Apple posts first public betas of iOS 11.4 and tvOS 11.4
Apple has released the first public betas of iOS 11.4 and tvO 11.4, both of which add support for AirPlay 2.
AirPlay 2 is Apple’s followup to the original AirPlay Wi-Fi-based music playback standard. While Sonos popularized Wi-Fi-based multi-room audio playback, Bluetooth became ubiquitous, and multi-platform Wi-Fi audio standards spread in popularity, Apple lacked a competing story until AirPlay 2.
Messages in iCloud is also back in the iOS 11.4 beta. It allows you to store your iMessages in iCloud.
iMobie PhoneRescue can now recover forgotten iTunes backup...
iMobie says its data recovery software, PhoneRescue 3.7.0 for both Mac and PC, is now able to recover forgotten iTunes backup passwords.
For those iPhone users who forgot their iTunes backup passwords, the utility can purportedly help them get access to their encrypted backups no matter how complicated the password is, as well as restore photos, messages, contacts and other essentials from the backups successfully.
PhoneRescue costs $49.99 for a personal license, and $69.99 for a family license.You can purchase licenses from iMobie’s online store (https://tinyurl.com/y89jzsxd).
Obvious Matter releases Fossils 1.1.1 for macOS
Obvious Matter has released Fossils 1.1.1 for macOS. The app is designed to help you clean up old and unused files from your computer.
With it, you can browse through your old stuff and preview a file's contents. Then you can decide if you want to archive or delete a file using keyboard shortcuts. Fossils supports previewing a large number of file types, including images, movies, PDF, Word, Pages, Excel, Numbers, Keynote documents, zip files, and more.
It requires macOS 10.12 or later. Fossils costs $4.99 and is available at the Mac App Store (https://tinyurl.com/yamzzvvy).
Apple releases first developer betas of iOS 11.4, tvOS 11.4,...
Apple has released the first developer betas of iOS 11.4, tvOS 11.4, and watchOS 4.3.1. Registered developers can download them from Apple's Developer Center — or over-the-air once the proper configuration profile has been installed from the Developer Center.
Output Factory for Adobe InDesign improves variable subfolder...
Zevrix Solutions has announced Output Factory 2.2.9, a maintenance update to company's output automation solution for Adobe InDesign.
Output Factory automates printing, exporting and preflighting from InDesign and offers batch processing, export as single pages, layer versioning, custom scripts integration and more. Version 2.2.9 fixes an issue which prevented users from including text from InDesign document in the variable subfolder name for output files of each InDesign document in the batch.
Output Factory can be purchased from the Zevrix website (www.zevrix.com) for $169.95 (there’s a “lite” version for $119.95. A demo is available for download. The update is free for the users of Output Factory 2.x, and $84.97 to upgrade from Output Factory 1.x and BatchOutput. Output Factory requires macOS 10.7-10.13 and Adobe InDesign CS3-CC 2018.
illumineX delivers EyeSpy update for macOS with new drifting...
illumineX delivered Squeaky, a new drifting balloon character for EyeSpy 2.1 (and higher) to the Mac App Store today.
EyeSpy is a new spin on the classic toy in which cartoon eyes watch your mouse cursor as you work. It includes free original cartoon characters. The Squeaky balloon is available within EyeSpy as an $0.99 in-app purchase.
EyeSpy requires macOS 10.12 or higher. It’s free and available exclusively through the Mac App Store (https://tinyurl.com/yaasaetu). After you download EyeSpy, double-click the EyeSpy Guy character to open the Character Settings panel, where you can select new characters, download additional free characters, and purchase characters as an in-app purchase.
iFunia updates Free YouTube Downloader for Mac to version 5.2.0
iFunia Studio (www.ifunia.com) has announced a 5.2.0 update for its Free YouTube Downloader for Mac, which now can convert YouTube to MP3 and download 2K, 4K, and 8K videos. It also sports an optimized user interface.
iFunia Studio is a free download. There’s also a pro version available for $39.99.
Tembo for macOS revved to version 2.2
Houdah Software has released Tembo 2.2, an update to the file search utility for Mac. It’s a search tool based on the Spotlight engine.
Tembo is designed to make finding documents, mail messages, bookmarks, images and more as easy as possible. Version 2.2 brings refinements and under-the-hood improvements.
Tembo requires macOS 10.10 or higher. It costs $15 for a single-user license and $22 for a family license. A demo is available for download (https://www.houdah.com/tembo/). Upgrades from previous versions are priced $6.95 and $9.95. respectively.
Agenda announced for 17th Annual Las Vegas SuperMeet
The Creative Pro User Group Network (CPUG Network) has announced the 17th Annual Las Vegas SuperMeet to take place on Tuesday, April 10, in the Brasilia Ballroom at the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas.
Oscar nominee film editor Dylan Tichenor ACE is scheduled to headline the event. The agenda has now been set. Tickets are on sale online only for $15 each, plus ticket fee. The price is $10 for students and teachers with a valid ID. There will also be presentations from Blackmagic Design, Adobe, frame.io, HP/NVIDIA, Atomos and more. Rounding out the evening will be the "World Famous Raffle," where the total value of prizes has now reached over $101,000.00 including a Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve Studio System worth over $29,995.00
Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. with the SuperMeet Vendor Showcase featuring 23 software and hardware developers including Adobe, Blackmagic Design, Frame.io, HP/NVIDIA, Atomos, Digital Anarchy, Adobe Stock, B&H, Future Media Concepts, Master The Workflow,...
Apple launches macOS High Sierra 10.13.4
Apple has updated macOS to version 10.13.4. It’s available via the Updates section of the Mac App Store. According to the release notes, the upgrade improves the stability, performance, and security of your Mac, and it is recommended for all users. This update:
° Adds support for Business Chat conversations in Messages in the U.S.
° Adds support for external graphics processors (eGPUs).
° Fixes graphics corruption issues affecting certain apps on iMac Pro.
° Allows jumping to the right-most open tab using Command+9 in Safari.
° Enables sorting Safari bookmarks by name or URL by right clicking and choosing "Sort by..."
° Fixes an issue that may prevent web link previews from appearing in Messages.
° Helps protect privacy by only AutoFilling usernames and passwords after selecting them in a web form field in Safari .
° Displays warnings in the Safari Smart Search Field when interacting with password or credit card forms on non-encrypted web pages.
° Displays privacy icons and links to...
Apple releases Swift 4.1
Apple has released Swift 4.1 (https://swift.org/download/) for developers, an upgrade of its programming language. It contains updates to the core language, including more support for generics, new build options, as well as minor enhancements to Swift Package Manager and Foundation.
There was also significant progress made in stabilizing the ABI, according to Apple. Swift 4.1 is a minor language release. It is source compatible with Swift 4.0.
Apple debuts tvOS 11.3
Apple has announced tvOS 11.3, which includes frame rate matching features that were previously only available on the Apple TV 4K.
You can obtain the update by going into the Settings app on your Apple TV. Choose System > Software Updates > Update Software. The Apple TV will restart and install the software.
Apple posts watchOS 4.3
Apple has released watchOS 4.3 for the Apple Watch. You install it via the Apple Watch app on your iPhone. According to Apple the upgrade:
° Let’s you Control volume and playback on HomePod from your Apple Watch;
° Restores the ability to control music on an iPhone;
° Allows you to use any orientation for Nightstand charging mode;
° The Siri watch face now shows progress towards closing Activity rings and when new songs are added to Apple Music mixes;
° Resolves an issue where Activity achievements were incorrectly awarded for some users;
° Fixes an issue where Siri music commands were not working for some audio devices.
Apple releases iOS 11.3 for iOS devices
Apple has released iOS 11.3 for its iPhone and iPad line *with a Battery Health tool, a Health Records feature, ARKit 1.5, Business Chat, new Animoji, and more. You can download it by going to the Settings App, selecting General, then choosing Software Update.
IK Multimedia releases Syntronik Deluxe for Mac/PC
IK Multimedia (www.ikmultimedia.com) has announced Syntronik Deluxe, the expanded version of the synth powerhouse for Mac and PC systems. It adds five new synths, available both as a collection or as separate synths.
Syntronik offers a collection of vintage synthesizers. Syntronik Deluxe adds 500 new instrument presets, 18GB of new sounds, and more than 22,000 new samples for a new total of 22 synths, 2,600 instrument presets, 80GB of sound content and more than 120,000 samples.
Current Syntronik users can upgrade to Syntronik Deluxe for $99.99 or purchase any of the new synths individually. For new users the cost is $269.99
WYSIWYG LaTeX Mac app Compositor receives update, now runs e-TeX
Karl Traunmueller has released Compositor 1.1, an update to the LaTeX Mac app. It brings real-time WYSIWYG capabilities to LaTeX, the document preparation system widely used in academia for preparation of scientific and technical publications.
Version 1.1 now runs e-TeX, an extended version of TeX developed by the NTS project. The next version, 1.2, scheduled for release by end of April, will bring improved support for more commonly used LaTeX packages.
A fully-functional 60-day free trial is available for download from the product's website (http://compositorapp.com). Licenses can be purchased from the product's online store at an early-adopter price of $19. The purchase includes all future updates, including major version updates.
Creaceed unveils collaborative whiteboard for the iPad and Apple...
Creaceed has unveiled Inko (https://creaceed.com/inko), a peer-to-peer collaborative whiteboard app for the iPad, iPhone, and Apple TV.
It lets users draw collaboratively in real time on the same canvas from multiple devices, offering network-less connectivity, as well as live TV mirroring and interaction. It also supports the Apple Pencil.
Inko 1.0 is available immediately as a free download on the Apple App Store, and is localized in 12 languages. The free version provides an unlimited number of canvases for personal use without limitation, and lets two or more users try the collaboration feature for a 60-second time-limited session. To remove this limitation, two purchase options are provided. The Apple TV companion app is a free download on the App Store and has no limitation
Apple releases iOS 11.3 for the new iPad
Apple has released iOS 11.3. However, it’s only for the new 9.7-inch iPad announced this week. Once you get your hands on one, you can download iOS 11.3 over-the-air using the Settings app. To access the update, go to Settings --> General --> Software Update.
Hopefully, iOS 11.3 will roll out ASAP for other iPads and iPhones. iOS 11.3 introduces new features, such as Messages on iCloud for storing your iMessages in iCloud, ARKit 1.5, and a "Battery Health" feature designed to provide iOS users with more information about their batteries.
Apple, Chicago Public Schools and Northwestern University bring...
Apple has announced a new collaboration with Chicago Public Schools and Northwestern University to offer free professional learning to teachers across Chicago, designed to give educators the tools they need to bring coding and computer science into the classroom.
They’ll establish a Center for Excellence at Lane Tech College Prep High School in Chicago, which will serve as a teaching and learning hub to introduce high school teachers to Apple’s Everyone Can Code curriculum. This collaboration will help expand opportunities for local teachers, giving them new expertise to share with their students, according to Apple CEO Tim Cook.
Everyone Can Code is a program designed by Apple to help everyone learn how to code using a Swift curriculum. The program includes a range of free resources, from helping students explore basic coding concepts to building fully functional apps.
Teachers will also have the opportunity to be trained on the App Development with Swift course in an effort to help...
Imagine Products, StorageDNA partner for myLTOdna interface
Imagine Products — creator of software utilities for backing up, viewing, sharing, transcoding, and archiving video assets — and StorageDNA — which specializes in intelligent nearline and archiving workflow solutions for media professionals —have collaborated on an integrated solution that enables random access to files on an LTO tape, essentially turning it into a hard drive with dnaLTFS.
The new joint solution is called myLTOdna. It’s an integration between Imagine Products’ myLTO tape-authoring application and StorageDNA’s HyperTape high performance direct access tape solution powered by dnaLTFS. The result is a simple and intuitive user interface with which to administrate HyperTape operating modes manually, or automatically from creative applications such as Imagine Products’ PrimeTranscoder — a process that is highly preferable to command line operations, says Tridib Chakravarty, CEO and president of StorageDNA
myLTOdna is the Mac-based front-end interface for HyperTape. It...
Logitech introduces Crayon and Rugged Combo 2 for the iPad
Logitech (www.logitech.com) has announced the Logitech Crayon and Logitech Rugged Combo 2 for the new 9.7-inch iPad. Specifically designed for the classroom, it takes advantage of new technology in the Apple tablet and provides a solution for education so students can do even more including handwrite notes, illustrate projects and draw diagrams.
Logitech Crayon is the first digital pencil designed for the new iPad and leverages technology found in the Apple Pencil to deliver sub-pixel precision, low latency and support for tilt in a design that's perfect for students, according to Michele Hermann, vice president of mobility at Logitech. It works with a variety of apps and software already used in classrooms, including Apple’s updated Pages, Numbers, and Keynote, Microsoft Office and Explain Everything, giving students the ability to take handwritten notes, add sketches, diagrams and illustrations to projects, markup PDFs and more.
Designed for the classroom, the Logitech Crayon...
iWork update brings drawing and book creation to Pages, Numbers...
Apple is updating its iWork suite of productivity apps — Pages, Numbers and Keynote — that allow users to draw, sketch or write with an Apple Pencil directly in the iOS versions of the apps. The input device can also be used to add color, texture and more to any drawing.
Smart Annotation, launched today in beta, is a new tool in Pages that allows users to give, receive and incorporate feedback in a document using Apple Pencil. With Smart Annotation, comments and proof marks will dynamically anchor to text. And as a user integrates feedback and the document changes, remaining annotations will stay with the text they were attached to.
“iWork is a powerful suite of apps designed for iPhone, iPad and Mac that is used in classrooms around the world,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Apps Product Marketing, in a press release. “With Apple Pencil support on iPad, the new Pages, Numbers and Keynote apps now let students bring a whole new level of creativity to their documents,...
Apple launches Everyone Can Create and Schoolwork
Apple has announced Everyone Can Create and Schoolwork with educational institutions in mind.
Everyone Can Create is a new, free curriculum designed to make it fun and easy for teachers to integrate drawing, music, filmmaking or photography into their existing lesson plans for any subject. The new curriculum joins Apple’s Everyone Can Code initiative as programs for teachers and students. Everyone Can Create is designed to take advantage of the new 9.7-inch iPad and Apple Pencil.
Developed in collaboration with educators and creative professionals, Everyone Can Create includes teacher and student guides, lessons, ideas and examples to help teachers bring creativity and new communication skills into their existing subjects like English, math, science and history. For example, students can use the built-in camera in iPad to learn about fractals or they can use Apple Pencil and apps like Tayasui Sketches to learn about symmetry.
Beginning later this spring, Apple Stores will begin...
Apple introduces new 9.7-inch iPad with Apple Pencil support
Apple has released a new 9.7-inch iPad with support for the Apple Pencil with pricing starting at $329. The revamped iPad also sports a Retina display, the A10 Fusion chip and advanced sensors that help deliver immersive augmented reality, and all-day battery life.
“iPad is our vision for the future of computing and hundreds of millions of people around the world use it every day at work, in school and for play. This new 9.7-inch iPad takes everything people love about our most popular iPad and makes it even better for inspiring creativity and learning,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of Product Marketing, in a press release. “Our most popular and affordable iPad now includes support for Apple Pencil, bringing the advanced capabilities of one of our most creative tools to even more users. This iPad also has the power of the A10 Fusion chip, combined with the big, beautiful Retina display, advanced cameras and sensors that enable incredible AR experiences simply not possible...
FxFactory releases Smooth Glass Slideshow plugins for Final Cut...
FxFactory has released XEffects Smooth Glass Slideshow, a new set of Final Cut Pro X plugins.
Developed by partner Idustrial Revolution, the plugins are a pack of effects, transitions and titles that build beautiful glossy slideshows for images or video. They can be used variety of projects, from broadcast show openers, social media projects, and more. Editors can stack as many traveling glossy bars as they wish on the timeline to produce eye-catching results, according to Peter Wiggins, plugin developer at Idustrial Revolution.
XEffects Smooth Glass Slideshow is distributed on the FxFactory App Store (https://fxfactory.com). It’s being launched at a discounted price of $39 until April 6 (the normal price is $49).
Ergonis Software updates KeyCue for macOS to version 8.7
Ergonis Software has released KeyCue 8.7, a new version of the keyboard shortcut “cheat sheet” for the Mac.
KeyCue displays an instant overview of the currently available keyboard shortcuts; application-specific menu shortcuts as well as system-wide hotkeys and user-defined shortcut descriptions. Version 8.7 is a maintenance release for KeyCue 8, while Ergonis is already preparing to release KeyCue 9 later this year.
KeyCue 8.7 can now display macro shortcuts of yKey (former "iKey"). It offers faster animation of the menu scanning process and additional information during the installation process. Besides that, the new version fixes a cosmetic issue on High Sierra and contains compatibility improvements with PhotoLab and Photos.
KeyCue 8.7 requires macOS 10.6 or higher. The upgrade to version 8.6 is free for anyone who owns a license for KeyCue 8 or who purchased a license for KeyCue 7 on or after March 1, 2015. Upgrade paths are available for owners of older licenses. For new users...
3D Cab Room now free for AmpliTube Custom Shop users
IK Multimedia has added 3D mic positioning and other Cab Room features (www.ikmultimedia.com/cabroom) for AmpliTube Custom Shop, the free version of their AmpliTube guitar amp and effects modeling software.
Previously only available for AmpliTube 4 users, these premium features are now available at no extra cost to all users. AmpliTube is guitar and bass tone software for the Mac and PC.
Apple releases seventh developer beta of macOS High Sierra 10.13...
Apple has released the seventh developer beta of macOS High Sierra 10.13.4. Registered developers can download it from Apple's Developer Center — or over-the-air once the proper configuration profile has been installed from the Developer Center.
Jamf delivers pre day-zero support for Apple spring releases
Jamf, which specializes in Apple device management, has announced both compatibility and key feature support for the upcoming Apple releases of iOS, macOS and tvOS.
When users of iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple TV devices upgrade, IT administrators using Jamf Pro or Jamf Now cannot only be confident their management workflows will be uninterrupted, but ensure their end users can leverage the latest features, according to Jamf CEO Dean Hager. Today, Jamf helps more than 15,000 organizations succeed with Apple. Jamf Pro, a solution designed specifically for professional Apple administrators, supports the new functionality launched for macOS, iOS and tvOS, including:
° Managed software updates: With Jamf Pro and new versions of macOS and iOS, IT can now defer Apple software updates for up to 90 days, providing time to test employee workflows and provide support for their internal users.
° User approved MDM support for Mac: Automatically create User Approved enrollments through the new...
Output Factory Server for Adobe InDesign update improves file...
Zevrix Solutions has announced Output Factory Server 2.0.14, a maintenance update to company's output workflow automation solution for Adobe InDesign.
Output Factory automates printing and exporting from InDesign by processing files from hot folders. The app can serve unlimited users and offers layer versioning, preflighting, FTP delivery and more. The new version introduces background processing, improves file queue management, and fixes an issue related to exporting InDesign spreads as TIFF files.
Output Factory Server can be purchased from the Zevrix website (www.zevrix.com) for $699.95. A demo is available for download. The upgrade to version 2 is $350 for the licensed users of Output Factory Server 1.x and BatchOutput Server. Output Factory Server requires macOS 10.7-10.13 and Adobe InDesign CS5-CC 2018.
Maintain serves up Cocktail 11.2.5 (High Sierra Edition)
Maintain has served up Cocktail 11.2.5 (High Sierra Edition), a new edition of Cocktail for users running macOS High Sierra.
It’s a general purpose utility for macOS that lets users clean, repair and optimize their Macs. The new version: adds the ability to clear iOS backups and software updates; offers improvements on the "Clear User caches" procedure; addresses compatibility issues with Apple File System (APFS) volumes; and adds macOS High Sierra 10.13.4 compatibility.
Cocktail costs $19 for a single user license and available for purchase from the Maintain website (http://www.maintain.se/cocktail/). When unregistered, Cocktail runs in demo mode and will expire after the tenth launch.
IK Multimedia releases AmpliTube Leslie and T-RackS Leslie
IK Multimedia (www.ikmultimedia.com) has announced the availability of AmpliTube Leslie and T-RackS Leslie, a new collaboration with Hammond USA and Suzuki Music Corp. of Japan that brings the sound of the legendary Leslie amps and cabinets to IK's guitar amp and effects software AmpliTube, and to the wmixing and mastering processors in T-RackS.
AmpliTube Leslie and T-RackS Leslie offer the sounds of 5 Leslie amps and six Leslie rotary-speaker cabinets that can be used for recording or playing live. Microphone distance and position control, precise level balancing, different amp and cab combinations, circuit overdriving, width, acceleration and deceleration control of the rotary speaker, horn/drum balance and more are included.
AmpliTube Leslie and T-RackS Leslie are now available at a special introductory price of $99.99 each until April 2. The Leslie Collection, which combines the AmpliTube and T-RackS versions, is available for download at a special introductory price of $149.99...
Satechi announces Aluminum Type-C Multimedia Adapter
Satechi has launched the Aluminum Type-C Multimedia Adapter. The hub features a USB-C Power Delivery port to charge PD-compatible devices (up to 49W), 4K HDMI (30Hz), 4K mini DisplayPort (30Hz), Gigabit Ethernet, micro/SD card slots and three USB 3.0 ports to access all devices.
Satechi’s Aluminum Type-C Multimedia Adapter boasts the upgraded USB-C Power Delivery (PD) standard to quickly charge compatible devices (USB-C PD 2.0 or higher). It includes multi-directional power flow (up to 49W) and efficient charging speeds to ensure all devices always stay juiced.
The Aluminum Type-C Multimedia Adapter allows users to have a mirrored display on two external monitors (HDMI and mini DP), up to 4K @ 30Hz. The HDMI/mini DP display is supported on devices equipped with DisplayPort over USB-C (Alt mode) and requires direct HDMI-HDMI, mini DP-mini DP connection.
You can also add a wired network port to a USB-C laptop for Ethernet connection with the Aluminum Type-C Multimedia Adapter....
InvizBox announces portable VPN router
InvizBox has announced the global availability of InvizBox Go (https://www.invizbox.com/buy/), a portable VPN router with a built-in power bank, Wi-Fi extension and ad blocker to secure Internet traffic and access blocked content. Pricing starts at $150.
It allows users to secure all Internet traffic when using Wi-Fi. InvizBox Go purportedly secures browsing privacy and security and can be used at home, abroad or on public Wi-Fi anywhere in the world. The InvizBox Go also doubles up as a portable power bank with the ability to fully charge a mobile phone or tablet by plugging into the USB port on the side of the device. It can be used with multiple devices.
In order to use the VPN service, InvizBox has partnered with IP Vanish, a VPN “no log” provider. Each InvizBox Go has access to a Virtual Private Network (VPN) that consists of over 500 servers in 20 countries. The VPN service costs about $5.50 per month.
AKVIS releases NatureArt 10
AKVIS (www.akvis.com) has released AKVIS NatureArt 10, an update of its software for imitating natural phenomena on digital photos. Version 10 offers a new Night Sky effect with a number of ready-to-use presets, full compatibility with Photoshop CC 2018, some interface improvements, etc.
NatureArt 10 is available as a standalone program and as a plugin filter for AliveColors, Adobe Photoshop and other image editors. On the Mac platform, the software runs on macOS 10.7 and higher.
AKVIS NatureArt, Home license, sells for $72. AKVIS subscribers can buy the product for 10% off. One license key allows activating and using the software on two computers. A demo is available for download.
The update is free for users who bought NatureArt in the last 12 months. Users, whose license is older and isn’t valid for the new version, can get NatureArt 10 for $14.95.
Excel Software ships FileMaker, Xojo, Xcode plug-ins
Excel Software (www.excelsoftware.com) has released new runtime plugins for FileMaker and Xojo developers of Mac and Windows desktop apps and a new library file for Xcode developers creating Mac OS apps.
The new runtime files give developers the latest QuickLicense 8 protection and licensing features plus updates for the latest Mac and Windows OS. App developers can access QuickLicense runtime commands with a function call.
PluginFMQLRT 2.0 adds a 64-bit FileMaker Windows plugin. It also supports 32-bit FileMaker Windows and a 64-bit Cocoa plugin for Mac OS computers. PluginXojoQLRT 2.1 supports both 32-bit and 64-bit Mac and Windows apps created with Xojo. QLRT Xcode 3.1 is a static library that can be compiled into any Xcode desktop application.
FileMaker, Xojo and Xcode developers can add offline, Serial Number online or USB dongle activation to protect and license any Mac or Windows desktop application. Configure and apply a time-limited Trial, Product, Try/Buy or Subscription...
Apple introduces new Apple Watch bands
Apple has debuted a spring collection of bands that include Woven Nylon bands with a fresh stripe that alternates white with color, exclusive Nike bands that color-match with the latest Nike running shoes, and a new edge paint color for Apple Watch Hermès bands.
Later this month, all new bands will be available to order from apple.com and for purchase at select Apple Stores, Apple Authorized Resellers and carriers.
Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) will include new 38mm and 42mm Space Gray Aluminum Case with Black Sport Loop models.
The Nike Sport Loop will now be sold separately, joining new Nike Sport Band colors. Apple Watch Nike+ (GPS + Cellular) will include new 38mm and 42mm Space Gray Aluminum Case with Midnight Fog Nike Sport Loop models. The Single Tour Rallye and Double Tour bands now display contrasting paint details.
Azpen announces new line of wireless chargers
Azpen Innovation (www.azpeninnovation.com) has announced four new Qi wireless chargers: the Azpen Qi Wireless Charging Pad (C100), the Azpen Dual-Power Wireless Charging Pad (C200), the Azpen Power Bank with Wireless Charging (C300), and the Azpen Car Vent Magnetic Wireless Charger (C400).
The $29.99 Azpen Qi Wireless Charging Pad (C100) provides 10 watts of standard charging power and has an ambient glow charging indicator light. For twice the charging fun, the $59.99 Azpen Dual-Power Qi Wireless Charging Pad (C200) can charge two devices at the same time. It too has 20 watts (two sets of 10 watts) of power and can fully charge two devices simultaneously.
The $59.99 Azpen Power Bank with Wireless Charging (C300) is a 2-in-1 charger that provides standard wireless charging power and an 8000mAh capacity battery. The device also features two variably powered USB ports.
The $39.99 Azpen Car Vent Magnetic Wireless Charger (C400) can be mounted to the car's dash or inserted into the air...
Apple releases sixth developer beta of tvOS 11.3
Apple has released the sixth developer beta of tvOS 11.3. Registered developers can download it from Apple's Developer Center — or over-the-air once the proper configuration profile has been installed from the Developer Center.
Keep It 1.3 adds iCloud folder sharing, PDF annotation and more
Reinvented Software has announced Keep It 1.3 (http://reinventedsoftware.com/keepit/), an update to their notebook, scrapbook and organizer for macOS.
Designed for writing notes, saving web links, organizing documents, and finding them again. Version 1.3 adds iCloud folder sharing, PDF annotation, and more.
Keep It for Mac 1.3 requires macOS 10.12 Sierra or later, and is available as a 15-day trial. A license for Keep It for Mac costs $49.99 and includes all Keep It Version 1.x updates.
Twocanoes Software releases Certificate Request for macOS
Twocanoes Software has introduced Certificate Request, a utility for the Mac that’s used to request and install digital X.509 certificates directly from Active Directory.
It automatically discovers all the required information from Active Directory. Once authenticated, requesting a digital certificate is reportedly as simple as clicking a single button. The digital certificate can be used for configuring wireless, Mail, VPN, or many other services on macOS.
Certificate Request requires macOS 10.12 or later. It costs $29.99 for a single user license and $299.99 for 30 users. A 14-day trial is available at the product webpage (https://tinyurl.com/yap5ddc9).
QNAP rolls out new NAS series
QNAP Systems has launched its 4-bay ( TS-473), 6-bay ( TS-673), and 8-bay ( TS-873) TS-x73 series NAS featuring an AMD RX-421ND quad-core CPU with Turbo Core up to 3.4GHz and two PCIe slots for installing a QNAP QM2 card, wireless network card or a graphics card to extend NAS functionalities.
The TS-x73 series provides small and medium businesses with a NAS solution to build a private cloud for applications including high-speed data transfer, backup/recovery, virtualization, media playback and graphics display, according to Jason Hsu, product manager of QNAP.
The TS-x73 series is powered by an AMD RX-421ND quad-core 2.1 GHz CPU (Turbo Core up to 3.4 GHz) and 4GB/8GB DDR4 RAM (up to 64GB). With an optional 10GbE network card installed, it delivers up to 1661 MB/s throughput and up to 1575 MB/s with AES-NI hardware-accelerated encryption.
With two built-in M.2 SATA SSD slots and SSD caching (M.2 SSD sold separately), coupled with Qtier auto-tiering technology, the TS-x73 provides...
Apple releases new developer beta of macOS High Sierra 10.13
Apple has released the sixth developer beta for macOS High Sierra 10.13. Registered developers can download it from Apple's Developer Center — or over-the-air once the proper configuration profile has been installed from the Developer Center.
Mellel 4.1 introduces DOCX support, Tracking, Word Spacing, and...
Mellel has released Mellel 4.1 (https://www.mellel.com/mellel/), an update to its word processor. The upgrade offers a host of new export capabilities and features for both its Mac and iPad versions.
Mellel can now import Microsoft Word DOCX documents. Users can now set letter-spacing easily. A Minimum Word Spacing feature gives a way to squeeze and maximize spacing. Users can now change the color of items in an outline, can truncate outline items so they don’t wrap and more.
You can now set the indent for continuing paragraphs within the Auto-title setup, allowing you to set auto-indent faster and with less clutter. With the new Story Feature, writers can create or draw story points on a line of their own. This makes the points more apparent when displayed, and unobtrusive when hidden. The Auto-title palette now shows the flow level of selected auto-titles in the text or in the outline with a checkmark. This helps writers keep a birds-eye view of their structure as they create....
QNAP ships its first 3-bay TS-328 RAID 5 NAS
QNAP Systems has rolled out the TS-328, its first quad-core 3-bay NAS that allows for building a RAID 5 array using only three drives. Compared with 2-bay NAS that only allow for building RAID 1 arrays, the TS-328 provides the choice of RAID 5 and can optimize available space while providing high data protection.
The TS-328 provides multimedia applications and video transcoding capabilities, and is an ideal solution for home users to centrally store, backup and manage files and data, according to Dan Lin, product manager of QNAP. He says that 30% of QNAP NAS users prefer using RAID 5 arrays to benefit from optimized storage capacity, higher performance, and data protection.
QNAP’s first 3-bay NAS allows entry-level users to build a RAID 5 array on their NAS for a more cost-effective private cloud storage solution. The TS-328 also supports snapshots, allowing for users to quickly recover data in the event of accidental deletion/modification or ransomware attack.
The TS-328 is powered...
Dejal Time Out 2.4 for macOS Adds Statistics and More Options
Dejal has announced Time Out 2.4, an update to their break reminder app for macOS.
Using a computer for hours on end can lead to eye, back, and neck strain. Time Out 2 offers users gentle reminders to take breaks, allowing them to stretch and relax. Version 2.4 adds the ability to get statistics about the number of times a break has been postponed, skipped, and done, disable the postpone/skip buttons briefly, and more.
Time Out 2.4 requires macOS 10.10 or later. It’s free and is available through the Mac App Store in the Health and Fitness category, as well as the Dejal website (http://www.dejal.com/timeout/).
Apple releases new developer beta of watchOS 4.3
Apple has released the sixth developer beta of an upcoming watchOS 4.3 update. Registered developers can download it from Apple's Developer Center — or over-the-air once the proper configuration profile has been installed from the Developer Center.
Apple releases new developer beta of iOS 11.3
Apple has released the sixth developer beta of an upcoming iOS 11.3 update. Registered developers can download it from Apple's Developer Center — or over-the-air once the proper configuration profile has been installed from the Developer Center.
Syncro Soft Announces Version 20 of the Oxygen XML Editor Suite...
Syncro Soft has announced version 20 of its Oxygen XML suite of products that include Oxygen XML Editor, Author, Developer, Web Author, WebHelp, as well as the new Oxygen PDF Chemistry.
For the complete list of new features and detailed information, go to https://tinyurl.com/58mkop . A demo of Oxygen 20.0 can be downloaded at https://tinyurl.com/34bhvw, and a demo of Oxygen XML Web Author can found at https://tinyurl.com/ybnyzxld . You can purchase licenses by going to https://www.oxygenxml.com/buy.html .
Logitech G unveils new gaming speaker, mechanical keyboard
Logitech G, a brand of Logitech, has announced a Mac compatible addition to its family of gaming gear. The Logitech G560 PC Gaming Speaker (https://tinyurl.com/yall2qof) is the first dedicated gaming speaker system with the company’s LIGHTSYNC, a technology that synchronizes both light and sounds to gameplay.
It provides 240 Watts Peak/120 Watts RMS power and 3D audio with DTS:X Ultra 1.0 for in-game positional audio. Together this improves accuracy, and heightens intensity and realism, giving gamers a more immersive and fun experience, according to Ujesh Desai, vice president and general manager of Logitech Gaming.
Powered by advanced LIGHTSYNC technology, the Logitech G560 synchronizes RGB lighting and audio in real time to match on-screen gameplay action, he adds. Light and animation effects can be customized across approximately 16.8 million colors, with four lighting zones. The Logitech G560 features multiple connection options including USB, 3.5mm and Bluetooth.
The Logitech...
