CS Odessa announces Chess Solution for ConceptDraw Pro
CS Odessa (www.conceptdraw.com) has introduced a $25 Chess Solution designed to be used with ConceptDraw Pro 11. The new Chess Solution is now available in ConceptDraw Solution Park, which is compatible with macOS 10.10 and higher. The new libraries, samples, and templates permit one to describe the play and strategy of chess play.
The professional objects in this solution are designed to make it easy to show how games develop. There’s also one template included that permits live play over a local network. The interactive template displays some of the dynamic properties of ConceptDraw Smart Objects.
Apple seeds second public beta of iOS 10.3.2
Apple has released iOS 10.3.2 public beta number two. The beta should offer under-the-hood bug fixes and security improvements.
If you're not already signed up for the public beta program, you can do so at https://beta.apple.com/sp/betaprogram/. The public beta program is free, but remember: beta software is unfinished software so use with care.
Apple seeds second public beta of macOS Sierra 10.12.5
Apple has released the second public beta of its next update (10.12.5) for macOS Sierra. It’s a minor update that focuses on bug fixes and speed improvements.
If you're not already signed up for the public beta program, you can do so at https://beta.apple.com/sp/betaprogram/. The public beta program is free, but remember: beta software is unfinished software so use with care.
Dalet announces Adobe Premiere Pro CC integration
Dalet has released a new version of its Dalet Xtend plug-in for Adobe Premiere Pro CC.
It connects Adobe Premiere Pro CC users to the Dalet Galaxy Media Asset Management (MAM) and Orchestration platform, providing a direct gateway to metadata-rich assets and facilitating collaboration with users such as journalists, prep editors, sports producers and other production personnel on the Dalet Galaxy platform. The new HTML-5 Dalet Xtend panel for Adobe Premiere Pro CC adds support for multi-sequence export, locator inheritance, configurable metadata forms for exporting content, and support for the “while” scenarios when exporting from Adobe Premiere Pro.
By connecting via the Dalet Xtend plugin, editors working on Adobe Premiere Pro can import media, including shot selections, sequences and EDLs, made by other users on the Dalet Galaxy platform, as well as previously saved Adobe Premiere Pro Projects and Sequences. Adobe Premiere Pro users have instant access to content in the Dalet...
Western Digital expands G-DRIVE storage portfolio
Western Digital Corp. has expanded its G-Technology brand G-DRIVE storage portfolio with the G-DRIVE USB-C device. The new drive provides USB-C connectivity for next-generation Mac and PC computers while simultaneously charging compatible USB-C devices like the latest MacBook and MacBook Pro computers.
Available in capacities up to 10TB, the G-DRIVE USB-C device is built to provide expansive capacity for storage of HD videos, photos, music, backups and more in a stylish extruded aluminum enclosure. This G-DRIVE device features the USB 3.1 Gen 1 interface with USB-C connector. It ships with a USB-C to USB-A cable for compatibility with traditional systems with a USB-A connector. With USB Power Delivery, G-Technology’s G-DRIVE USB-C device provides up to 45 watts of charging capability through the USB-C port, so users can charge the latest MacBook or MacBook Pro without the need of a separate charger, says Mike Williams, vice president of Advanced Technologies, Western Digital.
The G-...
Karma launches pay-as-you-go Wi-Fi service
Karma Mobility has launched DRIFT (http://www.yourkarma.com), a pay-as-you-go Wi-Fi service. Coupled with the Karma Go device, it can be used across the U.S> in over 460 cities.
DRIFT uses a 4G LTE connection and falls back to CDMA 3G in the most remote areas where 4G LTE coverage isn’t available. Laptops, tablets and phones can all purportedly connect within 100 feet of the Karma Go device which weighs 2.3 ounces and has a battery life up to six hours and 220 hours of standby time.
The pay-as-you-go DRIFT service costs $3 per month and $10 per GB used. Customers who share their connection get free data while sharing and earn a $1 credit for every guest that connects. Customers can manage their account and data on their phone and via the web with the ability to change their plan at any time. DRIFT requires no contracts, has no hidden fees and customers can cancel at any time.
B-Eng introduces Anti-Virus Lite for Mac
B-Eng has introduced Anti Virus Lite 1.0 (http://www.b-eng.ch), anti-virus software for the Mac. The app offers detection of encrypted viruses, malware, adware, trojans, and even detects viruses that are hidden in compressed files. An adware scanner is included
Anti Virus Lite requires macOS 10.10. It costs $4.99 and is available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Utilities category.
Prosoft Engineering announces Drive Genius 5
Prosoft Engineering (https://www.prosofteng.com) has released Drive Genius 5, an update of the macOS utility that optimizes and automates your hard drive maintenance. The upgrade sports new Malware Scan and (APFS Apple Files System) compatibility.
The new Malware Scan tool allows you to scan drives for malware. Drive Pulse performs "Live" malware scans of well-known download folders automatically. There's also improved support for 10.12.x Bootwell drive creation.
Drive Genius 5 requires macOS 10.10 or higher. Pricing starts at $99, and a demo is available for download.
Apple posts four new developer betas
Apple has released developer betas of macOS 10.12.5, iOS 10.3.2, watchOS 3.2.2 and tvOS 10.2.1. Registered developers Developers can obtain them at the Apple Developer Center.
ToneBands launches a line of Apple Watch bands
ToneBands (http://tonebands.com) has launched a line of sport-style silicone bands for the Apple Watch. The initial line comes in three colors: white, gray and lavender.
All three colors come with black latching pins to match space gray and space black watches. In the future, ToneBands hopes to expand into offering a wider variety of colors and styles, and to expand into other colored pins as well, according to company co-founder, Cameron Banga.
The bands retail for $18 individually, or $39 for a three-pac. They’re available for purchase now.
B-Eng rolls out Anti Virus Plus for macOS
B-Eng has introduced Anti Virus Plus for macOS. It’s a virus scanner and vulnerability detector that the company says recognizes more than six million different viruses.
Anti Virus Plus comes with a full vulnerability detector, a port scanner and an automatic directory scanner, as well as a drag and drop scanner where newly added files are scanned automatically. The vulnerability scanner detects loopholes and unsecure security settings for encrypted viruses, malware, adware and trojans.
Anti Virus Plus runs on macOS 10.11 or newer. It’s available for $19.99 at the B-Eng webpage (http://www.b-eng.ch/product/anti-virus/).
VDOMint for macOS gets user interface refinements, more
Macubes has announced VDOMint 1.1 (http://vdomint.com/), an update to the free app that provides Mac users with a menu bar for YouTube. Features include a shortcut key setting for go-to, quick access and more.
Offering new user interface refinements, version 1.1 also includes drag and drop support in the status bar and player window from YouTube URLs, as well as bug fixes. VDOMint 1.1 requires macOS 10.10 or later.
B-Eng updates SSD Speeder for Mac -
B-Eng (http://www.b-eng.ch) has updated their SSD Speeder app for the Mac. It allows anyone to create a RAM disk to speed up Safari and provide a longer life time for solid state drives.
A RAM disk can be used to store data that needs to live only until you shut down your computer. The SSD Speeder update mainly addresses mainly visual aspects of the app, as well as stability improvements under specific circumstances.
SSD Speeder costs $19.99 for new users. The update is free for existing users.
TunesKit DRM removal tools get iTunes 12.6 support
TunesKit Software (www.tuneskit.com) has rolled out updates to three of its DRM removal products for the Mac, including DRM Media Converter ($44.95), DRM Audiobook Converter ($34.95) and Apple Music Converter ($34.95). All three solutions add support for iTunes 12.6.
The apps allow Mac users to remove DRM from iTunes movies, TV shows, Apple Music and audiobooks. You can convert protected M4V files to unprotected videos, including MP4, MOV, M4V, AVI, MKV, FLV and more. Demos are available for all three TunesKit products.
Nvidia announces Titan Xp GPU, beta Pascal drivers for the Mac
Nvidia (www.nvidia.com) has announced its $1,200 Titan Xp GPU [graphics processing unit], as well as news that new beta Pascal drivers are coming next week for the Mac.
The company says it pushes more cores, faster clocks, faster memory and more TFLOPS than its predecessor, the 2016 Pascal-powered Titan X.
Stats for the Titan Xp include: 12GB of GDDR5X memory running at 11.4 Gbp; 3,840 CUDA cores running at 1.6GHz; and 12 TFLOPs of “brute force.” Nvidia says its making the GPU open to the Mac community with new Pascal drivers, coming later this month.
Western Digital unveils its first WD Portable SSD
Western Digital (www.wdc.com) has introduced its fastest WD brand portable drive yet: the My Passport SSD. It boasts speeds of up to 515 MB/second and is designed for the latest generation of computers with a USB Type-C port, such as the 2016 MacBook Pros.
The My Passport SSD is USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10Gb/s) ready with a USB Type-C to Type-C cable and an adapter to use with the more traditional USB Type-A ports found on many computers. It offers 256-bit AES hardware encryption and password protection, and is also 6.5-foot drop tested for shock-resistance to withstand 1500G of force, to help keep precious data safe.
The new drive is available in 1TB, 512GB and 256GB capacities, and comes with WD Backup software that enables users to automatically back up their stuff. The My Passport SSD is backed by a three-year limited warranty, and is available in the U.S. from BestBuy.com, and available worldwide at select e-tailers and retailers this quarter. The My Passport SSD has manufacturer’s...
BenQ ships color-critical monitor with single-Cable USB-C...
BenQ America (http://www.benq.us) has launched the PD2710QC, a $599, 100% sRGB and Rec. 709 monitor that includes a USB-C Docking Station for MacBook and PC users.
Designers can charge devices, transfer data, transmit audio and video, and connect to the Internet, all through the convenience of a single cable, according to J.Y. Hu, vice president, business line management at BenQ America Corp. Simultaneously delivering up to 61 watts of power to a laptop or mobile device, the 27-inch (2560x1440) IPS LED display's single 5-Gbps Super Speed USB-C connection powers its integrated hub and features multiple audio, video, network, and USB ports in addition to uncompressed 2K QHD video quality.
The USB-C Docking Station sports an edge-to-edge, four-sided slim bezel design and space grey metal finishing. Using the screen's DisplayPort output and built-in multi-stream transport technology (MST), users can expand their workspace across multiple monitors. In addition, the included Display Pilot...
Server Ranger for macOS upgraded to version 1.5
LibertyApp has rolled out Server Ranger 1.5 (http://www.serverranger.com), the latest version of the website and server monitoring solution for macOS platform.
The utility scales to monitor the performance and uptime of any number of servers, as well as any type of server, including web, mail, file, routers and more. The app can send multiple alerts when a server's latency is unacceptable or if the server has gone offline. Version 1.5 brings new features, such as an integrated main window, new filters on the server logs, and more.
Server Ranger 1.5 is available as a one-time purchase of $39.99 from the Mac App Store. It has no in-app purchases and requires no subscriptions or other monthly fees. It is a free upgrade for all current customers.
TunesKit releases iTunes Free Video Cutter for the Mac
TunesKit Software has unveiled TunesKit Free Video Cutter (http://tinyurl.com/kvkbj82), its first video editing software for macOS. It has editing features like PIP, voice over, transition, overlay effects, and more.
TunesKit Free Video Cutter is a tool that can purportedly cut any video with 100% lossless quality. The app includes a timeline based editing window, offering precise trimming settings. It supports video formats such as like MP4, M4V, MOV, MPEG, AVI, and more. TunesKit Free Video Cutter supports macOS 10.12. and higher.
KeynotePro announces three themes for Keynote 7
KeynotePro (http://www.keynotepro.com) has announced the introduction of thee new themes for the updated Keynote 7. Disruptor is an “assertive, modern pitch-deck” theme designed for tech start-ups and innovators.
KeyStation NXT is a web-inspired theme optimized for building Keynote-powered kiosks and interactive presentations. And Chelsea is a fashion-oriented theme that blends modern texture with classic type to create a unique interplay of styles.
Disruptor, KeyStation NXT and Chelsea Standard Editions are available for immediate download for $24.95 or in a bundle with two other standard edition themes for $64.95. Pro editions containing both standard and widescreen HD themes are available for $34.95, or in a bundle with two other pro edition themes for $89.85.
Syncro Soft announces a new release of Oxygen XML products
Syncro Soft, the developer of the Oxygen XML suite of products, has announced the availability of version 19.0 of its XML editing suite of products, Oxygen XML Editor, Author, Developer, Web Author, and WebHelp.
It offers features and improvements designed to make your XML authoring and developing experience more productive and powerful, according to the folks at Syncro Soft.
Oxygen 19.0 can be freely evaluated for 30 days from http://www.oxygenxml.com/download.html. To purchase Oxygen XML Editor, Author, Developer or WebHelp, go to the Oxygen XML store at http://www.oxygenxml.com/buy.html.
Xeric Design rolls out Cinematica 3
Xeric Design has rolled out Cinematica 3 (http://www.xericdesign.com/cinematica.php), an update of its video management software for the Mac.
The app lets you manage your video library in detail, keeping track of dozens of properties for each video. You can sort and search by multiple criteria and technical properties, customize keywords and collection icons, and use smart collections to catalogue all your videos. Version 3 adds a modern toolbar with more than a dozen options, support for AV Foundation and FFmpeg importers, new storyboard options including full Retina support, support for posters and text descriptions, and more.
Cinematic 3 requires macOS 10.10 or later. Licenses start at $39.99, while upgrades from previous versions start at $19.99.
AKVIS releases Fairy-Tale Pack
AKVIS (www.akvis.com) has released Fairy-Tale Pack, a $17 frame pack designed around fairy tales and legends. The frame collection includes 100 templates intended for use with AKVIS Frames and AKVIS ArtSuite.
The collection includes 100 picture frames created by professional artists: 50 horizontal and 50 vertical variants for each design. To use AKVIS frame packs, you need to have installed one of following programs: AKVIS Frames (available for free) or AKVIS ArtSuite (10-day free trial download). On the Mac platform, the apps require macOS 10.7 or higher.
QNAP supports VMWare SRM 6.5
QNAP’s Storage Replication Adapter (SRA) for the QES operating system now supports VMware Site Recovery Manager 6.5, providing enterprise-class remote backup and disaster recovery solutions to fulfill business continuity needs.
You can deploy your remote backup & disaster recovery solutions now with the Enterprise ZFS NAS featuring dual active-active controllers, or the more affordable TES-x85U series capable of running either the QTS or QES operating systems. Go to www.qnap.com for more info.
Mac-compatible Lil Tanks now available on Steam
Lil Tanks is now available on Steam (http://tinyurl.com/lykm627) for Mac, Windows and Linux systems for $7.99 (20% off). The game will return to its original $9.99 pricing on April 11.
The game pays homage to genre classics and offers both single-player and co-op gameplay. Here's how the game is described: “The Cuur have invaded Earth and started terraforming the planet – reshaping the terrain and tinkering with the atmosphere. In a last-ditch effort, Humanity’s greatest minds have come together to create a prototype vehicle program – code-named ‘Lil Tanks.’
“You’re dropped right in the middle of a chaotic battlefield where quick reflexes and weapon mastery are critical to victory. Be prepared to face off against more than 20 unique enemies – including laser turrets, aircraft, mechs, and deadly bosses who will stop at nothing to destroy your tank. Battle the Cuur across four different environments ranging from deserts and swamps to tundras and volcanic wastes. Luckily, a companion Lil...
EditShare unveils Lightworks Video Editor 14.0
EditShare (http://www.editshare.com) has unveiled Lightworks NLE version 14.0, which sports a new look and an extensive list of new features to benefit YouTubers and social marketers, as well as indie and corporate video makers. It’s compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux systems.
Used to create films such as “Pulp Fiction” and “The King’s Speech,” version 14.0 of Lightworks boasts a new fixed layout user interface withVFX capabilities, plus integrated royalty-free premium audio and video content from partners Audio Network and Pond5. For those just stepping into video making, Lightworks offers a free version with all the tools – the only restriction is on output formats (Vimeo and YouTube 720p max). The Lightworks Pro version can be purchased as needed; go monthly, annually or get the outright license, which includes Boris Graffiti and FX packages.
Telestream adds support for IMSC 1.0 timed text subtitling to...
Telestream (www.telestream.net), a provider of digital media tools and workflow solutions, has announced that its entire suite of captioning and subtitling products now supports IMSC 1.0, the new OTT standard for subtitling and captioning. For major networks and content distributors standardizing on the IMF file-based delivery format, such as Netflix, delivering subtitles for streaming content with IMSC 1.0 Timed Text is a requirement.
“Whether creating subtitles with our MacCaption or CaptionMaker software, or automating subtitle conversion with the Timed Text Flip module in Vantage, Telestream is the first company to create, edit, extract, and automate with the IMSC 1.0 Timed Text specification,” says Giovanni Galvez, product manager for Telestream Captioning and Subtitling Software. “We also have the only IMSC 1.0 solution that can be integrated with existing transcode workflows.”
Government legislation in a growing number of countries requires broadcasters to deliver closed...
ISPs can now officially store and sell user data
President Trump has signed the executive order finalizing the repeal of FCC’s Internet privacy rules that would have stopped intrusive practices of ISPs.
Internet Service Providers are now free to collect and share their subscribers’ private data that includes precise geolocation, financial information, health information, children’s information and web browsing history. While ISPs are claiming they won’t sell customer data, now that they are legally allowed to do it, there’s lots of skepticism surrounding this claim.
According to the rights group Electronic Frontier Foundation, “privacy and security are two sides of the same coin: privacy is about controlling who has access to information about you, and security is how you maintain that control.”
Here are the main ways how ISPs can potentially impact online security, given the new rights:
° Storing large amounts of data could attract hackers. The storage security argument always reappears when discussing the mandatory ISP data...
Apple releases iOS 10.3.1
Apple has posted iOS 10.3.1 It includes bug fixes and performance improvements.
iOS 10.3.1 is available as an over-the-air update (Settings > General > Software Update). And iOS 10.3.2 has already been released as a beta to both developers and public beta testers.
FORMULA ONE returning to the Mac with F1 2016
Feral Interactive (www.feralinteractive.com) has announced that F1 2016 will be released for Mac on Thursday, April 6, powered by Apple’s new graphics API (application programming interface), Metal.
F1 2016, the official video game of the 2016 FIA FORMULA One World Championship, takes players deeper into the motorsport, both on and off the track.
An all-new career mode sits at the heart of the game, allowing players to create their own legend over a lifetime in the sport that can span up to 10 seasons.
F1 2016 features extensive online multiplayer, allowing players to compete against up to 21 rivals on any of the 21 GRAND PRIX circuits, according to David Stephen, managing director of Feral Interactive. On Steam, multiplayer is cross-platform between Mac and Windows. On the Mac App Store, multiplayer is Mac-Mac and supported by Feral’s multiplayer matching service, Calico.
F1 2016 will be available through the Feral Store and Steam for $59.9. On the Mac App Store, F1 2016 will be...
B-Eng updates Mac SSD Health Check for NVMe
B-Eng (www.b-eng.ch) has released SSD Health Check for MVNe, an update to their solid state hard drive utility for macOS.
SSD Health Check for MVNe delivers data and insights for MVNe Solid State Drives that are built in the newest generation of Apple's MacBook Pro. It can alert you when your solid state disk is in a critical state or reaches other critical limits. This update contains minor aesthetic corrections on how data is presented.
SSD Health Check costs $4.99. It may run on older versions of macOS, it has only been properly tested on macOS 10.12 or newer.
Barcode Basics for macOS adds Automator support
Ghostotter Software (https://www.ghostotter.com) has announced Barcode Basics 4.16, an update to the barcode generation tool for macOS. The update adds an action for Apple's Automator as standard.
Non-technical users can now create their own simple apps, workflows, scripts and services to make barcodes on macOS without writing a single line of code. Anything you can do in the Barcode Basics app, you can do in its Automator action.
Barcode Basics requires macOS 10.11 or higher. It costs $15.99 and is available worldwide at the Mac App Store in the Graphics & Design category.
New iPad 9.7-inch 2017 Case available from Gumdrop Cases
The FoamTech case from Gumdrop Cases is now available for Apple's new 9.7-inch iPad. It's lightweight and fits snuggly around the new tablet.
The built-in handle can be folded for viewing and typing modes. The FoamTech iPad case is made of a tough, environmentally friendly foam and allows access to all ports, buttons, camera and speakers. It’s available on the Gumdrop Cases website (https://www.gumdropcases.com) in black, blue or lime color for $34.95.
BlipWall launches for macOS
Raaza has introduced BlipWall 1.0 (http://www.blipwall.com), a photography app for macOS. With it you can create desktop wallpaper from a random selection of your Facebook photos.
BlipWall sits in the background and creates a new collage of random photos at regular intervals, without any work from you. The macOS desktop is occasionally updated with a new selection of pics.
Users of the BlipWall app can choose the update interval, whether it’s one hour or 24, and can also save and share the collages created by the app. BlipWall makes use of all your Facebook photo albums for maximum exposure of old memories. It can also make use of multiple displays if the user has multiple screens.
BlipWall requires macOS 10.9 or later. It’s free and available worldwide through the Mac App Store in the Photography category.
Apple seeds first public beta of macOS Sierra 10.12.5
Apple has released the first public beta of its next update (10.12.5) for macOS Sierra. It’s a minor update that focuses on bug fixes and speed improvements.
If you're not already signed up for the public beta program, you can do so at https://beta.apple.com/sp/betaprogram/. The public beta program is free, but remember: beta software is unfinished software so use with care.
L-com releases new USB 3.0 Type-C cable assemblies, adapters
L-com Global Connectivity (http://www.L-com.com/) has released a new line of USB 3.0 Type-C cable assemblies and adapters that are ideal for data storage, video transfer and data acquisition applications.
L-com’s new USB 3.0 Type-C cable assemblies deliver data transfer rates of 4.8Gbps and feature 360-degrees of shielding with an overall aluminum/polyester shield plus a tinned copper braid shield. Type-C male straight connectors allow for plug-and-play connections with hand held devices and other USB 3.0 Type-C connections. Fully shielded twisted pair data lines provide protection against EMI/RFI, reduce crosstalk and allow for cable flexibility. These cables are available in .3, .5, 1, 2, 3 and 5 meter lengths.
L-com’s new USB 3.0 Type-C adapters also feature 360-degree shield termination and provide 4.8Gbps of data transfer speed to meet USB 3.0 requirements. These fully shielded adapters provide protection against EMI/RFI. They’re designed to connect a tablet or smartphone with a...
Jumsoft announces new version of its Money app for macOS, iOS
Jumsoft (www.jumsoft.com) has launched a new version of its Money for macOS and iOS. It brings both apps to version 5, which symbolizes the fact that they were developed simultaneously and work together better than ever.
With the new releases, Jumsoft has designed a revamped user interface, 64-bit architecture, and a variety of other new and improved features, 64-bit architecture, and a variety of other new and improved features.
Money 5 is now available on the Mac and iOS App Stores with up to 60% early-bird and upgrader discount for a limited time. The macOS version is $24.99, and the iOS version is $1.99. After the initial promotion, the prices will be set to $49.99 (macOS) and $4.99 (iOS).
DEVONthink 2.9.11 declutters web pages with new service, more
DEVONtechnologies has updated all editions of its intelligent information and document manager DEVONthink for Mac. Version 2.9.11 uses DEVONtechnologies’ new web service for decluttering clipped web pages and improves importing notes from Apple Notes and Evernote. HTML and Markdown documents can use relative links for local resources.
The updates add several workflow enhancements, too, and fix bugs and glitches. All updates are free and recommended for all users. All editions of DEVONthink require macOS 10.9 or later. They can be downloaded from www.devontechnologies.com and be test-driven for free before they need to be properly licensed.
Output Factory for Adobe InDesign update improves history...
Zevrix Solutions has announced Output Factory 1.5.68, a feature update to the output automation solution for Adobe InDesign.
The software automates printing, exporting and preflighting from InDesign and offers batch processing, export as single pages, layer versioning, variable file names and much more. Version 1.5.68 adds an option to clear processing history automatically by purging InDesign jobs older than a specific date.
Output Factory can be purchased from the Zevrix website (www.zevrix.com) for $169.95. There’s a “lite” version for $120, and a server version for $700, as well as from authorized resellers and Adobe Exchange. A demo is available for download. BatchOutput users can upgrade to Output Factory for $85. Output Factory requires macOS X 10.7-10.12 and Adobe InDesign CS3-CC 2017.
AKVIS releases AKVIS Refocus 7.0
AKVIS (www.akvis.com) has released AKVIS Refocus 7.0, an upgrade of the tool for improving sharpness of out-of-focus images and applying blur effects to regular photos. The major update brings two new blur modes, Motion Blur and Radial Blur, which allows to create the illusion of movement giving a viewer a sense of speed and action.
Also, the new version of AKVIS Refocus increases the maximum blur amount from 100 to 1000. Plus, there are additional ready-to-use presets.
On the Mac platform, AKVIS Refocus runs on macOS 10.7 and higher. It’s available as a standalone application and as a plugin filter for Adobe Photoshop, Corel PaintShop Pro, and other popular image editors.
And AKVIS Refocus Home license sells for $ 39, a Deluxe license for $ 49, and a Business license for $ 72. One license key allows activating and using the software on two computers. Version 7.0 is a free upgrade for recent buyers, as well for those who bought one year of updates during the last 12 months. Users,...
LinkOptimizer for Adobe InDesign adds new TIFF conversion...
Zevrix Solutions has announced LinkOptimizer 5.0.18, a feature update to company's workflow automation solution for Adobe InDesign.
The tool allows users to reduce the size of InDesign links and speed up processing by eliminating excess image data. The software also performs image adjustments, converts formats and helps repurpose files for web and mobile devices. Version 5.0.18 lets users preserve image multi-resolution information and save transparency when converting InDesign links to TIFF.
LinkOptimizer can be purchased from the Zevrix website (www.zevrix.com) for $259.95 (there’s a “lite” version for $179.95), as well as from Adobe Exchange and authorized resellers. A demo is available for download. The update is free for LinkOptimizer 5.x users and $130 to upgrade from previous versions. LinkOptimizer requires macOS 10.7-10.12 and Adobe InDesign / Photoshop CS5-CC 2017.
Apple releases first developer betas of macOS Sierra 10.12.5,...
Apple has released the first betas of macOS Sierra 10.12.5 and iOS 10.3.2 to developers, one day after releasing macOS Sierra 10.12.4 and iOS 10.3.2.
The new beta versions can be downloaded through the Apple Developer Center or through the Software Update mechanism in the Mac App Store.
Alien Skin Software announces new RAW Photo Editor for...
Alien Skin Software has announced the Advanced Layers Update for Exposure X2, their non-destructive RAW photo editor.
From creative effects plugin to award-winning photo editor, Exposure handles the full digital photography workflow. Photographers can use the tool to organize, edit, enhance, and export their photos, while enjoying the speed and ease of a catalog-free workflow.
The Exposure X2 Advanced Layers Update is free for owners of Exposure X2. This newest version adds advanced layering tools that enable stacking of effects for added creativity. Layers can be copied and pasted, turned on and off individually, applied to multiple images, and more.
The Advanced Layers Update for Exposure X2 will be sent as a free update to owners of Exposure X2. For new users, it’s available at www.alienskin.com for $149. Upgrade pricing is available to owners of previous versions of Exposure for $99.
The Advanced Layers Update for Exposure X2 is also available in the Exposure X2 Bundle. This...
CS Odessa announces GHS Hazard Pictograms solution
CS Odessa (www.csodessa.com) has announced a a new hazardous warning solution for ConceptDraw Pro 11, which is now available in the ConceptDraw Solution Park.
The GHS Hazard Pictograms Solution is a set of libraries that can be used to label containers, vessels, and work places of potentially dangerous contents. It can be used to construct infographics, diagrams, warnings, and posters to comply with the OSHA HAZCOM Standard. The GHS Hazard Pictograms Solution has been added to ConceptDraw Pro at no charge to users of version 11.
PhotoSweeper 3.0 for macOS adds Touch Bar support
Overmacs (www.overmacs.com) has released PhotoSweeper 3.0, an update of the most duplicate image finder for macOS. Among other new features and improvements, the upgrade brings a “Side-To-Side” compare mode that lets you compare the contents of two folders with each other or find similar photos to a single image.
There’s also now Touch Bar support for the 2016 MacBook Pro. PhotoSweeper 3.0 provides a Restoring Session with the latest results saved: you can continue working with your photos right from where you left the app last time
PhotoSweeper 3.0 requires macOS 10.10 or later and costs $9.99. It’s available at the Mac App Store in the Photography category.
Corduroy Code launches Videoloupe for the Mac
Corduroy Code has debuted Videoloupe (http://www.videoloupe.com), a video player and editor for macOS. It’s designed to bridge the gap between basic video players and professional editing suites.
Videoloupe provides a mix of playback controls, editing tools and export options. Features like track removal, lossless trimming and watermarking can be performed without the need of a complicated timeline editor or the hassle of dealing with projects, according to Kenny Carruthers, founder of Corduroy Code and developer of Videoloupe.
Users can adjust the color, tone and creative look of a video as easily as adjusting a photo, he adds. The built-in media browser allows users to play multiple videos side-by-side. For more advanced video analysis, users can synchronize the playback of up to nine videos using a single controller. Videoloupe's exporting options include video resizing, retiming, format conversion and ways to extract video frames as images.
Videoloupe requires macOS 10.12 or newer...
MacVideo Promo launches free video editor for macOS
MacVideo Promo — a promotion company that offers exclusive deals on tools for Mac video editors — is giving away Media 100 Suite 2.1.8, the latest version of its video editing software for macOS.
It provides output for tape and file-based workflows. Editors can edit in Media 100 and export their Media 100 timeline to Adobe After Effects for finishing. In addition, Boris RED is included for integrated transitions and titling on the Media 100 timeline.
Media 100 supports dozens of video standards in 4K, 2K, HD, and SD resolutions at frame rates from 23.98 to 60 frames per second. Acquisition interfaces for AVCHD, AVC-Intra, FireWire, Panasonic P2, and Sony XDCAM are provided, as well as support for AJA and Blackmagic Design video I/O interfaces.
The Boris RED plug-in for Media 100 is included free with each Media 100 download. Boris RED is integrated 3D titling and visual effects software that launches a custom interface directly from the Media 100 timeline for title animation and...
B-Eng releases SSD Health Check for MVNe for MacBook Pro
B-Eng has announced SSD Health Check for MVNe, a hard drive utility for macOS. It delivers data and insights for MVNe Solid State Drives that are built in the newest generation of Apple's MacBook Pro.
This utility can alert you when your solid state disk is in a critical state or reaches other critical limits, such as operating temperature, unexpected power losses, power cycles and more. According to Christian Schaffner, general manager of B-Eng, SSD Health Check for MVNe is able to deliver statistics that no other app is able to provide.
The app requires macOS 10.12 or later. SSD Health Check for MVNe is $4.99 (USD) and can be purchased from B-Eng online (http://www.b-eng.ch).
Apple updates Pages, Numbers, Keynote
Along with iOS 10.3 and macOS Sierra 10.12.4, Apple has posted updates for Pages, Numbers, and Keynote on both the iOS and macOS platforms.
The word processor, spreadsheet creator, and presentation tool have received Touch ID support on both platforms, allowing you to quickly open password-protected documents.
The Mac versions add support for the Touch Bar introduced with the 2016 MacBook Pro, as well as new leader lines that make pie charts easier to read and a simpler method for replacing fonts through an entire document.
Pages on both platform gets the ability to add math equations to documents using either LaTeX or MathML notation. You can add bookmarks to link from one part of a doc to another. You can import and export in Rich Text Format. New stock and currently functions provide up-to-date securities data in tables.
Numbers now lets you add current or historical stock information to your spreadsheets. You can use the new My Stocks Template to track your portfolio. While...
Apple rolls out iOS 10.3, macOS Sierra 10.12.4, watchOS 3.2,...
Apple has released iOS 10.3 and macOS Sierra 10.12.4.
iOS 10.3 updates the file structure on an iOS device to the Apple File System (APFS). AFPS is optimized for Flash/SSD storage and features “strong encryption, copy-on-write metadata, space sharing, cloning for files and directories, snapshots, fast directory sizing, atomic safe-save primitives, and improved file system fundamentals.”
The upgrade also includes a new "Find My AirPods" ability, additions to Siri, CarPlay improvements, and some changes to Maps. Also, developers will be able to respond to customer reviews on the Apple App Store.
The iOS 10.3 update can be performed "over the air" through the software update feature on compatible iOS devices. Or you can download it via iTunes, then install it on a connected device.
macOS 10.12.4 brings iOS's Night Shift mode to the Mac, allowing users to cut down on blue light exposure. It also includes Shanghainese dictation support, cricket scores for Siri, and PDFKit improvements. The...
