DssW (http://www.dssw.co.uk/powermanager/) has announced Power Manager and Power Manager Professional 4.2 for Mac OS X. This release introduces a new user interface and removes the need for restarting to install, update, or remove the scheduler. Power Manager is an energy saving solution for Mac OS X 10.7 and higher. It enables users to create energy saving schedules and to automate time-consuming tasks. It can power on a Mac, run a series of tasks, and power off the Mac without requiring any interaction. Power Manager is available through the DssW web site for approximately US$54. Version 4.2 is a free upgrade for users of Power Manager 4.x. Existing users can update using Power Manager's automatic software update. A demo is available at the DssW web site.

Apple has updated iWork for iCloud. The software is free and can be accessed at iCloud.com. In fact, if you log into the web site you'll see a new splash page announcing that Pages, Keynote, and Numbers can now: ° Edit docs up to 1GB in size; ° Allow you to collaborate with up to 100 people; °  Create two-dimensional and interactive charts; ° Utilize more color options; ° Insert images up to 10MB in size; ° Handle chart formatting.

Proavio (www.proavio.com) has released the EB800MS V2 storage platform for 4K media workflows. It adds a next generation 12G internal disk I/O design and incorporates a choice of PCI-e 3.0 or SAS-to-Thunderbolt 2 RAID adapters with high speed SATA, SAS and SSD disks. It purportedly provides up to twice the bandwidth of comparable 6G storage solutions. The EB800MS V2 combines a smaller compact form factor, PCI-e 3.0 or Thunderbolt 2 RAID options with 12Gb/s SAS technology. Proavio says its accelerated 12Gb/s modular I/O hardware effectively doubles the bandwidth between the disk drives and host computer resulting in data rates of up to 2,200MB/s when used with a x16-lane, PCI-e 3.0 equipped workstation. The EB800MS V2 is now available in capacities starting at 8TB up to 32TB. EB800MS V2 systems include a three-year factory warranty and advance replacement on disk drives and components for the first year of ownership.

TheKeptPromise has released Subtitle Studio 1.0 (http://tinyurl.com/q5jrxlw), a subtitle adding app for Mac OS X. It costs US$9.99. To use you drop your movie onto Subtitle Studio. The app will auto-search for missing subtitles. You can sync subtitle with a single button, hit save, and you're done. Subtitle Studio supports M4V, MOV, AVI, MKV and other files. You can embed your subtitles into a M4V file for the Apple TV, iPhone, iPad and other devices.

WaterField Design (wwww.sfbags.com) has rolled out the US$129 Go Case for the new Mac Pro. It's designed to protect the pro desktop and its accessories in transit. The travel case is designed with video editors, traveling gamers, big power users and game developers in mind. The case holds the Mac Pro and Apple wireless keyboard, plus computer accessories such as a mouse, cables and power cord. Enveloped in ballistic nylon, the Mac Pro Case cradles the computer with internal padding and a plush liner. A plastic plate protects the bottom of the Mac Pro. A removable pocket for accessories fits atop the computer inside the bag. An Apple wireless keyboard slides into a front, scratch-free pocket. Carrying options include a nylon grab handle and a removable suspension shoulder strap. Two loops at the bottom of the case allow Mac Pro users to remove the computer from its bunker.

Adobe has announced Adobe Captivate 8 (http://tinyurl.com/npvaw63), the latest version of its eLearning authoring tool. It's compatible with Mac OS X 10.7 or higher. The software is designed to reduce the learning curve by allowing trainers and educators to author once and deliver multi-screen responsive content without programming. Adobe Captivate 8 includes several new features such as location and gesture support, new customizable interactions, themes and smart shapes to create and deliver impactful mobile eLearning. Updates from Captivate 7 and Captivate 6 (and earlier) are US$399 and $999, respectively. Captivate 8 is also available for US$19.99 per month for an annual subscription.

CleverFiles (www.cleverfiles.com) has released Disk Drill 2.2.386, an update to its Mac OS X data recovery software. Disk Drill allows you to save HFS+ metadata, preserve copies of trashed files, monitor internal and external drive S.M.A.R.T. status, and rescue files from almost any type of storage device. Version 2.2.386, a free upgrade to current users, improves Deep Scan with a set of new known file signatures, polishes scanning results management, helps the app better handle Mac's sleep mode, and more. Disk Drill is available in a free version and pro, expert, and enterprise versions. The last three cost US$89, $169, and $299, respectively.

SplashData (http://www.splashdata.com) has rolled out SplashID Safe 7.2.5, an update to its password manager for Mac OS X and iOS that adds new security features. Version 7.2.5 delivers 2-factor authentication, a new Local Only option, and a way of securely sending records to colleagues or family members. The 2-factor authentication feature feature requires an additional code to be entered when a SplashID Safe account is accessed for the first time from a computer, mobile device or browser. Once the additional code is confirmed, the second factor will no longer need to be entered when logging in from that device or browser. You can download and try SplashID Safe free for 30 days. After this, you can choose one of three purchase options: one application for US$9.99, multiple SplashID Safe applications with WiFi sync for $29.99 (USD), or access to all SplashID Safe applications and SplashID Cloud Services for $1.99 per month or $19.99 per year.

Beltone has announced the Beltone First, "Made for iPhone"hearing aids. They allow users to receive sound streamed directly from an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Users can also tap into the iDevices' features from audio controls to communication with the Siri "personal assistant." A free Beltone HearPlus app recognizes the places an individual regularly visits and automatically applied the proper settings. The app's "Find my Hearing Aid" locates misplaced devices. The Beltone First utilizes 2.4GHz technology. For more info go to the Beltone web site (www.beltone.com).

Apple and Google have agreed to drop all current patent infringement lawsuits between them, the two companies said in a joint statement on Friday. They've also agreed to work together in some areas of patent reform. However, they have NOT agreed to cross-license each other’s patents, notes the IDG News Service (http://tinyurl.com/m88ru6t). Apple filed a lawsuit with the U.S. International Trade Commission in 2010 against Motorola Mobility, which was subsequently acquired by Google. Google has since agreed to sell the smartphone business to Lenovo, but the deal hasn't been finalized. A lot of the lawsuits Apple has filed against other smartphone makers, including Samsung, involve Google’s Android operating system. The Friday announcement doesn't affect the Apple-Samsung lawsuit, however, notes the IDG News Service.

Maintain has served up Cocktail 7.5 (Mavericks Edition), the latest maintenance update for users running OS X Mavericks. Cocktail is a general purpose utility for OS X that lets users clean, repair and optimize their Macs. Cocktail's features are arranged into five categories that helps you manage various aspects of your computer. This version adds the ability to change the Time Machine backup interval and the ability to disable Time Machine backups during Power Nap. It also adds a list of OS X keyboard shortcuts and contains improvements on the "Clear System caches" procedure. Cocktail 7.5 (Mavericks Edition) requires OS X Mavericks 10.9 to run. Cocktail (Mountain Lion Edition) for OS X 10.8, Cocktail (Lion Edition) for OS X 10.7 and Cocktail (Snow Leopard Edition) for OS X 10.6 are available for download from Maintain website (http://www.maintain.se). Cocktail costs US $19 for a single user license.

Apple has released Mac OS X 10.9.3 (Mavericks) and iTunes 11.2. According to Apple, the former: ° Improves the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac;
 ° Improves 4K display support on Mac Pro (Late 2013) and MacBook Pro with 15-inch Retina Display (Late 2013); ° Adds the ability to sync contacts and calendars between a Mac and iOS device using a USB connection; ° Improves the reliability of VPN connections using IPsec; ° Resolves an issue that prevented Font Book from installing PostScript Type 1 fonts; ° Improves reliability of copying, editing and inspecting permissions of files on an SMB file server; ° Improves reliability of network home directories; ° Improves stability when installing configuration profiles; ° Improves login speed for users in Active Directory groups; ° And includes Safari 7.0.3. iTunes 11.2 improves podcast browsing, according to Apple. The company says you can now: ° Quickly find episodes you haven't listened to in the new Unplayed tab; ° Browse...

Apple still holds the majority of the tablet market. Between 2011 and 2012 Apples market share slipped below 50% of the first time, suggesting that fierce competition from rivals may finally topple Apple's dominance. The Visiongain research group (www.marketresearch.com) has determined that the value of the global tablet market in 2013 will reach US$53.6 billion. 
Key among Apple's new rivals are Microsoft who is simultaneously trying to capture market share from Apple in both the smartphone and tablet spaces. By mimicking Apple's supply chain model Microsoft is making a clear bid for dominance in the tablet market, according to Visiongain.

Codewave Software (http://www.codewave.de) has released MyTunesRSS 6.0.2 for Mac OS X. It's a personal media server that lets you access your music, movies, TV shows and photos with a simple browser, a DLNA enabled TV or other device. Instead of uploading your media to a cloud service you keep it at home at no additional cost. In addition to the app being optimized to handle bigger media libraries, version 6.0.2 adds UPnP DLNA Media Server support. MyTunes RSS requires Mac OS X 10.7.3 or higher. It costs approximately US$21 . A 30-day demo is available for download.

According to data from e-commerce research firm Internet Retailer, Amazon remains miles ahead of the competition in the online retail space. In 2013, Amazon's online retail sales amounted to US$67.9 billion, more than the next nine largest e-retailers combined. Surprisingly, the second largest player in the e-commerce game is not a large traditional retailer such as Wal-Mart or Staples, but Apple. The iPhone-maker reportedly sold goods and services worth $18.3 billion through its website, the App Store and the iTunes Store in the past year. Amazon's increasingly dominant position in the e-commerce market is owed largely to the company's aggressive growth strategy. Under CEO Jeff Bezos, Amazon has become known to reinvest most of its earnings, which is why the company has yet to turn a meaningful profit. The accompanying chart is courtesy of Statistica.com.

Twelve South (www.twelvesouth.com) has launched the HoverBar 3, the next iteration of its flexible arm made exclusively for the Apple iPad. Like its predecessor, the HoverBar 3 attaches to any ledge up to one inch thick in your home or office, allowing you to use your iPad hands-free. The third generation HoverBar includes three iPad Fit Clips to hold an iPad (second to fourth generations), iPad Air and iPad mini. It also includes a display stand to use when your iPad is away from the flexible arm. The HoverBar 3 is available now for US$99.99.

Apple has published its "iOS Human Interface Guidelines" for iOS 7 as a free ebook on the iBookstore. Previously, it was only available for registered Apple developers. The book is designed to help developers "create a superlative user experience that's founded on Apple's design principles and guidelines." To view the book you must have have an iOS device with iBooks 1.5 or later and iOS 4.3.3 or later, or a Mac with iBooks 1.0 or later and OS X 10.9 or later.

 Xeric Design (www.xericdesign.com) has launched Cinematica 2, an upgrade to its video management app for Mac OS X. It lets you manage your video library in detail, keeping track of dozens of properties for each and every file. With Cinematica, you can sort and search by multiple criteria as well as by technical properties. Version 2 is a complete rewrite, introducing such features as multiple libraries, storyboards and custom keywords. Single user copies can be purchased for US$24.95. Five user copies are available for $39.95. Upgrades from version 1.x start at $12.95.

Apple has released Logic Pro X 10.0.7, an update of its digital audio workstation. It now supports 24 processing threads on 12-core Mac Pro models. The current volume, pan, and send values for all selected tracks can now be inserted at the playhead position. Enabling Low Latency Mode no longer creates sync issues for Drummer, Ultrabeat, Native Instruments Machine and other plug-ins with integrated step sequencers Automation can now be copied and pasted to any location using the Marquee tool. Logic Pro X 10.0.7 adds an option for MIDI volume and pan data to control the instrument plug-in instead of the channel strip. It also resolves several snap and alignment guide issues. Logic Pro X 10.0.7 can be downloaded from the Mac App Store. It costs $199.99.

WaterField Designs has introduced the Outback Duffel for professional and recreational use. Constructed from waxed canvas or ballistic nylon with premium leather accents, the Duffel is available with one or two main compartments and in two sizes. It sports flaps that open and shut with hidden magnets, waterproof zippers, and leather handles. The two-compartment model separates clean clothes from shoes and dirty clothes, and the one-compartment is sized for stacking folded shirts and sweaters neatly for a weekend trip. The Outback functions as an executive workout duffel, an airline carry-on, or a weekender bag. Dual carry options further the Duffel’s utility. Leather-gripped handles are long enough to alternate between hand and shoulder, and a removable shoulder strap includes a sliding shoulder pad. The Outback Duffel is available exclusively from SFbags.com. Prices range from US$239 to $279. Available colors are black ballistic nylon or tan waxed canvas with a choice of naturally...

Stellar Data Recovery (www.stellarinfo.com) has released SpeedUp Mac 3, an update to their performance optimization tool for Mac OS X. The software scans your machine and helps you remove unwanted files safely that are responsible for sluggish performance of your Mac. Version 3 is more efficient and purportedly has the capability to boost your Mac's performance by up to 25%. It has received major user interface upgrades and is compatible with Mac OS X Mavericks. A demo version of SpeedUp Mac is available. This version can remove unwanted applications, log files and system junk. To use all features, the full version can be purchased for US$29.

Zevrix Solutions has announced LinkOptimizer 4.9.10, a maintenance update to its workflow automation solution for Adobe InDesign. LinkOptimizer allows to reduce the size of InDesign links and speed up processing by eliminating excess image data. It also performs image adjustments such as color conversion and sharpening, converts file formats and more. The new version lets you share processing settings between users by exporting and importing them directly from an application menu. LinkOptimizer can be purchased from the Zevrix website (http://www.zevrix.com) for US$259.95, as well as from authorized resellers. A demo is available for download. The update is free for LinkOptimizer 4.x users and $130 to upgrade from previous versions. LinkOptimizer is available for Mac OS X 10.6-10.9 and works with Adobe InDesign and Photoshop CS3-CC.

Power Support International says their Hybrid Crystal Film (http://tinyurl.com/ktrosbn), a screen protector for the iPhone 5s/5c/5, is now available at a retail price of US$24.95. It's as strong and as scratch resistant as tempered glass including a glass and resin mixture, but is 35% thinner, flexible, and bendable, according to Power Support International Director Racy Heims. The hybrid formula emulates the bulk of tempered glass while maintaining the 9H scratch resistance rating, the highest rating in the industry for hardness, he added.

MOSO has released version 1.5.0 of the Xmplify XML Editor (http://xmplifyapp.com) for Mac OS X. It's a XML editor built specifically for Mac OS X 10.6 and higher. 
Xmplify XML Editor provides a fully XML-aware editing environment with DTD and XML Schema-based auto-completion, automatic document validation, XSLT and XPath support, live HTML preview and much more. Version 1.5.0 improves auto-completion and validation performance for documents with complex schemas, plus fixes and other improvements. Xmplify costs US$59; volume and educational discounts are available. Version 1.5.0 is a free upgrade for Xmplify 1.x users.