Tension Software has announced Precise Screenshot 1.4.3 for Mac OS X. It’s an update of the tool for taking screenshots from your Mac screen. Precise Screenshot can select a resizable portion of the screen with the usual drag method, it can use pre-fixed size area from a customizable popup menu (with the sizes the user needs), or it can use the full screen area. Version 1.4.3 is a maintenance upgrade with some bugs. Price for Precise Screenshot works with Yosemite or El Capitan. It costs $5.99 and is available at the Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/qb8prz6).

On the heels of announcing its new PasswordLess PhotoLogin feature, which enables users to log in by taking a photo on the computer that is sent to their trusted mobile device to approve, LogMeOnce has announced a Visual One-Time Password (OTP) authentication option. Designed for users that want the benefits of PhotoLogin’s password-less sign-on, but don’t have a working webcam or don’t want to snap a photo of themselves, the feature generates a visual OTP code that’s independently calculated and displayed on the user’s computer monitor and mobile device simultaneously, enabling the user to authenticate themselves by visual verification of the codes. When using the self-authentication feature, a one-time, independently generated 6-digit number will appear on both the computer and trusted mobile device of the user, so both OTP codes can be visually compared by the user to ensure they are identical. Users will be prompted to either accept or reject the login attempt from their phone...

Reacting to Apple's recent announcement that PPTP VPN will no longer be supported by their built-in VPN client on macOS Sierra, Feingeist Software GmbH has assured that their VPN client for Mac Shimo is ready for PPTP on the new operating system. This VPN client for Mac guarantees highest security standards and delivers an optimized user experience. It also goes above and beyond by allowing you to automatically connect VPN accounts based on certain trigger conditions. A demo of Shimo is available for download (https://www.shimovpn.com). Registration is approximately $56.

Universal Audio (www.uaudio.com) has released UAD Software 8.7, featuring the Manley VOXBOX Channel Strip Plug-In exclusively for Apollo interfaces and UAD-2 DSP accelerator hardware. Designed specifically for vocal production, it combines Manley’s high-fidelity tube mic preamp, vactrol optical compressor, Pultec-style passive EQ, and de-esser/limiter into a formidable 3U package. Owners of UA’s acclaimed Apollo audio interfaces can track in real time with this all-tube vocal channel strip. The Manley VOXBOX plug-in also supports Universal Audio’s Unison technology, giving Apollo users the VOXBOX’s impedance, gain staging, and circuit behaviors. The plug-in is also available as part of the new Manley Complete Plug-In Bundle ($699), which includes the Manley Massive Passive EQ and Variable Mu Compressor Limiter plug-ins. 

Naarak Studio has released version 3 of their iCollections, the Mac Desktop organizer. It’s a "launcher" application that allows users flexibility in organizing and accessing frequently used files and applications. It helps to eliminate desktop clutter and repeated searches in disks, folders, and on the Internet, by placing drag-and-drop modifiable palettes on the desktop. A palette can handle a user's files, folders, and applications all in one location. iCollections works with Mac OS X 10.10 and higher. It costs $18.99 and is available directly from Naarak's Studio online store (http://naarakstudio.com/icollections/buy.html) or the Mac App Store.

Eltima Software has announced SyncMate 6.5, an upgrade of their synchronization tool for OS X. It will sync Mac computers with iOS and Android devices, other Macs, MTP devices, as well as with online storage accounts such as Google, Dropbox, iCloud and Windows Services, including Outlook, Office 365 Home and Business accounts. Easily mount devices as Mac disks, manage mobile SMS on Mac and lots more. The latest version of SyncMate features iOS 10 support. This 6.5 update is free for all SyncMate 6 users. All registered users of previous versions of SyncMate can upgrade with a 50% discount; other users can purchase SyncMate Expert 6.5 from the product website (http://www.sync-mac.com/) starting at $29.96. A demo is available for download.

Logitech has announced the CREATE Backlit Keyboard Case with Smart Connector for the the 9.7-inch iPad Pro. Already offered for the 12.9-inch Apple tablet, the CREATE Keyboard Case provides a protective case, backlit keyboard, and integrated holder for the Apple Pencil all in one package. Designed to work exclusively with Apple’s new Smart Connector, the CREATE Keyboard Case automatically powers on and pairs with your iPad Pro when placed in the typing position – no Bluetooth pairing is needed. And because the backlit keyboard is powered by the iPad Pro, you never have to think about charging your keyboard again. A special row of dedicated iOS shortcuts puts the commands at your fingertips. The CREATE Keyboard Case for the 9.7-inch iPad Pro is available today from Logitech and Apple for a suggested retail price of $129.99.

Apple has revved iTunes for Mac OS X to version 12.4.3. The upgrade is available at the Mac App Store under Updates. Apple says that the upgrade resolves an issue where playlist changes made on other devices may not appear on iTunes on your Mac.

Carnation Software has released MacWise 15.3 (www.macwise.com), an update to its terminal emulation software for Macintosh. MacWise allows a Macintosh to be used as a terminal, connected to a host computer directly, by modem, local area network or over the Internet with telnet or ssh secure shell. MacWise emulates ADDS Viewpoint, Wyse 50, Wyse 60, Wyse 370, Televideo TV 925, DEC VT100, VT220 and Prism terminals. Version 15.3 is compatible with Mac OS X El Capitan and is backwards compatible to Snow Leopard. MacWise supports AppleScript commands. Many functions of the app can be controlled by a script (such as transferring data to and from the host, sending commands to the host and messages to the MacWise user). Scripts compiled as applications can be run from "Run AppleScript" under the Special Menu. For instance, you can write a script to transfer data from the host to a file on your Macintosh and then tell another application to open that file. MacWise costs $95 per user. Multiple...

Apple has released the fourth betas of iOS 10, tvOS 10, and watchOS 3for developer. They can be downloaded through the Apple Developer Center. Beta versions for non-developers participating in Apple’s Public Beta Program will probably arrive soon. The finished version of the operating systems, along with macOS Sierra, are due this fall.

Audified has released a bundle of new and improved summing tube processing plug-ins based around its proprietary Summing Tube Amplifier (STA) technology. The namesake STA (Summing Tube Amplifier) technology that the original and second-generation STA Effects bundle of summing tube processing plug-ins both benefit from uses two signal paths: one being processed by modulation or spectral change while the other remains unprocessed. Those two signals are mixed via vacuum tube circuitry models. There are six second-generation STA Effects plug-ins — including an all-new, self-explanatory STA Delay addition with convenient control over TEMPO, DECAY, STEREO, PING PONG, HPF (Hi-Pass Filter), and LPF (Low-Pass Filter) parameters. All are available to purchase as a bundle for $129 from Audified’s online shop (https://shop.audified.com/products/sta-effects). STA Delay and STA Preamp can be bought separately for $49 each. STA Effects are available to download directly from Audified as 32- and 64-...

Zevrix Solutions has released Deliver 2.5.6, a feature update to its file transfer solution with automatic email notifications. Deliver lets users send files to FTP, SFTP, Google Storage, Amazon S3, WebDAV and other remote and local servers. The software notifies recipients about delivered files automatically, eliminating the need to compose and send confirmation emails for each transfer. Version 2.5.6 lets users send automatic email delivery notifications via Microsoft Exchange SMTP servers. Deliver can be purchased from the Zevrix website (www.zevrix.com) for $19.95, as well as from Mac App Store and authorized resellers. A demo is available for download. The update is free for licensed users of Deliver 2.x. Deliver requires Mac OS X 10.5-10.11 (some features require OS X 10.7 or later).

Red Giant has updated its Mac compatible audio/video syncing plugin PluralEyes to version 4.1, which includes a number of new features designed for filmmakers and content producers where they need it the most. This update is free to current PluralEyes users. To celebrate this release, Red Giant is offering 25% off PluralEyes 4.1 in the redgiant.com store for 24 hours only. The sale includes full licenses, upgrades and academic store purchases (which are already 50% off), and will run until tomorrow, July 28, 10 a.m. (Pacific). PluralEyes 4.1 is available as a standalone tool for $299 and as a part of the Red Giant Shooter Suite for $399. New features in PluralEyes 4.1 include: ° EDIUS Pro support. You can start a project in PluralEyes 4.1 and export the synced project as an FCP 7 XML file into EDIUS Pro 7.5 and 8. ° A new music video workflow. Music videos are often shot with the track playing in the background, over multiple takes and in multiple locations. PluralEyes 4.1...

AKVIS (www.akvis.com) has announced updates of their artistic plug-ins and standalone applications: Sketch, OilPaint, AirBrush, Draw, Charcoal, and Points. The new versions bring frames for artworks, new effect presets, an innovative user interface with support for Ultra HD displays, and other changes. The programs are available to purchase separately as well as in the AKVIS Artistic Bundle for 50% off. They’re compatible with Mac OS X 10.6 and higher.

Bare Bones Software has released TextWrangler 5.5, an update to its general purpose text editor for Mac OS X. The upgrade offers performance improvements, refinements to fit and finish, and changes to streamline workflow in specific areas, such as Find Differences. In all, this new version includes more than 250 new features, changes to existing features, and fixes for specific reported issues. TextWrangler 5.5 requires Mac OS X 10.9.5 or later. You can download it free of charge from the Mac App Store or from the Bare Bones Software web site (http://tinyurl.com/ctwmby).

At the SIGGRAPH conference in Anaheim, Aalifornia, Autodesk is showcasing the latest design animation solutions for Maya 2017 and an update to 3ds Max. Maya 2017 features integrated rendering with Arnold, new motion graphics tools and numerous features and enhancements designed to help artists work faster and easier than ever. Autodesk is also announcing that Solid Angle’s Arnold renderer will support 3ds Max with a plugin called MAXtoA. Maya 2017 now includes Arnold as its default renderer. This integration of Arnold into Maya 2017 builds on the MAXtoA Arnold plugin and brings advanced rendering capabilities within Maya. Autodesk is also announcing a new MAXtoA plugin allowing 3ds Max users to take advantage of Arnold's rendering capabilities. The plugin will be available from Solid Angle's website (http://tinyurl.com/hlpab3s) where 3ds Max users can also find details on capabilities of the new plugin. Maya 2017 (www.autodesk.com/maya) includes a full set of 3D tools for creating...

MAXON has announced Cinema 4D Release 18 (R18), the next generation of its 3D animation, graphics, VFX, visualization, and rendering software application for OS X, Windows, and Linux systems. Feature highlights include: ° Voronoi Fracture Object – a native feature in the MoGraph toolset in Cinema 4D that works with Dynamics, allows users to tear down walls and create artistic procedural geometry using spline or polygon objects to define the fractured shape; ° Interactive Knife Tools – this enables users to draw lines across a model and tweak the cut with an interactive preview, then lock in new edges or split based on the cut; knife tools are available as separate commands for access to the desired mode via shortcut or Commander; ° Object Motion Tracking – this is the next step in MAXON’s effort to give artists accessibility to dynamic VFX and visualization workflows with expanded tools for integrating Cinema 4D creations into real-world footage.; ° Shaders and Surface Effects – they...

Maintain has served up Cocktail 9.3.3 (El Capitan Edition), a new edition of Cocktail for users running OS X El Capitan 10.11. Cocktail is a general purpose utility for OS X that lets users clean, repair and optimize their Macs. Version 9.3.3 is a maintenance release with various bug fixes and enhancements. Cocktail 9.3.3 (El Capitan Edition) requires OS X El Capitan 10.11 to run. Cocktail (Yosemite Edition) for OS X 10.10, Cocktail (Mavericks Edition) for OS X 10.9, Cocktail (Mountain Lion Edition) for OS X 10.8 and Cocktail (Lion Edition) for OS X 10.7 are available for download from the Maintain website (http://tinyurl.com/p5adypq). 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.

DEVONtechnologies has enhanced all editions of its intelligent information and document manager with a completely rewritten synchronization. The new system is build for speed, robustness and flexibility. It works both on the local network and with internet-based services. Strong encryption protects the users' privacy. In addition, the release fixes fix minor bugs and glitches in all editions of DEVONthink and DEVONnote. The update is free and recommended for all users. DEVONthink 2.9 allows to keep databases synchronized using many means of transport. It transmits them between Macs on the local network or stores them in a syncable form on removable hard drives, USB sticks, or SD cards. If it is necessary to keep them in sync also from or with remote locations, it can create sync stores on Dropbox, any WebDAV server, or in the watched folders of for example iCloud Drive, One Drive, or Google Drive. DEVONthink 2.9 supports both self-hosted WebDAV servers and internet-based services...

ADATA (www.adata.com) has unveiled the SE730, SC660, and SV620 external SSDs. They’re Mac and Windows compatible are designed for use in notebooks, ultrabooks, desktops, and even media boxes and game consoles. ADATA says the SE730 is the “most compact USB Type-C external SSD in the world.” It offers read/write performance up to 500MB/s and has a reversible USB Type-C connector. The SC660 boasts a shock resistant build and runs at up to 410MB/s (read/write). Its stylish, super-slim metallic enclosure is just 9.6mm thick. The shock resistant SV620 delivers identical performance, wrapped in an enclosure with raised edges to protect surfaces against scratching. It features a bright blue LED activity indicator to keep users always informed.

Zevrix Solutions has announced the public beta release of LinkOptimizer 5, an upgrade to company's workflow automation solution for Adobe InDesign. LinkOptimizer lets users reduce the size of InDesign links by eliminating excess image data, perform essential image adjustments and convert colors and file formats. The new beta version introduces batch processing of multiple InDesign files, support for InDesign books, as well as numerous improvements of user interface, stability and performance. The LinkOptimizer 5 public beta can be downloaded from the Zevrix website (www.zevrix.com). Qualified beta testers will receive a discount on LinkOptimizer 5 (upgrade or new license). Detailed info is included with the beta download. The current stable release, LinkOptimizer 4, can be purchased for $259.95; there’s also a “lite” version available for $179.95). A demo is available for download. LinkOptimizer requires Mac OS X 10.6-10.11 and Adobe InDesign and Photoshop CS3-CC 2015.

Apple has released the second public betas of macOS Sierra and iOS 10 to public beta testers. The finished versions of the operating system updates are due this fall. If you're not already signed up for the public beta program, you can 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.

Cisdem has released iPhoneRecovery 3 for Mac. It’s an upgrade of the iPhone data recovery software for retrieving lost or deleted iOS data. iPhoneRecovery can help recover multiple files, including lost photos, videos, messages, contacts, call history, Safari bookmarks, notes, calendar, and more. Version 3.0 offers performance improvements and a revamped user interface. Cisdem iPhoneRecovery 3 is available here: http://tinyurl.com/hmpvacu. The price for a single user license is $49.99. Discounts are offered for approved schools, churches, government entities and charitable organizations.

Norbert M. Doerner has released NeoFinder 6.9.1. It’s an update of the 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 powerful search possibilities, smart folders, albums, and more. Version 6.9.1offers numerous improvements and bug fixes. Users can now select multiple movies for the Video Contact Sheet, a new Global Find menu bar, and so much more. The app requires Mac OS X 10.6.8 or higher. NeoFinder 6.x is a paid update to licensed users of CDFinder, update price starting at approximately US$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 downloaded from the NeoFinder website. The price for new users...