Apple previewed its soon to be released Final Cut Pro nonlinear editing system version 5.1.2 at the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC), which concluded in Amsterdam earlier this week. (Full show coverage will appear in next week’s SHOOT).
Compatibility is a big focal point in this release–compatibility with additional formats and compatibility with the new Apple Mac Pro, which includes real time profiling, taking advantage of the dual core processors in the new Mac Pro. Version 5.1.2. also addresses compatibility with third-party PCIe cards on the Mac Pro, from manufacturers such as AJA Video and Blackmagic.
Available as a free software update for registered owners of version 5.1, Apple reported that its new version would include native support for HDV 720p/25 and 720p/24 editing, as delivered by JVC’s ProHD camcorders. Apple explained that “native editing” means that the video is transferred directly into Final Cut Pro from the source without any changes, so that the video is edited in the same camera-original format that was shot and stored on the tape.
Important particularly in the European market, Apple is also adding 25p support for Panasonic’s new P2 format. And, Final Cut version 5.1.2 addresses compatibility with Sony’s new XDCAM format, with variable bit rate settings at 18 and 35 Mb/s.
Final Cut Pro is a part of the Final Cut Studio package, which also includes: Motion for graphics and animation, Soundtrack Pro for audio sweetening, DVD Studio Pro for SD and HD disc authoring, and Compressor for high-performance encoding and format conversions. Final Cut Studio 5.1 is universal, meaning that it will run on both legacy PowerPC hardware and the new Intel-based systems from Apple.
Apple also used IBC as a platform to remind customers that two Final Cut Studio programs will be discontinued by the end of the year: Universal Crossgrade, a promotion designed to enable customers who own a current PowerPC version of one of the Final Cut Studio products to “crossgrade” to the Universal version; and the Final Cut Studio Upgrade, a promotion to bring customers with standalone applications to the Final Cut Studio package.
Apple and Google Face UK Investigation Into Mobile Browser Dominance
Apple and Google aren't giving consumers a genuine choice of mobile web browsers, a British watchdog said Friday in a report that recommends they face an investigation under new U.K. digital rules taking effect next year.
The Competition and Markets Authority took aim at Apple, saying the iPhone maker's tactics hold back innovation by stopping rivals from giving users new features like faster webpage loading. Apple does this by restricting progressive web apps, which don't need to be downloaded from an app store and aren't subject to app store commissions, the report said.
"This technology is not able to fully take off on iOS devices," the watchdog said in a provisional report on its investigation into mobile browsers that it opened after an initial study concluded that Apple and Google effectively have a chokehold on "mobile ecosystems."
The CMA's report also found that Apple and Google manipulate the choices given to mobile phone users to make their own browsers "the clearest or easiest option."
And it said that the a revenue-sharing deal between the two U.S. Big Tech companies "significantly reduces their financial incentives" to compete in mobile browsers on Apple's iOS operating system for iPhones.
Both companies said they will "engage constructively" with the CMA.
Apple said it disagreed with the findings and said it was concerned that the recommendations would undermine user privacy and security.
Google said the openness of its Android mobile operating system "has helped to expand choice, reduce prices and democratize access to smartphones and apps" and that it's "committed to open platforms that empower consumers."
It's the latest move by regulators on both sides of the Atlantic to crack down on the... Read More