AKVIS updates three Mac compatible apps
AKVIS (www.akvis.com) has updated three apps: Retoucher 8.1, MultiBrush 9.0, and Coloriage 10.5. The new versions provide full compatibility with Photoshop CC 2017, offer a modernized user interface and other improvements.
All of these products are available as plugins and as standalone applications for macOS (10.7 and higher) and Windows. They can be purchased separately or together as a software bundle. Demos are available for download.
Apple releases iTunes 12.5.4
Apple has revved iTunes to version 12.5.4. The upgrade adds support for the new "TV" app on iOS and tvOS. It also improves Touch Bar capabilities with the new MacBook Pro.
With Touch Bar on the new MacBook Pro, you can use the scrubber to go to different parts of songs, movies, TV shows, and more. Version 12.5.4 also includes minor app and performance improvements.
iTunes 12.5.4 can be downloaded using the Software Update function in the Mac App Store.
BBEdit revved to version 11.6.3
Bare Bones Software (www.barebones.com) has rolled out BBEdit 11.6.3, a recommended update to its professional strength text and code editor, available free of charge to all BBEdit 11 customers.
Version 11.6.3 contains fixes for reported issues, as well as refinements to new features that were added in BBEdit 11.6. The BBEdit update also maintains the recently introduced evaluation model in which the full, complete feature set is available for the first 30 days of use.
At the end of the 30-day evaluation period, the permanently functional feature set changes to include BBEdit’s editing capabilities, but not its web authoring tools or
other exclusive features. BBEdit requires macOS 10.9.5 or higher. Registration is US$49.99 for new users.
Apple releases macOS Sierra 10.12.2
Apple has released macOS Sierra 10.12.2. It’s available free as a download at the Mac App Store. According to Apple, the update:
° Improves setup and reliability of Auto Unlock;
° Allows addition of a Chinese Trackpad Handwriting button to the Touch Bar Control Strip;
° Adds support for taking screenshots of the Touch Bar using the Grab app or Cmd-Shift-6 shortcut;
° Fixes an issue that caused the Touch Bar emoji picker to appear on the display;
° Resolves graphics issues on MacBook Pro (October 2016) computers;
° Fixes an issue where System Integrity Protection was disabled on some MacBook Pro (October 2016) computers;
° Improves setup and opt-out experience for iCloud Desktop and Documents;
° Fixes an issue with the delivery of Optimized Storage alerts;
° Improves audio quality when using Siri and FaceTime with Bluetooth headphones;
° Improves the stability of Photos when creating and ordering books;
° Fixes an issue where incoming Mail messages did not appear when using a Microsoft...
Epson unveils two new document scanners
Epson America (www.epson.com) has introduced two new home and office organization solutions – the US$349 WorkForce ES-400 and $399 ES-500W duplex document scanners.
They boast speeds up to 35 ppm/70 ipm and feature a 50-page auto document feeder (ADF). Both models enable users to scan to online storage accounts including DropBox, SharePoint, Evernote, Google Drive and more. In addition, the ES-500W includes wireless capabilities for scanning directly to smartphones, tablets or computers.
The new scanners include TWAIN drivers for integration with virtually any document management software. The ES-400 and ES-500W sport single-step duplex technology that scans both sides of virtually any paper, turning paper documents into searchable and editable files with the included OCR software.
Both models offer Auto Document Size Detection, which enables scanning of virtually any size documents including business and ID cards, single sheets, receipts, extra-long pages and more. In addition,...
iPhone and iPad backup software TouchCopy updated to support iOS...
The developers at Wide Angle Software have announced an update to TouchCopy 16 (http://tinyurl.com/o77s96d), adding support for devices using the iOS 10.2 release.
It’s an app that enables users to backup all content from their iPhone and iPad to a Mac or a PC. TouchCopy backups include content not normally included in iTunes and iCloud backups, such as music, playlists and iBooks.
A demo is available for download. TouchCopy works with all iPhones, iPods, and iPads. A 12-month software license retails for $29.95, while a lifetime license for two computers is $39.95.
Default Folder X 5.1 adds more file management to file dialogs
St. Clair Software has released Default Folder X 5.1 (http://tinyurl.com/2gm24v), an update to their utility for macOS. The tool enhances the file dialogs in all Mac applications.
It provides fast navigation to your files, convenient previews, integrated Spotlight tagging, and more. Default Folder X's custom keyboard shortcuts put your favorite and recent folders at your fingertips. Version 5.1 adds a number of user-requested features and improves compatibility.
Default Folder X 5.1 is a free update for existing version 5 users. New licenses are US$34.95 and upgrades from version 4 and prior are $14.95. Default Folder X 5.1 requires macOS 10.10 or higher.
Apple posts watchOS 3.11
In addition to iOS 10.2 and tvOS 10.2, Apple has also released watchOS 3.1.1. According to Apple, the update:
The update includes improvements and bug fixes, including:
° Fixes an issue that could prevent contact names from appearing in the Messages app and notifications;
° Fixes an issue that could impact ability to respond to notifications;
° Resolves an issue where the Stocks complication may not update on the watch face;
° Fixes an issue that may prevent the Activity rings from displaying on the Activity watch faces;
° Fixes an issue that prevented the dials on an analog watch face from appearing after changing the temperature unit in the Weather app;
° Resolves an issue that could cause the Maps app to stay launched after navigation has ended;
° Resolves an issue where the incorrect date could be displayed in the Calendar app month view.
You can obtain watchOS 3.1.1 by using the Apple Watch app. The smartwatch must be connected to a power source and have more than 50% battery...
Apple releases iOS 10.2 and tvOS 10.1
Apple has released iOS 10.2. It’s available as a free over-the-air update or as an iTunes download for all iOS 10 users.
iOS 10.2 adds the TV app, which is designed to offer a unified experience for discovering and accessing TV shows and movies from multiple apps on the iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. It provides one place to access TV shows and movies, as well as a place to discover new content to watch.
Along with the TV app, Apple recently rolled out its Single Sign-On feature, allowing cable subscribers to sign in once with their cable credentials to access all live cable content available within various apps. Single Sign-On is available for Single Sign-On is currently available for CenturyLink Prism, DirecTV, Dish, GVTC, GTA, Hawaiian Telcom, Hotwire, Metrocast, Service Electric, and Sling TV. Both Single Sign-On and the TV app are available across multiple devices, including the Apple TV.
In iOS 10.2, emoji have been redesigned with more detail. Over 100 new emoji have been added...
AppYogi introduces TransData - Network Data Transfer Rate 1.0...
AppYogi Software (www.appyogi.com) has introduced TransData - Network Data Transfer Rate 1.0, its new utility developed exclusively for macOS. It features a single-threaded algorithm to monitor the download and upload data speed of a personal computer network.
The menu bar app records and displays total data used with the interface of your Mac. It sports a floating widget that shows up/down data transfer rates with a micro view, as well as macro view with graphed data.
TransData requires macOS 10.10 or later and costs US$4.99 until Jan. 1, 2017, when the price will rise to $9.99. It’s available at the Mac App Store in the Utilities category.
Audified releases saturation plug-in
Audified (www.audified.com) has released U78 Saturator, saturation effects plug-the utilizes models of the analogue circuitry central to the U73b, the Sixties-vintage German broadcast compressor/limiter.
U78 Saturator is available to purchase as an iLok-protected plug-in at an introductory price of US$129 until Jan. 1, 2017. It runs as an AAX, VST3, and VST2 plug-in on macOS 10.9 and higher.
Cisdem releases PDFCompression 3.0.1 for macOS
Cisdem has released PDF Compression 3.0.1 (http://tinyurl.com/jedtlpe) for macOS. The app can reduce PDF documents to users' preferred sizes, maintaining the layout and formats of original PDFs.
Version 3.0.1 offers improved on optimized four preset compression modes and improved compression performance. It also adds support for macOS 10.12 sierra.
PDF Compression 3.0.1 costs US$24.99. A demo is available for download.
TRENDnet announces new Ultra PoE networking product category
TRENDnet (www.TRENDnet.com) has announced the $399.99 Ultra PoE product category with the launch of a new high-power industrial-grade Gigabit PoE switch.
It features a high-power capacity with a 240-watt power budget. This switch features four Ultra PoE ports and two dedicated SFP slots for long-distance fiber optics networking.
"At 60 watts of power, the new Ultra PoE category delivers double the power of the current IEEE 802.3at standard, and it is better fit to support the higher power requirements of today's devices," says Evan Davis, senior manager of solutions engineering at TRENDnet. "With a much higher power capacity, TRENDnet's Ultra PoE line helps to provide an uninterrupted service, especially when running critical network applications.”
TRENDnet's new TI-UPG62 Ultra PoE industrial switch is equipped with an IP30 rated metal housing. The new switch also features dual redundant power inputs with overload current protection, and an alarm output triggered by power failure....
Apple releases sixth beta of macOS Sierra 10.12.2
Apple has released the sixth beta of an upcoming macOS Sierra 10.12.2 update to developers and public beta testers. Developers can download the beta through the Apple Developer Center or the Software Update mechanism in the App Store.
If you're not already signed up for the public beta program, you can do sign up at .https://beta.apple.com/sp/betaprogram/ . The public beta program is free, but remember: beta software is unfinished software so use with care.
AppDelete 4.3.1 optimized for macOS Sierra
Reggie Ashworth has announced AppDelete 4.3.1 an update to his application deletion utility for macOS.
Via drag and drop, it will uninstall anything along with all of the associated items. The latest version has been optimized for macOS Sierra. It also adds a new icon and graphics, a new App Reset Tool, and a new Clear Logs too.
AppDelete 4.3.1 requires macOS 10.7 or higher. It costs $7.99 for a single-user license. Upgrades from version 2.x and 3.x are $3.99. A demo is available at the product website (http://www.reggieashworth.com/appdelete).
AppYogi introduces Wifi Signal Strength Status for macOS
AppYogi Software has introduced Wifi Signal Strength Status 1.0 (http://tinyurl.com/hhrt4y8), its new utility developed exclusively for macOS. The app = displays the wireless signal strength with network name, "neat icon" or "percentage" on the menu bar.
Wifi Signal Strength Status lets users know and monitor wireless signal strength at all times with RSSI, Noise, Transmit Rate, Channel details and more. The app also allows the user to see their public IP with Mac address on the Menu Bar.
Wifi Signal Strength Status requires macOS 10.10 or later. It costs US$4.99 and is available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Utilities category.
FileMaker 15 Tips & Tricks training videos available
FileMaker author John Mark Osborne has released his student requested Tips & Tricks training videos for FileMaker Pro 15.
The videos are created in FileMaker Pro 15 Advanced but can be used with FileMaker Pro or Advanced 12, 13 and 14 with the exception of a few exercises. The videos cover intermediate, advanced and expert topics in the areas of scripting, calculations, reporting and relational design.
As a reward for current students and as an introductory holiday sale for FileMaker enthusiasts who haven’t purchased his Philosophy of FileMaker videos, Osborne is offering this four-hour long course for US$20 or at a 20% discount for the rest of 2016. On Jan. 1st, 2017, the price will increase to $25.00.
To find out more information or purchase these videos, visit the Database Pros web site (http://philosophy-of-filemaker.thinkific.com/).
Apple releases seventh beta of upcoming iOS 10.2 update
Apple has released the seventh beta of an upcoming iOS 10.2 update to developers and public beta testers. For developers, the beta update can be downloaded through the Apple Developer Center or the Software Update mechanism in the Mac App Store.
Non-developers can sign up for the public beta program https://beta.apple.com/sp/betaprogram/ . The public beta program is free, but remember: beta software is unfinished software so use with care.
Matrox announces update for the Monarch LCS
Matrox Video has announced a firmware update for the H.264 based Matrox Monarch LCS lecture capture appliance (http://tinyurl.com/hgflzpn). Through the new scheduler function, the Monarch LCS can now be set to start automatically before an event (e.g. lectures, corporate presentations, religious services) without any human intervention required.
The Monarch LCS scheduler supports the iCalendar (.ics) standard, which can be generated by a variety of scheduling applications including Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook. Allowing identification of multiple devices on a single master calendar, when the schedule is imported to a Monarch LCS appliance, it will automatically start and stop streaming and recording events at times corresponding to that individual device.
The Monarch LCS’s updated ability allows it to record files locally to an SD card or attached USB drive, and then transfer the data to network-mapped drives at a later time. Transfers can be triggered manually or...
PDFpen for macOS gets Touch Bar support
Smile (http://smle.us/store) has upgraded PDFpen, its all-purpose PDF editing tool for the Mac, to version 8.3. This version includes Touch Bar support for both editing tools and PDFpenPro’s Table of Contents editing tools.
PDFpen and PDFpenPro 8.1 add “snap to guides” that allows images, shapes, and other objects to snap into alignment with the center and edges of existing objects. Guides are visible when dragging. Special consideration is given to text boxes, which can now snap to the same baseline as existing text.
PDFpenPro and PDFpen 8 work with PDFpen for iPad and iPhone version 2, allowing editing across devices when used with Dropbox storage or iCloud Drive. iCloud storage is available when PDFpen is purchased via the Mac App Store.
PDFpen retails for $74.95, PDFpenPro for $124.95. Family pack licenses, which cover up to five computers in one household, are $94.95 for PDFpen and $149.95 for PDFpenPro. Office pack licenses start at $224.95 for PDFpen (for five users) and $349....
NeoFinder 7 for macOS adds tweaked interface and more
Norbert M. Doerner has announced NeoFinder 7.0. It’s an update of the macOS app that helps you keep track of your digital files, photos, songs, movies, fonts on hard drives, USB sticks, servers, Blu-ray disks, DVD-ROMs, CDROMs, and any other digital media.
NeoFinder (http://www.cdfinder.de) generates thumbnails and metadata of your files for search possibilities, smart folders, albums, and more. Version 7 offers a new user interface, integrated Adobe XMP (IPTC) editing (including keywords from a controlled vocabulary), audio thumbnails for songs, improved cataloging and database engines for better performance, web galleries, and much more.
NeoFinder 7 requires macOS 10.7or higher. It’s a paid update to licensed users of CDFinder, update price starting at approximately $21. Cross-grades for users of competing applications (DiskLibrary, FileFinder, CatFinder, Canto Cumulus, Disk Tracker, DiskCatalogMaker, Atomic View, iView Media Pro, and more) are available.
A demo version can be...
Day Planner is a new to-do app for the Mac
Inspiring-Life Technologies has introduced Day Planner 1.0 (http://inspiringlife.co/1179749655.html), a “to-do” application for macOS. Its interface is sub divided into dedicated sections for entering specific information for a given day.
These are to-dos, appointments, people to call, things to buy, etc. Users can jump to any date by using the built-in calendar and fill out different sections on days to come.
Day Planner requires macOS 10.10 or later and costs US$2.99. It’s available exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Lifestyle category.
Maintain serves up Cocktail 9.4.1 (El Capitan Edition)
Maintain has served up Cocktail 9.4.1 (El Capitan Edition), a new edition of Cocktail for users running OS X El Capitan 10.11.
Cocktail (http://cocktail.maintain.se) is a general purpose utility for OS X that lets users clean, repair and optimize their Macs. Version 9.4.1:
° Adds the ability to customize the layout;
° Addresses an issue in which Cocktail may fail to display a Time Machine log;
° Addresses an issue in which Cocktail may fail to delete items from encrypted disk images;
° Resolves a number of other issues discovered in the previous release.
Cocktail costs $19 for a single user license and is available for purchase from the Maintain website. When unregistered, Cocktail runs in demo mode and will expire after the tenth launch.
KeyQue update improves PopChar X, Typinator integration
Ergonis Software (www.ergonis.com) has rolled out KeyCue 8.3, an update of their keyboard shortcut cheat sheet. The upgrade improves PopChar X and Typinator integration, includes some stability improvements, fixes user-reported issues, and improves compatibility with FileMaker Pro 14 and 15.
KeyCue 8.3 requires macOS 10.6 or later. The upgrade is free for anyone who owns KeyQue 8 or how purchased a license for KeyCue 7 on or after March 1, 2015. Upgrade paths are available for owners of older licenses. For new users the cost is $19.99 for a single user license and $29.95 for a family pack.
Apple posts new tvOS 10.1 developer beta
Apple has seeded the fifth tvOS 10.1 developer beta for the fourth generation Apple TV.
The software update so far has included Apple’s new single sign-on feature which lets you authenticate with your cable provider to unlock all compatible paid video apps. Developers can download the beta through the Apple Developer Center.
Kanex introduces the GoPower Plus
Kanex has announced the GoPower Plus (www.kanex.com/gopowerplus), a portable power solution featuring built-in micro USB with a Lightning adapter for use with both Apple and Android devices.
Packed with 8,000 mAh of power, it can purportedly deliver two full charges to your smartphones, while an extra USB port allows an additional device to charge simultaneously. The GoPower Plus features an aluminum finish and fits into a pocket or bag.
GoPower Plus is Apple MFi Certified, which means it’s specifically made to fit with your Apple devices. The Kanex GoPower Plus premium portable batteries will be available mid-December for US$49.95.
PDF Converter for the Mac revved to version 6
Nuance Communications has released PDF Converter for Mac 6, an update of the solution that empowers Apple users to convert, edit and securely collaborate with industry-standard PDF files.
Version 6 allows users to assemble PDF documents from a variety of sources, convert PDFs into editable formats for repurposing, create searchable files from scanned documents, and create and fill out PDF forms. What’s more, the streamlined user interface running on OS X Yosemite or El Capitan enables users to work more efficiently and effectively, according to Chris Strammiello, vice president, Global Alliances & Strategic Marketing at Nuance.
Nuance PDF Converter for Mac is available for $99.99. The software is offered through Nuance’s retail e-commerce and corporate reseller channels. Go to http://tinyurl.com/hzykd5t for more info.
Together 3.7 for macOS adds Touch Bar and improves Evernote...
Reinvented Software has announced Together 3.7 for Mac (http://reinventedsoftware.com/together/). The app is for collecting, organizing and searching all kinds of files.
Just about anything can be added to Together for safe-keeping, tagged, previewed, collected together in different ways and found again instantly. With iCloud, Together libraries can be seamlessly shared with other Macs and iOS devices. Version 3.7 adds support for the MacBook Pro Touch Bar and improves Evernote import.
Together 3.7 for Mac costs US$49.99, is a free upgrade for Together 3 users and requires macOS Sierra. A 15-day trial is available for download from the Reinvented Software website. Together's Evernote Importer is a free download that works with both the version of Together for Mac from the Reinvented Software site and the Mac App Store version. Together for iPad and iPhone is also available for $9.99 from the App Store, and requires iOS 10.
PDF Checkpoint now supports macOS Sierra
Zevrix Solutions has announced PDF Checkpoint 1.7.17, a compatibility update to company's PDF preflight and conversion solution.
The utility automatically preflights, exports as images, splits and optimizes Adobe PDF files. PDF Checkpoint can also convert the color of PDF documents to a specific ICC profile to help users prepare their files for print, web and mobile devices. Version 1.7.17 is compatible with macOS 10.12 Sierra.
PDF Checkpoint can be purchased at the Mac App Store and Zevrix website (www.zevrix.com) for $39.95. The update is free to licensed users. A demo is available for download. PDF Checkpoint requires macOS 10.7 or higher.
New iOS, macOS and watchOS betas released
Apple has introduced a sixth beta version of iOS 10.2, and fifth beta of macOS 10.12.2 Sierra to developers and public beta tester. A fourth watchOS 3.1.1 developer beta has also been released.
All of the updates include unspecified bug fixes and performance improvements. Developers can download the beta through the Apple Developer Center or the Software Update mechanism in the App Store. If you're not already signed up for the public beta program, you can do sign up at http://tinyurl.com/pffuwnz. The public beta program is free, but remember: beta software is unfinished software so use with care.
OWC introduces redesigned Mercury Elite Pro Dual
OWC has introduced the OWC Mercury Elite Pro Dual with Thunderbolt 2 Technology. Designed in Austin, Texas, by the OWC new product development team, it offers speeds up to 474 MB/s, capacities up to 20TB, and RAID modes 0 and 1.
A newly engineered aluminum enclosure features a larger, quieter fan and an advanced airflow design for drive health and longevity, says OWC CEO Larry O‘Connor. For professionals who need the additional performance of RAID 0 (two disks working together to create one very fast volume), or the peace of mind provided by RAID 1 (two disks mirrored to create instant redundancy), the “Mercury Elite Pro Dual with Thunderbolt 2 Technology packs serious connectivity in a versatile package,” he adds.
Configurable in RAID 0, 1, span, or independent modes are accessed via a selector switch. The Mercury Elite Pro Dual packs two Thunderbolt 2 ports and a USB 3.1 Gen 1 port.
The OWC Mercury Elite Pro Dual Thunderbolt 2 is now available at MacSales.com in a variety of...
Tales of Cosmos is a new open world adventure game
Red Dwarf Games has debuted Tales of Cosmos, a point-and-click adventure game for Mac and Windows computers. The player assumes the roles of Perseus and Gagayev, animal astronauts who become stranded on an unknown planet, and helps them get to the bottom of a cosmic mystery.
Tales of Cosmos combines point-and-click gameplay with space flight mechanics. It also offers humorous characters, hand-drawn environments, ambient music, and more.
Tales of Cosmos requires macOS 10.6 or higher. It’s available on the Steam network (http://store.steampowered.com/app/350480).
AKVIS releases Watercolor 1.0 for macOS
AKVIS (www.akvis.com) has released AKVIS Watercolor for macOS and Windows. It’s an app designed to make a photo look like a watercolor painting.
You only need to adjust the settings to your taste and run the processing. Any ordinary image will turn into an aquarelle piece of art. Watercolor lets you experiment with a range of painting genres: from marine paintings and atmospheric landscapes up to human or animal portraits and still lifes. The app offers a number of ready-to-use presets that can be used to imitate different watercolor techniques.
A demo is available for download. A Home license for activating Watercolor on two computers costs $49. On the Mac platform, macOS 10.7 or higher is recommended.
Apple seeds fifth beta of iOS 10.2 to developers
Apple has seeded the fifth beta of an upcoming iOS 10.2 update to developers. It can be downloaded through the Apple Developer Center or the Software Update mechanism in the Mac App Store.
MacFamilyTree grows to version 8.1
Synium Software (http://www.syniumsoftware.com/macfamilytree) has debuted MacFamilyTree 8.1, an update to their genealogy app for macOS. The software offers ways to explore your personal family history, discover your origins, and how your family has evolved over the course of time.
MacFamilyTree's new CloudTree Sync&Share creates a revolution in digital genealogy. It’s now possible for the first time to work on the same family tree with any number of users and in real time, without any additional cost.
Until Dec. 4, MacFamilyTree as well as MobileFamilyTree (for iOS devices) are offered with a 50% discount. This means that you can purchase MacFamilyTree 8.1 for US$29.99 and MobileFamilyTree 8.1 for $9.99. If you own MacFamilyTree 8 or MobileFamilyTree 8, the upgrade to Version 8.1 is available at the Apple App Store and Mac App Store free of charge.
MacFamilyTree 8.1 and MobileFamilyTree 8.1 are available exclusively at the Mac App Store and Apple App Store. MacFamilyTree 8.1...
AirBeamTV now supports screen mirroring for Philips TVs
AirBeamTV has rolled out Mirror for Philips TV 1.3.2, the latest in a family of screen mirroring apps for mac OS.
The latest update provides a way to mirror you Mac screen to your Philips Smart TV without cables or additional hardware. The application works on any Philips Smart TV from the 2012 models onward.
Mirror for Philips TV requires macOS 10.10 or later. It costs $9.99 and is available worldwide through the Mac App Store in the Video category. Users who would like to test Mirror for Philips TV to see if their TV is supported and their local network is fast enough, can download a free two-minute trial version (http://www.airbeam.tv).
Buy or Upgrade to QuarkXPress 2016, get one new, full license...
Quark has announced a new “buy one, get one” offer (http://content.quark.com/bogof2016-us.html) on QuarkXPress 2016. Between Dec. 1 and Dec. 22 everyone who purchases or upgrades to QuarkXPress 2016 will receive a second license of QuarkXPress 2016, worth $849, completely free.
QuarkXPress 2016 is the current version of Quark’s design and page layout software for creative professionals. The free copy of QuarkXPress 2016 will be a fully functional, not for resale (NFR), upgradeable, downloadable license and must be registered to the same company/person as the paid software. (Site and volume licenses, as well as educational and non-profit licenses are excluded from this offer.)
DEVONtechnologies updates all editions of DEVONthink
DEVONtechnologies has updated all editions of its intelligent information and document manager DEVONthink.
The new version brings a revamped Media preferences pane with enhancements for Markdown document handling. In addition, version 2.9.8 improves auto-saving, makes scanning multiple pages more comfortable, and fixes more issues with PDF support on macOS Sierra. All updates are free and recommended for all users.
All editions of DEVONthink require an Intel-based Mac and Mac OS X 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. DEVONthink Personal is also available in the App Store; DEVONthink can be purchased in bundles with DEVONagent for a bundle price in DEVONtechnologies' online shop (www.devontechnologies.com).
IK Multimedia, Fender team up for Fender Collection 2
IK Multimedia has announced the Fender Collection 2 for AmpliTube for macOS and Windows. It brings seven of Fender’s vintage amplifiers and reissues to the virtual world of digital guitar and bass recording systems, providing spot-on recreations of tone machines from the ‘50s and ‘60s.
Included in the collection are five amps from the ’57 Custom series; the ’57 Custom Champ, ’57 Custom Deluxe, ’57 Custom Twin, ’57 Custom Pro and the ’57 Custom Bandmaster, plus models of an original ’53 Fender Bassman and the iconic ’65 Fender Super Reverb. The Fender Collection 2 will be available as an add-on collection inside AmpliTube from the Custom Shop.
AmpliTube 4 users can take full advantage of all of the advanced tone-crafting features with Fender Collection 2 including the post amp “effects loop,” 3D mic placement, room selection and room mic adjustment, the cabinet room mixer and more. It will be available in December 2016 for $/€149.99, and is now open for preorder at a special price of...
OWC ships the Mercury Elite Pro Dual mini
OWC has introduced the new OWC Mercury Elite Pro Dual mini (http://tinyurl.com/hcrtrl2), an “ultra-portable” dual-drive RAID solution. It boasts speeds up to 738MB/s, capacities up to 4TB, and user-configurable options for RAID 0, RAID 1, spanning, and independent drive modes.
The OWC Mercury Elite Pro Dual mini was designed for professionals in music production, video production, and photography, and for anyone who needs the convenience of portable storage without sacrificing production-grade performance. It's among the first in its class to offer the USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C interface, which supports transfer rates up to 10Gb/s, according to OWC CEO Larry O’Connor. Additionally, the Mercury Elite Pro Dual mini is bus-power capable, so there's no need to be tied to a power outlet.
OWC Mercury Elite Pro Dual mini is now available at MacSales.com and authorized OWC resellers in eight portable configurations with pricing starting at $228.99.
Jumsoft apps learn new languages
Jumsoft (www.jumsoft.com) has announced new versions of their apps on the Mac App Store.
The company has added eight new user interface languages to enhance the experience for users in some of their key markets, including Toolbox for Keynote, Toolbox for Pages, Toolbox for iWork, Toolbox for MS Office, Bundle for MS Office, Suite for Word, Suite for Excel, Suite for MS PowerPoint, Infographics, Infographics for Pages and Layouts for Keynote.
Recosoft releases PDF2ID v4.6 - PDF to InDesign CC 2017...
Recosoft Corp. (www.recosoft.com) has announced PDF2ID Standard and PDF2ID Professional 4.6, the latest PDF to InDesign conversion plug-ins for InDesign CC 2017.
The new versions include support for Adobe InDesign CC 2017 for both the Mac and Windows platforms. Additionally, PDF2ID v4.6 contains improvements in reconstructing PDF tables as InDesign tables. The new version also adds several stability improvements and an enhanced PDF graphics to InDesign graphics conversion.
PDF2ID 4.6 is a free release for all PDF2ID 4.5 Standard/Professional licensees. PDF2ID v4.6 is available immediately in the following configurations from the Recosoft web store (per license): PDF2ID Standard v4.6. US$199; PDF2ID Professional v4.6, $299; PDF2ID Standard v4.6 Upgrade, $99; and PDF2ID Professional v4.6 Upgrade, $149.
Parallels Toolbox 1.3 for Mac now offers 25 single-purpose tools
Parallels has launched Parallels Toolbox 1.3 for Mac, an upgrade that adds five new utilities to the stand-alone application which was released in August, and its quarterly updates of new tools, is also included with subscriptions to Parallels Desktop for Mac. The five new utilities are:
° Block Camera: Protect your privacy. Block or unblock all applications from accessing the built-in camera on a Mac in one click;
° Eject Volumes: This allows users to eject all volumes, including external hard drives, memory cards, network volumes and mounted disk images with one click;
° Launch: Users can configure the Launch tool to open any applications, folders, links, or other files, with just one click.;
° Take Photo: Enables users to take photos immediately using the built in Mac camera;
° Take Video: Users can record video immediately with the click of a button.
Parallels Toolbox for Mac is available online exclusively at www.parallels.com/toolbox for US$9.99 per year.
Apple releases new tvOS 10.1 beta to developers
Apple has seeded the fourth beta of an upcoming tvOS 10.1 update to developers for testing purposes. The developer beta can be downloaded through the Apple Developer Center or the Software Update mechanism in the Mac App Store.
PowerProduction Software releases Martini v3 storyboarding plug-...
PowerProduction Software and MacVideo have teamed up for version 3 of Martini, PowerProduction Software’s storyboarding plug-in for Apple’s Final Cut Pro X, Adobe Premiere Pro, Avid Media Composer, and VEGAS Pro.
It’s a post-production plug-in. Version 3 includes new props, a resizable interface, hundreds of new backgrounds, add-on characters, props, locations, and more.
Martini is available for purchase from www.martiniquickshot.com for US$99. Owners of previous versions of Martini can upgrade for $29.95. A demo is available for download.
IK Multimedia releases MODO BASS for the Mac
IK Multimedia (http://www.ikmultimedia.com) has released MODO BASS, a customizable physically modeled virtual bass instrument that recreates the sound of the electric bass and how it's played in real time — from all of the physical instrument components, the human technique of how the instrument is played, to the entire sound signal chain with effects and amplifiers.
Unlike traditional sample-based virtual instruments, MODO BASS — which macOS and Windows compatible — utilizes modal synthesis technology and an ultra-optimized sound engine to model each string as a nonlinear resonator. The string’s acoustic behavior is determined by its physical parameters as well as by the interaction of the string with fretboard, body and pick-ups of the instrument.
The action of the player is then modeled as a nonlinear physical interaction with specific areas on the string surface. Then using IK's cutting edge analog modeling expertise, the amp and effects rig of the electric bass is added to the...
Modernizing Medicine unveils Apple Watch app
Specialty-specific health information technology company Modernizing Medicine has announced technological advancements to its intuitive suite of products and services at the company’s third annual user conference, MOMENTUM.
An enhancement to the company’s specialty-specific electronic health record (EHR) system, EMA, and Practice Management system, Analytics is designed to give physicians near real-time population health data to help support the transition to value-based healthcare. In addition, with the announcement of the general availability of Modernizing Medicine’s Apple Watch technology, users will be able to view scheduling to provide insight into the day’s agenda, including which patients are coming in, what time the appointments are and which rooms patients are in; Intramail; viewing Notes; and more.
Apple Watch application functionality is facilitated through modmed Pocket Practice, a native iOS smartphone application. For more information about Modernizing Medicine and...
Apple expands its (RED) efforts
In honor of World AIDS Day, Apple is offering more ways for customers to join (RED) in its mission to create an AIDS-free generation. This is the company’s 10th year supporting the effort.
(RED)’s work addresses the disparity in access to life-saving medication in sub-Saharan Africa, which has the highest prevalence of AIDS on the planet. The money raised by (RED) funds programs that offer counseling, testing, prevention and, most crucially, the life-saving ARV medication that prevents the transmission of HIV from mothers to their unborn babies.
“The gift of life is the most important gift that anyone can give,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook in a press release. “Thanks to the vision and dedication of (RED), an AIDS-free generation is within our reach. We want to leave the world better than we found it, and that’s why our longtime partnership with (RED) remains so important to us.”
This year, Apple customers can support the fight while playing the games they love, shopping for the...
Maintain serves up Cocktail 10.1.2 (Sierra Edition)
Maintain has served up Cocktail 10.1.2 (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 customize the layout; addresses an issue in which Cocktail may fail to delete items from encrypted disk images; 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.
MyScript’s new handwriting recognition SDK introduces multimodal...
MyScript (http://myscript.com) has announced the availability of the latest Software Development Kit, SDK8, for use by software developers and OEMs [original equipment manufacturers] alike.
Created within MyScript Labs, it provides building blocks to develop Multimodal Input (MMI) solutions that combine superimposed handwriting together with a versatile keyboard input facility. Users can now independently write character, cursive or words on top of each other, all without changing device input modes. A predictive virtual keyboard is also provided enabling consistent user feedback in all input modes.
The new SDK8 introduces more flexibility to MyScript’s superimposed handwriting style; it now supports not only characters written on top of each other but part of words, or complete words and manages auto-spacing between words. Users benefit from consistent text in all input modes, providing an improved content creation experience, says Thomas Penin, product manager, MyScript. This is of...
