WWDC: Apple previews watchOS 3
Apple has previewed watchOS 3, promising “significantly” improved performance with the ability to launch favorite apps instantly, enhanced navigation like the new Dock and all-new fitness and health capabilities for Apple Watch.
Available this fall, this software update introduces the Breathe app, designed to encourage users to take a moment in their day to do deep breathing exercises for relaxation and stress reduction. The Activity app now includes the ability to share, compare and compete as well as enabling wheelchair users to close their Activity rings.
“Apple Watch is the ultimate companion for a healthy life and with watchOS 3, there’s now even more to love,” says Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer. “Favorite apps launch instantly and are simple to access, and the breakthrough new fitness and health features like the Breathe app make it feel like a whole new watch.”
It is easier and faster than ever to perform common tasks with watchOS 3, including replying to a...
Apple previews major update with macOS Sierra
Apple has previewed macOS Sierra, a major update to the desktop operating system. Siri is now on the Mac with brand-new capabilities to help with the things users do every day on their desktop.
With Siri, users can look up information, find documents, pin or drag and drop search results, and even adjust system preferences. Integration with iCloud makes everything from your Desktop and Documents folder available on your iPhone and iPad so you always have access to the files you need.
Universal Clipboard allows you to copy content, including text, images, photos and video from one Apple device and paste it in another. Apple Pay comes to the Mac in Sierra so it’s even easier to shop securely and privately online. And Photos now helps you rediscover your meaningful memories, organize your library and perfect shots like a pro.
“macOS Sierra is a major update that makes your Mac smarter and more helpful than ever with improvements to the apps you know and love and great new features...
New Siri capabilities coming to the Apple TV
Apple has announced powerful new Siri capabilities, single sign-on for Apple TV and many more new features for users. All will be included in the updated tvOS that’s coming this fall.
With expanded Siri capabilities, including searching across even more apps, YouTube search, topic search and tuning right into more live channels, customers can get to their favorite content even faster, according to Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. The future of TV is apps, and with single sign-on customers can authenticate all the video channels from their pay-TV providers by simply signing in once to enjoy all of their network-TV apps, he adds.
Currently, there are over 6,000 Apple TV apps, including over 1,300 video channels. Since the launch of Apple TV, Siri has gotten more powerful, now searching over 650,000 TV episodes and movies. Siri is available in even more countries with expanded capabilities.
You can now ask Siri for a movie by topic or theme, you...
Leawo Prof. Media Mac for OS X gets improved HD screen...
Leawo Software (www.leawo.org) has released Prof. Media for Mac 7.5.0, an upgrade of its all-in-one Mac media converter suite.
The app handles media conversions between Blu-ray, DVD, video and audio files on Mac. The new version brings full-scale improvements in both program functions and user experience. Key upgrades include: improved HD screen compatibility, fixed video and audio out-of-sync problem, optimized subtitle display and 3D effect applying, promoted video conversion success rate, and more.
Prof. Media for Mac 7.5.0 costs $119.95. A demo is available for download.
LinkOptimizer for InDesign update improves sharpening filter...
Zevrix Solutions has announced LinkOptimizer 4.9.62, a maintenance update to its workflow automation solution for Adobe InDesign.
LinkOptimizer lets users reduce the size of InDesign links by eliminating excess image data according to their final size and target resolution. The app can also perform essential image adjustments and convert colors and file formats. The new version improves the reliability of Photoshop sharpening filters application and addresses some image format conversion issues.
LinkOptimizer can be purchased from the Zevrix website (www.zevrix.com) for $259.95 (there’s a “lite” version for $179.95) 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 requires Mac OS X 10.6-10.11 and Adobe InDesign/Photoshop CS3-CC 2015.
Apple's Logic Pro X revved to version 10.2.3
Apple has updated Logic Pro X — its Mac OS X software for professional songwriting, editing, and mixing — to version 10.2.3. It adds three new Chinese instrument patches: pipa, erhu, and percussion.
Like the recent rev of GarageBand, Logic Pro X also includes more than 300 Chinese instrument loops for dropping into your own mixes. According to Apple, other improvements include:
• Crossfades between comp sections in Take Folders can now be graphically edited
• Improves sound quality for Flex Pitch editing
• 7 additional plug-ins have been redesigned to add Retina support and improve usability
• New Loudness Meter plug-in provides support for LUFS metering
• Nudge controls can now be used to edit the position of selected automation points
• Icons for Drum Machine Designer cells are now user assignable
• All Alchemy presets now include names for Transform Pad snapshots
• Ability to enable click zones for Take Folders to provide simultaneous access to editing and Quick Swipe Comping
•...
Rogue Amoeba Revs Audio Hijack For Mac OS X To Version 3.3
Rogue Amoeba (www.rogueamoeba.com) has updated Audio Hijack, the Mac OS X tool for recording and enhancing audio, to version 3.3. This free update includes several new features, as well as dozens of smaller improvements and fixes to the application.
Audio Hijack's recordings are now more “bullet-proof” than ever, with improvements to how AAC and Apple Lossless files are recorded. These formats now default to saving as so-called “fragmented” MP4s, which have no processing delay at the end of long recordings and ensure that even a power outage won't cause lost audio. We've always worked incredibly hard to enable our users to rely on Audio Hijack for critical recordings, and this update raises the bar once again.
Rogue Amoeba also added a new preference for advanced users. The new Latency slider can be used to reduce the time Audio Hijack takes to process audio, which helps in situations where a slight echo is heard while monitoring live. While Audio Hijack does its best to minimize...
Paragon releases Hard Disk Manager for the Mac
Paragon Software Group (PSG has released Paragon Hard Disk Manager for Mac, a tool to protect, maintain, and manage your OS X system. It’s designed to cover all aspects of a Mac’s life cycle, from drive partitioning and regular backup to system migration, flexible disaster recovery options, and secure wiping of recycled storage.
Sector-level data processing via Snapshot enables users to perform live imaging and migration of an entire Mac — including the operating system, applications, and files — without interrupting your daily work routine. Functionality includes the resizing of partitions, redistribution of free space, and other disk operations. Features include:
° Sector-level backup through Snapshot delivers superior backup and recovery speed, and overall performance. Paragon’s Snapshot performs live imaging of the entire Mac, including OS, applications and files, all without a system restart.
° Incremental imaging is the most efficient backup method for keeping data up-to-date by...
Mail Designer Pro 3 for OS X adds Retina resolution support
Equinux (http://www.equinux.com) has announced Mail Designer Pro 3, an upgrade of the Mac app for the creative design of professional HTML newsletters. It now supports Retina resolution.
Mail Designer Pro 3 packs more than 70 new ready-to-use design ideas that include full surface background art. You can choose from 500+ web fonts with all available font weights, as well as automatic and individual suggested font-fallbacks. For this new launch you can save 20% off Mail Designer Pro 3’s regular price ($39.99 instead of $49.99) for a limited time.
ADATA releases the A10050 Power Bank
ADATA Technology (www.adata.com) has launched the A10050 Power Bank. As the model name suggests, the device is rated for 10050mAh and is purportedly capable of carrying 3.7 full iPhone battery charges.
The A10050 features dual USB ports and synchronous charge/discharge for battery charging of two devices at once. It comes in a body with a hairline-brushed aluminum texture and in a choice of four colors.
The A10050 includes two USB ports, providing a total of 3.1A output (2.1A + 1A).The dual ports allow users to charge two devices simultaneously. The 1A port is designed for smaller devices such as smartphones, while the 2.1A port has been included with tablets in mind. Additionally, the A10050 uses synchronous charge and discharge, meaning it can recharge devices while connected to a power source itself to ensure continuous, safe, and fast operation.
DEVONtechnologies updates all editions of DEVONthink, DEVONnote
DEVONtechnologies has updated all editions of its intelligent information and document manager DEVONthink as well as the smart notebook DEVONnote.
DEVONthink 2.8.11 brings a revised view/edit pane, better compatibility to RSS 1.0 feeds, and user interface improvements. DEVONthink Pro Office also comes with a rewritten OCR metadata entry panel and email archiving enhancements. All editions fix minor bugs and glitches too. The updates are free and recommended for all users.
The revised view/edit pane of DEVONthink and DEVONnote 2.8.11 shows icons for documents that cannot be displayed. Automatically opened panels such as the Activity or Log panels are no longer activated by default.
Adding metadata to PDFs created from scans using text recognition (OCR) becomes much easier with DEVONthink Pro Office 2.8.11. The rewritten entry panel can be resized and allows to browse all pages of the created PDF. Users can select and copy text or use the contextual menu for more options. Also, email...
Shattered Throne comes to the Mac
Checkmark Games has released Shattered Throne, its new fantasy strategy game onto Steam Early Access (http://store.steampowered.com/app/469710) for Mac, Windows, and Linux systems.
In the game you follow the story of the young prince as he leads his forces against dark forces that threaten to tear the realm apart. Brave knights turn on one another, while sylvan armies emerge from the wilds and necromantic magic commands forces of the dead. You test your tactics on the fields of battle. And you master both steel and magic to secure victory.
Web4GUI released for OS X
Stunnix (www.stunnix.com) has released Web4GUI, its tool for developers that allows them to produce apps out of PHP/Python/Java/MySQL websites.
The apps produced with Web4GUI can run directly from CDs/DVDs/USB drives or network shares. They look like usual desktop apps.
Web4GUI works with Mac OS X 10.4 or higher. Pricing starts at $239. A demo is available for download.
ADATA launches the Premier SP580SATA 6Gb/sSSD
ADATA Technology (ADATA launches the Premier SP580SATA 6Gb/sSSD ) has launched the Premier SP580 SATA 6Gb/s solid state drive, built for users who want to upgrade their computers with affordable SSDs and gain access to faster speeds and better efficiency compared to traditional HDDs.
The Premier SP580 is powered by a Marvell controller and supports SLC caching technology, meaning it can operate in SLC (single-level cell) mode for a performance boost. It also boasts LDPC ECC (low density parity check error correcting code), a high TBW (total bytes written) rating, and DEVSLP (device sleep) functionality.
Boinx Software introduces the mimoLive video engine
Boinx Software has announced mimoLive, the multi-in, multi-out live video engine. It’s a complete overhaul of the BoinxTV live video production system.
mimoLive includes a number of new features for optimal live streaming across multiple platforms, such as a new, easier-to-use interface. It’s designed to be a solution for everything from school morning announcements and community TV, to events and conferences, podcasting and webinars, video game streaming and more.
mimoLive requires Mac OS X 10.1. It’s available via the Boinx website (www.boinx.com) and authorized resellers with pricing starting at $19 per month. Users who upgrade from BoinxTV will receive 30% off their purchase.
Fusion 8.1 update adds Fusion Connect for Avid on OS X
Blackmagic Design (www.blackmagic.com) has announced a free Fusion 8.1 update that adds Fusion Connect for Avid as well as compatibility with the latest Avid Artist DNxIO video interface. The Fusion 8.1 update is available now for both Fusion 8 and Fusion Studio customers, and can be downloaded from the Blackmagic Design website.
Previously, Fusion Connect for Avid was only available in Fusion Studio on Windows for $995. Fusion 8.1 now adds Fusion Connect for Avid to the free version of Fusion, and is available to both Mac and Windows customers using Media Composer with the Avid Artist DNxIO video interface.
Fusion Connect for Avid is an AVX plugin that Avid editors can use to round trip single clips, sequences of clips, or even stacks of layers from Media Composer to Fusion for adding visual effects and motion graphics. Once Fusion Connect for Avid is applied to clips in the Media Composer timeline, it will create a Fusion composition with a node tree that is linked to the...
Better Finder Rename for OS X revved to version 10.07
publicspace.net (http://www.publicspace.net/) has announced A Better Finder Rename 10.07 an update of their batch file renaming solution for Mac OS X. It adds the ability to to export and import presets to enable smoother sharing within and across teams.
A Better Finder Rename requires Mac OS X 10.7 or higher. Version 10.06 is a free upgrade for customers who have purchased A Better Finder Rename after Jan. 1, 2015, or who own a forever upgrade. Discounted upgrade prices are available from our web store and start at $12.95 for a single user license.
A Better Finder Rename may be purchased for $19.95. Family, Business and Enterprise licensing is also available. Customers may chose to include a "forever upgrade" with their purchase.
Fengtao upgrades its DVDFab product line
Fengtao Software has updated its multimedia software package of DVDFab product line to version 9.3.0.2. There are two new features.
One allows users to remove unwanted audio tracks while compressing a full disc Blu-ray down to BD 25 size. The other one enables users to keep the original navigation menu or add custom menu while doing a custom Blu-ray backup.
Demo versions of the DVDFab products are available for download.
VidConvert for OS X gets Korean localization
Reggie Ashworth has released VidConvert 1.6.6, an update to his video converter for Mac OS X 10.7 or later.
It will convert just about any type of video into one of the formats of today. Version 1.6.6 introduces Korean localization and a number of other fixes and improvements.
VidConvert costs $7.99 for a single user license. A demo that creates three-minute samples is available (http://www.reggieashworth.com/vidconvert).
New OS X, iOS, tvOS, and watchOS betas available for developers
Apple has released second beta of an upcoming OS X 10.11.6 El Capitan update to developers for testing purposes. It can be downloaded through the Apple Developer Center or the Software Update mechanism in the Mac App Store.
Apple has also seeded the second beta of an upcoming iOS 9.3.3 update to developers for testing purposes. It can be downloaded from the Apple Developer Center or over-the-air with the proper configuration profile installed.
tvOS 9.2.2 and watchOS 2.2.2 betas are also available for developers.
AudioBook Converter for Mac upgraded to version 4.2.4
AudioBooktoMP3.com has released AudioBook Converter for Mac 4.2.4. It’s an upgrade of software designed to convert all kinds of audiobook such as .AA, .AAX, .M4A, .M4B to unprotected MP3 and AAC formats.
The app can batch convert DRM-protected or unprotected audiobooks to MP3 files with 16X speed and CD quality. AudioBook Converter for Mac 4.2.4 costs $34.95 and can be downloaded from the developer's website (www.audiobooktomp3.com). All registered users of AudioBook Converter for Mac can upgrade to the latest version for free.
Default Folder X 5.0.5 for OS X improves speed, reliability,...
St. Clair Software has announced Default Folder X 5.0.5 (http://www.stclairsoft.com/DefaultFolderX/index.html), an upgrade to the utility for Mac OS X Yosemite and El Capitan. Default Folder X enhances the file dialogs in all Mac OS X 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 5.0.5 is a maintenance upgrade that improves speed, reliability, and compatibility.
Default Folder X 5.0.5 is a free upgrade for registered users. New licenses are $34.95; upgrades from version 4 and prior are $14.95.
AppYogi debuts Internet Speed Test for OS X
AppYogi Software has introduced Internet Speed Test 1.0 (http://tinyurl.com/zd9bhzd) for Mac OS X. The menu bar app features a single threaded algorithm to monitor the download and upload speed of your personal computer network.
Internet Speed Test uses a single connection to download the sample files that simulates what is done in everyday online use. It also allows you to see your public IP with Mac address on the Menu Bar.
Internet Speed Test requires Mac OS X 10.9 or later. It costs $4.99 and is available at the Mac App Store in the Utilities category.
File List Export for OS X revved to version 2.0
Giorgos Trigonakis has rolled out File List Export 2.0 (http://www.gtrigonakis.com/filelistoexcel/) for Mac OS X 10.8 or higher. It’s an update to the folder and file list exporting utility.
Users select a folder, and the app will create a list of all files and subfolders on screen, and offers the ability to export the list to an Excel .xls. or .csv text file. Version 2.0 brings the ability to export the files list to a folder, as well as the ability to organize the files by kind, file extension, tag, and date.
File List Export 2.0 costs $4.99. It’s available at the Mac App Store.
Notes is new note taking app for OS X
Inspiring-Life Technologies Private Limited has introduced Notea 1.0 (http://www.inspiringlife.co/notea/), their new note taking app for OS X. Users can maximize their user experience by utilizing Magic Track Pad gestures.
Notes requires Mac OS X Yosemite or El Capitan. It costs $0.99 for a limited time and is available at the Mac App Store.
Brotens announces Illuminando 2.0 for OS X
Brotens (http://www.brotens.com) has announced Illuminando 2.0. It’s an upgrade of the lighting calculation for Mac OS X Yosemite or El Capitan.
Illuminando is a native Cocoa CAD app designed to perform lighting calculations using interactive tools that allow users to obtain a simple and effective input.
After a calculation, the results are presented in 3D OpenGL and in a complete RTF report.
Illuminando costs $99.99. It’s available at the Mac App Sore (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/illuminando/id835784720?ls=1&mt=12).
Apple releases iTunes 12.4.1
Apple has released iTunes 12.4.1 for Mac OS X. It fixes, among other things, compatibility issues with the OS X VoiceOver accessibility feature. You can obtain the new version via the UpDates tab of the Mac App Store.
According to Apple, iTunes 12.4.1 also: restores the option to Reset Plays, fixes an issue in which Up Next may have unexpectedly played songs added together in the incorrect order, and resolved an issue in which iTunes was prevented from crossfading between songs.
Troi Automatisering releases Troi Serial Plug-in 4.5 for...
Troi Automatisering has released Troi Serial Plug-in 4.5 for FileMaker Pro 15. It gives FileMaker Pro users access to external devices with a serial interface.
Troi Serial Plug-in 4.5 has been made compatible with FileMaker 15. It also adds other new functionality features.
A fully functional demo version of Troi Serial Plug-in 4.5 is available for downloading at Troi's website (http://www.troi.com/software/serialplugin.html). it works with FileMaker Pro 12, 13, 14 and 15. The plug-in can also be used with runtimes created by FileMaker Pro Advanced 12 to 15. The plug-in is available for Mac OS X 10.6 or higher and for Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10. A cross platform developer license costs $999. Details can be found on our web site. You can order licenses from our web site.
Troi Serial Plug-in 4.5 also works with FileMaker Server 12, 13, 14 and 15 as a server-side plug-in and as a plug-in used by the web publishing engine and WebDirect. Version 4.5 needs a new registration. Users who...
Apple releases iOS 9.3.2 for the 9.7-inch iPad Pro
Apple has released iOS 9.3.2 for the 9.7-inch iPad Pro. It addresses an issue with bugs that "bricked" some tablets when users attempted to update them.
iOS 9.3.2 can be downloaded via the Software Update component of the iOS Settings app — or with iTunes on a Mac or PC. Builds are available for both the Wi-Fi-only 9.7-inch iPad Pro, and the LTE-capable model.
Propellerhead debuts Classic Drummer and Power Drummer
Propellerhead (www.propellerheads.se) has expanded their A-List Drummer Series with the new A-List Power Drummer and A-List Classic Drummer instruments for Reason. They allow musicians to quickly and easily create realistic, inspiring drum tracks at the touch of a button right within Reason.
Each new A-List Drummer instrument combines the living, breathing performance of a top-notch session drummer with the sonic versatility and competence of a professional engineer in a world-class recording studio, says Mats Karlöf, Propellerhead product marketing manager. You can play, combine and tweak a virtually endless array of drum patterns in real time to create unique, realistic and inspiring performances, he adds.
The A-List Drummer series provides actual rhythm tracks that will support your musical ideas just like a real drummer would. With smart scripting driving the loop selection, A-List Drummer instruments play with your music, “knowing” where the downbeat is and adding crash cymbals...
BookMacster, Synkmark, Markster 2.2 now make bookmarks secure...
Sheep Systems (www.sheepsystems.com) has published version 2.2 of its bookmarks management applications: BookMacster, Synkmark and Markster.
Version 2.2 adds three new features for power users to maintain their bookmarks, including Upgrade Insecure Bookmarks, Remove URL Cruft, and Find/Replace Text. Also, this version will be needed for users to continue syncing with Firefox 47, which Mozilla has slated to roll out on June 7.
BookMacster, Synkmark and Markster Version 2.2 require OS X 10.10 or later. BookMacster, priced at $22.95, is the do-it-all application for web browser bookmarks management in OS X. Synkmark and Markster, each priced at $16.95, are simplified builds of BookMacster which are each focused on one specific use case. They thus offer simpler configuration for non-power users. Synkmark is focused on syncing among Safari, Firefox and Google Chrome. Markster is focused on direct bookmarking.
Excel Software adds enhancements to MacA&D
Excel Software (www.excelsoftware.com) has added enhancements to MacA&D for requirements management and software design. The companion MacTranslator tool generates design models from source code for procedural, object-oriented and SQL languages.
Both tools are now Cocoa applications that add design, code generation and reengineering features for the Apple Swift programming language. acA&D 5 supports flow charts, the full 14-diagram UML 2.2 notation for object-oriented design, structured analysis and design, data models, Business Process Models (BPMN 2.0), screen prototypes, system models with simulation and real-time, multi-task design. The integrated environment includes data dictionary, requirements management, code generation, reengineering, design namespaces and scriptable reports.
MacA&D includes model editors for process, data, class, state, screen, structure, object and task models. All model editors support multiple diagram levels, table of contents, multiple...
SMTPit Pro 5.0.1 released withFMP 15 function search/description...
Comm-Unity Networking Systems has announced SMTPit Pro 5.0.1, which has been updated to the latest FileMake Plug-in SDK [software development kit], bringing calculation type-ahead and tool-tip description support, among other things.
This version also includes a few bug fixes reported since the last release. SMTPit Pro is available immediately at http://www.smtpitpro.com/ for both Mac OS X and Windows.
Prices range from a 1-User License for $65 to a World License for $,1095 (which includes a free Server License). A Server License of SMTPit Pro for use with FileMaker Pro Server/Server Advanced is $595. A Developer's License of SMTPit Pro is $1,295. For more pricing information and information about educational/non-profit institutions please see our online store at http://www.cnsplug-ins.com/store/
StarTech debuts Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt adapter
StarTech.com has announced that it says is the first Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt Adapter on the market, which bridges new Thunderbolt 3 computers to Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 peripheral devices. This gives users the ability to connect their Thunderbolt 3 computers to the ecosystem of Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 devices.
Thunderbolt 3 technology is different from previous Thunderbolt technologies because it uses the new USB-C connector to combine and deliver power, display and connectivity signals in a single connection. Thunderbolt 3 technology offers transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps, dual 4K display support, power and charging up to 100W, and support for both DisplayPort and PCI Express protocols.
With the new StarTech.com adapter users can connect their existing Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 devices to the Thunderbolt 3 USB-C port on their computer. The Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt Adapter is available at CDW, Amazon.com, Newegg.com, PC Connection, and Insight.
Akitio announces 4-Bay Thunderbolt 3 storage device
Akitio has announced the $429.99 Akitio Thunder3 Quad (http://tinyurl.com/hlt8m3v), which the company says is the industry’s first 4-bay, Thunderbolt 3 storage device. It offers fast transfers with the added flexibility of a DisplayPort video output in a form factor small enough for a desktop.
The Thunder3 Quad can deliver transfer speeds of up to 1375 MB/s while simultaneously providing two 4K video streams to connected displays. It’s designed for consumers and professionals who desire high speed external storage and/or video streams in one connection, according to Akitio.
The Thunder3 Quad 4-bay enclosure features two Thunderbolt 3 Ports and a DisplayPort video output to connect to the latest 4K 60Hz displays. The second Thunderbolt 3 port on the Thunder3 Quad operates the same as a Thunderbolt 3 computer port by supporting Thunderbolt 3 (up to 5 daisy chained), USB 3.1 (10Gb/s), and DisplayPort devices.
The four trays in the Thunder3 Quad are completely flexible in accommodating...
Press invites sent out for WWDC keynote
Apple has announced to members of the press that its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) keynote will take place on June 13 at 10 a.m. (Pacific) at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco.
WWDC 2016 runs June 13-17 and will spotlight the future of OS X, iOS, watchOS, and tvOS. According to Apple, the Keynote and State of the Union “promise exciting reveals, providing inspiration and new opportunities to continue creating the most innovative apps in the world.” The most remarkable developers of the year will be honored at the Apple Design Awards. Go to https://developer.apple.com/wwdc/schedule/ for more info.
Tension Software announces Menu Calendar 1.0 for OS X
Tension Software has introduced Menu Calendar 1.0 for Mac OS X. The tool makes a small calendar available under the menu bar in any running app.
Clicking Menu Calendar’s icon under the menu bar not only shows a small standard calendar that you can use to navigate inside any month, it also makes available a small area under the calendar for date calculation. You can add (or subtract) days, months, years and the app will instantly show the resulting day.
You can also optionally select from the menu to have Menu Calendar launched any time you log in to your Mac.
The app requires Mac OS X 10.10 or higher. It costs $1.99 and is available at the Mac App Store and the Tension Software website (www.tensionsoftware.com).
New ConceptDraw AWS Architecture Diagrams Solution debuts
CS Odessa’s (www.conceptdraw.com) newest addition to ConceptDraw Solution Park, “AWS Architecture Diagrams” updates the previous release with new libraries, samples, and templates.
This collection of library objects, templates, and example drawings for ConceptDraw Pro is designed to make short work of describing any business’ cloud implementation with an updated set of graphic elements. The “AWS Architecture Diagrams” solution is available at no charge to users of ConceptDraw Pro 10 and ConceptDraw Office 3, via Solution Park. ConceptDraw Pro and ConceptDraw Office support the latest versions of both OS X and Microsoft Windows.
ConceptDraw PRO can open and save documents that can be used by Visio users. It’s supported by the business solutions located in ConceptDraw Solution Park, and retails for $199 per end user license.
Records 1.2 for Mac adds French, Spanish and stability fixes
The Records Team has released Records 1.2 for Mac, an update to their personal database application for OS X.
It allows anyone to collect and organize their information, from favorite movies, to customer invoices, to home inventory, and more. Version 1.2 introduces French and Spanish localizations, as well as stability fixes.
Records requires OS X 10.10 Yosemite or later. It costs $34.99 and is available worldwide through the Mac App Store in the Business category and through the Records Team website (http://records.team).
AKVIS SmartMask 8.0 adds support for Ultra HD
AKVIS has released AKVIS SmartMask 8.0, an update to the software for cutting out a subject from a background.
It’s available as a Photoshop compatible plug-in and a standalone application for Mac OS X (10.7 and higher). Version 8.0 brings support for Ultra HD 4K and 5K monitors and other improvements.
AKVIS SmartMask, Home license, sells for $69. One license key allows activating and using the software on two computers. Consult the official website (http://tinyurl.com/j9pb63q) for more details about license types and prices of the software. Version 8.0 is a free upgrade for everyone who bought the product in the last 12 months. Users, whose license is older and is not valid for the new version, can get SmartMask 8.0 for $14.95.
Alien Hunters, the second DLC pack for XCOM 2, is out now
Alien Hunters (http://tinyurl.com/zp6l83z), the second DLC pack for XCOM 2, is out now. Available to buy separately, or as part of the Reinforcement Pack, Alien Hunters DLC features a narrative-driven mission, new weapons and armor, a new Hunter’s Lodge facility in the Avenger, plus three new “Ruler” alien units to combat.
Ruler aliens will show up at random during a campaign and they are highly intelligent: each has its own unique behavior and tactics. If you can’t take out a Ruler quick enough, it will escape to fight another day.
There are four new weapons: the Bolt Caster, a high damage single-shot weapon; the Hunter’s Axe, a powerful blade weapon that can be thrown at enemies or used to dispatch foes at close range; the Frost Bomb grenade, which can temporarily freeze targets; and the ShadowKeeper pistol, which grants its user the Shadowfall ability, an ability that guarantees a hit and places its user in concealment if the target is killed.
Three new suits of armor can also be...
Softpress releases Exhibeo 2 for OS X
Softpress has released Exhibeo 2, an update to their photo gallery and slideshow creation tool for the Mac.
Designed exclusively for OS X Yosemite and El Capitan, Exhibeo 2 allows web designers and creatives to quickly and easily generate HTML5 image presentations using a range of beautifully designed and highly customizable themes. Its features include seven customizable gallery designs, fine control while editing images and thumbnails, image metadata, and more.
Version 2’s features include seven customizable gallery designs; even greater control while editing images and thumbnails; a new "metadata view" for adding image metadata; simplified output code for embedding galleries in websites; and much more.
Exhibeo 2 is available to buy on the SoftPress App Store (https://www.softpress.com/exhibeo/) for $30.
Vernissage is new vector-based tool for OS X El Capitan
min:60 has launched Vernissage 1.0 (http://vernissageapp.com). It’s a vector-based tool for Mac OS X 10.11 and higher.
It’s design to make it easy for anyone to create great looking app presentations and App Store presentations. Results can be instantly shared, added to documents, presentations or printed. The vector engine makes it possible to create PDF documents with infinite scaling or export to images of any resolution. The app also includes a Macintosh 128k (circa 1984) device.
Vernissage 1.0.0 is available at the Mac App Store for free in the Developer Tools category. The free version lets you explore base functionality, but excludes features which you can find via in-app purchases.
Softpress introduces Chroma for Mac
Softpress has introduced Chroma for Mac (https://www.softpress.com/chroma/). The $10 (for a limited time) app generates “well-balanced and complementary color palettes” from images.
Designed exclusively for OS X Yosemite and El Capitan, it emulates the way the human eye perceives color to create natural looking palettes. Individual colors from palettes can be copied or dragged in various formats, or entire palettes can be exported and integrated with most major design applications and the built-in system color picker.
MacTech, MacNews celebrate Memorial Day
MacTech and MacNews will be “closed” today to celebrate Memorial Day, federal holiday in the United States for remembering the people who died while serving in the country's armed forces. Have a wonderful, safe holiday.
Fox Pro 5.0 for OS X gets new interface, more
Eltima Software has announced Folx Pro 5.0, an update to their download manager for Mac OS X.
It provides download management, smart files organization, and more. Version 5.0 offers a new interface design, supported by reworked features and new options. Downloading from websites requiring authentication has gotten easier with a password manager. Also, the new Folx Smart Speed Adjustment feature became even smarter and more flexible, according to the folks at Eltima.
Folx Pro costs $19.99. It can be downloaded from the developer's website (http://tinyurl.com/6xvuae). All registered users of Folx 4.0 Pro can upgrade to the latest version at a 50% discount.
AppDelete Lite for OS X revved to version 4.0.5
Reggie Ashworth (www.reggieashworth.com) has announced AppDelete Lite 4.0.5, an update to his Mac application deletion utility available at the Mac App Store. The new version is a maintenance upgrade.
Via drag and drop, AppDelete Lite will uninstall anything along with all of the associated items. With it you don’t have to hunt through your system to find and delete these items manually.
AppDelete Lite 4.0.5 costs $3.99 at the Mac App Store. AppDelete Lite users to upgrade to AppDelete for an additional $3.99, but only via the AppDelete/AppDelete Lite website.
Markzware’s Q2ID adds QuarkXPress 2016 support
Markzware (www.markzware.com) has announced a version version of Q2ID. The Adobe InDesign plug-in now has QuarkXPress 2016 (also known as QXP v12) support. Q2ID is available for Mac and Windows platforms for InDesign CC 2015, 2014, CC, CS6, CS5.5 and CS5.
Q2ID (Quark to InDesign) is an InDesign plugin that allows you to convert QuarkXPress documents to Adobe InDesign. You can open QuarkXPress files within a new InDesign (INDD) document, without rebuilding the QXP document from scratch. File conversion with Q2ID gives you a way to import QuarkXPress content into InDesign, allowing the workflow to move forward.
Q2ID Subscription members can download the new version as part of their annual plan. For more information on system requirements and pricing, please visit the Q2ID page (http://tinyurl.com/juexkuz).
Allegorithmic integrates Substance Engine into Houdini 15
Allegorithmic has integrated Substance Engine into Houdini 15. VFX artists can now import, visualize and tweak materials with the same freedom AAA game developers have enjoyed for years.
By employing the same nodal system as Houdini, Substance Engine arrives in a format Houdini artists already understand. Materials can be created, customized and applied to any Houdini asset, including characters and environments. When finished, assets can be exported to the Unity game engine or sent to Mantra, Arnold or RenderMan (with a simple script) for a final render.
Using Houdini Expressions, variables can be attached to Substances, making the process of manipulating textures even more fluid for animated sequences. These expressions can also help artists produce thousands of randomized objects quickly, with all the scale and realism VFX requires, says Sébastien Deguy, founder and CEO of Allegorithmic.
The Substance Engine integration is free, compatible with Houdini 15.5 and available for...
GraphicConverter 10 Adds Face Recognition, Live Photo, more
Lemke Software has rolled out GraphicConverter 10, an update to its image utility for OS X that offers the ability to convert over 200 different file formats into any of 80 graphic formats. The upgrade brings a number of new features, including face recognition, collage creation, custom brushes, and the ability to work with Apple's new Live Photos file format.
GraphicConverter 10 requires Mac OS X 10.9 or later. It’s available for $25.95 until June 30 at the Mac App Store in the Graphics and Design category. It can also be directly purchased online from the Lemkesoft website (http://www.lemkesoft.com) for $39.95. Users of the current version of GraphicConverter can upgrade at the Lemkesoft website for $25.95.
