Apple today announced its 28th annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) will be held at the McEnery Convention Center in San Jose. The conference, kicking off June 5, “will inspire developers from all walks of life to turn their passions into the next great innovations and apps that customers use every day across iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV and Mac. Each year during WWDC, developers around the world learn about Apple's platform technologies ranging from programming languages like Swift to developer APIs [application programming interfaces] like SiriKit, HomeKit, HealthKit and CarPlay. Located just minutes from Apple’s new headquarters in Cupertino, California, WWDC 2017 will give developers access to more than 1,000 Apple engineers with opportunities to meet and engage with them throughout the conference. In addition to the keynote address, get-togethers, sessions and labs for developers, Apple is working with the city of San Jose and local businesses to celebrate the...

Maintain has served up Cocktail 10.2.2 (Sierra Edition), a new edition of Cocktail for users running macOS 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 WebKit caches and support for additional (en5-en8) network interfaces. It also contains improvements on the "Optimize network" procedure and updated Automator actions as well as updated Help files. 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.

.com Solutions has released FmPro Migrator Developer Edition 8.01 (www.fmpromigrator.com) with support for FileMaker Pro Advanced 15 when using the table conversion feature. FileMaker developers can use the Merge Database/Table Consolidation process to upgrade older multi-file solutions into easier-to-maintain FileMaker Pro 15 single file solutions. Upgrading to FileMaker Pro 15 also offers developers the opportunity to take advantage of the latest  design, development and security features included with FileMaker Pro Advanced 15 and FileMaker Server 15 including WebDirect. .com Solutions Inc. has also released the FileMaker automation AppleScript code as open source software. In addition to the AppleScript source file, a LiveCode test harness stack is provided. The test harness stack includes AppleScript handler source code embedded within LiveCode handlers. The code is executed using the LiveCode "do as AppleScript" command. The dynamic compilation of AppleScript code prevents...

Rogue Amoeba has unveiled SoundSource (https://rogueamoeba.com/soundsource/), a new macOS tool that provides access to critical audio settings. With it, users can instantly change the audio devices used for input, output, and sound effects, adjust the volume levels of those devices, and more. SoundSource can be accessed via its icon in the menu bar. Regardless of what application is in the foreground, users can adjust their global audio settings with just two clicks. SoundSource also provides the ability to do soft play-through of audio from input devices to any output. SoundSource runs on macOS 0.10 and higher. A free fully-functional trial available for download. While in trial mode, SoundSource's features will disable after 10 minutes of use. The unrestricted full version can be purchased for $10. Owners of any current Rogue Amoeba application for Mac are eligible for a complimentary SoundSource license.

Kanex (www.kanex.com) has released the MultiSync Foldable Travel Keyboard, $49.95 universal keyboard is compatible with iOS, Android and Windows devices . It uses Bluetooth to wirelessly connect to and switch between up to four devices. Its foldable and compact design making it ideal for travel, and its ergonomic V-shape key layout makes for comfortable typing, according to Andrew Truong of Kanex. The MultiSync technology found in the unit provides one-touch switching between devices. The MultiSync Foldable Travel Keyboard has a built-in rechargeable Lithium ion battery. You can power up via the included micro USB cable. You’ll know when it's time to charge with the integrated LED indicator. Red means it's time to charge soon. Green means its charged. Blue means you're connected via Bluetooth.

Phase One (www.phaseone.com), in cooperation with LogicKeyboard, is now shipping an official new keyboard for Capture One Pro, Mac version. It’s designed based on feedback from the Phase One Certified Professional (POCP) program. The Capture One Pro keyboard for Mac is now available to support three languages (American and British English and German). Additional language support will be available upon request. The Capture One Pro keyboard is priced at $139.

Zevrix Solutions has announced Output Factory 1.5.64, a maintenance update to its output automation solution for Adobe InDesign. The utility automates printing, exporting and  preflighting from InDesign. The software offers batch processing, export as single pages, layer versioning and much more. Version 1.5.64 makes Output Factory a 64-bit application and addresses an issue in which blank TIFF images could be created under low memory conditions when exporting oversized InDesign documents. Output Factory can be purchased from the Zevrix website for $169.95. Theres a “lite” version for $120, and a server version for $700). A demo is available for download. BatchOutput users can upgrade to Output Factory for $85. Output Factory requires macOS 10.6 or higher and Adobe InDesign CS3-CC 2017.

Boris FX, in collaboration with Imagineer Systems, has announced Mocha VR (http://borisfx.com/pages/mocha-vr), a plug-in for Adobe, Avid, and OFX hosts. It’s designed to bring native 360 degree optimized planar tracking, masking, object removal, and horizon stabilization tools to cinematic VR filmmakers. With Mocha VR, editors and artists can track, roto, create effects, and insert graphics without worrying about equirectangular seams or distorted pixels. It runs as a plug-in inside industry standard editing and effects applications Adobe Premiere Pro CC, After Effects CC, Avid Media Composer, and NUKE provides an immediate and accessible workflow for 360 degree/VR post tasks. You can render finished shots to your timeline or export tracking and roto data in a variety of formats for flexibility and project sharing. Mocha VR is available in plug-in ($995) and standalone ($1,995) versions. Upgrades from Mocha Pro 5 are $300. An annual subscription that includes multi-host plug-ins and...

Maintain has served up Cocktail 10.2.1 (Sierra Edition), a new edition of Cocktail for users running macOS Sierra. It’s a general purpose utility for macOS that lets users clean, repair and optimize their Macs. The new version adds support for unified logging, macOS Sierra 10.12.3 compatibility, and more. 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.

Zevrix Solutions has announced LinkOptimizer 5.0.15, a maintenance update to company's workflow automation solution for Adobe InDesign. The tool allows uers to reduce the size of InDesign links and speeds up processing by eliminating excess image data. Link Optimizer also performs image adjustments, converts formats and helps repurpose files for web and mobile devices. Version 5.0.15 addresses an issue in which user defined image quality settings weren't applied when converting InDesign links to JPEG. LinkOptimizer can be purchased from the Zevrix website (www.zevrix.com) for $259.95 (a “lite” version is available for $179.95). 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 and higher and Adobe InDesign/Photoshop CS5-CC 20.

Stunnix has released a new version of Web4GUI (http://stunnix.com/prod/aws/), a tool that allows developers tto produce apps out of  PHP/Python/Java/MySQL websites. The apps produced with Web4GUI can run directly from CDs/DVDs/USB drives or network shares, and they look like usual desktop apps. Web4GUI allows developers to convert an already-existing site into an app in several clicks with little or few modifications to server-side and client-side code of the site. Also, Web4GUI allows the production of apps for Windows/Mac/Linux using web technologies like PHP/Python/Java/MySQL. For example, you can create an app out of your website that includes all posts and comments. You can distribute it on DVD or as .dmg/.exe file, so people can browse or search on your site and read comments without any Internet access. A free evaluation version is available for download.

Apple has released a second developer beta of macOS 10.12.4. It can be be downloaded from the Apple Developer Center. macOS Sierra 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.

AKVIS (www.akvis.com) has released the USA Frame Pack, the latest addition to its Countries series. The picture frame collection includes 100 templates intended for use exclusively with AKVIS Frames and AKVIS ArtSuite. The USA Frame Pack includes images of the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Times Square, the Hollywood sign, the White House, Las Vegas casinos, national parks, the Grand Canyon, and more. Along with the Countries series AKVIS offers a palette of themed frame collections including Holidays and Events, Four Seasons, and Hobbies and Interest. The AKVIS products run on macOS 10.7 or higher. The new USA Frame Pack sells for $17.

Area51 Limited have updated R10Cipher (http://www.magiccipher.com) — a cross platform encryption tool for macOS (10.7 and higher), Windows and Linux — and give it a new name: Magic Cipher. It takes text, files, folder or images and encrypts them using 384 bit Blowfish encryption. Magic Cipher supports batch encryption by “drag and drop.” Since it doesn’t require installation you can, for example, copy the Mac, Windows and Linux versions of Magic Cipher to a USB drive along with your encrypted documents and files. Your documents and files are secure, but available whenever and wherever you require them. Magic Cipher costs $24.95 for a single user license. Corporate and site licenses are available. As with all Area51 software, Magic Cipher is available at a discount to educational and official charity/voluntary organizations. A demo is available for download. Existing users of any version of R10Cipher can upgrade to Magic Cipher for $15. If you have a lifetime license for R10Cipher,...

Factorial has introduced Baccus 1.0, a new backup App for macOS. It’s designed to make it easy to back up your home folder to multiple backup devices, including external drives and NAS. Once configured, connect your external drive or connect to your network, and Baccus will start backing up your files. You can exclude items from your backups to avoid backing up private or unwanted data to certain destinations. Baccus will even automatically mount your NAS shares. Baccus requires macOS 10.10 or later. Single user licenses cost $19.99. A free time limited trial is available via the Baccus website (http://baccusapp.com).

fournova has announced Tower 2.6, an update to the company's Git client for macOS 10.8 and higher. It provides an interface that combines all the features that Git has to offer. Version 2.6 features various features and improvements, including Touch Bar support for the new MacBooks Pros, extended Git LFS support, and easier OAuth management. There are also speed improvements. Version 2.6 is a free update for existing customers. New users can test the app and all its features 30 days for free. Licenses are available for $79. Volume discounts and discounts for students and educational institutions are offered as well.

Feral Interactive has announced that the Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/hhas3qz) version of epic strategy game Empire: Total War has been updated to support multiplayer mode. Players can now enjoy the online features of Empire: Total War by signing up for an account with Calico, Feral’s own multiplayer matching service. Using Calico, players can invite friends to multiplayer battles and co-op campaigns, compare skill ratings, and track achievements. Empire: Total War requires macOS 10.11.6 or higher. It costs $34.99.

Apple has released AirPods firmware 3.5.1. AppleInsider.com says it’s probably already been downloaded to a synchronized device. Installation is automatic when the AirPods are in their charging case, the case is plugged into a charger, and the linked iPhone is in close proximity and connected to Wi-Fi. You can check the installed firmware revision in the "General" settings menu, by selecting "About," then “AirPods.” AppleInsider says the update contains "miscellaneous minor bug fixes."

Apple has announced the financial results for its fiscal 2017 first quarter that ended Dec. 31, 2016. The company posted all-time record quarterly revenue of $78.4 billion and all-time record quarterly earnings per diluted share of $3.36. These results compare to revenue of $75.9 billion and earnings per diluted share of $3.28 in the year-ago quarter. International sales accounted for 64 percent of the quarter’s revenue. “We’re thrilled to report that our holiday quarter results generated Apple’s highest quarterly revenue ever, and broke multiple records along the way. We sold more iPhones than ever before and set all-time revenue records for iPhone, Services, Mac and Apple Watch,” said CEO Tim Cook. “Revenue from Services grew strongly over last year, led by record customer activity on the App Store, and we are very excited about the products in our pipeline.” “Our outstanding business performance resulted in a new all-time record for earnings per share, and over $27 billion in...

CS Odessa (www.conceptdraw.com) has announced Business Intelligence Solution add-in for ConceptDraw Pro 11. It’s a set of libraries that provide a range of graph and chart types that support the building and displaying of key performance indicators (KPI). The new addition to ConceptDraw Solution Park is a paid item for current users of ConceptDraw Pro 11. The ConceptDraw Business Intelligence Solution retails for $99 and requires macOS 10.10 or higher.

Charlie Imhoff (http://www.cpimhoff.com) has released Tabula 1.0 for macOS. It’s a writing app that automatically formats your text as you write. Tabula uses an intelligent interpreter that reads and styles text automatically to enable users to create beautiful text documents without touching a styling toolbar or learning complex markup, according to Imhoff. It wraps up its interpretation in handcrafted themes for export, adjusting to screen size so they read comfortably on any device, he adds. Tabula requires macOS 10.10 or later. For a limited time, it’s offered for the introductory price of $4.99 and available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Productivity category. Tabula is also available for iOS for the introductory price of $2.99 at the Apple App Store. Tabula for macOS and iOS work together through iCloud Drive, allowing authors to start documents on their iPhones or iPads, and finish them on their Macs.

Zevrix Solutions has announced ArtOptimizer 2.7.10, a compatibility update to its workflow automation solution for Adobe Illustrator. The software allows users to reduce Illustrator link size and speed up processing by automatically eliminating excess image data and performing essential image adjustments. The new version makes ArtOptimizer compatible with Adobe Creative Cloud 2017. ArtOptimizer 2.7.10 can be purchased from the Zevrix website (www.zevrix.com) for $119.95. A demo is available for download. ArtOptimizer requires macOS 10.5-10.12 and Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop CS3-CC 2017.

True North Software has revved Station, their multilevel (hierarchical) launcher for macOS, to version 1.3. The app promotes a “more natural” organization of applications and documents into folders. With nested folders, you can arrange items in Station in a way that fits your workflow with an uncluttered look and feel. Scalability is increased through groupings that increase the sheer number of items that can be added to the app without having to shrink the launcher size. Version 1.3 adds support for macOS transparency and Station specific transparency. You can now create a "folder icon" for a folder by holding down the option key and dragging an item to the folder icon. The upgrade also adds automated backups and snapshots of the Station data, allowing you to restore to any backup. Station 1.3 requires macOS 10.11 or higher. It costs $14.99 and is available on the True North website (http://www.truenorthsoftware.com) or at the Mac App Store in the Productivity category. A demo...

AKVIS (www.akvis.com) has announced AKVIS Sketch 19 for macOS (10.7 and higher) and Windows. The new version offers additional parameters and tool settings, new presets, enhanced compatibility with CC 2017, bug fixes, and other changes. AKVIS is a photo-to-drawing conversion app. With it you can imitate the technique of graphite or color pencil, charcoal or watercolor painting or even combine photography and drawing. The software offers the choice between two conversion styles: Classic and Artistic. A 10-day demo of AKVIS Sketch is available for download. The product is available as a standalone application and as a plugin filter for Adobe Photoshop, Corel PaintShop Pro, and other image editors. A Home license sells for $72, a Deluxe license for $ 89, and a Business license for $ 154. One license key allows activating and using the software on two computers. AKVIS 19 is a free upgrade for recent buyers as well for those who bought one year of updates during the last 12 months. Users...