Kensington ships SD5000T Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station
Kensington (www.kensington.com) has announced the general availability of its $349.99 SD5000T Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station for macOS. It provides a bridge allowing more mobile and thinner devices access to a suite of gadgets on the user’s desk.
The SD500% accommodates a single cable carrying up to 40Gbps of data in one compact port that supports dual 4K video and a complete array of desktop accessories connected at eight times the speed of USB 3.0, while also providing up to 85W of laptop power delivery to macOS systems. With Zero Footprint Mounting, users can mount the dock to the back of a 75mm or 100mm VESA-compatible external monitor (mounting plate sold separately), reducing desktop clutter.
“Thunderbolt 3 technology delivers the apex of desktop performance with 40Gbps of data transfer, ideal for those who want to drive their productivity to new levels,” says Louie Yao, Senior Global Product Manager, Kensington. “The new SD5000T dock not only enables users to optimize the...
Apple posts fourth beta of macOS 10.12.6
Apple has released a fourth developer beta of macOS 10.12.6. It can be be downloaded from the Apple Developer Center.
RAIDON announces new internal RAID 5 Modules
RAIDON (http://tinyurl.com/yatkuonn) has announced a new internal RAID module dubbed iR4300-S2. It not only provides hardware RAID functions as you’d expect, but also a new metal key lock designed to prevent data lost due to a drive being removed by accident.
The RAIDON InTANK iR4300-S2 internal RAID module is designed for 2.5-pinch hard drives or Solid State Drives (SSDs). Contact RAIDON for pricing.
Troi Releases Troi File Plug-In 9.0.1 For FileMaker Pro 16
Troi has released Troi File Plug-in 9.0.1 for FileMaker Pro 16. It's a tool for getting access to information outside the FileMaker Pro database.
Any files or folders stored on the computer can be accessed through the functions of the plug-in. Version 9.0.1 is a maintenance update.
A fully functional demo version of Troi File Plug-in 9.0 is available for downloading at Troi's website (https://www.troi.com/products/fileplugin/). Licenses cost $99 per user.
The upgrade is free for users who bought a license for Troi File Plug-in on or after May 10, 2016. Eligible users will be sent a new registration. Contact Tro if you haven’t received yours after May 12.
Upgrades from licenses bought before May 10, 2016, are available from $59 per user. Upgrade prices for other licenses can be found on the Troi website.
Briksoftware releases FNable 2.0 with Touch Bar support
Briksoftware has released FNable 2.0 (https://fnable.com), a feature update of the function key enabling software for macOS. It serves as the caps lock for your FN key.
FNable runs in the background and can change your special keys to function keys. Version 2 introduces support for Logitech keyboards and enables their function keys just like it does for Apple's keyboards or Touch Bar keyboards.
FNable requires macOS 10.11 or higher. It costs $7.50 for new users. To provide existing customers of the app an update path, FNable will be available for 50% discount for all of June.
Jamie Erlicht, Zack Van Amburg join Apple to lead video...
Apple has announced that Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg, two successful TV execs, are joining the company in newly created positions overseeing all aspects of video programming.
Erlicht and Van Amburg will lead video programming worldwide, reporting to Eddy Cue. They join Apple from Sony Pictures Television where they have served as presidents since 2005, and have been responsible for programs such as Breaking Bad and its spinoff Better Call Saul, The Crown, Rescue Me and more.
“Jamie and Zack are two of the most talented TV executives in the world and have been instrumental in making this the golden age of television,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. “We have exciting plans in store for customers and can’t wait for them to bring their expertise to Apple — there is much more to come.”
“It will be an honor to be part of the Apple team,” said Jamie Erlicht. “We want to bring to video what Apple has been so successful with in their...
PDF Studio 12 adds PDF Imposition, Excel to PDF and PDF to Word
Qoppa Software has announced PDF Studio 12 (https://www.qoppa.com/pdfstudio/), an update to their PDF editing application for Mac, Windows and Linux systems. Version 12 adds new features, including PDF Imposition, Scanning Configuration, Excel to PDF Conversion, Page Resize, and 4K Display Support.
On the Mac platform, PDF Studio 12 requires macOS 10.10 or higher. The Standard version costs $89, and the Pro version is $129. A demo is available for download.
Data Creator for macOS revved to version 1.6
Tension Software (www.tensionsoftware.com) has upgraded Data Creator for macOS to version 1.6. The app allows you to create data tables and fill them with proper pseudo-random content to export to build and test database, web pages and apps.
Version 1.6 offers new type, “Decimal Number in Range,” and offers various bug fixes. Data Creator requires macOS 10.10 or higher and costs $9.99.
Eltima updates Upset for macOS to version 1.3
Eltima Software has updated Uplet, a bulk image uploader for Instagram, to version 1.3.
It enables uploading any number of pictures to an Instagram account at once without compromising their quality. The app's photo editor allows you to set captions and crop pictures to fit the square frame or leave the original image dimensions. Captions and emojis help express ideas and emotions behind pictures, while hashtags can help expand their reach.
Uplet requires OS X 10.9 or later. It costs $19.99 and is available worldwide through the Mac App Store in the Photography category.
OWC announces Smart Alec utility for Mac drives
OWC has announced SMART Alec (https://www.smartalec.biz/), a Mac utility that constantly monitors and checks your Mac hard drives, SSDs, FireWire disks, and USB drives, warning you in advance if drives are failing or about to fail.
The utility is designed to help you avoid sensitive, irreplaceable data from databases, word processing, Excel, PowerPoint and other business files, photos and videos, music compositions, and more. SMART Alec is currently available in beta . The free final version of SMART Alec and a $9.99 upgrade with additional features will be available in July.
Sample Logic introduces LOOP SESSION SERIES - RHYTHMOLOGY
Sample Logic (www.samplelogic.com) has introduced LOOP SESSION SERIES - RHYTHMOLOGY, a new collection of loop instruments for Kontakt based on the loop sources from within RHYTHMOLOGY.
LSS is designed to be a quick and easy to use instrument either alone, or in conjunction with its big brother library, RHYTHMOLOGY. Not only can you quickly play through all of the loop source content within RHYTHMOLOGY, you can also earmark your favorites within the LSS interface, which syncs directly to the RHYTHMOLOGY browser.
Current RHYTHMOLOGY owners can use their serials to get an upgrade for $49.99 while others can purchase the Kontakt version at an introductory price of $99.99. This introductory pricing expires on July 5.
AKVIS Draw 5.0 adds blend modes, local processing
AKVIS (www.akvis.com) has rolled out Draw 5.0 for macOS (10.7 and higher) and Windows. It’s a new version of the tool that converts digital images into realistic pencil drawings.
Version 5.0 offers blend mode options that allow you to refine the effect you want by mixing the original image with the drawing effect in a variety of ways. The selection tools let you create a combination of photo and drawing.
Draw 5.0 is available as a standalone application and as a plugin to a photo editor.
It costs $49 for the Standard version, $69 for the Deluxe version, and $89 for the Business version. One license key allows activating and using the software on two computers. Version 5.0 is a free upgrade for recent buyers as well for those who bought one year of updates during the last 12 months. Users, whose license isn’t valid for the new version, can get Draw 5.0 for $14.95.
Copy Fast for macOS upgraded to version 1.1
Tension Software has updated Copy Fast (http://tinyurl.com/y9pjbghu) for macOS to version 1.1. It’s a tool that lets you instantly copy the content of files that are ready to be used.
Copy Fast resides in the right part of the menu bar as a status menu icon, ready to be used also when other applications are active. Version 1.1 is a maintenance upgrade.
Copy Fast requires macOS 10.10 or higher. It costs $4.99.
Apple updates Pages, Numbers, Keynote for macOS, iOS
Apple has updated both the Mac and iOS editions of its iWork suite. The upgrade adds 500 new shapes that can be inserted into any Pages, Numbers or Keynote document.
Apple says that "new auto-correction and text replacement options save time while typing", and the Stock and Currency functions will return data from the previous market day's close.
The upgrades are available at the Mac App Store and the Apple App Store.
Apple Releases Third Developer Beta Of macOS 10.12.6
Apple has released the third developer beta of macOS Sierra 10.12.6. It can be be downloaded from the Apple Developer Center.
Apple Releases Third Developer Beta Of IOS 10.3.3
Apple has released the third developer beta of iOS 10.3.3. It can be be downloaded from the Apple Developer Center.
CS Odessa announces Financial Infographics Solution for...
CS Odessa (www.conceptdraw.com) has announced the new Financial Infographics Solution for ConceptDraw Pro 11, now available in the ConceptDraw Solution Park.
The Financial Infographics solution is a tool for creating infographics and illustrations that can be used to visualize financial data and statistical information. It's designed for reports and presentations involving finances, money, accounting, banks, taxes, expenses and incomes, savings, investments and more.
The Financial Infographics Solution costs $25. ConceptDraw Pro v11 retails for $199 and is included in ConceptDraw Office 4, which retails for $499.
PopChar 8 offers custom layouts, ligatures, emoji support and...
Ergonis Software has released PopChar X 8.0, a new version of the company's tool for finding and inserting special characters and exploring fonts.
PopChar is designed to make typing of unusual characters easy without having to remember keyboard combinations. Thousands of special characters are only a few clicks away. Version 8.0 introduces more than 40 improvements, like custom layouts, support for ligatures, extensive emoji support, and much more.
PopChar 8.0 requires macOS 10.6 or higher. It costs $29.99. The upgrade to PopChar X 8.0 is free for anyone who purchased a license for PopChar X 7.x on or after Sept. 1, 2016. Upgrade paths are available for owners of older licenses. For information about purchases, including enterprise licenses, volume discounts, and upgrade pricing offers, see the company's website (www.ergonis.com).
beaTunes for macOS gets dark UI theme, more
Tagtraum Industries has announced beaTunes 5 (www.beatunes.com), a new version of their music library management tool for macOS and Windows. It helps fix metadata tags and calculates musical key and tempo.
beaTunes also offers automatic song segmentation and a built-in music player. Version 5 features a new look (including a “dark” user interface theme), new algorithms and improved usability.
beaTunes 5 requires macOS 10.7.5 or higher and costs $34.95 (USD). beaTunes 4.x users can upgrade for $11.95. A 14-day demo is available.
Pandora Recovery is now Disk Drill
CleverFiles has acquired Pandora Recovery (https://www.pandorarecovery.com/), file recovery software on the Internet, and reduced it Disk Drill. It supports recovery of all types of data and file formats, and is a solution for photo, video and document recovery.
Disk Drill — available for macOS and Windows — runs on any file system and even on formatted drives, according to the folks at CleverFiles. The company is offering a limited time discount for users who wish to upgrade to Disk Drill Pro or Enterprise.
Output Factory 2 Public Beta for Adobe InDesign can run custom...
Zevrix Solutions has announced the public beta release of Output Factory 2, an upgrade to the company's output automation solution for Adobe InDesign.
Output Factory automates printing, exporting from InDesign, and offers batch processing, export as single pages, layer versioning, variable file names, and other time-saving features. The new version lets users run custom AppleScript and JavaScript scripts during processing, and adds an option to save output files in dynamically created subfolders.
Output Factory 2 public beta can be downloaded from Zevrix online (www.zevrix.com). Qualified beta testers will receive a discount on Output Factory 2 (upgrade or new license). Detailed info is included with the beta download. The current stable release, Output Factory 1.6.1, can be purchased for $169.95 (there’s also a “lite” version for $119.95). A demo is available for download. Output Factory requires macOS 10.7-10.12 and Adobe InDesign CS5-CC 2017.
WaterField announces case for the Apple Magic Keyboard with...
WaterField Designs (http://www.sfbags.com/) has extended its Magic Keyboard Slip Case line with a custom-fitted size for Apple's new Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad.
The $39 Keyboard Slip case protects the device from dings and spills with light padding enveloped in a waxed canvas or ballistic nylon shell. The case includes a rear mesh pocket to hold the Lightening-to-USB Cable or other small accessories.
Tension Software announces AutoCrypt 2.3 for macOS
Tension Software has announced AutoCrypt 2.3 for macOS. It’s an update of the encryption/decryption app with a document-based approach.
Using a document, AutoCrypt lets you save all the settings used to encrypt or decrypt collections of files in a document using an AES-256 algorithm. Using these documents, it can be used for the encryption and decryption batch process of large quantity of files in a single click.
AutoCrypt requires macOS 10.10 or higher and costs $7. It’s available both from the company website (www.tensionsoftware.com) and from the Mac App Store.
App Wrapper 3.8 ready for macOS High Sierra
Ohanaware has released App Wrapper 3.8, an update to their App Store preparation tool. It was designed to simplify the process of preparing applications for submission to the Mac App Store and deploying on web sites.
Once configured App Wrapper can perform the following actions either at the click of a button or when an application is built within the Xojo development environment. Version 3.8 introduces the new Application Diagnostics function, designed to check an application against 120 App Store rejection reasons, 70 potential code sign failures and critical issues, and more. It’s also ready for the upcoming macOS High Sierra.
App Wrapper requires macOS 10.9 or later and Xcode 6 or higher. Version 3.6 is macOS Sierra compatible. DMG code signing requires macOS El Capitan 10.11.5 or newer. App Wrapper is available from the Ohanaware website (www.ohanaware.com). There are three pricing options starting at $49.99.
CNS releases CNS Image 2.5 FileMaker Pro plug-in
CNS has released CNS Image 2.5, an update of the FileMaker Pro plug-in. The upgrade brings in Script Steps and other FileMaker 16 features.
As usual, the plug-in also contains updates to the CNS Core code and bug fixes. CNS Image is available immediately at http://cnsimage.cnsplug-ins.com/ for both macOS and Windows. A demo is available for download.
If you purchased CNS Image anytime from June 9, 2016, until now, you can install this latest version free of charge without requiring a new license key. If you purchased CNS Image anytime between June 9, 2015, and June 8, 2016, you can renew your license for 50% off the current price. If you purchased CNS Image anytime before June 9, 2015, you can renew your license for 25% off the current price.
For new users, CNS Image prices range from a 1-User License for $65 to a World License for $1,095 (which includes a free Server License). A Server License of CNS Image for use with FileMaker Pro Server/Server Advanced is $595. A Developer's...
SyncMate for macOS revved to version 6.7
Eltima Software has released SyncMate 6.7 (http://www.sync-mac.com/), an updated version of the synchronization tool for macOS.
It allows syncing Mac computers with iOS and Android devices, other Macs, MTP devices, as well as with online storage accounts such as Google, Dropbox, iCloud and Microsoft Services, including Outlook, Office 365 Home and Business accounts. SyncMate 6.7 offers a more reliable and fast sync mechanism, according to the folks at Eltima.
SyncMate requires macOS 10.8.5 or later. Version 6.7 is free for all SyncMate 6.x users. All registered users of previous versions of can upgrade with a 50% discount. For new users the cost is $39.95 for a personal license (for two Macs). A demo is available for download.
Rooster 1.0 is a new wake on LAN solution for the Apple TV
Basil Salad Software has debuted Rooster 1.0 (http://tinyurl.com/yaybajpj), a wake-on-LAN solution for the Apple TV. It brings network devices out of standby for easy access to media servers from the living room. Rooster is best used with a network-attached storage device that serves media files to the Apple TV.
Users can now schedule these NAS' up-time to keep them online only on times when they are expected to be in use. On other times, users can wake up the device as needed from the Apple TV using Rooster.
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War III arrives on the Mac
Feral Interactive has announced that Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War III, the latest episode in Relic Entertainment’s real-time strategy series, has been released for macOS and Linux.
In Dawn of War III's 17-mission campaign, players alternately command the Space Marines, the savage Orks, and the technologically-sophisticated Eldar as the warring factions fight for the Spear of Khaine, a mysterious weapon that will determine the fates of all three. Massive armies and devastating elite units engage in tactical battles where the key to victory lies in taking advantage of each unit’s unique abilities to outwit, then overpower, the enemy.
Dawn of War III’s multiplayer mode features matches in which two teams of up to three players per side battle for supremacy. The macOS and Linux versions of the game on Steam will be cross-platform compatible with each other.
Dawn of War III will be available through the Feral Store (http://tinyurl.com/ybzpa36m) and Steam for $59.99 and at the Mac App...
InterPromo US releases Combin Tool
InterPromo UG has released the final version of Combin (ex-InstaHeads), a cross-platform tool for managing and growing Instagram accounts for individuals, agencies and brands.
Users get a reliable tool for the safe growth of the audience and management of their Instagram accounts. The interface has been completely redesigned and is now more simple and user-friendly, according to the folks at InterPromo US.
With Combin (https://www.combin.com), you may perform a geo-targeting based search by locations of commercial objects, hashtags, and by a combination of the activities. It automates such actions as search results refreshing, as well as allowing users to organize followers, likes and comments.
Combin is available for macOS, Windows and Linux. There are three pricing plans suitable for all clientele, from individuals to competent Instagram businesses.
myTuner Radio for macOS revved to version 2
AppGeneration has updated its myTuner Radio app for the Mac. It allows you to listen to 40,000 live radio stations from more than 200 countries/territories, as well as over one million podcasts. The new version 2 has a redesigned interface and supports the MacBook Pro with Touch Bar.
myTuner Radio 2 requires macOS 10.10 or higher. It’s available for $9.99 in the Mac App Store (https://itunes.apple.com/app/id808285143). There's also a free version with limited features.
Global Delight releases Boom 3D, a surround sound audio app for...
Global Delight has unveiled Boom 3D, a next gen app that builds on Boom 2, its Mac audio enhancement tool.Powered by Global Delight's patent-pending audio engine, it provides a virtual surround audio experience.
The app also includes handcrafted Equalizer Presets that can pump up any audio in the Mac, advanced Audio Effects and an Intensity controller to customize audio to suit individual listening tastes. Designed for macOS 10.10.3 and later, Boom 3D self-calibrates to the type of Mac it runs on to offer a personalized experience to the users, according to Jason Foodman, president of Global Delight.
It sports a Mini Audio Player and Application Level Volume Control to give users volume control for each app being used. In addition, with the help of an optional Audio Component, Boom 3D can optimize any audio coming out of the Mac on a system-wide basis with equalizers and audio effects.
Boom 3D can be purchased for $16.99 from the Global Delight web store (http://www.globaldelight.com...
MacSales announces memory upgrades for new iMacs
MacSales (www.macsales.com) has announced memory upgrades for the newly announced iMacs. The memory upgrades run from $79.99 to bring a factory 8GB iMac to 16GB, up to $579.99 to max out an iMac to 64GB.
OWC 2400Mhz DDR4 memory is available now and will begin shipping to customers immediately. The new iMac delivers visual effects and 3D graphics allowing the editing of multi-cam projects in Final Cut Pro X, with up to five streams of 4K video.
StarTech releases new Dual-Bay 3.5” Drive Enclosure
StarTech has released a new Dual-Bay 3.5” Drive Enclosure that enables a high-performance USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) data storage solution with multiple RAID functions. Users can access, back up and manage files through their USB-C or USB-A equipped laptop.
The dual-drive enclosure features multiple RAID modes that can help increase performance add redundancy or combine volumes. The RAID modes supported are: RAID 0, RAID 1, SPAN(BIG) and JBOD. The dual-drive enclosure comes with a USB-C cable and a USB-A cable for connecting the enclosure to a laptop.
The new dual-drive enclosure is available at CDW, Amaon, NewEgg, PC Connection, and Insight. It costs $129.99.
WaterField Designs introduces new iPad Pro Gear Case
Waterfield Designs (www.sfbags.com) has announced the $49 iPad Pro Gear Case to store accessories for Apple’s new 10.5-inch or 12.9-inch iPad Pro. The iPad Pro Gear Case is a waxed canvas and leather pouch with customized pockets to organize and protect out-of-the box and extra iPad necessities.
“The Apple Pencil and other accessories are critical for iPad Pro users and are easy to misplace,” explained company owner Gary Waterfield. “The compact iPad Pro Gear Case equips you with a consistent, protective place to store them, and it fits easily into any day bag. With your iPad Pro and stocked Gear Case by your side, you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips, whether you’re at your desk, on your commute or working at the local café.”
Custom-designed for iPad Pro accessories, the iPad Gear Case main compartment includes two mesh pockets for the Lightning-to-USB cable, Lightning adapters and ear buds, and two padded, scratch-free pockets for a USB flash drive and the Apple Pencil...
CS Odessa Announces Software Engineer Package for ConceptDraw...
CS Odessa (www.conceptdraw.com) has announced the new Software Engineer Package for ConceptDraw Pro 11, now available in ConceptDraw Solution Park.
Specifically developed to visually represent software, databases and information systems technical and methodological documentation, the Software Engineer Package is comprised of seven solutions, 35 libraries, 1287 vector object and icons, 87 examples and templates. The included solutions in this bundle are Cloud Computing Diagrams, Network Security Diagrams, and more.
The seven solutions individually retail for $247, but are available in a bundle for $150. ConceptDraw Pro 11 is compatible with macOS and Windows. It retails for US$199 and is now included in ConceptDraw Office 4, which retails for $499.
ADATA presents the UC360 and UC370 OTG flash drives
ADATA Technology, (www.adata.com) has launched the UC360 and UC370 USB OTG flash drives. As “on the go” protocol (OTG) USB drives, both models offer driverless connectivity with devices featuring USB.
Both are 2-in-1 products, with the UC360 featuring USB-A and Micro USB and the UC370 combining USB-A and USB-C. Data delivery uses USB 3.1 speeds. Both drives work with macOS Windows and Android operating systems, and other platforms such as game consoles and smart TVs. Consumers can choose from 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB versions of the new drives.
Promise Technology debuts new Pegasus3 desktop RAID storage...
Promise Technology (www.promise.com) has added four new models to its lineup of Pegasus desktop RAID storage systems. The new Pegasus3 R4, R6 and R8 models feature more capacity -- 16, 36 and 64 (and 80) terabytes (TB), respectively -- and bring 40 Gb/s Thunderbolt 3 performance.
The addition of new Pegasus3 models also continues Promise's tradition of being in lockstep with the latest from Apple, as they are an ideal storage complement to the new iMac and MacBook Pro offerings, according to Vijay Char, president, Promise Technology USA. Pegasus3 models are tested, performance tuned and ready to go out of the box for Mac users with a 1m 40 Gb/s Active Thunderbolt 3 cable for easy, high-speed connectivity, he adds.
Dual Thunderbolt 3 ports provide connectivity and the ability to connect up to six daisy-chained devices on a single port. The new Pegasus3 models will initially be available in North America. Preorders can be made through Amazon.com and select resellers. Availability will...
New 10.5-inch iPad Pro Case coming from Gumdrop Cases
Gumdrop Case’s DropTech Clear case for the new 10.5-inch iPad Pro is now available for pre-order and will ship beginning June 12. It offers drop protection, and a clear polycarbonate back window to show off logos, stickers, asset tags or simply the iconic Apple logo.
The DropTech Clear iPad case is made of shock absorbing, dual-layer silicone with reinforced bumpers on the corners and a replaceable screen shield to prevent scratches and repel light splashes. The case allows full access to Apple's touch ID technology, ports, buttons, camera and speaker.
The DropTech Clear iPad Pro case is available on the Gumdrop Cases website (https://www.gumdropcases.com) in a black/smoke color combination (black silicone cover with transparent smoke back window) for $59.95.
Artlandia SymmetryMill for macOS gets update
Artlandia has updated Artlandia SymmetryMill, a desktop app that provides tools for creating seamless repeating patterns from any image. Rebuilt from the ground up and based on modern technology, the upgrade brings a range of improvements.
Among the enhancements are: a new pattern explorer; dozens of new blend modes; lots of new filters; a new repeat size display; and new keyboard shortcuts. SymmetryMill works with macOS 10.6 and higher. It's a subscription based app, but a demo is available for download.
GarageBand for Mac updated with Touch Bar support, more
Apple has updated GarageBand for Mac with TouchBar support, cross-platform integration, and more. According to Apple, version 10.2 -- available at the Mac App Store -- offers:
° New modern design with improved ease of use;
° Adds Touch Bar support to quickly navigate around your project and perform instruments;
° Three new Drummers who play percussion in the styles of Pop, Songwriter, and Latin;
° Introduces new Drummer loops which can be added to your song and then customized with performance controls;
° Remotely add new tracks to your project using GarageBand on your iPhone or iPad.
Apple posts new developer betas of iOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS
Apple has released the first beta versions of its next-generation operating systems — iOS 11, macOS 10.13 High Sierra, watchOS 4 and tvOS 11 — to developers for testing. Developers can download the beta through the Apple Developer Center or the Software Update mechanism in the App Store.
Apple's HomePod coming in December
Apple has previewed the HomePod, a wireless speaker for the home that uses spatial awareness to sense its location in a room and automatically adjust the audio.
Designed to work with an Apple Music subscription for access to over 40 million songs, HomePod provides deep knowledge of personal music preferences and tastes and helps users discover new music, according to Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. It sports a large, Apple-designed woofer for deep bass, a custom array of seven beam-forming tweeters that provide pure high frequency acoustics with directional control and technologies built right in to preserve the richness and intent of the original recordings.
The HomePod is designed for voice control with an array of six microphones, so users can interact with it from across the room, even while loud music is playing. By saying, “Hey Siri, I like this song,” HomePod and Apple Music become the perfect musicologist, learning preferences from...
Apple introduces 10.5-inch iPad Pro
Apple has introduced an all-new 10.5-inch iPad Pro and a revamped 12.9-inch iPad Pro, featuring an advanced display with ProMotion technology and a new A10X Fusion chip.
The new 10.5-inch model reduces the borders by nearly 40% to fit into an compact package that weighs just one pound. Combined with new iPad features in iOS 11 coming this fall, like the all-new Files app, customizable Dock, improved multitasking and deeper integration of Apple Pencil, iPad Pro gives users the ability to be even more productive and creative, according to Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of Product Marketing.
The redesigned Retina display in the iPad Pro features ProMotion, a new technology that delivers refresh rates of up to 120Hz for fluid scrolling, greater responsiveness and smoother motion content. With ProMotion, Apple Pencil is even more responsive with an industry-best, 20-millisecond latency for even more fluid and natural drawing. ProMotion also improves display quality and reduces...
Siri Watch Face, Smart Activity Coaching, more coming to watchOS...
Apple today previewed watchOS 4, featuring a proactive Siri watch face that displays the information users need most throughout the day, personalized Activity coaching and a new music experience. The update features an enhanced Workout app and introduces GymKit, a platform that will offer customers connected workouts with cardio equipment.
“Apple Watch is the ultimate device for a healthy life and is now more intelligent than ever with watchOS 4,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer. “We’ve created a truly individualized experience with the smartest Activity and Workout apps, the Siri watch face that shows you the information you need when you need it and we’re seamlessly bringing users their favorite music right on the wrist.”
Siri intelligence extends further into Apple Watch with the new Siri watch face. With each raise of the wrist, the information on the display dynamically updates based on the time of day, daily routines and pertinent data from apps such as...
iOS 11 brings new features to the iPhone and iPad
Apple today previewed iOS 11, a major update to its mobile operating system, bringing new experiences and hundreds of features to iPhone and iPad this fall.
Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering, says iOS 11 is the biggest software release ever for the iPad, with multitasking features, a new Files app and more ways to use Apple Pencil. Augmented reality is coming to hundreds of millions of iOS devices with a new platform for developers to build apps that let users place virtual content on top of real-world scenes.
CoreML gives developers on-device machine learning capabilities so they can easily make apps that will predict, learn and become more intelligent. Additional features include the ability to pay friends using Apple Pay, Do Not Disturb while driving to help users stay more focused on the road, even more intelligence and a new voice for Siri and new professional capabilities to Photos and Camera.
iOS 11 makes multitasking on iPad even more...
Apple previews macOS High Sierra
Apple has previewed macOS High Sierra, the follow-up to macOS Sierra on the Mac. It delivers new core storage, video and graphics technologies that pave the way for future innovation on the Mac.
macOS High Sierra offers an all-new file system, support for High-Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) and an update to Metal, Apple’s advanced graphics technology that powers everything from machine learning to virtual reality content creation. macOS High Sierra also includes a number of refinements to the apps Mac users enjoy every day, including Photos, Safari and Mail.
“macOS High Sierra delivers important forward-looking technologies and new opportunities for developers wanting to tap into the power of machine learning and create immersive VR content on the Mac,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “The core technology innovations in macOS High Sierra, combined with our advances in hardware, will continue to push the Mac forward in exciting new ways.”...
Apple's iMac line-up receives a major upgrade
Apple has announced updated iMacs, MacBook Pros and MacBooks. The iMac line has been revved with up to three times more powerful graphics, faster processors, Thunderbolt 3, faster storage options and brighter Retina displays. Apple also added a Retina 4K display and discrete graphics to the $1,299 21.5-inch iMac.
The new all-in-ones deliver powerful performance for 3D graphics, video editing and gaming, and, with the upcoming macOS High Sierra, are a great platform for virtual reality content creation, says John Ternus, Apple’s vice president of Hardware Engineering.
The updated iMac features faster Kaby Lake processors up to 4.2GHz with Turbo Boost up to 4.5GHz and supports up to twice the memory (32GB or 64GB in 21.5-inch and 27-inch models, respectively) as the previous generation. The Fusion Drive — which combines the large storage capacity of a hard drive with the high performance of flash — is now standard on all 27-inch configurations and the top-end 21.5-inch iMac. SSD storage...
iMac Pro coming this December
Apple today gave a sneak peek of the iMac Pro (apple.com/imac-pro), an entirely new workstation-class product line designed for pro users with the most demanding workflows. The all-new iMac Pro, with its 27-inch Retina 5K display, up to 18-core Xeon processors and up to 22 Teraflops of graphics computation, is the most powerful Mac ever made.
It features a new space gray enclosure and support for one billion colors. It's due to ship in December starting at $4,999. In addition to the new iMac Pro, Apple is working on a completely redesigned, next-generation Mac Pro architected for pro customers who need the highest-end, high-throughput system in a modular design, as well as a new high-end pro display, but it won't arrive until next year.
“We’re thrilled to give developers and customers a sneak peek at iMac Pro. This will be our fastest and most powerful Mac ever, which brings workstation-class computing to iMac for the first time,” said John Ternus, Apple’s vice president of Hardware...
DEVONtechnologies updates all editions of DEVONthink and...
DEVONtechnologies has updated all editions of DEVONthink and DEVONagent for the Mac. Version 2.9.12 adds a menu command for copying items links for databases as well as support for flat OmniOutliner 5 files.
Other documents can be easier referenced from Markdown documents and images zoomed or rotated using gestures. DEVONagent 3.9.7 sends all requests to Google and Bing over secure connections and adds a new options for more precise see-also results. All updates are free and recommended for all users.
All editions of DEVONthink and DEVONagent require macOS10.9 or later. They can be downloaded from DEVONtechnologies online (http://www.devontechnologies.com) and be test-driven for free before they need to be properly licensed. DEVONthink Personal as well as all editions of DEVONagent are also available in the Mac App Store; DEVONthink can be purchased in bundles with DEVONagent for bundle prices in DEVONtechnologies' online shop.
BatchOutput for Microsoft Word Improves Default Printer...
Zevrix Solutions has announced BatchOutput DOC 2.5.2, a feature update to company's output automation solution for Microsoft Word.
The utility solves the problem of printing and saving of multiple documents to PDF and offers batch processing, PDF security, image compression, variable file names and other options. Version 2.5.2 ensures that BatchOutput DOC restores the system's default printer after the processing of Word files is done if this option is selected in the Mac system preferences.
BatchOutput DOC can be purchased for $19.95from the Zevrix Solutions (www.zevrix.com) website. A demo is available for download. The update is free for users of version 2 and $20 from version 1. BatchOutput DOC requires macOS 0.6-10.12 and Microsoft Word 2008, 2011 or 2016.
