Eve Energy Switch, Power Meter now available in the U.S.
Elgato has released Eve Energy, the latest product in their HomeKit-enabled Eve family. It plugs into any wall socket and instantly gives users access to control connected devices directly from their iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch over Bluetooth Smart.
With Eve Energy, you can switch your devices on or off with a tap. Or, using Siri, you can see how much energy your devices are using and create scenes to control multiple devices in just one step, says Markus Fest, CEO of Elgato.
Eve Energy is the world’s first HomeKit-enabled switch based on Bluetooth Smart technology, which ensures reliable operation without adding to your already crowded WiFi network, he adds. HomeKit allows users to fully customize their setup with scenes to group multiple HomeKit-enabled devices to control them in one step. For instance, request Siri to turn “Entertainment On” to have the living room TV turn on, lights dim, music play, and so on.
Users can also keep track and manage the energy they are consuming via...
Khronos releases Vulkan 1.0 specification
The Khronos Group, an open consortium of leading hardware and software companies, has announced availability of the Vulkan 1.0 royalty-free, open standard API specification.
It’s designed to provide high-efficiency, cross-platform access to graphics and compute on modern GPUs [graphical user interfaces] used in a variety of devices from PCs and consoles to mobile phones and embedded platforms. This ground-up design, complementing the OpenGL and OpenGL ES 3D APIs [application programming interfaces], provides applications direct control over GPU acceleration for maximized performance and predictability with minimized CPU overhead and efficient multi-threaded performance.
Multiple Vulkan 1.0 hardware drivers and SDKs are available immediately for developers to begin creating Vulkan applications and engines. More information on Vulkan is available at https://www.khronos.org/vulkan/.
FileMaker, Inc. offers ‘State of the Custom App 2016 Report’
Seventy-four percent of teams using a custom app have seen an increase in productivity, according to FileMakers “2016 State of the Custom App Report,” which looks at how teams are embracing the power of custom apps to drive output, increase efficiency and streamline workloads.
The report found that custom apps are being used in a wide variety of ways to help teams accomplish their business goals. According to FileMaker, Inc. (www.filemaker.com), key findings of the report include:
° 81% reported custom apps reduced inefficient tasks;
° 74% reported custom apps increased in team productivity;
° 63% reported custom apps improved field and customer service delivery;
° 60% reported custom apps have seen a return on investment (ROI);
° 49% reported using custom apps on iPad or iPhone;
° 52% of custom apps were built in less than three months;
° 82% reported that they developed custom apps internally.
FileMakers State of the App report for 2016 examines what customers are using custom apps...
Seagate shipping new 2TB mobile hard drive
Seagate Technology is shipping what it says is the world’s first 2TB, 7mm hard disk drive (HDD)— the Seagate Mobile HDD (www.seagate.com/mobilehdd). It weighs 3.17 ounces and is 25% lighter than the previous generation of mobile hard drives.
A smaller 7mm drive frees up valuable space in a mobile device to accommodate additional designed-in features, such as bigger batteries, more memory and better air circulation, according to Matt Rutledge, Seagate’s senior vice president, client storage. With up to 2TB of space, the Mobile HDD enables affordable high capacity storage, while supporting over 200,000 photos, 250,000 songs or 124 hours of high definition video. The drive is available in both 1TB and 2TB capacities.
Waves Audio ships Waves Abbey Road Reverb Plates Plugin
Waves Audio (www.wavesaudio.com) is shipping the Waves Abbey Road Reverb Plates plugin. They’re available for $99 for a limited time; the regular price will be $249.
Introduced over half a century ago, plate reverbs have been a fixture of recorded music ever since. Used most prominently in the ‘60s and ‘70s by pioneering bands, including the Beatles and Pink Floyd, Abbey Road Studios’ original reverb plates — four EMT 140 units — were first installed in 1957 to complement the fixed reverberation times of the studios’ echo chambers. These plates, with a variable reverb time of up to six seconds, were then tweaked to perfection by Abbey Road's technical engineers.
To keep noise to a minimum, EMI's Central Research Laboratories designed unique hybrid solid-state drive amps for Plates A, B and C. Plate D remained fully valve-powered on both drive and output stages, allowing a versatile array of sonic characteristics, from warm and dark to lush and smooth.
In each of these original...
Samsung launches high bandwidth memory DRAM
Samsung (www.samsung.com) has started the race to bring the next generation of RAM memory to market, with the iHigh Bandwidth Memory (HBM2) DRAM now coming out of its factories.
The company says uUsers will get data in and out at 256 GBps, and there will be various capacities available. Though the memory modules have already gone into production, the Korean manufacturer isn’t saying when the industry-first 4GB DRAM modules will hit the shelves. However, they’ve guaranteed an 8GB version before the end of 2016.
VidConvert 1.6.4 optimized for OS X El Capitan
Reggie Ashworth has released VidConvert 1.6.4, an update to his video converter for Mac OS X.
It will convert just about any type of video into one of the formats of today. Version 1.6.4 is optimized for OS X El Capitan and fixes a vulnerability in the Sparkle updater.
VidConvert costs $7.99 for a single user license. A demo that creates three-minute samples is available (http://www.reggieashworth.com/vidconvert).
Kanex announces new Aluminum MultiSync Bluetooth Keyboard for...
Kanex (www.kanex.com) has announced a new family of wireless Bluetooth keyboards for Apple devices, including its flagship model, the MultiSync Aluminum Mac Keyboard.
The wireless keyboard features a sleek design with a Mac layout and can connect up to four Mac and iOS devices at once. Kanex is also introducing a new MultiSync Mini Keyboard, and two new EasySync iPad Keyboards with 2-in-1 covers that convert into a smartphone or tablet stand.
The Kanex MultiSync Aluminum Mac Keyboard features a premium aluminum finish, while the MultiSync Mini Keyboard is made of stainless steel, both complementing your Mac and assuring durability for everyday use, according to Andrew Truong of Kanex. Four Bluetooth keys let you switch between four Mac or iOS devices – just pair your devices and start toggling.
You can adjust screen brightness, volume, play and pause with single touch focus keys on the Mac layout you’re familiar with, says Truong. The Kanex MultiSync Aluminum Mac Keyboard features a...
AppDelete for Mac OS X gets tweaked version interface, more
Reggie Ashworth has announced AppDelete 4.2.4 (http://www.reggieashworth.com/appdelete), an update to his application deletion utility for Mac OS X.
Via drag and drop, it will uninstall anything along with all of the associated items. Version 4.2.4 is an El Capitan optimized version with a tweaked user interface, refreshed graphics, and a new app icon. It also includes miscellaneous bug fixes and other optimizations.
AppDelete 4.2.4 is compatible with OS X 10.7 and higher. It costs $7.99 for a single user license. Upgrades from version 2/AppDelete Lite are$3.99. A full-featured demo is available. Version 3 licenses without a serial number are also eligible for the upgrade
Syncro Soft Updates Oxygen XML Web Author To Version 17.1.1
Syncro Soft, the developer of the Oxygen XML suite of products, has announced version 17.1.1 of its Oxygen XML Author.
The upgrade takes advantage of the Oxygen authoring technology to bring XML editing and reviewing to any device that supports modern web browsers. The user interface is designed to allow you to interact with XML content in the most efficient and productive way possible.
Oxygen XML Web Author provides guided authoring with content completion assistance, automatic validation, inline hints, and a variety of common editing actions for each type of document. A review panel provides an overview of all comments and tracked changes, and offers a way of navigating through changes and accessing various review actions.
Oxygen XML Web Author is available as a ready-to-use product, and as part of the Oxygen XML software development kit. For more information, go to www.oxygenxml.com/webauthor .
Remote FileMaker 14 Training Series Course set for 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 the FileMaker Training Series at a 50% reduction in price because there’s no training facility to rent or instructor travel expenses. Students also avoid personal travel expenses such as airfare, meals and hotel stay.
The FileMaker Training Series (FTS) is the official training curriculum from FileMaker, Inc. The course offers a series of nine training modules that cover a comprehensive set of topics designed to help you master the essentials of FileMaker solution development. Osborne and Blackwell will customize the training for FileMaker 14 where necessary.
Database Pros offers the FTS 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,...
LEGO Star Wars - The Complete Saga for Mac Force-levitates onto...
Feral Interactive (www.feralinteractivecom) says LEGO Star Wars — The Complete Saga for Mac is now available at Steam.
The game lets players experience iconic moments from all six Star Wars movies from podracing on Tatooine to targeting inexplicably unshielded exhaust ports. You solve puzzles through the use of creative thinking, teamwork, and building situations.
LEGO Star Wars — The Complete Saga for Mac has over 120 playable characters, including new characters like Watto, Zam Wessell, Boss Nass. The game sports redesigned levels like the "Mos Espa Podrace" and "Gunship Cavalry,” which take advantage of the the open vehicle gameplay of LEGO Star Wars II.
Bonus levels and missions allow you to take 10 additional Bounty Hunter missions from Jabba the Hutt in the prequel trilogy. Two Player Local Co-Op lets friends and families play together.
Mozart 2 for Mac OS X now available in a pro version
RoGame Software has released Mozart 2 Pro for Mac OS X. It’s designed to help musicians of all levels improve their music reading skills in an entertaining casual game.
The new pro version features an overhauled game engine with five additional instruments, 235 assignable instrument sounds, new game characters, full support for OS X El Capitan, and a polished user interface There are over 25 new features.
Mozart 2 Pro (version 1.0.1) costs $14.99 and requires Mac OS X 10.10 or later. It’s available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/joo94pc) in the education and music categories. Educational discounts are available.
Pomfort upgrades Silverstack for OS X to version 5
Pomfort has announced Silverstack 5, an update to its media management software for Mac OS X 10.9 or later.
Featuring the automated matching of media and color information in one clip library, it facilitates and accelerates workflows in film productions of all sizes. Version 5 focuses on the evolving role color occupies in today's film production workflows and includes features designed to make it easy to manage and create looks in combination with source media on set and beyond.
A yearly subscription for Silverstack can be purchased for $399, the yearly subscription for Silverstack XT (a higher end version) is $599. Pomfort allows you to rent Silverstack and Silverstack XT for the duration of 14 days/one month/ wo months. Silverstack XT is now also available as a bundle offer with LiveGrade Pro. Silverstack 5 can be acquired at the Pomfort webstore . A 14-day trial demo is available for download.
Output Factory for InDesign 1.5.44 improves Flash SWF and...
Zevrix Solutions has announced Output Factory 1.5.44, a maintenance update to its output automation solution for Adobe InDesign.
Output Factory automates printing, exporting, preflighting and file delivery from InDesign. The software offers an array of time saving options such as batch processing, export as single pages, variable file names, layer versioning, PDF preflight, FTP delivery and more. Version 1.5.44 improves reliability of InDesign file conversion to PostScript and Flash SWF formats.
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.
Red Giant announces update to PluralEyes in Shooter Suite 13
Red Giant (www.redgiant.com) has released Shooter Suite 13.0, which features the new PluralEyes 4.0, an update of the audio/video sync tool that’s compatible with any non-linear editor.
Topping the list of new features in PluralEyes 4.0 is the ability to sync with PluralEyes directly in Premiere Pro, without having to leave the host app, Smart Start capabilities, automatic drift correction, vertical track scaling, integration with Red Giant Offload, and more simplicity and automation than ever before. It also sports a completely updated look and additional new features.
Shooter Suite 13.0 is available today and can be purchased for $399 (a $99 upgrade) through Red Giant. Customers can purchase individual products or the entire Shooter Suite 13 (a savings of $197 when compared to the price of the individual products in the suite).
Hue Dada! lets you colorize Finder items
DouWere, s.p.r.l. has introduced Hue Dada ! 1.0 for OS X, an app designed to enhance the user experience with the Mac OS X finder. You can drag and drop any Finder item onto the Hue Dada icon in the color bar to colorize it, according to its tag.
Hue Data! colors your icons according to their tag. The folks at DouWere say the app is “technically secure,” based on Apple’s standards.
Hue Dada! requires Mac OS X 10.10 or higher. It costs $0.99 and is available at the Mac App Store (https://itunes.apple.com/app/id1049662769).
Apple software veteran introduces ‘Internet’ browser
Andrew Kaz, a veteran Apple software developer, has released a new web browser called "Internet." He says it’s a new kind of web browser, unique and unlike anything that has ever come before.”
It introduces a search-based interface in which Search is the Interface. Search results are merged completely with tabs. “Internet” stands for the ideal of Information for this new Information Age, “researching, learning, reading from the vast library that is now the Internet,” says Katz.
It’s available at the Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/jmtzy2q) for $4.99. Internet requires Mac OS X 10.10 or higher.
Patriot DDR4 SODIMMs approved for Intel Gen 6 Skylake NUCs
Patriot (www.patriotmemory.com) has announced the qualification of their 4GB and 8GB DDR4 2133MHz SODIMMs for compatibility with Intel’s latest GEN 6 i3 NUC (Next Unit of Computing) and GEN 6 i5 NUC.
The qualification of Patriot’s 4GB and 8GB SODIMMs was completed by CMTL, an independent compatibility testing lab used by Intel to qualify memory for their motherboards and platforms. Each DIMM submitted by Patriot was put through rigorous physical and environmental testing in order to be qualified as compatible with Intel’s GEN 6 NUC, mini PC.
Both the i3 and i5 models of the Intel GEN 6 NUCs have a maximum capacity of 32GB between its two DIMM slots and up to 2133MHz making Patriot a first rate option for a computer memory solution, says Les Henry, Patriots’ vice president of Engineering.
Patriot’s Signature Line DDR4 4GB (PSD44G213381S) and 8GB (PSD48G21332S) 2133MHz SODIMMs both have a CAS 15 latency for minimal delay and optimal computing time. Patriot’s 4GB and 8GB Signature Line...
LifeFlix for Mac OS X revved to version 1.5
LifeFlix (lifeflix.com)— a Mac OS X app for watching, protecting, and sharing your video tape memories — has been revved to version 1.5.
The utility was created to import all your DV, HDV, and Digital Hi8 tapes. Just plug your camera into your computer, and LifeFlix grabs all the videos and organizes them into a catalog. You can watch and share, or you can protect them on a external hard drive or cloud service.
piQtility for OS X updated with enhanced resize picture features
MoonApp has updated piQtility for Mac OS X to version 4.6.2. It’s a picture utility that lets you manage, watermark, preview, sort, edit, convert or rename your pictures. Version 4.6.2 sports enhanced resize pictures features.
A demo version is available for download (http://www.moon-app.com/Downloads/piQtilityDEMO.dmg). Registration is $14.99. piQtility requires Mac OS X 10.6.6 or later.
CacheWarmer 15 for OS X is here
CacheWarmer (https://assetcache.io/cachewarmer/) — which bridges the gap between Apple’s Caching Server and a traditional software update server — has been updated to version 15.
It’s a command line utility for OS X Mavericks and later that warms up (or pre-populates) a Caching Server with iOS and OS X updates rather than waiting for devices to request them. Version 15 introduces a new feature management scheme and reduces CacheWarmer's download footprint. Here are the full release notes:
° Populates ipsw files used by Apple Configurator 2 for restoring iOS – This is a licensed feature and opt-in --enable ipsw
° Populating iOS beta updates is now a licensed feature and is opt-in --enable iosbeta
° Support for the new update feed used in the iOS 9.3 beta
° Opt out of OS X updates --disable mac
° Performance improvements when parsing an iOS update feed
° No longer reports a successful download if the Caching Server returns a 503 or 400 HTTP status code
° No longer downloads updates for...
FileMaker introduces new series of free how-to guides
FileMaker, Inc. (www.filemaker.com) has announced the release of the first in a three-part series of free how-to guides designed to lead teams through the process of building a custom app using the FileMaker Platform.
Custom apps can be developed in virtually any size organization but are very often done by small teams that consist of fewer than 20-25 people, be it entire small businesses or teams within larger companies. FileMaker’s new how-to guides provide a step-by-step process that starts with a comprehensive planning cycle covering goals, requirements, functionality and usability.
“FileMakers Custom App How-to Guides are designed to “demystify the process of building successful apps using the FileMaker Platform. Planning sets the stage for a successful development process,” says Ann Monroe, senior director of marketing, FileMaker. Inc. “A successful plan includes: Evaluating goals, identifying user scenarios and defining requirements, and addressing integration, security and...
KeepSolid launches Roadmap Planner for OS X
KeepSolid has introduced Roadmap Planner 1.3 for OS X, an app oriented towards people who plan their lives or/and businesses.
It was specifically designed to help anyone put together strategy, systematize goals and ideas without piles of papers or huge tables in spreadsheets. Featuring predefined templates with different color and font schemes according to user preferences, the app also includes a presentation mode to present ideas and plans.
Roadmap Planner requires OS X 10.10 or later. It costs $19.99 and is available worldwide through the Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/gmr5ct6) in the Productivity category.
Zevrix upgrades Delivery Express for Mac OS X to version 2.5
Zevrix Solutions has delivered Deliver Express 2.5, a maintenance update to its hot folder based solution to automatically send files across the Internet and locally with email notifications.
The utility can serve multiple users on a network and supports FTP, Amazon S3, WebDAV, Google Storage, AFP, SMB and other services. The software offers built-in email delivery notifications, file compression, detailed history and more. The new version dramatically speeds up file transfer on local networks.
Deliver Express can be purchased from the Zevrix website (www.zevrix.com). The license prices are based on the maximum number of allowed destinations and range from $29.95 to $299.95. The update is free for licensed users. A demo is available for download. Deliver Express requires Mac OS X 10.5-10.11.
Apple's Swift benchmark suite is now open source
In a post on its Swift blog (https://swift.org/blog/swift-benchmark-suite/) Apple says Swift’s benchmark suite is now open source. The uite contains source code for benchmarks, libraries, and utilities designed to help track Swift performance and catch performance regressions before they are committed, including:
° 75 benchmarks covering a number of important Swift workloads;
° Libraries providing commonly needed benchmarking functions;
° A driver for running benchmarks and displaying performance metrics;
° A utility for comparing benchmark metrics across Swift versions.
Apple releases third developer betas of OS X 10.11.4, iOS 9.3,...
Apple has released its third developer beat of Mac OS X 10.11.4. The new beta seems to be a maintenance upgrade. Previous betas have added support for Live Photos in iMessages and the ability to encrypt individual items in Notes.
Apple has also released the third beta of iOS 9.3. The upcoming version of the mobile operating system 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. It 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.
The third betas of tv OS X 6.2 are also available. The tvOS 6.2 beta adds support for pairing Bluetooth keyboards, Folders organization for home screen apps a new App Switcher user interface, more Siri dialects, a native Apple Podcasts app. The watchOS 2.2 beta, in conjunction with the new tvOS beta, lets you pair multiple...
Dropshare 4 for Mac OS X gets revamped user interface
Timo Josten has announced Dropshare 4 (https://getdropsha.re), an update to his secure file sharing tool developed exclusively for Mac OS X 10.9 and higher.
It’s a menu bar application for drag and dropping to upload files, screenshots and even directories to your own server, Amazon S3 and Rackspace Cloud Files. Version 4 introduces a reworked user interface. Landing pages may now be synchronized with Dropshare Sync. Version 4 also adds support of Amazon S3 API-compliant services.
Dropshare for Mac 4 is a paid upgrade for existing customers and sells for $24.99 for new users. Customers who purchased Dropshare 3 in 2016 will receive the upgrade free of charge; earlier customers may apply for a 50% off upgrade pricing.
MacXDVD Software launches MacX DVD Ripper Pro
MacXDVD Software (www.macxdvd.com) has launched MacX DVD Ripper Pro, an update to its flagship DVD ripping software for Mac OS X and Windows.
With the hyper-threading and multi-core processing, you can backup and rip your DVDs on Mac with the final video and audio file in all sorts of formats, including DVD to MP4, H.264, MOV, M4V, FLV, MPEG4, AVI, QT, MP3 and more. Ripper Pro improves the software’s DVD decryption technology to support the latest released DVDs for legal personal use.
MacX DVD Ripper Pro is normally priced at $59.95 for a single user license. However, for a limited time it’s marked down from $59.95 to $29.95.
XCOM 2 now available on the Mac
2K and Firaxis Games have announced that XCOM 2, the sequel to the Game of the Year award-winning strategy title, is now available worldwide for the Mac via Feral Interactive.
In XCOM 2, humanity lost the war against the alien threat that has established a new world order on Earth. XCOM, formerly a secret paramilitary organization, is largely forgotten and must strike back from the shadows to reclaim Earth from the aliens’ rule and free mankind from their evil plans.
Players who pre-order or pre-purchase XCOM 2 or the XCOM 2 Digital Deluxe Edition will also receive the Resistance Warrior Pack, offering additional soldier customization options such as bonus outfits, headgear, and custom facial war paint. The Resistance Warrior Pack also includes a “Survivor of the Old War,” a new XCOM recruit who will appear in the Avenger’s barracks.
XCOM 2 is rated T for Teen by the ESRB and is now available at http://tinyurl.com/gujbqjs for $59.99.
Apple updates Final Cut Pro X, Compressor, Motion
Apple has released updates for its pro video tools: Final Cut Pro X, Compressor, and Motion.
Final Cut Pro X, video editing software, has been upgraded to version 10.2.3. In addition to bug fixes, its customizable Default Effect lets you choose both a video and audio effect that’s assigned to a keyboard shortcut. There’s now a 4K export preset to create video files for Apple devices. Speed has been improved when opening libraries on a SAN. And there’s now the ability the share video to multiple YouTube accounts.
Final Cut Pro X is available at the Mac App Store and requires Mac OS X 10.10.4 or higher. For new users the cost is $299.99. Version 10.2.3 is a free update for registered users.
Compressor, the digital media encoding and compression tool, has been revved to version 4.2.2. It also adds a 4K export preset to create video files for Apple devices and squishes some bugs.
Compressor is available for $49.99 at the Mac App Store and requires Mac OS X 10.10.4 or later. It’s a free...
DEVONthink 2.8.9 supports folder tags, makes capturing smarter
DEVONtechnologies has updated all editions of its intelligent information and document manager DEVONthink as well as the smart notebook DEVONnote. DEVONthink and DEVONnote help users classify and organize documents effortlessly with artificial intelligence.
Version 2.8.9 supports folders tags when importing or exporting, names captured items smarter, and adds better support for fullscreen window mode. All editions fix a number of issues too.
All editions work with Mac OS X 10.8.5 or later (in the Mac App Store: OS X 10.9 or later). They can be downloaded from www.devontechnologies.com and be test-driven for free before they need to be licensed. DEVONthink Personal and DEVONnote are also available in the App Store; DEVONthink can be purchased in bundles with DEVONagent for a bundle price in DEVONtechnologies' online shop.
Bretford previews new MacBook, iPad charging carts
Brentford Manufacturing (http://apple.bretford.com) has previewed three new MacBook and iPad charging carts. The Mobility MiX, PureCharge MiX, and PowerSync MiX carts are designed with the Bretford MiX Module System,which offers customizable modules that can be continually modified or replaced to accommodate future devices.
The MiX Module System is removable, adjustable, and reconfigurable. As device and power needs change, simply swap out or add a MiX Module. Modules, shelf heights, and slot sizes can continually change and evolve without the need to replace the entire cart.
The new carts include a 12-year warranty on the cart, three-year warranty on the electronics and will be available in early summer of 2016. Both the carts and MiX Modules are listed to the UL 60950-1 standard to ensure safety, and they ship fully assembled, minimizing setup upon delivery.
Ableton Link is now available in Live
Ableton has announced that Link, its new technology for playing in time together, is now available in Live 9.6, a free update to Live 9.
Link synchronizes beat, phase, and tempo of Live and Link-enabled iOS apps over a wireless or ethernet connection. It works between several instances of Live, with Live and iOS apps, or even without Live in your setup.
Live 9.6 is a free update for Live 9 users. Link is also now available in a number of iOS apps. Go to the Ableton website (www.ableton.com) for details.
CoverMe announces private cloud storage service
CoverMe, Inc. has announced a new CoverMe Private Cloud Storage service, which works together with their CoverMe App iOS 2.5 to provide backup of your private, confidential data.
People have often asked if they lose their phone can they recover their photos? If they change their mobile phone, can the contacts list and data be transferred to their new phone? The new CoverMe Private Cloud Storage provides the solution to these questions, creating a place to store your personal data.
With CoverMe cloud storage, you can save all your confidential information in a special cloud space allocated just for you, accessible whenever you need it.
All stored data purportedly undergoes heavy encryption before being stored in a separate space for each user and can only be accessed by the user's unique key. Each key is generated randomly using various information from the user, and each user key is different.
CoverMe Private Cloud Storage requires iOS 6.0 or later. It’s free (with in-app purchases)...
NewerTech HDMI Headless Video Accelerator now shipping
NewerTech (www.newertech.com) is shipping its HDMI Headless Video Accelerator again after it sold out last November. It’s a $19.50adapter that plugs into the Mac mini’s HDMI display port to make “headless” display-free Mac minis used as storage and media servers think there’s a display attached.
The NewerTech adapter activates the Mac’s video drivers and GPU (graphics processing unit) for 100% full video performance. It requires Mac OS X 10.6.8 or later.
InSili.co launches ObjCConverter for Swift for the Mac App Store
InSili.co has launched ObjCConverter for Swift for the Mac App Store. ObjCConverter for Swift (previously known as iSwift) offers automatic as-you-type conversion of your Objective-C sources to Apple's Swift language along with a full-featured Objective-C editor.
It allows you to convert and translate your existing Objective-C files — Cocoa or iOS — to Swift on the fly. ObjCConverter for Swift/iSwift 2.4 is available for $14.99 at the Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/z9aa93q). It requires Mac OS X 10.7 or higher.
Parallels Remote Application Server 15 launches
Parallels has launched Parallels Remote Application Server version 15, giving IT organizations an updated solution to deliver Windows applications and desktops to employees on any device.
Designed with IT admin productivity and the end user experience in mind, Parallels Remote Application Server now features an enhanced user interface that reduces time for most common admin tasks, including a streamlined user enrollment process with intuitive configuration wizards for tasks such as application maintenance and new server setups, says Jack Zubarev, Parallels president.
Parallels Remote Application Server offers IT administrators ultimate flexibility in delivering Windows and Windows applications to employees on any devices under BYOD or choice programs, he adds. The solution integrates and incorporates all features for remote desktop and application delivery, including reporting, high availability, two-factor authentication, and Windows Client Management. Ideal for any size of business...
iBank products have been redubbed ‘Banktivity’
IGG Software says its flagship family of iBank products have a new name: Banktivity, a moniker that combines bank + activity, which more closely aligns with the company's products and goals.
The new version of Banktivity is free for all existing iBank 5 customers. Banktivity 5 is available for new users for $59.99 after a 30-day free trial through the IGG Software online store (www.iggsoft.com). Banktivity 5 for Mac is also available on the Mac App Store. Banktivity requires Mac OS X 10.9 or higher and is fully compatible with 10.11 El Capitan.
Banktivity for iPad version 3.0 is $19.99 at the Apple Store exclusively, and requires iOS 9 or later. Banktivity for iPhone 3.0, also only for iOS 9, is also available at the App Store exclusively for $9.99. Banktivity Investor is a free App for the iPhone and iPad, available in the Mac App Store. IGG Software offers a free, fully encrypted, private cloud sync option to keep your data seamlessly in sync across all of your devices.
UAG introduces Tempered Glass Screen Shields
Urban Armor Gear (urbanarmorgear.com) has released High-Strength Tempered Glass Screen Shields to accompany their line of smartphone and tablet cases. They’re engineered to protect displays from scratches and abrasions.
UAG’s ultra-thin glass construction is 3D Touch compatible. An oleophobic coating has been applied to the shield to help repel natural skin oils, limiting fingerprints and smudges.
To combat eye strain and fatigue, UAG has introduced blue light filtering that reduces the amount of blue light emitting from the device. Pricing ranges from $39.95 to $59.95 depending on your device.
AssistiveWare grows its unique children voices collection with...
AssistiveWare and Acapela Group have introduced what they say is the world's first genuine Swedish text-to-speech children's voices. Available through Infovox iVox both voices can read any text on Mac.
Combined with AssistiveWare's word processor Wrise, the voices can support Swedish children in reading and writing. The children's voices are also available in AssistiveWare's Pictello, a visual storytelling app that's often used in the classroom for social stories and schedules to support children with autism. Free demos of Infovox iVox and Wrise can be download from the AssistiveWare website (www.assistiveware.com).
CS announces Stakeholder Onion Diagrams for ConceptDraw
CS Odessa (www.conceptdraw.com) has announced a new paid addition, the Stakeholder Onion Diagrams ($25), to the ConceptDraw Solution Park.
The new solution for ConceptDraw Pro 10 is designed for displaying the relationships that exist in a project. The primary difference that separates the onion diagram from other types of project oriented diagrams is the focus on the project goal. Stakeholder Onion Diagrams usually consist of four-plus layers. The center of the diagram represents the product/solution; each subsequent layer has additional project data demonstrating the relationships that exist in a project environment.
There are no hard fast rules on what must or must not be contained in the stakeholder diagram. The key value of the Stakeholder Onion Diagram is to show the relationships that lead to a successful final product or deliverable. The Stakeholder Onion Diagram is intended to map out how projects are impacted by influence, support, or other KPI project metrics.
ATTO Technology ThunderLink devices certified with Avid Shared...
ATTO Technology (www.attotech.com) has announced that its ThunderLink 10GbE Desklink devices have been certified for use with Avid’s collaborative shared storage solutions.
By enabling Thunderbolt to 10GbE connectivity, ThunderLink provides an option for Mac OS X users seeking data storage for collaborative video, including high-performance 4K and Ultra HD workflows, says Tom Kolniak, director of products at ATTO Technology. ThunderLink 10GbE Desklink devices act as an external Thunderbolt 2 to 10GbE adapter, connecting Thunderbolt technology-enabled desktop and mobile workstations to 10Gb/s Ethernet networks and storage devices.
ATTO's 10GbE Desklink devices additionally feature Advanced Data Streaming (ADS). Built into every ATTO Desklink, HBA and RAID controller, ADS latency management technology provides aggregate bandwidth and predictable data transfers for high-performance, low-latency applications.
The ATTO 10GbE Desklink products that have been certified by Avid for the...
Graphite 10 for OS X ready for El Capitan
Ashlar-Vellum has announced Graphite 10, the latest release of their 2D/3D CAD wireframe drafting package for Mac OS X and Windows.
The tool offers precision wire-frame drafting. Version 10 offers support for the latest operating systems including Mac OS X El Capitan. Other important enhancements have been added to the software's 2D PDF import and export.
Upgrade pricing is available to Graphite v10 from previous versions of 9, 8 and 7. For a complete list of prices, enhancements and their descriptions, visit Ashlar-Vellum online (http://ashlar.com).
Twelve South introduces two new iPad BookBooks
Twelve South (www.twelvesouth.com) has introduced two new BookBooks made exclusively for the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 4. These join the BookBook for iPad family.
They’re handmade leather cases with built-in viewing and typing stands. BookBook allows access to your iPad's connectors, sensors, and camera without having to remove the case. The new editions are available now in Vintage Brown for iPad mini 4 for $69.99 and iPad Air 2 for $79.99.
TwelveSouth has also announced the upcoming BookBook for iPad Pro, which will have features that complete the super-sized tablet, including a display stand, a built-in sketching angle, and an integrated pocket to protect and store your Apple Pencil. It will ship this spring. Pricing hasn’t been announced.
Today's the last day of the TopXNotes/2Remember Bundle Sale
Today is the last day of the Tropical Software MacZOT, 2-Day Sale of Tropical Software’s TopXNotes bundled with 2Remember, the reminder app that hides offscreen like a tab for easy access.
TopXNotes is a full-featured personal information manager designed to help organize and secure virtually any type of information. The TopXNotes/2Remember bundle is available for 50% off its regular retail price through midnight PDT, Tuesday, Feb. 1. Go to www.maczot.com for details.
Dreii available now for Mac OS X, iOS
Etter Studio, in collaboration with publisher Bitforge, has released Dreii (http://dreii.com/), a physics conundrum game, on Steam for the Mac, PC, and Linux, the Apple App Store for iOS, and Google Play Store for Android. It’s a puzzle game that connects players in real-time across the world to help each other with logic and skill in a battle against gravity.
Dreii is not only cross-platform but cross-cultural with a universal communication tool that allows players to speak to others, wherever they are in the world with simple words that get translated into 19 different languages. Each player also has his or her very own instrument, as avatars work together to form Dreii's unique universal orchestra, creating a unique musical landscape, inspired by archaic instruments and ancient melodies.
Dreii will translate player’s communication instantly across 19 languages: Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Rhaeto-...
2016 FileMaker Developer Conference ‘Early, Early Bird’...
Registration for the FileMaker Developer Conference (http://www.filemaker.com/r/devcon), the worldwide gathering for FileMaker app developers, opens today with the “early, early bird” discount option. The 2016 event takes place July 18-21, 2016 at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Nevada.
The conference is for anyone who wants to acquire new skills, improve current skills or advance their careers by using the FileMaker Platform to build compelling custom apps for iPad, iPhone, Windows, Mac and web browsers.
Conference attendees will save $800 off the full price ($2,095 after May 26), paying only $1,295 by taking advantage of the Early, early bird discount, available now through March 31, 2016; or save $500 off the full price by paying $1,595 by May 26, 2016 with the early bird discount.
Group discounts are available companies that buy three conference registrations for their employees will get the fourth free (a $2,095 value). Contact FileMaker Customer Support at devcon@filemaker....
Paragon Software updates Camptune X for Mac OS X
Paragon Software (www.paragonsoftware.com) has released Paragon Camptune X 10.10, the system utility for easy and fast redistribution of disk space on OS X systems. The updated version comes with a redesigned user interface, and allows owners of the free edition to also work with Boot Camp. 2GB can now be reallocated between OS X and Windows for free.
Paragon Camptune X 10.10 requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher. It’s a free update for registered users. For new users the cost is $19.95.
SweetP Productions serves up Cookie 5.0 for Mac OS X
SweetP Productions has served up Cookie 5.0, an update to their cookie management product for Mac OS X.
The app can be configured to automatically remove any security threats including tracking cookies, unnecessary cookies, flash cookies, silverlight, and databases from your Mac. Version 5.0 has been re-written from the ground-up to support El Capitan and supports Safari, Firefox, Chrome, Chromium, and Opera browsers.
Cookie 5.0 requires El Capitan and costs . It can be purchased at the product website (https://cookie5app.com) or the Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/zv4esac).
