Epistory now available on Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux
Epistolary (http://www.epistorygame.com/), an atmospheric adventure with an origami aesthetic, is now available through Steam for Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux for $14.99.
Here’s how the game is described: “Players guide a girl riding atop a three-tailed red fox on an epic journey to discover the source of an invasive darkness taking hold in a once pristine land. As Epistory’s narrative progresses, its papercraft world literally unfolds before the player, revealing lush forests, ominous dungeons, scorched plains, frozen temples and lost cities.
“Magical abilities derived from four elemental types are discovered during the adventure, and they enable the heroine and her companion to navigate these treacherous landscapes. Freezing an enemy with ice magic will lock them in place and allow players to deal with other threats, while fire magic will burn through enemies and obstacles.
“Epistory’s tale is advanced entirely through an intuitive keyboard-only control scheme. Players unleash...
Fantastical 2.2 for Mac adds Native Exchange support, more
Flexibits has revved Fantastical 2 for Mac (http://flexibits.com/fantastical) to version 2.2. It costs $49.99 and requires Mac OS X Yosemite or El Capitan.
The app lets you create, view, and search events and reminders. In version 2.2 m account syncing is now native, enabling features such as invitation responses, availability lookup, categories, and people lookup. Fantastical 2's native CalDAV engine also lets users connect directly to other calendar services such as iCloud, Google, and Yahoo.
Fantastical also now supports availability with a user interface letting users easily and quickly check their colleagues' availability. Availability requires a supporting calendar service, such as Exchange, Google Apps, or OS X Server. Some of the other new features in 2.2 include printing (with multiple, beautiful layouts), a second time zone time line (to let you quickly view other time zones), multiple selection (to move and delete multiple items at once), and the ability to start the week...
Seagate previews USB-powered desktop hard drive with Innov8
Seagate Technology (www.seagate.com) has previewed Seagate Innov8, which it says is the world’s first USB-powered, 8TB desktop hard drive.
The Innov8 is purportedly the world’s first 8TB desktop hard drive that doesn’t need to be plugged into a power outlet. Similar to a standard car requiring a battery kick to start the engine, Ignition Boost together with USB 3.1 enables Innov8 to thrive off bus power. No dedicated power source or adapter is required. Users just plug in the reversible USB-C cable.
Innov8 includes Seagate Dashboard software, which offers users either one-click on-demand or customizable, scheduled backups for their devices. What’s more, it includes 200GB of Microsoft OneDrive cloud storage and Lyve software compatibility. The Seagate Innov8 will be available in April for $349.
The Aegis Secure Key now comes in a 480GB version
Apricorn (www.apricorn.com) has added three new sizes to their Aegis Secure Key 3.0 line, raising the total number of capacity options to seven (8GB, 16GB, 30GB, 60GB, 120GB, 240GB, and 480GB.) Pricing starts at $99.
"This is our most advanced product to date; besides packing half a terabyte of encrypted data into a thumbdrive, we have expanded its feature set to surpass any rival," says Mike McCandless, Apricorn's vice president of Sales and Marketing. "And keeping true to the Apricorn tradition, The ASK 3.0 is completely software-free, cross-platform compatible with any OS, and has embedded authentication so no security parameters are ever shared with the host.”
He adds that, beyond the expansion in size range, the Secure Key 3.0 carries the highest portable device security validation that the NIST grants: FIPS 140-2 level 3, and boasts a list of features including: separate admin and user modes, two read-only modes, forced enrollment, programmable brute-force defense, a lock-...
Graph IDE 12.4.8 for the iPad now available on GitHub
VVI has announced that version 12.4.8 of Graph IDE, a data visualization application for the iPad, is now available on GitHub.
To increase the scope of Graph IDE, its Xcode project has been placed at http://GitHub.com/VVI . With that project, any data source be it a database, web service, model or any other source can be incorporated into Graph IDE for drag-and-drop functionality within the already existing interface.
According to the folks at VVI, this helps eliminate tedious copy and paste of data into spreadsheets and other forms of manual data entry while preserving the full capabilities of Graph IDE's world-class graphical user interface. For help with Graph IDE and other questions email support@vvi.com.
Default Folder for OS X gets a maintenance upgrade
St. Clair Software has announced Default Folder X 5.0.3 (http://www.stclairsoft.com/DefaultFolderX/index.html), an upgrade to the utility for Mac OS X. 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 5.0.3 is a maintenance upgrade with some bug fixes and performance tweaks.
Default Folder X 5.0.3 is a free upgrade for registered users. New licenses are $34.95 (USD) and upgrades from version 4 and prior are $14.95.
Graphic Node unveils new templates for Photoshop
Graphic Node has introduced Templates for Photoshop 1.0, a new app for Mac OS X. It’s a pack for Adobe Photoshop that features 150 PSD templates for books, newsletters, scrapbooks, flyers and other documents.
The set features a fusion of professional print layouts, including a mixture of fully editable templates, from flyers, books and invoices to 50 scrapbooks and posters. Templates for Photoshop requires Adobe Photoshop CS6 or later and OS X 10.10 or later. It costs $39.99 and is available worldwide through the Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/zvkonts) in the Productivity category.
KeyCue for OS X revved to version 8.0
Ergonis Software (www.ergonis.com) has rolled out KeyCue 8.0, an update of their keyboard shortcut cheat sheet. The upgrade contains new features such as a flexible new way to define a wide variety of triggers, which can be combinations of modifier keystrokes and mouse clicks. G
KeyCue 8.0 requires Mac OS X 10.6 or later. The upgrade is free for anyone who purchased a license for KeyCue 7 on or after March 1, 2015. Upgrade paths are available for owners of older licenses. For new users the cost is $19.99 for a single user license and $29.95 for a family pack.
New version of Elmedia Player for OS X with AirPlay support is...
Eltima Software (http://mac.eltima.com) has released Elmedia Player 6.5, a new version of its universal media player for OS X.
It supports most commonly used audio and video formats and downloads media from the web. The application features a 10-band audio equalizer, its own volume control, a video tuner for adjusting sharpness, contrast, reducing noise, video aspect ratio change, playback speed adjustment, ability to edit subtitles and much more. Version 6.4 adds AirPlay support.
Elmedia Player requires Mac OS X 10.7 or higher. It’s free, but also comes in a $19.95 pro version with additional features including the ability to download from the Internet.
Aleratec releases USB duplication software update for Mac OS X
Aleratec (www.aleratec.com) has launched a new software update for the 1:16 USB 3.0 Copy Cruiser Mini duplicator that now allows compatibility with Mac OS X and laptops in addition to Windows 10/8/7/Vista platforms.
The 1:16 USB 3.0 Copy Cruiser Mini is a computer-connected USB duplicator that clones up to 16 thumb drives simultaneously. It includes many of the advanced technologies of Aleratec's larger USB flash drive duplicators in a compact and portable package.
Aleratec's 1:16 USB 3.0 Copy Cruiser Mini (Aleratec P/N 330115) has an estimated retail price of $499 and is available from Aleratec's resellers and distribution. Also available with the Mac software is the 1:22 USB Copy Cruiser Mini.
Apple to announce its latest financial results on April 25
Apple will announce its financial results for the second quarter of 2016 on Monday, April 25, at 2 pm (Pacific). In January Apple provided the following guidance for the quarter:
Revenue between $50 billion and $53 billion;
Gross margin between 39% and 39.5%;
Operating expenses between $6 billion and $6.1 billion;
Other income/(expense) of $325 million;
A tax rate of 25.5%.
ZAGG introduces protects for the iPhone SE and the 9.7-inch iPad...
ZAGG (www.zagg.com) has announced a full range of InvisibleShield screen protection and mobile keyboard products for the new Apple iPhone SE and 9.7-inch iPad Pro.
InvisibleShield Glass protects your device with tempered glass. The iPhone SE version is $34.99; the 9.7-inch iPad Pro version is $49.99.
InvisibleShield HDX offers the scratch protection benefits of InvisibleShield Original, while adding advanced clarity and 3X shatter protection. The iPhone SE version is $24.99; the 9.7-inch iPad Pro version is $39.99.
InvisibleShield Original delivers Military Grade impact protection with scientifically formulated Nano-Memory Technology that self-heals from scratches and dings over and over. The iPhone SE version is $14.99; the 9.7-inch iPad Pro version is $29.99.
ZAGG is introducing the Rugged Book, Slim Book, Folio, and Messenger Folio keyboards for the new 9.7-inch iPad Pro. Costing $149.99, $99.99, and $59.99, respectively, they offer features including full-body case protection,...
College cyber defenders get set for Operation Cyber Bailout
Students from eight Mid-Atlantic universities will compete to protect simulated financial institutions from a cyber attack during the 2016 National Cyberwatch Center Mid-Atlantic Regional Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC).
The competition will be held at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, from March 31 to April 2. The Mid-Atlantic CCDC is designed to give students the chance to apply classroom theory and skills to defend against real-time targeted cyber attacks, led by professional security testers, in a controlled, scored setting. Each competition revolves around a simulated scenario — based on real-world systems such as transportation and elections — that demonstrate the effects of various types of cyber attacks.
This year’s challenge is “Operation Cyber Bailout”: Competitors will confront a mock Hackistan Army of Liberation (HAL), portrayed by cybersecurity professionals. The HAL plans to disrupt critical infrastructure by...
Apple releases new build of iOS 9.3 for older devices
Apple has released a new build of iOS 9.3 for older devices such as the iPad Air and earlier and the iPhone 5s and earlier affected by installation issues. This new build, 13E236, is for these older devices only.
If you have successfully installed iOS 9.3, ignore the latest build. If you do need the new build, install it via iTunes.
NoteList for Mac OS X gets a maintenance upgrade
Tension Software has updated NoteList, a Mac OS X app that allows to store notes in a free form using text and images with
full word processing capabilities, to version 3.2.2. It’s a maintenance upgrade.
NoteList has a set of tools for formatting and working with text as in a word processor. You can drag and drop images directly inside the
document and label categories to help organize all your notes.
NoteList requires Mac OS X 10.7 or later and costs $4.99. It’s available at the Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/gqzxvvj).
Maintain serves up up Cocktail 9.2.3 (El Capitan Edition)
Maintain has served up Cocktail 9.2.3 (El Capitan Edition), a new edition of Cocktail for users running OS X El Capitan.
Cocktail is a general purpose utility for OS X that lets users clean, repair and optimize their Macs. The new version adds the ability to disable disk image verification. It also contains improvements on the "Optimize network" procedure, fixes compatibility issues with EtreCheck and adds OS X 10.11.4 compatibility.
Cocktail 9.2.3 (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 US$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.
Air Printer for OS X revved to version 1.9
Flyingbee Software has announced Air Printer - Print to Any Printer 1.9, the latest update to their print utility for Mac OS X (10.7 and higher). Users of MacBooks and iMacs can use them as virtual printers and share them with their iPhone, iPad, iPod touch devices to print wirelessly.
Air Printer lets users print documents straight from their mobile devices onto any type of printer, utilize print preview options, and print an assortment of document types.
Air Printer - Print to Any printer is currently available for download on the Mac App Store () for $39.99. There’s also a free “lite” version.
Satechi introduces Apple Watch, iPhone SE charging stands
Satechi has launched the Aluminum Apple Watch and Lightning Charging Stands. Part of Satechi’s new Metallic Series, consisting of products such as a Type-C Hub, Aluminum Wireless Headphones, and an Aluminum Headset Stand. All products in the series are available in three metallic shades: gold, space grey, and silver.
Satechi’s Aluminum Apple Watch Charging Stand features a cable management system, elevated height and an angled view, allowing users to access and retain full functionality of their Apple Watch while on the stand. The Aluminum Lightning Charging Stand provides users with a hands-free solution to charging, displaying and using their Lightning devices, including the new iPhone SE, iPhone 6s/6s Plus, iPad Mini, Apple Magic Keyboard, Apple Magic Mouse, Apple Pencil (with adapter) and Apple TV Siri Remote.
The charging stand gives users hands-free access to their iDevic while it charges. Designed with a secure, metal grip, the Aluminum Lightning Charging Stand is built to...
MCE ships 1TB PCIe-based flash storage upgrade for the Mac Pro (...
MCE Technologies (MCE) has announced a 1TB internal PCIe-based flash storage upgrade solution (http://tinyurl.com/jk52wo7) for the Mac Pro (Late 2013).
The kits are based on the PCIe storage architecture in the Macs and can read and write at speeds of 1000MB/sec. All tools required to perform the installation, an illustrated installation guide, and drive cloning software are included. The MCE 1TB Internal PCIe-based Flash Storage upgrade solution is $899 and is available for immediate shipment.
The 1TB PCIe-based flash drives are compatible with all versions of Mac OS X capable of running on the Mac Pro (Late 2013), as well as Mac OS X Boot Camp. They feature native TRIM and S.M.A.R.T. support to ensure longevity and each drive carries a one year warranty, says Arnold Ramirez, president of MCE.
Apteligent launches global device directory of iOS, Android...
Apteligent has launched what it says is the world’s first global device directory of Android and iOS devices by geography.
The directory, calculated from over eight billion app launches with data from over 175 countries, provides information such as global device/OS adoption trends and app performance stats for mobile app developers, handset manufacturers, network carriers, industry analysts, and anyone engaged in the app economy. With over 300 terabytes of data tracked per month over the past three years, the Apteligent directory is the most comprehensive repository of mobile device adoption data in the industry, according to Dave Robbins, CEO of Apteligent.
In addition to device and operating system market share, the directory contains performance benchmarks. It displays global device crash rates and latency information, as well as country specific device performance.
The performance benchmarks allow organizations to gauge how well their app is running on various platforms....
Xuni releases 2016 v1 with cross-platform mobile controls
GrapeCity, a component solution provider in the Microsoft Visual Studio Partner Ecosystem, has announced the 2016 v1 release of Xuni. Xuni is GrapeCity's collection of cross-platform UI (user interface) controls for the iOS, Android and Xamarin platforms.
"As always, everything new in this release is supported in all the Xuni platforms: iOS, Android, Xamarin.Forms, Xamarin.Android, and Xamarin.iOS," said Greg Lutz, product manager at GrapeCity. Developers choose Xuni controls when they need to provide native experiences in Android, iOS and Xamarin using the same API across all platforms.
The new Xuni Calendar control inside of Xuni 2016 v1 provides date range selection and navigation, along with animation and built-in globalization. What makes Xuni Calendar unique is that developers can match any popular calendar UI with either horizontal or vertical scrolling navigation, says Lutz.
Supported on iOS, Android, Xamarin.iOS, Xamarin.Android and Xamarin.Forms, Xuni's FlexGrid is a...
Company of Heroes 2: The British Forces out now on the Mac
Company of Heroes 2: The British Forces (http://tinyurl.com/hlv2mb5) is now available for the Mac. In this multiplayer expansion for Company of Heroes, you command the soldiers of the British Commonwealth in the aftermath of the D-Day landings as they fight their way across northwest Europe.
The British Forces features eight new multiplayer maps, a powerful selection of Commanders, armor and aircraft, and a cleverly structured tech tree that enables you to specialize in defense or attack, tailoring your army to the battlefield situation as it unfolds.
The British Forces is available as a standalone multiplayer game on Steam or as an in-app purchase through Company of Heroes 2 on the Mac App Store. It costs $12.99.
ADATA releases Micro USB Cable with Reversible Type-A Connector
ADATA Technology (www.adata.com) has added a Micro USB offering to its range of cable products that features a reversible Type-A connector. It’s designed to simplify the linking of devices that use Micro USB (smartphones, power banks, wireless headphones, game controllers and many more) with PCs and other USB Type-A destinations much easier and more intuitive.
The Micro USB cable supports 2.4A for quick device charging, braided sleeves to protect the wires inside the cable and extending its lifespan, and aluminum connector housing. ADATA offers the new cable in seven color schemes. Go to the company website for pricing.
New version of The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary is Apple...
Paragon Software Group has rolled out the latest version of The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary iOS app, developed by Oxford University Press. It’s the first version of the app that runs on the Apple Watch.
The app helps learners understand what words mean, learn how to say them and know how to use them. The update sports a new design (for quicker and easier navigation), new content (900 new words) and new functionality (such as “Practice your Pronunciation,” which enables learners to record their own voice, Split View, Spotlight and Slide Over.)
The update allows Apple Watch users to look up words with voice recognition, open entries, listen to pronunciations, and check the Word of the Day. Learners can access the app through their iPhone to use its complete features.
Users can try out 100 entries from the dictionary for free by downloading the free sample app from the Apple App Store (http://tinyurl.com/hvp3dxk). An in-app purchase is required to activate the full A-Z....
Apple is taking orders for the iPhone SE, 9.7-inch iPad Pro
Apple is accepting orders for the iPhone SE and the 9.7-inch iPad Pro at its online store (http://www.apple.com) and via its Apple Store apps.
You can place orders in these countries: Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Singapore, the UK, US Virgin Islands, and the US. The main U.S. carriers — Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile — are accepting orders for the iPhone SE. Most will start accepting orders at 12:01 a.m. (Pacific), though you’ll have to wait until 5 am (Pacific) to order from T-Mobile.
SmartSource scanner now certified with Silver Bullet’s Ranger...
Burroughs (www.burroughs.com) has announced that Silver Bullet Technology's Ranger (www.sbullet.com) for Macintosh API product is available immediately for the Burroughs SmartSource Micro Elite scanner.
The Burroughs SmartSource Micro Elite scanner is designed for low-volume remote deposit capture applications. This single-feed device has one of the smallest footprints in the industry. Fraudulent items are identified early with hardware-based Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR). Front and rear color image cameras, and an ID card scanning capability round out the device.
Silver Bullet Technology's Ranger for Macintosh product enables remote deposit capture users with Macs to use the Burroughs SmartSource Micro Elite scanner. Ranger, the universal check scanner API, gives its users the flexibility to run item processing applications unchanged on a wide variety of check scanners.
As new scanners become available, Ranger's flexibility allows for a seamless transition of scanners...
Fellowes Brands introduces MobilePro Series for pros who use...
Fellowes Brands (http://www.fellowes.com/mobilepro) has launched a family of folios that addresses the organizational needs of professionals who conduct business on their iPads, work remotely, or are frequent travelers. The MobilePro Series family includes folios designed to work with the iPad Pro, iPad Air or Air 2, and iPad mini 1, 2, 3 or 4 with prices ranging from $69.99 to $99.99 depending on the model of your Apple tablet.
MobilePro Series folios feature two new, patent-pending innovations designed with business use in mind: The SmartConnect Case and the SmartConnect System. The SmartConnect Case has a built-in stand and snap-in tray to allow users to view an iPad at three different angles and in portrait or landscape mode, and is detachable from the folio to allow for free-standing or handheld use. The SmartConnect System securely attaches Fellowes’ new MobilePro Series Bluetooth Keyboard to the line’s folio covers via magnets in the keyboard cover.
Introduced as part of the...
InFocus releases new ultra-mobile projectors
InFocus Corporation (www.infocus.com) has introduced the IN1116 and IN1118HD WXGA and full HD ultra-mobile projectors, which are compact and light enough to pack and bring anywhere, says Dave Duncan, InFocus product manager.
Both come with built-in 4GB memory and a USB port so you can leave your laptop behind and present no matter where you are. The IN1116 and IN1118HD each weigh only 3.5 pounds and feature 2400-lumen output. They also connect via HDMI and VGA.
The IN1110 series projectors boast a lamp life of 10,000 hours. The InFocus IN1116 and IN1118HD are available now for $888 and $1,149, respectively.
Remote FileMaker 14 Training Series Course coming in April
FileMaker authors, John Mark Osborne and Steven Blackwell, will teach the FileMaker Training Series for FileMaker Pro 14 remotely in April. Remote classes offer students the same benefits of a traditional classes like asking questions and in-class exercises but without the cost of travel and time away from work. All you need is a good Internet connection.
Remote classes offer the FileMaker Training Series at a 50% reduction in price because there’s no training facility to rent or instructor travel expenses. The FileMaker Training Series for FileMaker 14 offers a series of nine training modules grouped in eight-hour classes as follows: Planning a FileMaker Solution, Developer Skills, Advanced Developer Skills, FileMaker Server, and Security
The first 24 hours of class emphasize development skills like relational design, scripting, calculations and reporting while the last 16 hours cover deployment in the areas of security and FileMaker Server. Class is held twice a week on Tuesday and...
Hedge is a new video import tool for Mac OS X
Paul Matthijs Lombert, Roelof de Koning and Boy van Amstel have created Hedge 1.0. It’s a Mac OS X (Yosemite or El Capitan) video importing app designed to streamline the process of importing data from cameras.
Hedge creates multiple copies simultaneously, and guarantees every file is bit-for-bit perfect, says Matthjis. It imports files while verifying others and cross-references every copy against its source. Hedge shows transfers as “copying” or “completed” via progress indicators.
The app auto-launches AppleScripts for extendable workflows (sorting, transcoding, renaming, tagging. It supports all regular drives, including REDMAG, Compact Flash, XQD, SxS and P2.
Hedge is available to purchase (http://www.hedgeformac.com) for $15 a month or $150 for a year outside the EU, or Euro15/Euro150 within the EU. A free version, limited to two simultaneous transfers, is available for download.
New JRecoverer Security Tools help recover database passwords
LCPSoft has updated its database password recovery tool series, JRecoverer. The tools use dictionary attack, brute force attack, rainbow tables, or combined ways to quickly recover user account passwords in Oracle Database, MySQL, PostgreSQL and Microsoft SQL Server databases.
The security tools safely import the user account information from a database using one of the methods provided by the DBMS. Then, using one of the recovery methods or their combination, JRecoverer restores passwords and generates text or graphical reports.
JRecoverer natively supports various import and authentication types, and version 1.1 introduces Windows authentication in JRecoverer for Microsoft SQL Server Passwords.
The JRecoverer series of products is cross-platform and supports Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux. The price of each product starts at $55 for a one-year subscription and the renewal price of $35. The lifetime license costs $75. The same JRecoverer Database Bundle licenses cost $110, $70 and $...
ADATA launches the UV210 USB Flash Drive
ADATA Technology (www.adata.com) has launched the UV210 USB Flash Drive. It boasts a sandblasted, champagne gold metallic finish that covers a solid zinc-alloy housing.
The UV201 is built using zinc alloy, and there’s no cap to misplace. It’s entirely plug and play and is driver-less.
The UV210 is manufactured using a chip-on-board (COB) process, which leads to increased durability and a more compact form factor, according to the folks at ADATA. This makes it resistant to water, dust, and impac.
The UV210 is available in capacities from 8GB to 64GB. In addition, purchasers of all ADATA USB flash drives can download free UFDtoGO and OStoGO software.
Anarchy's Children DLC for XCOM 2 available for the Mac
The first DLC pack for XCOM 2, Anarchy's Children, is now available for the Mac from the Feral Store and Steam. This rebellion-themed pack introduces more than 100 new customizations for the entire arsenal of armors available to your XCOM soldiers.
These options are cosmetic and don’t alter the stats of a soldier. If you have purchased the Reinforcement Pack, or the XCOM 2: Digital Deluxe edition, don’t purchase Anarchy’s Children separately, as you will be charged for it again. For more information about Anarchy's Children, go to the XCOM 2 mini site (http://tinyurl.com/zmdksdr).
Output Factory for InDesign can now resolve file aliases...
Zevrix Solutions has announced Output Factory 1.5.48, a feature update to its output automation solution for Adobe InDesign.
The tool automates printing, exporting, preflighting and file delivery from InDesign. The software offers batch processing, export as single pages, variable file names, layer versioning, PDF preflight and more. The new version can resolve InDesign file aliases internally, which lets users add symbolic links instead of the original files directly to the app's queue.
Output Factory can be purchased from the Zevrix website (www.zevrix.com) for $169.95. There’s a “lite” version for $120, and a server version for $700. A demo is available for download. BatchOutput users can upgrade to Output Factory for $85. Output Factory requires Mac OS X 10.7-10.11 and Adobe InDesign CS3-CC 2015.
OS X revved to version 10.11.4
Version 10.11.4 of Mac OS X is now available. It adds Live Photo viewing and sharing through iMessage using the Messages app, as well as secure password support for individual notes in the Notes app.
You can obtain the upgrade by opening the Mac App Store app. Click Updates in the toolbar, and choose OS X 10.11.4.
Apple releases tvOS 9.2
Apple has introduced tvOS 9.2 for the fourth generation Apple TV. It revs up the capabilities of Siri, Apple’s digital personal assistant. The update also adds, folders for apps, and Live Photos support.
On your fourth gen Apple TV, go to Settings > System > Software Updates > Update Software. Download and install tvOS 9.2.
Apple serves up watchOS 2.2
Apple has posted watchOS 2.2 for the Apple Watch. It allows iPhones running iOS 9.3 to pair and swap between multiple Apple Watch models. It also sports an enhanced Maps app.
To upgrade, connect your Apple Watch to power, and keep it on the charger until the update is complete. On your iPhone, open the Watch app, tap the My Watch tab, then tap General > Software Update. If asked for your iPhone passcode or Apple Watch passcode, enter the passcode.
iOS 9.3 is now available
Apple has released iOS 9.3. It adds new features for the Health, Wallet, Notes, and Settings apps; the ability for students to share iPads; an enhanced Managed Apple ID function; and new 3D Touch shortcuts.
iOS 9.3 also adds a new feature called Night Shift, which is is designed to cut down on the amount of blue light an iOS device is putting out during the evening hours. To upgrade, plug your device in to power and connect to the Internet with Wi-Fi. Tap Settings > General > Software Update. Tap Download and Install. If a message asks to temporarily remove apps because iOS needs more space for the update, tap Continue or Cancel.
WaterField debuts cases for Apple Pencil, iPad accessories
WaterField Designs (http://www.sfbags.com/) has unveiled its premium leather Atelier Collection, the Apple Pencil Case and iPad Gear Case, designed to keep the Apple Pencil, Extra Tip and other small iPad Pro accessories from being misplaced.
The $69 Gear Case holds the Apple Pencil in a scratch-free sheath keeping it protected and handy. Its cognac-colored leather exterior hides an interior lined with red, scratch-free Ultrasuede. Inside the Case, two small pockets can hold the Lightning Adapter, Extra Tip, SD Card Reader, USB Camera Adapter and ear buds. The main compartment stows the Lightning cable and the 12W USB power adapter. A 5W USB power adapter and a .5m Lightning to USB cable can also fit in the main compartment.
The $29 Pencil Case is a hand-cut leather sheath, custom-sized for the Apple Pencil, with a simple leather tab closure and a rear clip for attaching the case to clothing, a bag or an iPad Case. The Apple Pencil slides into the red Ultrasuede-lined, leather...
Apple slices the price of the Apple Watch
Apple has cut the price of the Apple Watch by $50 at today’s “Let Us Loop You In” event. The 38-millimeter Watch Sport can be purchased for as little as $299 now.
The 42-millimeter Apple Watch has also seen its price cut by 50 bucks. It now starts at $349.
iPad Pro is now available in a 9.7-inch model
Apple has introduced the 9.7-inch iPad Pro (www.apple.com/ipad), which weighs in at under one pound. Still, it packs a retina display with greater brightness, a wider color gamut, lower reflectivity, Night Shift mode and new True Tone display technology to dynamically adjust white balance.
The new iPad Pro sports a 64-bit A9X chip, a 12-megapixel iSight camera for shooting Live Photos and 4K video, a 5-megapixel FaceTime HD camera, and faster wireless technologies. And, of course, it includes support for the Apple Pencil and a new Smart Keyboard cover designed to fit its 9.7-inch body.
The True Tone display uses new four-channel sensors to dynamically adjust the white balance of the display to match the light around you for a more natural and accurate, paper-white viewing experience, according to Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. The Retina display is 25% brighter and 40% less reflective than the iPad Air 2, making content even easier to see...
Apple introduces four-inch iPhone SE
Apple has introduced the iPhone with a four-inch retina display and a compact aluminum design updated with matte-chamfered edges, a color-matched stainless steel Apple logo, and four metallic finishes (including rose gold).
It offers the same 64-bit A9 chip with a M9 motion co-processor offered in the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, longer battery life, faster wireless, a 12-megapixel iSight camera with True Tone flash (and featuring Live Photos and 4K video), and Touch ID with Apple Pay, says Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing.
The M9, Apple’s next-generation motion coprocessor, is integrated into A9 allowing more features to run all the time at lower power, including “Hey Siri” without having to pick up your iPhone, and a range of fitness tracking capabilities like measuring your steps and distance. iPhone SE users can browse, download and stream content even faster with Wi-Fi up to three times and LTE up to 50% faster than iPhone 5s, says Schiller...
Apple advances health apps with CareKit
Apple has announced CareKit (www.apple.com/carekit), a new software framework designed to help developers enable people to actively manage their own medical conditions. iPhone apps using CareKit make it easier for individuals to keep track of care plans and monitor symptoms and medication; providing insights that help people better understand their own health, according to Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer.
With the ability to share information with doctors, nurses or family members, CareKit apps help people take a more active role in their health, he says. CareKit will be released as an open source framework next month allowing the developer community to continue building on the first four modules designed by Apple, that include:
° Care Card helps people track their individual care plans and action items, such as taking medication or completing physical therapy exercises. Activities can automatically be tracked and entered using sensors in Apple Watch or iPhone.
° ...
Apple announces advancements to ResearchKit
Apple has announced advancements to the open source ResearchKit framework that bring genetic data and a series of medical tests typically conducted in an exam room to iPhone apps. Medical researchers are adopting these new features to design targeted studies for diseases and conditions that affect billions of people around the world and to gather more specific types of data from participants.
“The response to ResearchKit has been fantastic. Virtually overnight, many ResearchKit studies became the largest in history and researchers are gaining insights and making discoveries that weren’t possible before,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer. “Medical researchers around the world continue to use iPhone to transform what we know about complex diseases, and with continued support from the open source community, the opportunities for iPhone in medical research are endless.”
ResearchKit turns iPhone into a tool for medical research by helping doctors, scientists and other...
plasq Releases Comic Life 3.5 for Mac, PC, and iOS
lasq (http://plasq.com) has introduced Comic Life 3.5, the latest version of its photo comic creation software for Mac OS X, iOS, and Windows. The upgrade includes a suite of new comic templates, a new full color halftone feature for dynamic comic styling effects, and an improved workflow to the drag and drop script feature.
Comic Life 3.5 for Mac requires Mac OS X 10.6.5. Comic Life 3.5 for iOS requires iOS 8.1 or later and is compatible with the iPad 2 or better, iPhone 4 or better and iPod touch (fifth generation) or better.
The software is available today for Mac and PC from plasq's website for $29.99. Comic Life 3 for iOS is available on Apple's App Store for $4.99. Version 3.5 is a free update for existing Comic Life 3 license holders.
Contactless usage soars as digital payment limits rise
A new study from Juniper Research (www.juniperrsearch.com) has found that hat the annual transaction value of online, mobile and contactless payments will reach $3.6 trillion this year, up from $3 trillion on 2015, resulting in a 20% increase.
The new research argues that the recent surge in contactless payments would continue, fueled by further scaling up of infrastructure rollout and increased card payment limits in key markets. The research group also anticipates that while cards will account for 90% of contactless payments over the next five years, the deployment of NFC (Near Field Communications) payments by high-profile players such as Apple and Samsung will increase consumer awareness and usage of smartphones to fulfill transactions.
Meanwhile, the research highlighted the growing presence of social media companies in the eRetail space. It pointed out that several leading companies, including Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram, had already introduced “buy” buttons, allowing...
Deliver Express upgrade improves file transfers on local networks
Zevrix Solutions has announced Deliver Express 2.5.11, a feature update to its hot folder based solution to send files automatically across the Internet and locally with email notifications.
Deliver Express can serve multiple users on a network and supports FTP, Amazon S3, WebDAV, Google Storage, AFP, SMB and other services. The new version lets users label completed local deliveries with a Finder tag, preserves file timestamps and custom icons, and introduces other improvements on local networks.
Deliver Express can be purchased from the Zevrix website (www.zevrix.com), as well as from authorized resellers. The license prices are based on the maximum number of allowed destinations and range from $29.95 to $299.9. The update is free for licensed users. A demo is available for download. Deliver Express requires OS X 10.5-10.11 (some features require OS X 10.7 and later).
Chronos announces FotoFuse for Mac OS X
Chronos has launched FotoFuse, a tool for creating photo collages on Mac OS X (10.11 or higher). To use it, your drag photos into professionally-designed templates to create collages.
For a little extra flare, you can add text and artwork. After you finish your masterpiece, you can share it via Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, Mail, Messages, AirDrop, and more.
A fully functional 30 day trial version can be downloaded from Chronos' website (www.chronosnet.com). FotoFuse costs $39.99 for a single user license; a family pack is available for $69.99.
New Escape is the first Ford vehicle to offer Apple CarPlay,...
Production of the new 2017 Ford Escape – available with driver-assist technology that can help keep drivers in their lane, maintain a set speed and distance on the highway, and even aid drivers in getting out of a tight parking spot — is now underway.
The new Escape, which goes on sale in May, will be the first Ford vehicle available with all-new SYNC Connect technology, which offers features such as remote start and door locking via the new FordPass platform. Escape will also be first to offer SYNC 3 featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
MCE ships PCIe-based Flash Storage upgrades for MacBook Pros
MCE Technologies (MCE) has announced a range of PCIe-based Flash Storage Upgrade Solutions (http://store.mcetech.com/mm/merchant.mvc) made for late-2013 through mid-2015 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display.
They’re available in 1TB, 512GB, and 256GB capacities for $899.00, $499.00, and $349, respectively. Faster PCIe v3.0-based 1TB, and 512GB capacities available for early and mid-2015 MacBook Pros are $999 and $549, respectively. All models are available for immediate shipment.
All MCE PCIe-based Flash Storage Solutions are user installable and each solution includes all necessary tools to perform the installation, an illustrated installation and upgrade guide, and drive cloning software.