iMagicalDesk also integrates Apple's slick new Sherlock search feature, which lets users search e-mail text and subject headers for key words and phrases. Additionally, the site features the latest Mac news from a host of online Mac publications, including Macworld.com, iMacworld.com, MacCentral.com, MacBuy.com and MacWEEK.com. "iMagicalDesk reinforces our cross-platform strategy to bring the capabilities of the virtual desktop to computer users everywhere," said Erwin Huang, chief executive officer of Magically, Inc. "iMagicalDesk offers a virtual information exchange to the vast community of Mac users by marrying the powerful personal computing technology of the Mac with the accessibility of the Internet."
An Integrated Suite
The iMagicalDesk suite of tools is integrated to allow users to convert e-mails into to-do items, calendar events, and Internet bookmarks. Users can call up the address book from the e-mail module and send e-mails to multiple persons within the address book without having to remember the recipient's e-mail address. Additionally, users can transfer files to and from their MagicalFiles and computer desktop with ease.
Web-Based Collaboration
The calendar and file systems of iMagicalDesk were created for collaboration. Users can elect to share files with friends or colleagues, or keep them private. The iMagicalDesk calendar lets users post appointments and to-do items on other iMagicalDesk users' calendars.
File Storage System
The iMagicalDesk file system is designed to support Mac file transfer. The system offers a free helper application that compresses a Mac file as the file is being uploaded and decompresses it as it is downloaded. Once installed, files will be compressed properly before uploading onto the Web. Previously, Mac users have noted problems with uploading and downloading files via the web. iMagicalDesk also provides a handy tool for users who don't always have access to the applications they need to view a file. A premium service called the MagicalViewer allows users to view a document, even when their system doesn't offer the supporting application. MagicalViewer offers access to 250 file formats such as Excel and Word Perfect. Additionally, iMagicalDesk allows users to convert documents from Mac to PC format and vice versa on most mainstream applications such as Microsoft Word. "We are excited about bringing a web based virtual desktop to Macintosh users," said Dr. Rao Machiraju, chief technology officer for Magically. "With Macintosh System 8.5, iMagicalDesk users will be able to search their e-mail with Sherlock! right from their desktop."
Customization
The iMagicalDesk.com layout and features are easily customizable. Users can personalize their desktop with their favorite Internet search engines and personal bookmarks, and can even select their desktop color to match their grape or tangerine iMac. Tech savvy users can write their own HTML codes within their iMagicalDesk top to create new tools for their environment.
The Basic Services
The iMagicalDesk basic service is free and includes the file system with 5 MB of storage, iMagicalDesk Sherlock Plug-In to find key words in email headings, subject area and text, a personal E-mail account, calendar, address book, to do list and bookmarks feature.
Security Features
Documents can be stored in private folders for individual viewing, or public folders, where users can share files. MagicalFiles are stored on a secure server environment and are protected with Internet SSL transaction encryption technology.
The basic services (calendar, e-mail, file sharing, address book, to-do list, and bookmark listings) are available free of charge. Additionally, users can add the following services for a fee: