Silicon Labs’s new SDK supports Apple HomeKit
Silicon Labs has introduced a Bluetooth software solution that enables developers to create Apple HomeKit-enabled accessories. Available as a library with clean, easy-to-use APIs, the Bluetooth 4.2-compliant software is pre-tested and certified by Apple.
Silicon Labs supports Apple HomeKit development projects with a large portfolio of Wireless Gecko SoCs and modules, easy-to-use Simplicity Studio development tools, plugins for Bluetooth Developer Studio, example accessory applications and source code, an iOS app with source code, extensive documentation and technical support. You can get the details on developing Apple HomeKit-enabled accessories with Silicon Labs’ Bluetooth software, tools, and Wireless Gecko SoCs and modules at www.silabs.com/homekit.
In addition to implementing the capabilities required to develop Apple HomeKit accessories, Silicon Labs’ Bluetooth 4.2-compliant protocol stack supports key features such as LE secure connections for secure Bluetooth pairing, LE...
Version 5.4 of the Archiware P5 product suite integrates cloud...
Archiware has launched version 5.4 of the Archiware P5 product suite, including archiving to Amazon S3 cloud services and integrated preview creation using professional converter tools. Cloud services are integrated, with additional services to be added in future releases.
A second feature of Archiware P5 version 5.4 is the integration of FFmpeg and ImageMagick into the user interface. These converter tools for video and image files respectively are now configurable within Archiware P5. During the archiving process, a preview is created of video and image files in the specified format, bit rate, etc. and stored with the metadata.
Additional functionalities include support for operating systems macOS 10.12 Sierra and Windows Server 2016 and various checksum tests for verification of archived data. To facilitate cooperative workflows, archived assets can be sent as a link via e-mail for restore, approval or editing. Lastly, the user interfaces and the display of running...
Cascable AB introduces Cascable Transfer for macOS
Cascable AB (http://cascable.se/) has introduced Cascable Transfer for macOS. It’s a tool for wirelessly importing photos from your WiFi-enabled Canon, Nikon, Olympus or Sony camera directly into your Photos library, Lightroom catalog, or anywhere else on your Mac.
For advanced users, Cascable Transfer provides controls for customizing how photos are sorted on disk as they're copied, and how RAW JPEG photos are handled.
Cascable Transfer is available to get started with for free from the Cascable website, and will cost $14.99 once it comes out of beta later this year. If you purchase during the public beta period, an “early bird discount” of 50% will be applied. Please visit Cascable online for more information on Cascable Transfer, including screenshots, photographs and detailed user guides.
Apple posts new developer betas of iOS 10.2, macOS Sierra 10.12....
Apple has served up new pre-release builds of iOS 10.2, macOS Sierra 10.12.2 and watchOS 3.1.1 to registered developers. The betas can be downloaded through the Apple Developer Center or the Software Update mechanism in the Mac App Store.
LinkOptimizer for Adobe InDesign now supports Creative Cloud...
Zevrix Solutions has announced LinkOptimizer 5.0.12, a compatibility update to its workflow automation solution for Adobe InDesign.
LinkOptimizer allows users to reduce the size of InDesign links and speed up processing by eliminating excess image data. The software also performs image adjustments, converts file formats and helps repurpose InDesign files for web and mobile devices. Version 5.0.12 makes LinkOptimizer compatible with the 2017 release of InDesign CC featured as part of Adobe Creative Cloud.
LinkOptimizer can be purchased from the Zevrix website (www.zevrix.com) for US$259.95 (there’s a “lite” version $179.95), as well as from Adobe Exchange and 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 10.7-10.12 and Adobe InDesign / Photoshop CS3-CC 2017.
Have a great Thanksgiving
We are very thankful for the readers and advertisers of MacTech and MacNews. Your support of our sites is much appreciated.
Our staff members will be joining their families for the holidays. Which means that MacTech.com and MacNews.com will be closed Thursday and will be running a limited schedule on Friday. Have a great holiday.
24U Software releases 24U Phone Companion 2.1
24U Software (http://www.24usoftware.com/) has released 24U Phone Companion 2.1, an update to their cross-platform telephony integration for FileMaker Pro.
It’s a plug-in allowing FileMaker solutions to interact directly with supported telephone switches. Version 2.1 adds full support for 64-bit architecture of FileMaker Pro 14 and FileMaker Pro 15. This new version of the plug-in now correctly handles phone numbers beginning with zero and includes other minor improvements.
24U Phone Companion has been integrated with the following phone systems:Panasonic KX-TDA 30, Aastra 800, Asterisk Open Source, Avaya IP Office 500, Cisco CallManager, Siemens HiPath 3350, Ascotel IntelliGate 300. Many other phone systems are supported but have not yet been tested by our own implementation of Phone Companion. Full list of supported phone systems is available.
24U Phone Companion 2.1 requires macOS10.8 or newer and FileMaker Pro 12 or later. It’s available for download as a free, fully functional,...
AppleMacSoft DRM Converter for Mac ready for macOS Sierra
AppleMacSoft DRM Converter for Mac, a DRM removal software that designed for easily converts iTunes DRM protected music files to unprotected audio files ready for use on any computers or mobile music devices, has been updated to with macOS Sierra compatibility.
AppleMacSoft DRM Coverter for Mac is compatible with 64-bit Macs running macOS 10.6 and later. A fully functional demo can be downloaded from AppleMacSoft' web site at (www.AppleMacSoft.com). Registration is $39.95 for new users.
Satechi releases new Smart Charging Stand
Satechi has introduced the Smart Charging Stand, a multifunctional four-port USB charger. It sports one internal USB charging port and three USB ports on the base of the stand.
The stand includes three adapters for the Apple Watch, Fitbit Blaze and smartphones. To use, you choose choose the required adapter, fasten it to the station lid, then you can juice up your devices.
When charging the Apple Watch, the Smart Charging Stand’s flat upper surface allows for Nightstand Mode so you can access and use the watch while charging.
Equipped with smart charging technology, power and voltage boost combine to charge up to 5V/2.4A max per port, for a total of six amps. The stand automatically detects each port’s plugged in device, providing the fastest and most efficient charge possible for each device, without delay, according to the folks at Satechi.
The inner space of the Smart Charging Stand is designed for storing smaller gadgets, such as USB adapters and card readers. It also helps...
OWC announces 40TB ThunderBay 4 mini
OWC (www.macsales.com) has introduced 10, 20, 30, and 40TB SSD models of its ThunderBay 4 mini RAID. The new high-capacity SSD configurations are powered by a SoftRAID engine, which delivers disk-health monitoring, RAID rebuilds, and transfer speeds up to 1,314MB/s via a Thunderbolt 2 connection.
All this comes in a compact aluminum enclosure. The ThunderBay 4 mini now offers the highest capacity and fastest SSD configurations in its class. SoftRAID for ThunderBay supports RAID 0, 1, 4, 5, and 1+0, giving users the flexibility to create multiple arrays to suit the specific demands of their workflow. Users will also benefit from always-on real-time disk-health monitoring via the SoftRAID application, or email notifications when working remotely, according to OWC CEO Larry O’Connor.
Unlike traditional software RAID solutions, SoftRAID’s revolutionary volume optimization allows users to quickly configure their ThunderBay 4 mini for specific workflows, he adds. ThunderBay 4 mini RAID with...
Gridsutra rolls out Gridsura for macOS
Macubes has introduced Gridsutra 1.0 (http://www.gridsutra.com) for macOS. It’s a $2.99 tool that allows you to work in different windows at the same time. Gridsutra re-sizes and arranges windows using multiple layout options that can be predefined by users.
Gridsutra boasts a minimalist status bar menu. It includes a Launcher panel that delivers multiple layout profiles at the stoke of a key. Shortcut keys can be assigned from the menu to facilitate the activation of preset layout profile. For those who prefer to use a mouse, Gridsutra allows windows to be arranged in three clicks.
Protectstar has released Data Shredder for iOS 2017
Protectstar has released Data Shredder for iOS 2017. By connecting their iPhone or iPad to any Mac and running the tool, you can delete and overwrite all used space on your iDevice, ensuring all personal data, including passwords, videos, photos, and more can never be recovered.
The app is handy for use before donating or selling a used iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Data Shredder for iOS 2017 is available in two versions. The Professional Edition offers 10 different data shredding methods, completely wiping all free space and overwriting the storage area, to completely shred all of the stored data. Data Shredder Military Edition offers 17 erasing methods in total, while also offering an integrated file explorer.
Data Shredder for iOS 2017 Professional Edition requires macOS 10.11 or later. It costs US$29.90 and is available through the ProtectStar website (http://www.protectstar.com). Data Shredder for iOS 2017 Military Edition is $49.90.
Akvis releases Christmas Pack II
AKVIS (www.akvis.com) has introduced a new Christmas frame collection, Christmas Pack II, including 100 frame designs of excellent quality.
To use AKVIS frame packs, you need to have installed one of following programs: AKVIS Frames (available for free) or AKVIS ArtSuite (10-day free trial download). All the products run on macOS 10.7-10.12. The new Christmas Pack II sells for $17.
Output Factory Server for InDesign now supports Creative Cloud...
Zevrix Solutions has announced Output Factory Server 1.2.20, a compatibility update to its output workflow automation solution for Adobe InDesign. It automates printing and exporting from InDesign by processing files from hot folders.
The software offers layer versioning, preflighting, variable file name, export as single pages and other powerful features. The new version makes Output Factory Server compatible with InDesign CC 2017 featured as part of Adobe Creative Cloud.
Output Factory Server can be purchased from the Zevrix website (www.zevrix.com) for US$699.95. A demo is available for download. BatchOutput Server users can upgrade for $350. Output Factory Server requires macOS 10.7-10.12 and Adobe InDesign CS5-CC 2017.
FlexiHub 3.0 for macOS adds Invite feature, more
Eltima Software has announced FlexiHub 3.0 (www.flexihub.com), an update to their macOS solution for sharing USB ports over a network. With the utility, the shared ports with devices can be accessed from any spot .
All FlexiHub connections are secured by SSL protocol and can go through FlexiHub's own redirection server for the safest experience. Compatible with macOS 10.12 Sierra, the newest release brings an Invite feature and improved interface.
There are three subscriptions for FlexiHub. If there are only two computers in the network, the free subscription should suffice. It allows sharing a single port between two machines for 20 minutes at a time. Once the connection is dropped, users can reconnect to the device. To share multiple devices among multiple network computers without any limits, one has to get a paid subscription with advanced features.
Twelve South releases the HiRise Duet
Twelve South (www.twelvesouth.com) has released the $119.99 HiRise Duet, a charging stand that powers your iPhone and Apple Watch at the same time. Made from metal and accented with Napa leather, this streamlined stand includes an integrated Lightning Connector and Watch Charging Disk.
Twelve South has made sure that your daytime Apple Watch can still be used as your night-time clock; HiRise Duet powers up Apple Watch in Nightstand mode. When you wrap your Apple smartwatch around the support post on its side, it automatically turns it into a bedside alarm clock, with the crown serving as a snooze button. To protect your Watch’s finish when it’s on its side, the base of HiRise Duet is thoughtfully lined with a soft layer of leather.
The charging stand has a 3.75-inch square footprint. Weighing a pound, or the same as three iPhone 7’s, this stand is designed to stay in play.
Apple launches iPhone 6s program for unexpected shutdown issues
Apple has announced a new repair program (http://tinyurl.com/zt3zvf9) for iPhone 6s users whose devices may be unexpectedly shut down. The company says this isn’t a safety issue and only affects devices within a limited serial number range that were manufactured between September and October 2015.
If you have experienced this issue, visit an Apple Retail Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider and have your device's serial number checked to confirm eligibility for a battery replacement, free of charge. Your iPhone will be examined prior to any service to verify that it is eligible for this program and in working order.
KB Home debuts first HomeKit-enabled home community
Home-building company KB Home (www.kbhome.com) has unveiled the nation’s first HomeKit-enabled community at its Promenade at Communications Hill in San Jose, California. It’s the first homebuilder to make a HomeKit smart-home package available to homebuyers.
Along with its introduction at Promenade at Communications Hill, the Apple HomeKit package will also be available for buyers at KB Home’s Magnolia at Patterson Ranch community. A model home showcasing how KB homeowners can simply and securely monitor and control Apple HomeKit-compatible accessories, such as lighting, door locks and other security features, and more, conveniently from their iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch, is now open at Promenade at Communications Hill.
Promenade at Communications Hill offers city living close to San Jose’s shopping, dining, nightlife and cultural attractions, as well as to the area’s major Silicon Valley employers. The community also provides easy access to Interstates 880, 680 and U.S. Highway 101...
Recosoft releases ID2Office 2.2
Recosoft Corp. has released ID2Office 2.2 (http://tinyurl.com/jug8zxw), a new version of the InDesign to Word, PowerPoint & Keynote conversion plug-in for InDesign CC 2017. It’s been enhanced to support Adobe InDesign CC 2017 for both macOS and Windows.
Version 2.2 has also been augmented to convert style sheet properties defined in InDesign tables into Word Table style sheets properties. Finally, it improves conversion fidelity in several areas when exporting InDesign files to the Word, PowerPoint and Keynote type.
On the Mac platform, ID2Office 2.2 requires macOS 10.6.8 or higher and InDesign CS6, CC, CC 2014, CC 2015 or CC 2017. The Standard version costs $199 for an annual subscription; the Pro version is $249 for an annual subscription.
InPreflight for Adobe InDesign now supports Creative Cloud 2017
Zevrix Solutions has announced InPreflight Pro 2.11.23, a compatibility update to its document preparation solution for Adobe InDesign.
It’s all-in-one solution to check InDesign documents for errors, automatically collect multiple files for output and ship them to final destination. Version 2.11.23 makes InPreflight compatible with the 2017 release of InDesign CC featured as part of Adobe Creative Cloud.
InPreflight Pro can be purchased from the Zevrix website (www.zevrix.com) for US$99.95 (there’s a Studio version for $39.95). A demo is available for download. The update is free for licensed users of version 2, and $50 from earlier versions. InPreflight requires macOS 10.5 or higher and Adobe InDesign CS3-CC 2017.
PCalc ready for MacBook Pros with Touch Bars
TLA Systems has updated PCalc (www.pcalc.com), for macOS, to version 4.4.3. The upgrade adds support for the Touch Bar on the new MacBook Pros.
PCalc is a scientific calculator with support for hexadecimal, octal and binary calculations, as well as an RPN mode, parentheses, programmable functions, and an extensive set of unit conversions. With version 4.4.3, almost any key in PCalc can be mapped directly onto the Touch Bar, and there are additional shortcuts for accessing recently used functions, conversions, and constants, as well as changing the display mode.
This is a free upgrade for existing users. For new users the cost is US$9.99. PCalc requires macOS 10.8 and later. It's available at the product website and the Mac App Store.
Apple updates Swift Playgrounds to version 1.1
Apple has updated Swift Playgrounds, a free iPad app to teach kids of any age basic coding skills in Swift, to version 1.1. The upgrade — available at the Apple App Store — adds new Learn to Code lessons, support for sound and music.
Playgrounds is designed to teach basic programming concepts like loops and conditionals using an animated character that the budding programmers direct by writing code. The app offers suggestions for code to be used, and Swift Playgrounds also has a special iOS coding keyboard to ease entry of all of those pesky brackets.
Promise Technology enhances Apollo Cloud
Promise Technology Inc. has launched a free software upgrade (http://tinyurl.com/zn9qpwm) for its Apollo Cloud personal cloud device and app designed to make it easier to manage all of your digital content. New features include cheduled daily backup, direct USB upload/download and more.
Designed to allow you and your family, small business colleagues and work groups to store and share data in your very own personal cloud, Apollo Cloud can be used with macOS and Windows on computers and iOS or Android on smartphones and tablets. It has four terabytes worth of storage. That's more than 440 hours of HD video, 220,000 photos and half a million songs
Everything you store on your Apollo Cloud can now be scheduled to automatically back up every day to a USB drive. With member quota management, you can now assign different amounts of storage space to each member as needed.
Files can now be directly uploaded (or downloaded) to a USB drive, with just one click. With “Apollo Anywhere,” data can...
FileMaker announces annual awards
mature markets, where it’s Pixel and Pixel XL devices have started selling.”
FileMaker announces annual awards
FileMaker, Inc. (www.filemaker.com) has announced the winners of its annual FileMaker Business Alliance (FBA) and FileMaker Community awards. The awards recognize standouts among the thousands of developers, customers, users, writers, trainers, partners and supporters in the FileMaker ecosystem.
The FBA awards recognize excellence in six categories, referred to as the FBA Pillars of Excellence: Design, Development, Education, Innovation, Advocacy and Growth.
Excellence in Design: Infografix was recognized for two custom apps, DanyDash and MobiPharma, and for their years of commitment to innovation in visual design. Infografix covered every angle of design with consistent icons, typography, color, use of many popovers for easy navigation, beautiful visual appearance and responsive layouts.
Excellence in Development: Smarta System Norden AB created an app for their client in...
Free Hour of Code workshops offered Dec. 5-11 at every Apple...
Apple has opened registration for Hour of Code workshops at all 487 Apple retail stores worldwide, from Dec. 5-11 in celebration of Computer Science Education Week. They teach the basics of computer science with Code.org’s programming tutorials. Apple and Code.org share the goal of giving every student the opportunity to learn computer science.
“Hour of Code embodies our vision for Apple stores as a place for the community to gather, learn and be entertained,” says Angela Ahrendts, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail. “We’re proud to introduce the Swift Playgrounds app into the workshops and honored to again work side-by-side with Code.org on this incredibly important initiative. Hour of Code is one of the absolute highlights of the year for both our teams and the families that visit our stores.”
“Since we started Hour of Code in 2013, Apple has each year upped its participation and found ways to introduce more kids to computer science,” added Hadi Partovi, founder and CEO of Code...
MAS App Delete optimized for macOS Sierra
Reggie Ashworth (http://www.reggieashworth.com/appdeletelite) has rolled out MAS AppDelete Lite 4.3, an update to his Mac deletion utility.
Via drag and drop, it will uninstall anything along with all of the associated items. Version 4.8 is optimized for macOS Sierra. It also sports a new icon and graphics, a new App Reset tool, a new Clear Logs tool, and more.
App Delete Lite requires mac OS 10.7.3 or later. It costs $3.99 for purchase via the Mac App Store. It’s also possible for AppDelete Lite users to upgrade to AppDelete for an additional $3.99 but only via the AppDelete/AppDelete Lite website (http://www.reggieashworth.com/appdeletelite). Users running OS 10.6.6 - 10.7.2 will still receive AppDelete Lite Version 3.2.10 from the App Store.
Scannerz for macOS revved to version 1.9.9.99A
Software and Computer System Company has announced Scannerz 1.9.9.99A (http://scsc-online.com) for macOS X.
The tool is a package of utilities designed to help users identify hardware and performance problems with their Mac systems. The new version allows the applications in the package to meet the security requirements of macOS 10.12 (Sierra) while still maintaining backward compatibility with Mac OS X versions
The update is free for all current users of fully featured versions of Scannerz. For new users it’s available in two versions: Scannerz with FSE, Performance Probe, and Phoenix for $49.95; and Scannerz with FSE-Lite, Performance Probe, and Phoenix for $39.95.
AKVIS Chameleon 9.0 adds new tools, support for Ultra HD, more
AKVIS has released an update of Chameleon, software for creating photo collages. The new version provides new tools and settings, a modernized interface with support for 4k and 5k screens, advanced montage algorithm, and more.
Using AKVIS Chameleon, you can create personalized greeting cards, simulate a double exposure effect, design a timeless wedding album or a fairy-tale book with your kids as main characters. Also, you can improve your photos by replacing defective parts with new ones.
The software runs on macOS 10.7 and higher. It’s available as a standalone application and as a plugin filter for Photoshop and other graphics editors. A Home license costs $54. One license key allows activating the software on two computers. Visit akvis.com for more details. The update is free for users who bought Chameleon in the last 12 months. Otherwise you can upgrade to version 9.0 for $14.95.
AirBeamTV launches wireless screen mirroring from Mac to Sony...
AirBeamTV (http://www.airbeam.tv) has introduced Mirror for Sony TV 1.0, the latest in a family of screen mirroring apps for macOS. It provides a way to mirror you Mac screen to your Sony Bravia Smart TV without cables or additional hardware.
This works on any Sony Smart TV from the 2012 models onwards. It’s suitable for watching movies, giving presentations, watching photos, and more.
Mirror for Sony TV 1.0 requires macOS 10.10 or later. It costs US$9.99 and is available worldwide through the Mac App Store in the Video category.
NewBlue announces new version of its flagship titling tool
NewBlue (www.NewBlueFx.com) has announced the newest version of its flagship titling tool, Titler Pro 5. The tool accelerates titling by delivering a familiar workflow with a range of pre-built templates and animations/
Titler Pro 5 has over 100 customizable animated templates. A new, integrated multi-title management system allows users to edit text, color, and more – all at the same time, from a single location. With template sharing, users can make a single edit and watch it automatically update all the connected templates.
Titler Pro 5 is compatible with professional video editing tools including Apple Final Cut Pro X,Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effect, Avid Media Composer, Black Magic DaVinci Resolve, Grass Valley Edius, HitFilm Pro, and Sony Vegas Pro. It’s available starting from $299. Existing Titler Pro users can upgrade with packages starting at $149.
Wacom announces Cintiq Pro line of pen displays
Wacom (www.wacom.com) has announced the Wacom Cintiq Pro line of creative pen displays, the Cintiq Pro 13 and Cintiq Pro 16. The line “wraps the most natural and precise pen performance to date into a sleek, thin and portable form factor to help designers, illustrators, photographers or anyone with a passion for art to unlock their creativity,” says Masahiko Yamada, president and CEO of Wacom.
Paramount to the Cintiq Pro experience is the new Pro Pen 2, which purportedly delivers four times greater accuracy and pressure sensitivity than the previous Pro Pen. The improved Pro Pen 2 creates an intuitive, free-flowing experience with virtually lag-free tracking on a glass surface that produces just the right amount of friction and is coated to reduce reflection, according to Yamada. Additionally, the new optical bonding process greatly reduces parallax, providing a pen-on-screen performance that emulates the natural feel and feedback of a traditional pen or brush, he adds.
Both Cintiq...
Bits&Coffee releases PhotoMarks 3 for macOS, iOS devices
Bits&Coffee has released PhotoMarks 3 (http://www.photomarksapp.com/), an update of the photo watermarking app for Macs and PCs, alongside PhotoMarks for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
The tool enables photographers, web designers, business people, and families, to protect their copyrighted images on any computer or iOS device they own. PhotoMarks 3 for the Mac can completely customize the appearance of text and logo marks, as well as perform additional edits like resize, rename, auto rotate, or decorate photos with graphical frames, all in the same session. It works by editing photos in batch mode and takes advantage of multi-core processors for speeding up the process. Settings can be saved as profiles to be easily reused later.
PhotoMarks for iOS can apply multiple layers of text and logos on the image with just a few taps, The marks are completely customizable, and the resulting images can be saved, with no quality loss, to Camera Roll, or shared on Facebook, Instagram,...
Note-ify Apple releases Command-Tab Plus for the Mac
Note-Ify Apps has introduced Command-Tab Plus 1.0 (http://commandtab.noteifyapp.com) for macOS. It’s an alternative for Mac's built-in Command-Tab app switcher.
With Command-Tab Plus, you use icon numbers to quickly select and switch between apps. To do that, use a shortcut to open the switch window and simply press the app number on the keyboard.
When using Command-Tab Plus, it displays only the icons of the apps running on the current display or space. This means it isolates the apps in one space, and the apps in other spaces. However, you can disable this function in the app's settings.
By default, Command-tab Plus hides the icons of all inactive (hidden) apps. This function allows you to quickly switch between the apps you’re using at the moment. The Command-Tab Plus settings let you enable the hidden apps to be shown, so the inactive apps icons will be marked (semitransparent) and displayed at the end of the list.
The Command-Tab Plus settings allow setting up a keyboard...
ChronoSync 4.7.1 for macOS features faster cloud connections
Econ Technologies (http://tinyurl.com/jyko5xm) has rolled out ChronoSync 4.7.1 with improved cloud performance. Its a sync, backup, and bootable backup app for the Mac.
ChronoSync can backup and sync to anything you can connect to a Mac: external drives, thumb drives, NAS drives, remote Macs, PCs and cloud services. Version 4.7.1 includes several fixes, and specifically improves direct cloud connections for Amazon S3 and Google Cloud Storage.
ChronoSync works with macOS 10.8 and higher. It costs $49.99; a demo is available for download. Version 4.7.1 is a free update for registered users.
iOS version of WPS Office Productivity Suite gets new features
WPS Office Software (http://www.wps.com), an office productivity suite for PC and mobile devices, today announced new features in the iOS version of its office productivity suite, offering iPhone/iPad users advanced file sharing, presenting and recording features.
WPS Office for iOS is part of the WPS Office Suite – an office productivity suite with Writer, Presentation, Spreadsheets and a PDF reader – available for Windows and Linux PCs, as well as iOS and Android mobile devices. The new features in WPS Office for iOS include:
° File Transfer, a feature that allows users to send files to and from their computer and iOS device.
° Wire Projection, which turns an iOS device into a presenter. Using a wired connection and VGA/HDMI adapter, users can project a presentation from their iOS device to a TV/projector/display, enabling them to view it on a full screen that can be easily shared with others.
° Wireless Projection, which helps those who don’t have a dongle for their iPhone or iPad...
Maintain serves up Cocktail 10.1.1 (Sierra Edition)
Maintain has served up Cocktail 10.1.1 (Sierra Edition), a new edition of Cocktail for users running macOS Sierra.
It’s a general purpose utility for macOS that lets users clean, repair and optimize their Macs. The new version adds the ability to disable Gatekeeper and fixes compatibility issues with System Integrity Protection and EtreCheck. It also addresses an issue in which Cocktail could unexpectedly quit when run on macOS Sierra 10.12.2 Developer Beta 2.
Cocktail costs $19 for a single user license and available for purchase from the Maintain website (http://www.maintain.se/cocktail). When unregistered, Cocktail runs in demo mode and will expire after the tenth launch.
Pixelmator 3.6 Cordillera ready for the MacBook Pro’s Touch Bar
The Pixelmator Team (www.pixelmator.com) has released Pixelmator 3.6 Cordillera, an update to its image editing app for the Mac.
The upgrade brings full support for macOS Sierra and the Touch Bar on the new MacBook Pro. It also includes tTabs for easier window management, a content-aware Smart Refine feature, Deep Images support, and more.
Pixelmator 3.6 requires macOS 10.10 or later. It costs $29.99 and is available at the Mac App Store.
Avenza Maps Pro now available to industry pros
Avenza Systems, producers of MAPublisher cartographic software for Adobe Illustrator and Geographic Imager geospatial tools for Adobe Photoshop, has announced that its mobile mapping app, Avenza Maps, will now have a Pro version available immediately.
The utility is based on an annual subscription and is designed to meet the needs of professionals of businesses, government agencies, and educational institutions. Features of the Pro subscription include commercial, government and other professional use rights (not available with other versions), allowing unlimited number of maps to be imported, Shapefile import and export, data collection and management, and enhanced support. The subscription also allows for enterprise-level management of the Avenza Maps app across mobile devices for organizations of any size using a new subscription management system.
The Avenza Maps app is an all-inclusive mapping platform for iOS, Android, and Windows mobile devices. Consumers can download the app...
New photo book tells the story of design at Apple
Apple has announced the release of a new hardbound book chronicling 20 years of Apple’s design, expressed through 450 photographs of past and current Apple products.
"Designed by Apple in California," which covers products from 1998’s iMac to 2015’s Apple Pencil, also documents the materials and techniques used by Apple’s design team over two decades of innovation. The book is dedicated to the memory of Steve Jobs.
“The idea of genuinely trying to make something great for humanity was Steve’s motivation from the beginning, and it remains both our ideal and our goal as Apple looks to the future,” Jony Ive, Apple’s chief design officer, says in a press release. “This archive is intended to be a gentle gathering of many of the products the team has designed over the years. We hope it brings some understanding to how and why they exist, while serving as a resource for students of all design disciplines.”
Shot by photographer Andrew Zuckerman in a deliberately spare style, the book’s 450...
Apple releases third developer beta of macOS Sierra 10.12.2
Apple has released the third beta of an upcoming macOS Sierra 10.12.2 update to public beta testers about a week after releasing the first public beta of 10.12.2 and one day after seeding the second beta to developers.
If you're not already signed up for the public beta program, you can do 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.
Station for macOS revved to version 1.2
True North Software has released Station 1.2, an update to their multilevel (hierarchical) launcher for macOS. It’s designed to promote a more natural organization of applications and documents into folders.
With nested folders, you can arrange items in Station in a way that fits your workflow with an uncluttered look and feel. When you drag items over a folder icon and hover for a short period of time in version 1.2, the folder will automatically open. This is similar to the Finder's spring-loaded folder feature.
You can now "copy" an item to different launch folders and the original item will remain in place; hold down the Command-Option keys to initiate a copy. Also, a preference was added to allow you to open Station at login.
Station requires macOS 10.11 oar higher. It costs $14.99 and is available on the True North website (http://www.truenorthsoftware.com) through FastSpring or through the Mac App Store in the Productivity category. A demo version is available from the True...
Feral Interactive launches Calico game-matching service
Feral Interactive has launched Calico, an online game-matching service for games purchased through Apple’s Mac App Store. It was developed for the half of Mac gamers who get their games through the Mac App Store, and who have until now often been unable to enjoy the multiplayer features of the games they buy, says David Stephen, managing director at Feral Interactive.
Calico is a custom library built into Feral’s games that allows Mac gamers to play against one another online and enjoy the full multiplayer features of supported games. It currently supports standard multiplayer features, primarily game matching, friends lists and chats, achievements and leaderboards, with more functionality planned for future versions.
Several of Feral’s recent releases such as Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II , Company of Heroes 2, XCOM 2, Medieval II: Total War and GRID Autosport already include Calico and support online multiplayer for Mac App Store customers.
More information on Calico can be...
TunesKit Studio unveils DRM Removal solution for Audible books
TunesKit Studio has unveiled TunesKit Audible Converter (http://tinyurl.com/zvw4b7k), a DRM cracker for Mac and Windows systems. It can remove DRM from any Audible audio book by converting AA, AAX files to unprotected formats without account authorization.
TunesKit DRM Audible Converter also allows users to choose lossless audio as output by retaining existing parameters like audio codec, channel, bit rate, sample rate, and more. It can strip DRM from audiobooks downloaded from Audible as well as converting existing DRM-locked formats from AA, AAX to common MP3, M4A, M4B, FLAC, AAC, OGG, AIFF, APE, FLAC, WMA, WAV, M4R, MKA, AU, etc. with original metadata, ID3 tags and chapters preserved.
TunesKit Audible Converter is compatible with macOS 10.8 or later. It costs $29.95 for a limited time; a demo is available for download.
NewerTech announces NuPower 60W USB-C Power Adapter
NewerTech has introduced the NuPower 60W USB-C Power Adapter, featuring two USB charging ports. It’s targeted to users who must manage multiple power adapters for their computer and mobile devices.
The NuPower 60W USB-C Power Adapter was designed with travelers in mind, providing power to charge a USB-C laptop and an additional USB mobile device simultaneously. With it, NewerTech has built a solution that conveniently consolidates USB-C and USB Type-A power adapters into a single charger at a time when computer ports are at a premium,” says Larry O’Connor, president, NewerTech.
The NuPower 60W USB-C Power Adapter, priced at $59.99, is now available from MacSales.com and authorized NewerTech resellers.
Maintain serves up Cocktail 10.1.1 (Sierra Edition)
Maintain has served up Cocktail 10.1.1 (Sierra Edition), a new edition of Cocktail for users running macOS Sierra.
It’s a general purpose utility for macOS that lets users clean, repair and optimize their Macs. The new version adds the ability to disable Gatekeeper in macOS.
Cocktail costs $19 for a single user license and available for purchase from the Maintain website (http://www.maintain.se/cocktail). When unregistered, Cocktail runs in demo mode and will expire after the tenth launch.
Pyle unveils the iPhone compatible Portable Instant Photo Printer
Pyle USA has introduced its latest in mobile technology with the Pyle Portable Instant Photo Printer, a wireless digital picture printer for iPhone and Android devices that weighs just one pound and measures 6 x 3 inches.
It features both Wi-Fi and Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. Using Pyle’s free proprietary PicKit app, users can print photos wirelessly.
The Portable Instant Printer prints JPEG and PNG images at a photo size of 2.1 by 3.4 inches. With built-in D2T2 Technology, the images have excellent color reproduction and no unsightly white border lines, according to the folks at Pyle USA. To prevent unwanted fingerprints and hassles with cleaning and maintenance, the portable printer has a 10-piece cartridge that can purportedly be changed in under a minute.
By downloading Pyle’s free PicKit app, smartphone and tablet users can edit and add custom borders to their prints via any iOS, PC or Android device. The app also allows users to adjust color, add filters and...
Parallels Mac Management 5.0 for Microsoft SCCM adds Apple DEP
Parallels has unveiled Parallels Mac Management 5.0 for Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) (www.parallels.com/mac-management), which extends Microsoft SCCM (www.microsoft.com/sccm) functionality, offering solution to manage and control both PC and Mac computers.
It now supports the Apple Device Enrollment Program (DEP) enabling businesses to set up and provision new Macs for their employees. Apple DEP allows IT managers to configure devices without touching them, while the setup experience is streamlined and simplified for end users, says Jack Zubarev, Parallels president.
Parallels Mac Management 5.0 also features support for macOS Sierra and Microsoft SCCM 1610, and Windows Server 2016 with new Mac admin tools for IT managers,. The latter improves deployment processes and device management. Other new tools to help IT admins include new script commands, a Mac Client push installation and inventory collection.
Parallels Mac Management 5.0 is available for $30...
Beholder game available at Steam for the Mac
Alawar and Warm Lamp Games have announced that their dystopia simulator Beholder is now available on Steam (http://store.steampowered.com/app/475550) for Mac, Windows, and Linux systems. The game puts you in the shoes of Carl, a state-installed Landlord tasked by a totalitarian State to spy on his tenants.
Here’s how the game is described: “As Carl, the landlord of an apartment house employed to serve the state, new tenants are moving in and out, and at first impression, your daily routine is simply to make the property attractive to its tenants. Little do they know that as a servant of the the state you have ulterior motives and will use any means available to observe, whether it's spying, eavesdropping or wiretapping as you build tenant profiles to report any illegal activities to the authorities.”
“Inspired heavily by George Orwell’s groundbreaking 1984 the philosophical narrative of Beholder, opens up questions around issues of social and moral values. If you are given power to...
Adobe to acquire TubeMogul
Adobe (www.adobe.com) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire TubeMogul (Nasdaq: TUBE) for approximately $540 million net of debt and cash.
Under the terms of the agreement, Adobe will commence a cash tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding common stock of TubeMogul for $14 per share. TubeMogul is a leader in video advertising, with a single platform that enables brands and agencies to plan and buy video advertising across desktops, mobile, streaming devices and TVs.
Adobe Marketing Cloud is an integrated solution for delivering digital experiences. Adobe’s acquisition of TubeMogul will create the first end-to-end independent advertising and data management solution that spans TV and digital formats, simplifying what has been a complex and fragmented process for the world’s biggest brands, according to Brad Rencher, executive vice president and general manager, digital marketing, Adobe.
ROME: Total War comes to the iPad
ROME: Total War is now available for the iPad. A game of epic real-time warfare, it offers players a mix of strategy and tactics to fight battles, while using diplomacy, subterfuge and assassination to pave the road to ultimate victory.
Encompassing three centuries of conflict from the Punic Wars to the death of Augustus, the game captures the excitement and challenge of conquering and ruling the legendary Roman Empire. ROME: Total War is one of the first AAA desktop strategy games to come to iPad and has been heavily optimized for the device, with reworked visuals and a host of features designed specifically for mobile gaming, according to David Stephen, managing director at Feral Interactive.
ROME: Total War for iPad will retail on the Apple App Store (http://tinyurl.com/hvmhcrt) for a one-time purchase of $9.99. There are no in-app purchases.
