced techniques.

To cover Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Entourage, this guide gives you four superb books in one – a separate section each for program! You can manage your day and create professional-looking documents, spreadsheets, and presentations in no time. Office 2008 has been redesigned so that the windows, toolbars, and icons blend in better with your other Mac applications. But there are still plenty of oddities. That’s why this Missing Manual isn’t shy about pointing out which features are gems in the rough – and which are duds. With it, you’ll learn how to:

• Navigate the new user interface with its bigger and more graphic toolbars
• Use Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Entourage separately or together
• Keep track of appointments and manage daily priorities with the My Day feature
• Create newsletters, flyers, brochures, and more with Word’s Publishing Layout View
• Build financial documents like budgets and invoices with Excel’s Ledger Sheets
• Get quick access to all document templates and graphics with the Elements Gallery
• Organize all of your Office projects using Entourage’s Project Center
• Scan or import digital camera images directly into any of the programs
• Customize each program with power-user techniques

With Office 2008 for Macintosh: The Missing Manual, you get objective and entertaining instruction to help you tap into all of the features of this powerful suite, so you can get more done in less time.

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