QuickerTek releases 802.11AC USB transceiver for Macs
Quickertek has announced the AC Nano, a 802.11AC USB transceiver, that works with all Apple computers with an USB port.
To use, install then supplied software, then plug the AC Nano into any USB port on your Mac. It will need to be running OS 10.4.x or higher. Your Mac will now be able to connect to any wireless access point, whether made by Apple or any other third party wireless access points.
These wireless networking adaptors use the USB interface, so they can be installed on practically any Mac. They work with all 802.11/b/g/n/ac WiFi equipment including Apple AirPort, AirPort Extreme and the latest 802.11ac version of AirPort Extreme. The acNano suports networks with 64/128-bit WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPS, and IEEE802.1x encryption
The AC Nano costs US$59.95. Quickertek is offering free domestic ground shipping on all orders through Dec. 23. Go to http://tinyurl.com/n4vxj43 for more info.
BearExtender Turbo brings 802.11ac Wi-Fi to Macs
BearExtender, which specializes in Wi-Fi solutions, has released BearExtender Turbo, a high speed 802.11ac USB Wi-Fi adapter for Macs.
It boasts a maximum throughput speed of 867 Mbps on the 5Ghz 802.11ac band when used with 802.11ac standard routers like the 2013 AirPort Extreme or 2013 Time Capsule. That is up to three times faster than previous generation 802.11n equipped Macs, according to Roland Saekow, head of product development at BearExtender. BearExtender Turbo features USB 3.0 SuperSpeed connectivity and twin dual band (2.4Ghz and 5Ghz) upgradable antennas.
"802.11ac is the newest standard in wireless networking and it brings blazing fast Wi-Fi speeds,” said Roland Saekow, head of product development at BearExtender. “But only the newest 2013 MacBook Air, 2013 MacBook Pro and 2013 iMac come equipped with 802.11ac capability today. BearExtender Turbo allows people with other Macs to easily add 802.11ac technology since earlier internal AirPort cards from Apple cannot be...
Cocktail for OS X Mavericks shaken to version 7.1
Maintain has served up Cocktail 7.1 (Mavericks Edition). This version adds the ability to clear App Store, Authorization Daemon, Book Store and Notification Server logs, contains improvements on the "Clear log files" procedure and fixes a number of other bugs discovered in the previous version.
Cocktail is a general purpose utility for OS X that lets users clean, repair and optimize their Mac. Its features are arranged into five categories designed to help you manage various aspects of your computer, including Disk, System, Files, Network and the OS X Interface.
Cocktail (Mavericks Edition) requires OS X Mavericks to run. It costs US$19 and can be downloaded at http://maintain.se/cocktail .
Zevrix Graphic Inspector now supports Mac OS X 10.9 Mavericks
Zevrix Solutions (http://www.zevrix.com) has announced Graphic Inspector 1.7.27, a compatibility update to its quality control solution for images and vector graphic files, which checks batches of files for potential problems according to specific workflow requirements.
The software provides graphic professionals with info on multiple images and vector graphic files, saving the time and hassle of checking them manually. The new version introduces full support for Mac OS X 10.9 Mavericks.
Graphic Inspector can be purchased from the Zevrix web site for US$39.95, as well as from authorized resellers. It's free with purchase of PDF Checkpoint or InPreflight Pro for Adobe InDesign. A demo is available for download. The update is free for users of previous versions. Graphic Inspector requires Mac OS X 10.5-10.9.
Pocket Mariner launches free Boat Watch app for Mac
Pocket Mariner, developer of nautical apps for boating enthusiasts, has launched what it says is the very first ship tracking app for Mac OS X. Boat Watch, which has been a very popular app for users of iPhones and iPads, now enables Mac users to spot boats and ships and follow them on a real-time map. Boat Watch will also provide information about boats being tracked, including their names, types and destinations.
Many boating enthusiasts around the world who enjoy tracking boats have used the free Boat Watch to spot boats and ships and follow their journeys on oceans and other major waterways, according to the folks at Pocket Mariner. For the first time ever, Mac users can also use Boat Watch’s full mapping mode — leveraging the built-in maps from the latest Maverick OSX — to spot boats and ships and follow their journeys, they add.
With an optional paid add-on feature, users who track a particular vessel will receive an alert when the boat sets sail or arrives. This feature is...
FontAgent Pro Upgrade Adds Mavericks and Enhanced TTC Support
Insider Software (http://www.insidersoftware.com) has launched FontAgent Pro 6.1, an update to its professional font manager for Mac OS X.
FontAgent Pro provides a complete font management system that integrates diagnostics, repair, font selection, font book creation, and design tools in a powerful, yet simple application for creative professionals. Version 6.1 delivers support for Mac OS 10.9 Mavericks and extended functionality for importing TrueType Collections. It also supports Insider's line of font server products.
FontAgent Pro 6.1 — which works with Mac OS X 10.6 or higher — is free to all licensed users of FontAgent Pro 6 and FontAgent Pro CloudServer customers. FontAgent Pro 4 and 5 Standard Edition users can upgrade in the Insider online store for US$49.95.
Boinx Software conjures up FotoMagico 4.4
Boinx Software has presented FotoMagico 4.4 (http://www.boinx.com/fotomagico/), an update of slid show creation tool for Mac OS X. Among many enhancements, it now features six-times faster export, better color accuracy, smoother transitions and more.
FotoMagico 4.4 is also compatible with OS X Mavericks. It's available as a free update for existing 4.x users or from the Boinx website for US99.99.
Adobe serves up Lightroom 5.3 and Camera Raw 8.3
Adobe has released Lightroom 5.3 and Camera Raw 8.3 as final releases on both Adobe.com and through the update mechanism in Photoshop CC and Photoshop CS6. This release corrects issues reported in earlier versions of Lightroom 5 and Camera Raw 8. In addition, raw file format support is added for 20 new cameras, including the Nikon Df, Nokia Lumia 1020 and the Sony a7.
Lightroom is a digital photography workflow solution for serious amateur and professional photographers. It allows user to import, manage, enhance and showcase all their images within one application. The Photoshop Camera Raw plug-in provides access to raw image formats produced by many leading digital camera.
Lightroom 5.3 is available as a free update for Lightroom 5 customers. Camera Raw 8.3 is available as a free update for both Photoshop CC and Photoshop CS6. Note: Camera Raw 8.3 for CS6 only includes updated camera and lens profile support as part of the recent camera raw policy change.
South Korea: Samsung loses bid to ban certain Apple products
On Thursday Samsung lost its bid to ban sales of Apple's older iPhone and iPad in South Korea after a court dismissed a lawsuit claiming the U.S. firm had infringed on three of Samsung's mobile patents, reports "Reuters" (http://tinyurl.com/ouuuaae).
A Seoul Central District Court judge said Apple products such as the iPhone 4S, iPhone 5 and iPad 2 didn't violate Samsung patents on short message display methods and messaging grouping features. The court ruled against a sale ban on the products and threw out Samsung's claim for 100 million won ($95,100) in damages.
"We are glad the Korean court joined others around the world in standing up for real innovation and rejecting Samsung's ridiculous claims," Apple Korea spokesman Steve Park told "Reuters."
Apple posts iPhoto 9.5.1
Apple has posted iPhoto 9.5.1. The update of its photo management app resolves a preview issue and squishes some bugs.
You can download the update via the Mac App Store. It requires Mac OS X 10.9 Mavericks.
SYSMIGO releases gps4cam pro 7.3
SYSMIGO has announced gps4cam pro 7.3, an update to their geotagging app for Mac OS X, iOS, and Windows. It's a solution that brings geotagging to every camera.
Version 7.3 is optimized for iOS 7. It also introduces new cloud storage capabilities and minor bug fixes.
gps4cam pro costs US$3.99 and is available at the Mac App Store and the Apple App Store. For more info go to http://gps4cam.com .
NoteList for Mac OS X updated to version 3.2
Tension Software (http://www.tensionsoftware.com) has revved NoteList, a Mac OS X app for managing notes and storing data in a free format using color categories, to version 3.2.
In NoteList any note has a assigned category, where each category has a distinctive color and label. This allows to identify the content of notes at the first sight.
Categories are editable. All the notes inside a document are listed in a table and can be in text or RTF formats with or without embedded images.
In NoteList 3.2, multiple notes can be concatenated in a unique piece of text, after selecting them from the list, using a single click. The result can be sent to the clipboard or on disk. NoteList costs US$10 and requires Mac OS X 10.8 or later.
Promise Technology announces availability of Pegasus2
Promise Technology has announced the availability of the Pegasus2, which the company says is the first and only storage solution designed to work with Thunderbolt 2 enabled systems such as the all-new Mac Pro.
According to Promise CEO James Lee, features include:
° A maximum throughput of Thunderbolt 2 (20Gbps) accelerated when attached to new Mac Pro;
° Support for simultaneous streaming, editing, and backup of 4K video;
° Dual Thunderbolt ports for daisy chaining Pegasus enclosure units, Apple Thunderbolt displays, or Mini DisplayPort devices;
° Removable drive bays for drive access and serviceability;
° Mobile, enterprise-class hardware RAID protection for offsite shoots;
° Massive storage capacity for backing up creative projects and digital libraries.
The Pegasus2 Series is now available as a 4-bay, 6-bay or 8-bay RAID enclosure through the PROMISE network of distributors and value added resellers including the Apple Online Store, B&H Photo Video, CDW, MelroseMac, PC Mall,...
Apple TV gets new channels
Apple has updated the software for its Apple TV set-top box, adding new news for ABC, Bloomberg, KORTV and Crackle.
To update your Apple TV to the current software version:
° Select Settings > General > Update Software. Apple TV checks for an available update; if one is available, a download message should appear.
° Click Download Now to start the download process.
Don't disconnect your Apple TV during the update process. The Apple TV status light may flash slowly during the update and restart process; this is expected behavior.
Dragshare for Dropbox 1.0 provides file sharing for your Mac
Dragshare for Dropbox is a new Mac app designed to simplify file sharing through your Dropbox account. It requires Mac OS X 10.8 or higher and is available at the Mac App Store.
To use you just drag one or more files to the icon in your menu bar, and Dragshare will generate a Dropbox link for you to share. Your files aren't uploaded to any other third party service and are stored within your Dropbox account.
You can drag multiple files to your menu bar, and Dragshare will automatically zip them and create a link for your zipped archive. You can email/share your file afterwards.
Dragshare for Dropbox 1.0 is available at the introductory offer price of US$1.99. A 15-day trial version can be downloaded from the Dragshare website (http://dragshare.co).
Zaxwerks releases 3D Invigorator Pro 7
Zaxwerks has released 3D Invigorator Pro 7, an update for the plugin for Adobe After Effects.
3D Invigorator Pro adds 3D stage lighting. With it you can control hundreds of lights, visible light beams, lens flares. The automatic modeling of trusses and light fixtures are the highlight features of version 7.
Zaxwerks 3D Invigorator Pro 7 is available now from the Zaxwerks website (http://zaxwerks.com/invigorator_pro/ ) and from selected resellers. A demo is available for download. Registration is US$299. Upgrades from previous versions are available.
'New York Times': Work deaths raise questions at the...
Worker deaths are raising questions at the Pegatron Corp., an Apple contractor in China that makes, among other things, the iPhone 5c, reports "The New York Times" (http://tinyurl.com/lr52akv)
Labor rights activists say Pegatron has failed to explain at least five deaths of young workers in recent months. They say workers interviewed by China Labor Watch, a nonprofit group that monitors working conditions in China, have complained about long working hours and harsh working conditions at Pegatron, including some of the same pressures that in previous years led to health and safety problems at Foxconn Technology, according to "The Times."
The article adds that Apple "has gone to great lengths in the last few years to improve conditions at the manufacturing facilities that produce Apple products in China."It has stepped up audits, insisted on new safety measures, and supported higher wages and tighter restrictions on working hours.
iFunia updates DVD Creator 3.2.0 for Mac
iFunia Studio has released DVD Creator 3.2.0 for Mac, an update of the DVD authoring and burning program. The new version fixes the 5.1 channels surround sound output problem in some HD video format and improves the video playing stability.
iFunia DVD Creator for Mac has support for video formats, such as MP4, WMV, 3GP, 3G2, AVI, ASF, DV, VOB, FLV, SWF, MKV, DVR-MS, MPG, MPEG, MPG, DAT, NSV, MOV, RM, RMVB, and WebM, and codecs like MPEG-2, MPEG-4, and H.264/MPEG AVC. Also, users can use it to burn HD video formats like AVCHD (*mts, *m2ts), MPEG4 TS HD Video (*.ts), QuickTime HD Video (*.mov), MPEG4 HD Video (*mp4), Audio-Video Interleaved HD Video (*.avi), MPEG2 HD Video (*mpg, *mpeg), and VOB HD Video (*.vob).
Users can select a DVD menu from up to dozens of DVD menu templates including categories such as festival, plant, scenery and others, or just leave off the menu entirely. To further personalize the output DVD video users can clip video files, crop video size, adjust video...
TextExpander 4.2 Improves Performance in Google Docs
Smile has rolled out TextExpander 4.2 (http://www.smilesoftware.com/TextExpander/), an update to the typing shortcut tool. The update improves snippet expansion in Google Docs in Safari. It also improves interaction with Fast User Switching and the handling of accented letters in snippet searches.
TextExpander retails for US$34.95. Family pack licenses, for home use, are $44.95. Office pack licenses, which cover five users in an office, are $99.95. Upgrades from earlier versions of TextExpander are $15 and free to users who purchased after Jan. 15, 2012.
Because TextExpander 4 can't be "sandboxed," it is not available on the Mac App Store. However, it's signed with a Developer ID from Apple to meet the requirements of Gatekeeper in OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion) and later. TextExpander 4.x requires Mac OS X 10.7 or later.
PopChar X 6.4 for OS X helps to find font files
Ergonis Software has released PopChar X 6.4 a new version of the company's tool for exploring fonts as well as finding and inserting special characters. Version 6.4 improves compatibility with OS X Mavericks.
PopChar X 6.4 requires Mac OS X 10.5.8 or newer. It can be purchased at the Ergonis Software website (http://www.ergonis.com). The upgrade to PopChar 6.4 is free for anyone who owns a valid license for PopChar X 6. Upgrade paths are available for owners of older licenses.
Instead of purchasing PopChar separately, customers can also buy the Ergonis Productivity Bundle. It includes the text expander Typinator and the keyboard shortcut helper KeyCue.
NewBlue updates its video transitions for latest Adobe releases
NewBlue has announced full compatibility of its entire line of 68 NewBlueFX video transitions with the newest Adobe release.
Using the latest version of Adobe Premiere Pro CC and all 68 NewBlueFX transitions, editors can:
° Drag and drop transitions directly onto the timeline.
° Choose presets and adjust parameters in the familiar Adobe Premiere Pro CC effects panel.
° Preview presets and edits in real time as the video plays.
° Take advantage of their graphics hardware. Transitions connect directly into the Adobe Mercury playback engine, whether running CUDA or OpenCL, on NVIDIA, Intel and AMD hardware.
Existing NewBlueFX transitions customers can update them for free by downloading the current version from newbluefx.com .
AKVIS releases OilPaint 1.0 for Mac OS X
AKVIS has launched AKVIS OilPaint v.1.0 for Mac OS X and Windows. It's available as a standalone application and as a Photoshop plugin.
The software offers an algorithm for creating oil paintings out of photographs.The characteristic feature of the program is a unique algorithm of the artistic application of brush strokes that authentically reproduces the technique of the real brush.
Also, OilPaint lets you personalize your picture by adding a signature of an artist, a title, a greeting, or any other text. To make the painting even more realistic you can adjust the canvas.
A demo is available for download. On the Mac, it requires Mac OS X 10.4 or higher. OilPant costs US$49 for the home version, $69 for the home deluxe version, and $89 for the business version. Prices are for either the plugin or standalone version. Go to http://www.akvis.com for details.
Softease Tech launches iGreetingCard Deluxe for the Mac
Softease Tech has introduced iGreetingCard Deluxe for Mac OS X (10.6 and higher). It's an app for creating greeting cards.
iGreetingCard Deluxe covers most holidays and special events, sorted into two categories. One is Holidays, including Christmas, New Year, Thanksgiving, and other popular holidays. Special events like baby, love, wedding, graduation, and more can be found in Occasions.
iGreetingCard Delux has over 150 templates and costs US$29.99. A demo is available for download. For more info go to http://www.softease.biz .
Sumner Stone inks exclusive agreement with Monotype
Monotype Imaging Holdings Inc., a provider of typefaces, technology and expertise for creative applications and consumer devices, has become the exclusive distributor of more than 100 fonts from Sumner Stone of Stone Type Foundry Inc.
Examples of Stone’s work include: the Magma design, a humanist sans-serif family that features regular, condensed and compressed styles to give designers a versatile typographic palette; the Silica family, which includes several weights from extra light to black; and the Basalt typeface, made up of all-capital letters.
Fonts from the Stone Type Foundry are available at MyFonts.com, Fonts.com and Linotype.com as OpenType desktop fonts. Several of the fonts are also available as Web fonts. Over time, all fonts in the Stone collection are expected to be available as Web fonts.
MailRaider for Mac OS X gets a pro version
MailRaider Pro — a commercial version of the free MacRaider app — is now available from 45RPM Software (http://www.45rpmsoftware.com) and at a reduced introductory price of US$3.99 until the end of December 2013.
MailRaider can open email files written by Microsoft Outlook, and extract any attached files. MailRaider Pro (which has a regular price of $8.99) adds support for additional mail formats, including Winmail.dat (TNEF), and the ability to extract email as XML so that you can process it later using tools of your own.
In addition, MailRaider can automatically extract your Outlook files into the most appropriate format. Message files are extracted into Apple Mail format (or your email client of choice), appointments are extracted into Calendar format, and addresses are extracted into Contacts format. What's more, if you have many emails to extract then you can choose to extract them in bulk — and save them in bulk for import directly into your Mail client.
Output Factory Server for Adobe InDesign is now a 64-bit...
Zevrix Solutions (www.zevrix.com) has announced Output Factory Server 1.0.4, a maintenance update to its output workflow automation solution for Adobe InDesign.
Output Factory Server automates printing and exporting from InDesign by processing files from watched hot folders and is a major upgrade of the company's program BatchOutput Server. The new version makes Output Factory Server a fully 64-bit native application, improving its performance and reducing the likelihood of memory-related errors.
Output Factory Server can be purchased from the Zevrix web site for US$699.95, as well as from authorized resellers. A demo is available for download. BatchOutput Server users can upgrade for $349.97. Output Factory Server runs on Mac OS X 10.6-10.9 and works with Adobe InDesign CS3-CC.
Zevrix PDF Checkpoint can now convert colors of PDF Documents
Zevrix Solutions (www.zevrix.com) has released PDF Checkpoint 1.6, a feature update to its PDF preflight and conversion solution for Mac OS X (10.5 and higher). It automatically preflights, exports as images, splits and optimizes Adobe PDF files.
The program is equally suitable to process hundreds of files as well as single PDF documents. The new version lets users convert object colors in PDF documents to selected ICC profiles, improves user interface and offers other productivity enhancements.
PDF Checkpoint can be purchased from the Zevrix Solutions website for US$59.95, as well as from authorized resellers. It's bundled with free Graphic Inspector software (a $39.95 value). The update is free to licensed users. A demo is also available for download.
iResizer 2.4 features instant resizing of images for Instagram
TeoreX has announced iResizer 2.4, a new version of the image resizing and anti-cropping tool for Mac OS X. I
The program can remove unwanted objects from a picture or reduce spacing between objects by "folding" the photo using a special algorithm. The user can select the objects they wish to preserve, including size and aspect, and specifies the desired picture format, size and aspect ratio. The program automatically does all the rest.
With version 2.4, iResizer gets even more automation. The focal point of the new version is autoresize of photos for Instagram without cropping. There's also 64-bit support, new Lasso and Polygonal Lasso selection tools, the ability to subtract an area from selection, and more. iResizer costs US$19.99; for more info go to http://www.iresizer.com .
Stock + Pro 2.0 released for Mac OS X
Chimp Studios has announced Stock + Pro 2.0, a update to its stock tracking app for Mac OX X. The new version delivers a redesigned Retina user interface, interactive charts, realtime quotes, and a streamlined news reader.
The app also provides a scrolling stock ticker in the menubar or on the desktop to give at-a-glance stock information. Stock charts have been rewritten from the ground up; they're now interactive and capable of filling the entire screen.
Stock + Pro 2.0 requires Mac OS X 10.7 or later. It's available exclusively from the Mac App Store for US$9.99. Existing users will be able to update at no additional cost. For more info go to http://www.chimpstudios.com/ .
PhotoFast debuts two-way digital storage solution compatible...
PhotoFast, creator of the a two-way storage device between iOS and Mac/PC, has enhanced the functionality of its i-FlashDrive with the ability to connect and share with Android mobile devices. It now enables users to transfer, view and share documents, images, video and audio files between devices without the need for Wi-Fi, a network signal or battery power
i-FlashDrive for Android pairs with an app — available at the Apple App Store — that allows for a complete migration of your essential files from Android to iOS and back, providing the first all-in-one cross-platform solution. You simply upload, organize, share, edit and manage files from your Android device, desktop and iOS gadgets while saving large files to i-FlashDrive.
PhotoFast’s i-FlashDrive features built-in music play, photo import from camera roll, contact backup protection, voice recording and direct input and editing of files. The i-FlashDrive HD will be available through Amazon for US$149 to $299 in sizes ranging from...
JixiPix Software announces Chalkspiration for the Mac
JixiPix Software has released a new chalkboard artistic creation software for Mac OS X (10.6 and higher). Chalkspiration is a creative canvas for businesses and artists to create chalkboard layouts and art digitally.
The app provides tools needed to transform an image into a professional-looking piece of chalkboard art. It's designed to complement JixiPix artistic apps developed for digital artist, photographer and creative professionals. Chalkspiration also boasts a collection of pre-made clipart.
Chalkspiration costs US$7.99. It's available at the JixiPix website (http://www.jixipix.com) and the Mac App Store.
Monotype’s Fonts.com lets customers try fonts before buying
Monotype Imaging Holdings Inc., a provider of typefaces, technology and expertise for creative applications and consumer devices, has introduced the ability for Fonts.com visitors to experiment with desktop fonts for free. Fonts are temporarily installed through Monotype’s SkyFonts client, enabling users to work with actual fonts within documents for up to five minutes, before the data is retracted automatically.
Chris Roberts, vice president and general manager of Monotype’s e-commerce group, says more than 30,000 products from 100 foundries are available for free trial, with more fonts expected to be added on an ongoing basis. Trials begin by clicking a “download a free trial” link from Fonts.com product pages or search results. Fonts are delivered automatically and synced across up to five workstations that operate the SkyFonts client.
Visitors require a free Fonts.com account to use desktop trials. Users will be prompted to create or log in to a Fonts.com account and to install...
Nisus Writer Express and Pro get maintenance upgrades
Nisus Software (www.nisus.com) has rolled out Nisus Writer Pro 2.0.7 and Nisus Writer Express 3.4.6, the latest release of their word processors. They're maintenance upgrades with performance enhancements and bug fixes.
Nisus Writer Express and Nisus Writer Pro can be updated from within the app. Select "Check for Updates" from the "Nisus Writer Express/Pro" menu and follow the instructions. You can also download the update from the Express and Pro update pages.
Nisus Writer Pro 2.0.7 and Nisus Writer Express 3.4.6 require OS X 10.6.6 or above. Both are available now from the Nisus web site and the Mac App Store.
Nisus Writer Pro costs US$79. The upgrade from Pro 1.x is $49. An academic version is available ($39) as is a three-license family pack for $99. Nisus Writer Express is $45. The upgrade from Express versions 1 or 2 is $30. An academic version is available ($26) as is a three-license family pack for $79.
Ringer 2.0 for OS X adds manual volume control, more
Pixel Research Labs has released Ringer 2.0, an update to their iPhone ringtone creation tool for Mac OSX. It allows users to choose any non-protected file from their iTunes library or any media file on their system and turn it into a unique ringtone.
Ringtones can be saved anywhere without importing into iTunes. Version 2.0 adds manual volume control, precision selection editing, alert tones, high resolution, full screen mode, improved accessibility and more.
It's available at the Mac App Store and the Pixel Research Labs website (http://pixelresearchlabs.com/ringer). It requires Mac OS X 10.7 or higher and costs US$4.99.
Data Extractor 1.3 for OS X sports improved export functions,...
Tension Software (www.tensionsoftware.com) has updated Data Extractor, its OS X tool for extracting data from files and collecting them in exportable tables, to version 1.3. The new version sports improved export functions and more.
Data Extractor 1.3 requires Mac OS X 10.8 or higher. It costs US$40 and is available from both the Mac App Store and the Tension Software website.
Bare Bones Software releases BBEdit 10.5.6 and TextWrangler 4.5.4
Bare Bones Software has announced BBEdit 10.5.6, an update to its professional strength HTML and text editor, and TextWrangler 4.5.4, an update to its high performance, general purpose text editor for OS X. BBEdit 10.5.6 and TextWrangler 4.5.4 are both maintenance updates that include performance improvements, various refinements and fixes for specific reported issues.
BBEdit 10 has a suggested retail price of US$49.99. Any registered owner of BBEdit may upgrade for $39.99 directly from the Bare Bones (http://www.barebones.com/store/). Site license pricing is also available. Text Wrangler is a free download.
Pomfort introduces ClipHouse for RAW processing
Pomfort has released ClipHouse, a RAW processing software solution for CinemaDNG and Magic Lantern RAW.
Designed for both filmmaker enthusiasts and professionals alike, ClipHouse splits its features into the four rooms Copy, Manage, Color, and Export, that allow users to start working with RAW footage directly from the source. It also streamlines the process to prepare RAW clips for editorial work.
ClipHouse is available for immediate download at http://tinyurl.com/q8yrqcg . A 14-day trial version is also available. The software can be purchased for a yearly fee of US$49 or $129 for a permanent license. It requires Mac OS X 10.7 or higher.
Woodford Design releases Gold Lightning Cable for iDevices
A gold-plated lightning cable for iPhone, iPad and iPod is now available from Woodford Design. The cable was designed to complement the gold iPhone 5S recently released by Apple, and can be purchased at http://tinyurl.com/n3l7tt4for US$24.50.
Produced to Woodford Design’s custom specifications, the one-meter cable has a gold braided fabric wrapping, which helps to prevent tangling and increases durability, says director Jon Woodford. The cable also boasts gold-plated plugs, which complete the glamorous look while offering a superior connection, he adds.
The Gold Lightning Cable is compatible with iOS7. It enables charging and syncing of the iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C, iPhone 5, iPad Air, iPad 4, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 1, and fifth generation iPod touch.
Apple wants Samsung to reimburse the company for its legal fees
Apple has filed a request requesting Samsung reimburse US$15.7 million of its legal fees in their patent infringement fight. The request isn't common in cases like this, although Apple thinks it's justified based on Samsung's willful mobile device patent infringement patent infringement, reports "The MacObserver" (http://tinyurl.com/me86ys5).
Apple's filing says it's justified in asking for the payment because it won nearly all of its claims against Samsung, but wasn't found to infringe on any of Samsung's patents. Apple also says that Samsung's infringement was "willful, deliberate, and calculated," and that the company has benefitted commercially from its infringement.
Precise Screenshot for Mac OS X gets maintenance upgrade
Tension Software (www.tensionsoftware.com) has updated Precise Screenshot, a Mac OS X tools for snapping screenshots, to version 1.1.1. It's a maintenance upgrade with bug fixes.
Precise Screenshot can select a resizable portion of the screen with the usual drag method or it can use pre-fixed size area from a customizable popup menu (with the sizes the user needs) or also use the full screen area. Specifying a new specific screen size to take screenshot is a matter of selecting it from the custom popup (or resizing and dragging it in the traditional way).
Precise Screenshot requires Mac OS X 10.8 or higher and costs US$4.99. It's available at the Mac App Store.
ABBYY announces professional OCR Tool for Mac users
ABBYY — a provider of document recognition, data capture and linguistic technologies and services — has announced FineReader Pro for Mac, a professional OCR (Optical Character Recognition) application for document scanning and conversion on the Mac platform.
The new application allows Mac users to edit, share, archive and search through their documents by turning them into popular electronic file formats, as well as copy and quote text from scans, PDFs and digital photos. By providing highly accurate text recognition, intelligent reconstruction of layout and formatting, and a straightforward interface, FineReader Pro for Mac offers a reliable alternative to manual retyping, says Ivan Bodyagin, director of the FineReader Products Department at ABBYY.
FineReader Pro for Mac provides tools for scanning documents and converting images of documents such as scans, photographs and PDFs into popular formats including DOCX, ODT, RTF, XLSX, searchable and protected PDF and PDF/A, PPTX, HTML,...
Apple, China Mobile purportedly strike iPhone deal
China Mobile has signed a deal with Apple to offer iPhones on its network, reports "The Wall Street Journal" (http://tinyurl.com/kvmrug2), quoting an unnamed "person familiar with the situation said." The article adds that this would give Apple a "big boost" in the world's largest mobile market.
However, China Mobile Ltd, the country's largest mobile operator, said it is still negotiating with Apple Inc to offer iPhones on its network. "We are still negotiating with Apple, but for now we have nothing new to announce," China Mobile spokeswoman Rainie Lei told "Reuters" (http://tinyurl.com/lac462t).
Olloclip releases the Macro 3-In-2 lens for the iPhone, iPod...
Olloclip has released the US$69.99 Macro 3-IN-1, clip-on lens for the iPhone 5/5s and the fifth generation iPod touch. It lets you perform macro (close-up) photography.
You can experiment with the three different magnifications (21x macro, 14x macro and 7x macro magnification) to examine small objects like coins, stamps, rocks, relics, insects, plants, gems, circuit boards, and even your own skin. The Macro 3-IN-1 is small enough to fit into a pocket or palm of the hand and is compatible with such apps as Instagram, Facebook and iPhone’s Camera, iPhoto and iMovie.
The Macro 3-IN-2 is available now at http://www.olloclip.com and Apple stores.
Boxcryptor publishes new Mac OS X version
Boxcryptor — encryption software for Drobpox, Google Drive and other providers — has released its new Boxcryptor app for Mac OS X version. This version allows users of Mac OS X to encrypt and decrypt files with the new Boxcryptor file format that was introduced a couple of months ago.
It also sports features for collaboration with others. Robert Freudenreich, founder and chief technical officer, says that Boxcryptor will remain a "zero knowledge provider" and doesn't have access to the user’s information or the user’s private keys.
Boxcrypter is available in a free, basic version. There's also an unlimited personal version for US$48 per year, and an unlimited business version for $96 per year. For more info go to www.boxcryptor.com http://www.boxcryptor.com .
tPacker is new online tool for iOS developers
Leviteo has presented tPacker, an online tool for mobile app developers and graphics designers. It offers such features as creating texture maps, creating animation sprite sheets, generating app icons for iOS and Android.
tPacker also provides server space where you can keep all creative works. You can have all your files on dedicated cloud account with private media serving.
tPacker Online Texture Packer supports most popular formats compliant with such software development kits (SDK) such as: Corona SDK, Unity, LibGDX, AndEngine, Cocos2d, LevelMaker, JSON, or CSS3. It's offered as a monthly subscription of US$9.99.
The website supports all modern web browsers, and works with Safari, FireFox and Chrome. For more info go to http://www.tpacker.com .
Yoink 2.5 allows for files to be pinned for re-use
Matthias Gansrigler has released a new update to his drag and drop "helper" Mac app, Yoink. It simplifies drag and drop between windows, spaces and (full screen) apps by providing a "shelf" where dragged files can be placed, to free the mouse for other actions like navigating.
Version 2.5 allows for files in Yoink to be pinned for re-use. It also comes with better handling and recognition of drags. as well as some small improvements and bug fixes.
Yoink is available exclusively on the Mac App Store for US$3.99. It requires OS X Lion or newer. A free 15-day trial is available on the product website (http://www.eternalstorms.at).
Easy Markdown now optimized for OS X 10.9 Mavericks
Tension Software (www.tensionsoftware.com) has updated Easy Markdown, a Mac OS X app that lets you create web pages without coding, to version 1.2.1. The new version is optimized for OS X 10.9 Mavericks.
Version 1.2.1 also fixes some bugs. Easy Markdown requires Mac OS X 10.8 or higher. It costs US$4.99 and is available at the Mac App Store.
iResizer 2.4 features instant resize of images for Instagram
TeoreX has announced iResizer 2.4, a a new version of the Mac OS X image resizing and anti-cropping tool. The app can remove unwanted objects from a picture or reduce spacing between objects by "folding" the photo using a special algorithm.
With version 2.4, iResizer gets even more automation. The focal point of the new version is autoresize of photos for Instagram without cropping. Instagram accepts square photos only, and trying to upload hundreds of 4:3 photos can be a pain. With iResizer, a user does the job in two steps: first, mark areas on the photo he wants to preserve, and run Instagram resizing.
Among other changes in the new release are 64-bit support, the new Lasso and Polygonal Lasso selection tools, the ability to subtract an area from selection and many small fixes and enhancements including saving the current image with default settings with a hotkey.
iResizer requires Mac OS X 10.7 or higher and costs US$19.99. A demo is available for download. Go to http://www....
Escape Motions will launch Amberlight on Dec. 10
Escape Motions will release Amberlight, a new procedural art program
that creates unique computer generated images, on Dec. 10 for US$29.99.
It's Mac OS X and Windows compatible. This connection of mathematics and art is a visualization of the algorithm created by Peter Blaškovič.
"It all started as a remake of my older favorite project, an experimental particle field sandbox which is still available on Escape Motions website," he says. "With modification of the experiment and adding many new features Amberlight was born. Imagine cosmic particles flying through the universe through your canvas, and it's your role to catch them and drive them with the special Amber fields. You can easily change and play with different fields parameters.
With Amberlight you can create high resolution pictures for print media. What's more, these images can be exported into other graphic applications.
Users who have purchased Flame Painter have an opportunity to use 50% introductory discount in the...
Autodesk launches Maya LT with support for MEL scripting
Autodesk has released Maya LT 2014 Extension 2. It's designed to advance the workflows of indie game developers with support for Maya Embedded Language (MEL) scripting, new OBJ export options and improvements to HumanIK and IK Handle technology.
In Maya LT Extension 2, a built-in script editor removes the need to manually write scripts and displays corresponding commands in MEL script. Scripts can be saved and turned into customized parts of the Maya LT UI through Shelf Buttons, Hotkeys or Marking Menus.
A new IK handle, a Pole Vector constraint, Human IK Mirroring and an animation re-targeting tool accelerate the animation, rigging and transfer of information between characters. You can now export Maya LT 3D assets in an OBJ file format to expand compatibility with other industry standard tools and game engines.
Maya LT Extension 2 is available today as a free download to clients on subscription or pay-as-you go plans. For more information about Maya LT or to download a free trial...
