Studiometry 12.2 adds client access, report approval system
Oranged Software (www.oranged.com) has updated Studiometry, its client and project management tool, to version 12.2. The software is used by small businesses and freelancers around the world.
Studiometry 12.2 adds the ability to send out estimates, purchase orders, and reports to your clients and have their feedback automatically synced to your Studiometry database. In addition, you can also give clients live access to their projects list, as well as current status, category, and stage information. The upgrade also sports improvements improvements to payments and contacts, more summaries and an expanded set of fields and settings, and more.
Studiometry 12.2 is available for download from the Oranged Software website. A demo is available for download. Pricing options are available at the website.
Typinator 6.8 provides new markers for calendar week and numeric...
Ergonis Software (www.ergonis.com) has announced Typinator 6.8, a new version of their text expander. It comes with new markers for calendar week (ISO and U.S. numbering) and for the numeric weekday, and improves the structure of some submenus in the markers pop-up menu. The installer has been improved and now shows a confirmation of the successful installation only when the Typinator window doesn’t open anyway.
Typinator requires Mac OS X 10.6 or newer. The upgrade to Typinator 6.8 is free for anyone who owns a valid license for Typinator 6.x. Upgrade paths are available for owners of older licenses. For new users the price is $24.99.
DriveDX for Mac OS X drives to version 1.4.2
BinaryFruit has revved DriveDx 1.4.2, its Mac OS X solution for SSD and HDD health diagnostics and monitoring, to version 1.4.2. The tool performs overall drive health diagnostics using drive health indicators (like SSD wear out/endurance, reallocated bad sectors, offline bad sectors, pending sectors, I/O errors, and more).
It’s a combined drive health analysis and forecasting tool. DriveDx monitors and analyzes changes to S.M.A.R.T. attributes in order to continuously evaluate drive health status and predict drive failures. In addition to "Failed" and "OK" drive statutes DriveDx supports "Warning" and "Failing" statuses indicating that a drive is in a pre-failure status and backup of sensitive data is highly recommended.
Version 1.4.2 offers improved diagnostic algorithms and heuristics and enhanced support of most recent SSD and HDD models and more. DriveDx requires Mac OS X 10.6.8 or later.
It can be purchased from the BinaryFruit website (http://binaryfruit.com/drivedx) or...
Twelve South releases rose gold version of iPhone/iPad HiRise
Twelve South has introduced a limited edition Rose Gold version of its HiRise Deluxe, the designed iPhone and iPad dock for charging and hands-free use.
The Rose Gold HiRise Deluxe includes both Lightning and Micro-USB cables to charge iPhone, iPad and many other Lightning-based devices. A weighted base and rear dial allow for simple for one-handed adjustment for cases. This versatile stand, now in Rose Gold, is available today at twelvesouth.com for $59.99, including cables.
Have a case on your iPhone? No problem. HiRise adjusts two ways for compatiblity with most iPhone cases including extended battery cases like the new Apple iPhone 6s Smart Case. Free shipping in time for Christmas is available for one more day.
BatchOutput for Microsoft Office improves Office 2016 support
Zevrix Solutions has updated BatchOutput Office Suite, a collection of output automation applications for Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint on OS X.
The software automates printing and PDF production from Office and offers batch processing, professional PDF export facilities, image downsampling, variable file names and other productivity enhancement features. The new version improves support for Office 2016 on systems where Office 2008 and 2011 weren’t previously installed.
BatchOutput Office Suite can be purchased for $89.88 fro the Zevrix website (www.zevrix.com). The suite's applications - BatchOutput DOC, BatchOutput XLS and BatchOutput PPT - can be also purchased separately for $39.95 each. A demo is available for download. BatchOutput Office requires Mac OS X 10.5 - 10.11 and Microsoft Office 2008 and 2011.
Nine Mac developers team up for WinterFest 2015 bundle
DEVONtechnologies, Bare Bones Software, Eastgate Systems, Literature & Latte, Nisus Software, Scribblecode, Smile Software, Sonny Software, and Take Control Books are wishing their customers Happy Holidays with discounts on Mac productivity software and ebooks.
The products include Aeon Timeline, BBEdit, Bookends, DEVONthink Pro Office, Nisus Writer Pro, Scrivener, Take Control Books, TextExpander, and Tinderbox.
More information about WinterFest 2015 offer is available on the official page, artisanalsoftwarefestival.com, as well as on the websites of each of the participating companies.
Offline Pages for Mac 1.0 Saves Entire Websites for Offline...
Codium Labs has introduced Offline Pages for Mac 1.0, an “intelligent” offline browser for Mac OS Yosemite and El Capitan.
Offline Pages allows you to save virtually any website to your hard drive for offline access, making it available for viewing at a later time.It makes use of a combination of intelligent algorithms that, along with your custom settings, make each saved website a personalized experience
Offline Pages for Mac 1.0 costs $19.99. It’s available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/j28ucl9) in the Business category.
AKVIS HDRFactory now offers local correction
AKVIS has released AKVIS HDRFactory 5.0 for Mac OS X and Windows. The new version offers an improved method of creating HDR images, the new Local Correction tool, the improved Ghost Removal tool, and other changes.
AKVIS HDRFactory is an application for creating High Dynamic Range pictures. The HDR technology bridges the gap between reality as we see it and its photographic reflection. The software creates HDR images by combining several photos of the same object taken with different exposure settings. It also makes an HDR effect using one single photo.
On the Mac platform, AKVIS HDRFactory is compatible with Mac OS X 10.6 and higher. The product is available as a standalone application and as a plugin filter for Adobe Photoshop and other image editors. A demo is available for download.
A home license sells for $69. Version 5.0 is a free update for registered users. Go to http://akvis.com/en/hdrfactory/ for more info.
Audio Switcher 2.5.6 released for OS X
Spike Software has announced Audio Switcher 2.5.6 (http://tinyurl.com/zus4ttr), the latest update to its menubar applet utility developed exclusively for Mac OS X.
It enhances the built-in behavior of OS X's Sound Preferences by allowing you switch audio devices from the menu bar. Audio Switcher also allows you to set up default input/output devices. Version 2.5.6 now lists the name of the input/output source of connected devices instead of Default Output or Built-In Input.
Audio Switcher 2.5.6 costs $4.99 and is available worldwide through the Mac App Store in the Utilities category. Current users can receive the free update via the Mac Store.
Event Taps Testbench upgraded to version 1.3.6
PFiddlesoft has released version 1.3.6 of Event Taps Testbench, an update to its free developer utility for exploring Apple's Quartz event taps on OS X 10.7 Lion and newer.
Version 1.3.6 of Event Taps Testbench incorporates a new version of PFiddlesoft's PFEventTaps Framework. The application can now be installed by dragging it into your Applications folder instead of running an installer package, because the PFEventTaps Framework is now embedded in the application's bundle.
Event Taps Testbench is based on PFiddlesoft's PFEventTaps Framework. The framework is written using Objective-C, and it supports the 64-bit Intel architecture using reference counted memory management and ARC. Developers can license the PFiddlesoft Frameworks for distribution or for use with their own products that use Apple's Accessibility and Quartz Event Taps technologies.
The frameworks may be licensed free of charge for personal use or for distribution or use with a free software product. A modest license...
Avidia Bank announces Apple Pay support
Avidia Bank (avidiabank.com) has announced that Apple Pay, Apple’s mobile payment system, is now available to all of Avidia Bank’s credit card and debit card customers.
ApplePay enables customers to link their credit cards and debit cards to their Apple Wallet, which can be used on the iPhone 6, 6s, AppleWatch and in apps on your iPhone and iPad.
“We are proud to be able to continue delivering the latest payments innovation available which improves our customers overall banking experience with Avidia Bank,” said Mark O’Connell, Avidia Bank’s President and CEO.
Avidia Bank provides electronic banking capabilities to businesses and consumers across Central Massachusetts and beyond. It’s a $1.2 billion mutual bank, headquartered in Hudson, MA with branches in Hudson, Westborough, Clinton, Leominster, Marlborough, Northborough and Shrewsbury.
EverdowPSI for Mac Offers Real-Time Inventory Information to...
Everdow has introduced EverdowPSI 1.0, a cloud-based inventory management package for Mac OS X. Designed for small-medium enterprises, it offers real-time inventory, sales revenue and purchasing information.
EverdowPSI offers a real-time display of daily sales, month sales and previous month sales information; monthly cost and previous monthly cost information. Users can track and tally purchased goods and outbound inventory, automatically generating reports. Via the System Menu, administrators can set up user groups, as well as individual users, and apply various levels of permissions and access for each user. Admins can manage passwords, and view the activity of each user.
EverdowPSI requires OS X 10.10 or later. It costs US$999.99 and is available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/hkhu7y9) in the Business category.
Visioneer introduces all-in-one mMobile scanner, software package
Visioneer has introduced an all-in-one portable scanner and software bundle for people who need to rapidly scan, organize, and share documents and printed material from anywhere they work or travel.
The new Visioneer RoadWarrior Pro Bundle LE (http://www.visioneer.com), priced at $69.99, allows users to to digitize all types of paperwork, including receipts, business cards, IDs, documents, forms, news clippings and photographs. The RoadWarrior Pro Bundle LE includes a software suite and drivers that enable documents to be rapidly captured, organized and shared.
The Visioneer RoadWarrior Pro Bundle LE is targeted to realtors, tax preparers, commercial drivers, sales professionals or any mobile office environment. The scanner, lightweight at 13.4 ounces, with a 11-1/2” x 2-1/4” footprint, delivers high-resolution results in color or black and white. Power is delivered through a computer USB connection, so no AC power is required.
The bundle includes Visioneer OneTouch with Acuity,...
Star Wars-inspired visual effects plugins available from...
FanFilmFX (www.fanfilm.fx) has announced the availability of the latest versions of its Star Wars-inspired VFX plugins.
Brothers Alex (age 13) and Ben Dashwood (age 11) developed the plugins that pay tribute to iconic sci-fi visual effects, emulating lightsabers, blaster bolts and transitional wipes. Alex and Ben, with a little help from their father, Tim Dashwood, founder of plugin-maker Dashwood Cinema Solutions, have made their effects plugins available for Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Apple Motion and Final Cut Pro. The first round of FanFilmFX VFX plugins includes:
° Saber Blade: The weapon of choice for any true Jedi, easily keyframe and rotoscope lightsaber effects into videos to achieve the quintessential battle scene.
° Blaster Bolt: Add laser-shooting guns to intensify fight scenes by animating a Blaster Bolt’s laser burst effects onto your own space battle videos.
° Space Wipes: Take a tip from the director himself and emulate the scene transitions used heavily in...
Apple releases iTunes 12.3.2 for Mac OS X
Apple has updated its OS X version of iTunes to 12.3.2. It brings the desktop version of Apple Music in line with the recently released iOS 9.2 version of Apple Music.
This update allows you to see works, composers, and performers while browsing Classical music in the Apple Music catalog. It also includes stability and performance improvements.
iTunes 12.3.2 is available now from the Updates tab of the Mac App Store.
Spitfire Audio adds frozen strings VI to EVO GRID series
Spitfire Audio (www.spitfireaudio.com) has released ÓLAFUR ARNALDS EVOLUTIONS. It’s BAFTA award-winning Icelandic composer, multi-instrumentalist, and electronic artist Ólafur Arnalds’ namesake take on the EVO GRID series of sample-based virtual instruments for Native Instruments’ KONTAKT platform.
ÓLAFUR ARNALDS EVOLUTIONS can be purchased and downloaded directly from Spitfire Audio for approximately US$299. Note that Spitfire Audio’s free Download Manager application for Mac or PC allows you to buy now and download anytime, while the full version of Native Instruments’ KONTAKT is needed to run ÓLAFUR ARNALDS EVOLUTIONS.
GRID Autosport drives onto the Mac on Dec. 10
Feral Interactive says GRID Autosport is now available for the Mac at Steam.
Here’s how the game is described: “GRID Autosport’s refined handling encourages players to adjust their technique to get the best out of each vehicle as they tackle five very different driving disciplines, each demanding a distinct set of skills. Players take on aggressive pack battles in Touring events, maintain focus in all-night Endurance races, master the precision of Open-Wheel driving, sharpen their reaction times on the tight corners of Street circuits, and finesse their car control as they slide their heavily modified machines around Tuner courses.
“Players will get behind the wheel of 80 highly desirable rides including front-wheel drive hot hatches, souped-up Muscle cars, lightweight open-wheelers and 1,000 horsepower hypercars, by manufacturers including Jaguar, McLaren, Pagani and Aston Martin. They’ll put these wonderful vehicles through their paces on 22 speed-friendly locations around the world...
future.dj pro 1.2 integrates with Pulselocker's music...
Xylio has released future.dj pro 1.2, in conjunction with Pulselocker's new and vast music database to produce “one of the most flexible digital DJ setups that gives any DJ or club the right to play any music anywhere legally.”
This new functionality embedded in future.dj pro's interface, makes sure that you can take full advantage of over 44 million tracks that have been integrated in Pulselocker's database from nearly 500,000 labels, says Ionut Voiculet, Xylio's managing director. The fusion between pro DJ app and advanced DJ streaming is the first service that gives DJs the ability to mix online music without having Internet access, he adds.
This works through an Offline playlist (locker) that can be used to add and keep all of the tracks you want. Then, by opening future.dj pro, the music is saved to your computer. Once the Offline playlist has updated, Internet is no longer required.
Pulselocker is the first music streaming service built just for DJs. Integrated directly into DJ...
Package Central 1.9.5 for Adobe InDesign simplifies file...
Zevrix Solutions has announced Package Central 1.9.5, a maintenance update to its document packaging automation solution for Adobe InDesign which processes files from watched hot folders.
Package Central offers customizable workflows, variable folder names, email notifications, automatic error handling, preflighting and other time saving features. The new version simplifies program's operations by removing some redundant font activation features, and introduces numerous user interface improvements.
Package Central can be purchased for US$149.95 from the Zevrix website, as well as from authorized resellers. A demo is available for download. Package Central requires Mac OS X 10.6-10.11 and Adobe InDesign CS5-CC 2015.
Griffin’s Survivor Play for the Siri Remote available
Griffin Technology has released the Survivor Play for Siri Remote, the company’s first third-party accessory for Apple TV’s new remote. Designed to enhance the gaming experience, Survivor Play slips on the Siri Remote to create an easier, more comfortable way to hold the remote.
Survivor Play for Siri Remote lets users get a grip on gaming with its no-slip, impact absorbing silicone that surrounds the remote’s back and edges. It adds extra cushioning on the edges and corners of the Siri Remote and protects the places most likely to be damaged if the remote is dropped. Even if the Siri Remote goes flying across the room from rowdy gaming, Survivor Play is designed to keep it safe when it lands.
The textured silicone and extra thick grips on the back of Survivor Play are designed to make it easy and comfortable to hold onto no matter how the Siri Remote is held, or how long it’s used for playing games. Survivor Play also doesn’t get in the way of anything, allowing access to Siri Remote...
Pandora launches on the Apple TV
Pandora (www.pandora.com), a music discovery platform, is now available on the fourth generation Apple TV in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.
“We are excited to expand the devices we support with the release of the Pandora app on Apple TV. We continue to focus on an elegant and simple design for music listening and discovery to complement the Apple TV experience,” said Chris Phillips, chief product officer at Pandora. “Our team worked to ensure Pandora would be ready in time for listeners to enjoy during the holiday season.”
All of the usual Pandora features can be found Apple TV app. This includes creating personalized stations, thumbing up and down tracks, and discovering new artists. Pandora is available on well over 1,000 consumer electronics devices, including connected speakers, gaming consoles, smart TVs, wearables, and more. Apple TV adds to that growing list and presents another outlet for our listeners to jam out to all their favorite songs.
iOS version of Pixelmator optimized for the iPad Pro
The Pixelmator Team (www.pixelmator.com) has updated Pixelmator app for iPhone and iPad, the layer-based image editing app. Version 2.2 now works perfectly on the iPad Pro, fully supports the new Apple Pencil and allows you to open and edit 16K images.
The update also adds 3D Touch support on iPhone 6s, a collection of artist-designed Basic brushes, a new Auto-straighten feature and more. Pixelmator for iOS 2.2 is available today as a free update from the Apple App Store. For new users the price is US$4.99.
Major Affinity Designer for OS X revved to version 1.4
Serif has updated Affinity Designer, its professional vector design app for Mac OS X, to version 1.4. The upgrade offers a such improvements as a rotatable canvas, customizable keyboard shortcuts, and more.
Affinity Designer works with Mac OS X 10.7 or higher. It’s available for US$39.99 at the Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/q9pvm8c) for a limited time. Afterward, the price will be $49.99.
ProTA 4 for OS X adds automated, free data downloading
BeeSoft has announced the Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan release of ProTA 4 (http://www.beesoft.net), their stock market charting and technical analysis application.
The rewritten ProTA 4 empowers casual investors as well as veteran market technicians to chart, analyze and optimize their trading ideas. All major world markets are supported including USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Hong Kong, and Singapore exchanges.
ProTA 4 offers free, fully automated data downloading with additional support to import dozens of data formats. Its object-oriented charting interface offers point-and-click control and total customization. It comes with over 100 bundled technical indicators, line studies, and templates. ProTA costs US$99 for a one-year activation code.
Elements CRM for OS X added opportunity tracking
Ntractive (http://www.ntractive.com) has announced Elements CRM 6.1, an update to its cloud-based Mac Customer Relationship Management (Mac CRM) Solution for Mac business and enterprise.
Elements CRM enables anyone to manage their business, automate business processes, make their data more accessible, and improve their team's efficiency. Version 6.1 offers opportunity tracking for users of the Group and Professional Editions.
Elements CRM 6.1 is available immediately. The download is free but requires a subscription to Elements CRM. Group pricing starts at US$24.95/user/mo, Professional pricing starts at $49.95/user/mo, Enterprise pricing starts at $69.95/user/mo. and Performance pricing starts at $99.95 Some features are not available in all of the editions. Elements CRM 6.1 is available on the Ntractive Website and the Mac App Store.
tvOS for the fourth gen Apple TV revved to version 9.1
Along with Mac OS X 10.11.2 and iOS 9.2, Apple has released tvOS 9.1, an update to the operating system of the fourth get Apple TV. It introduces support for Siri search for Apple Music, which lets Apple TV owners ask Siri to play content from Apple Music.
The tvOS update includes several bug fixes. It also features improvements to networking and scrolling.
tvOS 9.1 can be downloaded via the Settings app on the fourth-generation Apple TV. Go to the System app, then to Software Update (under the Maintenance subhead.)
Apple releases Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader for iOS devices
Apple has released a new Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader (http://tinyurl.com/o32dl7v) for the iPad Pro.
With the $29 Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader, you can download photos and videos from your digital camera to your iPad Pro (as well as other iPads and iPhones). After you insert the SD card into the reader, your iOS device automatically opens the Photos app, which organizes your photos into Moments, Collections, and Years.
The Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader supports standard photo formats, including JPEG and RAW, along with SD and HD video formats, including H.264 and MPEG-4. It supports data transfer at up to USB 3 speeds on the iPad Pro, and up to USB 2 speeds on all other iPad and iPhone models.
Apple posts iOS 9.2
Apple has released iOS 9.2. You can download it at Software Update section of the iOS Settings app. According to Apple’s release notes, the update contains improvements and bug fixes, including:
° Apple Music improvements for making playlists, saving songs offline, and browsing classical music;
° A new Top Stories section in News so you can stay up to date with the most important news of the day;
° Mail Drop in Mail for sending large attachments;
° iBooks now supports 3D Touch to peek and pop pages from the table of contents, your notes and bookmarks, or from search results inside a book;
° iBooks now supports listening to an audiobook while you browser your library, read other books, or explore the iBooks Store;
° iPhone support for the USB Camera Adapter to import photos and videos;
° Improved stability of Safari;
° Improved stability of Podcasts;
° Fixing an issue that caused mail attachments to be inaccessible for some users with POP email accounts;
° Resolving an issue for some...
Apple releases Mac OS X 10.11.2
Apple has released OS X 10.11.2 El Capitan. It’s available at the Software Update section of the Mac App Store. According to Apple, this update:
° Improves Wi-Fi reliability ;
° Improves the reliability of Handoff and AirDrop ;
° Fixes an issue that may cause Bluetooth devices to disconnect ;
° Fixes an issue that prevented Mail from deleting messages in an offline Exchange account;
° Fixes an issue that prevented importing photos from an iPhone to a Mac using a USB cable;
° Improves iCloud Photo Sharing for Live Photos.
Phantom Implosive Speaker to be sold in Apple retail stores next...
Deviate has announced that Apple will sell and showcase the PHANTOM Implosive Sound Center (http://en.devialet.com/PHANTOM#discover) across Apple Stores in 2016. To kickoff the Holiday Season, PHANTOMs will be immediately available in 13 Apple Stores across the U.S., including New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Awarded "Best of CES" from Wired, Rolling Stone, and USA Today, the 3000-watt PHANTOM is a compact, spherical component incorporating 10 years of R&D (with a $25M budget) and 88 patents, according to Devialet CEO Quentin Sannie. From sub-bass at 16hz to ultra-sharp treble at 25Khz, PHANTOM creates the ultimate sound with zero distortion, zero saturation and zero background noise through unique Devialet-created technology, he adds.
At the heart of PHANTOM is Devialet's own technology platform, known as ADH Intelligence, combining the refinement of Analog(or Class A) amplification with the power of Digital (or Class D) amplification. The company's SAM Processing...
BatchPhoto revved with OS X El Capitan support
Bits&Coffee has updated BatchPhoto, its photo manipulation app for Mac OS X, to version 4.1 that lets photographers, web designers, business people, and families enhance photos. A user can simply select a group of photographs, and with a single operation annotate, transform, touch-up, apply special effects, convert to different image types, and rename every image in the group.
New features in version 4.1 include full support for OS X El Capitan, an improved Date graphical filter with lots of options for formatting and drawing the date/time stamp, improved support for Retina on Mac, the option to pause the photo processing, and more.
Bits&Coffee BatchPhoto 4.1 comes in three editions: Home, Pro, and Enterprise priced at $29.95, $49.95 and $129.95, respectively $129.95. A demo is available at the product website (www.batchphoto.com).
CleanMyDrive 2 gets redesigned interface, more
MacPaw has released CleanMyDrive 2 (http://macpaw.com/cleanmydrive), a free (though it does offer in-app purchases) tool for reclaiming free space and clean junk off of external drives and flash drives. It requires OS X Yosemite or El Capitan.
CleanMyMac 2 has a completely redesigned user interface. Other new features include: file copying to any disk with drag-and-drop simplicity; detailed storage legend for every drive; mount and unmount notifications; automatic disk eject on system sleep initiation; a keyboard shortcut for mass disk eject; improved hidden service files cleanup; and automatic cleanup on every disk eject. You can also set custom disk icons from MacPaw’s crafted icon sets.
Synchro’s new platform lets developers create mobile apps that...
Synchro Labs, Inc. (http://www.Synchro.io) has launched its Synchro platform, a new tool that allows enterprise developers to create cross-platform native mobile applications using JavaScript and the Node.js framework.
Enterprises can use Synchro to create apps that install and run on mobile devices, but where all of the application code, including client interaction logic, actually runs in the cloud. The Synchro client-server platform puts client logic on the server.
Developers can write their app once on the server, then deploy it as a branded, native app with native look-and-feel and native performance on iOS, Android, Windows, and Windows Phone. Mobile apps are created, managed, and hosted in the cloud, meaning that they can be modified, tested, and redeployed to their installed base instantly.
The Synchro platform is available for download from the Synchro website. Developers may use Synchro free of charge for development and testing purposes. Applications deployed to end-users...
Sims 4 Get Together ready for the Mac
Electronic Arts says The Sims 4 Get Together Expansion Pack is now available on the Mac in North America. Players can create and play with groups of Sims as they explore the European-inspired world of Windenburg.
Brand new to The Sims 4, players can introduce their Sims to a variety of different Clubs, featuring Sims with distinct interests, personalities, and styles. If players can’t find the perfect Club for their Sims, they can create and customize their own Clubs to play any way they like.
The Sims 4 Get Together is rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB and is available (www.TheSims.com/get-together) for $39.99.
Alien Skin introduces Exposure X for Mac OS X
Alien Skin Software has announced Exposure X for OS X and Windows. It’s a digital imaging app designed to helps photographers quickly organize, edit, and enhance their photos. Exposure X streamlines routine tasks and gives photographers a set of software tools for developing photos.
It can be used as a plug-in for Photoshop and Lightroom, or as a complete photo editor on its own. Exposure X is configurable so photographers can move tools exactly where they want them and hide ones they don't use. Users can browse preset styles visually with a grid of images to see how they will look on their photos. Exposure X edits non-destructively, so a photographer's original photo is never touched and changes can always be undone. Additionally, using proprietary algorithms Exposure X handles RAW images from a range of popular cameras.
Exposure X is available now from www.alienskin.com for US$149. Owners of any version of Exposure may upgrade for $99. Free upgrades will automatically be sent to...
Apple releases iPhone 6s Smart Battery Case
Apple has released the $99 iPhone 6s Smart Battery Case (http://tinyurl.com/oheegnp) in black and white. With it you can reportedly charge your iPhone and battery case simultaneously for increased talk time up to 25 hours, Internet use up to 18 hours on LTE, and even longer audio and video playback.
With the Smart Battery Case on, the intelligent battery status is displayed on the iPhone Lock screen and in the Notification Center, so you know how much charge you have left.The Smart Battery Case is engineered specifically for the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6. The soft microfiber lining on the inside helps protect the smartphone, and the soft elastomer hinge design is designed to make it easy to put the case on and take it off again.
On the outside, “the silky, soft-touch finish of the silicone exterior feels great in your hand,” according to Apple. The battery case supports Lightning accessories, such as the Lightning to USB Cable (included with your iPhone) and works with the iPhone...
Sample Magic updates Magic AB referencing plug-in
Developer Sample Magic has announced an update to its Magic AB instant referencing AB plug-in that allows producers, engineers and mastering engineers to switch between their DAW audio stream and up to nine reference tracks. Version 2 adds:
° A rebuilt one-click referencing engine that loads all professional audio file formats from WAV and AIFF to mp3 and m4a without the need to convert files first;
° New Latch, Sync, and Manual playback modes to suit various workflows (Latch playback to DAW transport; Sync playback to DAW timeline; Manual playback — for freeform referencing);
° Multiple cue and loop points per track; cue point naming as standard;
° Mono-stereo monitoring;
° High-resolution output meters coupled with peak, RMS, and crest monitoring scales;
° A redesigned Mini AB with more options and smaller footprint;
° Dozens of user-flow tweaks, including RAM-saving deactivate tracks mode; drag and drop files; more accurate zoom; all-new preset system.
Magic AB v2 is available as...
The Beatles’ 1+ long form video available at the iTunes Store
After The Beatles stopped touring, and because traveling around the globe to promote new releases was impossible, the band increasingly made what could be described as "mini movies." Available now worldwide on The iTunes Store for $26.99 The Beatles 1+ longform video presents the sight and sound of the Fab Four with restored promo films and videos.
Each hash new stereo and 5.1 Dolby Digital surround audio mixes. 1+ includes restored videos for all 27 of The Beatles' No.1 U.K. and U.S. singles, plus 23 more, including alternate versions and other rarely seen clips.
The new audio mixes were produced from the original analogue tapes by the GRAMMY winning team of Giles Martin with Sam Okell at Abbey Road Studios. Jeff Lynne, the original producer of "Free As A Bird" and "Real Love," remixed the audio for those two videos with engineer Steve Jay. or several videos.
Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr have provided exclusive audio commentary and filmed introductions, respectively. 1+ also...
Card smith lets you make and share greeting cards with OS X
Ohanaware has released Cardsmith (http://www.ohanaware.com/cards/), their latest greetings card program for Mac OS X.
Designed for El Capitan, it offers a modern design and takes advantage of many of the latest OS X technologies to provide an easy-to-use interface, with flexible control for creating greetings cards. It also features the latest iteration of Ohanaware's custom print engine, designed to better handle printers that don't support borderless printing.
Cardsmith is available at a limited special discounted price of $6.99. Normally, it’s$9.99. tax.
Native Union releases DOCK for iPhones, iPads
Native Union (www.nativeunion.com) has added the DOCK for smartphone and tablet to its expanding charging dock range. The US$49.99 dock sits on your desk, nightstand, or any flat surface, providing a stable base for charging your mobile device.
The DOCK pairs premium weighted silicone with precision cut aluminum for a sleek, stable and understated finish, according to Fabien Nauroy, Head of Design at Native Union. It’s designed to elevate your smartphone or tablet, DOCK gives you an optimal viewing angle when charging, and allows you to see messages, calls or emails at a glance.
A solid slice of aluminum supports your device. The DOCK comes equipped with two adaptors, allowing you to connect your device whether it’s wearing a case or not.
The Native Union DOCK is available in two versions: DOCK Lightning (for iPhone and iPad) and DOCK Micro-USB (for Android or tablet). The Micro-USB version is provided with the NATIVE UNION Micro-USB braided BELT Cable at 40 percent off the retail...
SCSC releases ClearTime for Mac OS X
Software and Computer System Company (SCSC) has released ClearTime for Mac OS X (http://scsc-online.com/ClearTime.html). It’s a configurable clock and alarm system designed to provide computer users with a more obvious and configurable alarm and clock monitor than those found with standard Mac apps.
ClearTime features a fully configurable clock with user configurable sizes and colors, and alarms that can be configured to use built in sounds or user selected audio tracks.
ClearTime is available for Intel systems only, but it still supports the older operating system versions like Snow Leopard, right up through the latest version of OS X, El Capitan. It costs US$14.95.
Samsung agrees to pay Apple $548 million in patent infringement...
Samsung has agreed to pay Apple $548 million for the ongoing legal battle involving alleged patent infringement, according to a FOSS Patents (fosspatents.com) report.
In a jointly filed case management statement submitted to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, Samsung said it "has made arrangements" with Apple to complete a damages payment totaling $548,176,477. Payment will take place 10 days after Apple sends an invoice, which translates to Dec. 14 if the document is delivered by Dec. 4 local Korea time.
However, Samsung says it “continues to reserve all rights to obtain reimbursement from Apple and/or payment by Apple of all amounts required to be paid as taxes” and “reserves all rights to reclaim or obtain reimbursement of any judgment amounts paid by Samsung to any entity in the event the partial judgment is reversed, modified, vacated or set aside on appeal or otherwise, including as a result of any proceedings before the USPTO addressing the...
Duplicates Finder 3.0.6 released for OS X
Nektony has introduced Duplicates Finder 3.0.6 (https://nektony.com), an update of their freeware utility to find any duplicate file on Mac OS X. It’s a maintenance release.
The tool was specifically developed to help anyone find and delete all duplicate files en masse. Files are categorized by types for images, videos, music, archives, documents and all other specific extensions. Every found file is displayed in a corresponding category with its location on the hard drive, a quick link to the Finder, as well with file preview.
Duplicates Finder 3.0.6 is available worldwide through the Mac App Store in the Utilities category. It requires Mac OS X 10.9 or later.
Easy Cut Studio ready for OS X El Capitan
Easy Cut Studio — vinyl cutting software used by professional designers in the sign cutting industry — has been revved to version 4.094. The upgrade adds compatibility with Mac OS X El Capitan.
Easy Cut Studio allows you to cut SVG files and fonts from your computer, and even draw your own shapes directly in Easy Cut Studio. It also allows you to create custom background shadows from any shape.
Version 4.094 adds support for Roland cutting machines, an overcut option for Silhouette, additional fill and stroke options, and drop shadow option when exporting as image. It also squishes some bugs.
Easy Cut Studio 4.094 requires OS X 10.6 and higher. It costs US$55.95. Users of Easy Cut Studio version 4.x can upgrade for free. Go to http://www.easycutstudio.com for details.
Apple’s Swift programming language is now open source
Apple says its Swift programming language is now open source. As an open source language, the broad community of developers -- from app developers to educational institutions to enterprises -- can contribute to new Swift features and optimizations and help bring Swift to new computing platforms.
Introduced in 2014, Swift is the fastest growing programming language in history and combines the performance and efficiency of compiled languages with the simplicity and interactivity of popular scripting languages. Apple today also launched the Swift.org website with detailed information about Swift open source, including technical documentation, community resources and links to download the Swift source code.
"By making Swift open source the entire developer community can contribute to the programming language and help bring it to even more platforms," said Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of Software Engineering. "Swift's power and ease of use will inspire a new generation...
Audiobook Converter ready for OS X El Capitan
AppleMacSoft has announced Audiobook Converter for Mac 4.0.1, an OS X El Capitan update to the audiobook conversion tool for the Mac.
Audiobook Converter is designed to convert all kinds of audiobook such as Audible AA, AAX, M4A, and iTunes M4B to popular MP3 and AAC formats so you can listen in the car, or on any device that doesn't support the audiobook format. You can use it to convert from Audible and iTunes Audiobook to the most popular file formats on your Mac, including MP3, AAC, AC3, AIFF, AU, FLAC, M4A, M4R, and MKA.
Version 4.0.1 makes Audiobook Converter compatible with Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan and addresses some known issues. Audiobook Converter 4.0.1 requires Mac OS X 10.6 or later and costs US$34.95 for a single user license. A demo is available to order at the product website (www.audiobooktomp3.com/).
MEI’s TruEdit now integrates with 500-plus apps
Managing Editor Inc (MEI) has announced that TruEdit can now integrate and connect to over 500 popular apps.
TruEdit is now equipped to integrate with more than 500 apps on the market such as Basecamp, Gmail, Twitter, Dropbox, Mailchimp and Evernote. For users of SaaS apps, these connections allow for increased productivity in the creation process with TruEdit, says Craig Roth, senior vice president of sales, MEI.
TruEdit users can choose from specific integrations for each app. For example, a user could place a file in a Dropbox folder, which would automatically create a new job in TruEdit. For avid social media users, a tweet could be automatically generated for the creative team each time a job is created or altered.
Other updates in the latest release of TruEdit include export of the TruEdit grid, filter of custom metadata, support for OS X 10.11 (El Capitan), and user interface enhancements in the web client. Go to www.maned.com for more information.
Apple to host ‘Hour of Code’ workshops for kids
Apple will again participating in Code.org's annual "Hour of Code" efforts during iComputer Science Education Week. The company will host an hour-long intro to computer programming for kids ages six and up at Apple Stores this Dec. 10.
Check your local Apple Store for more details. Select events will also be available as podcasts on iTunes. Go to http://www.apple.com/retail/code/ for more info.
Apple has also featured six global special events to be hosted by Code.org co-founder Hadi Partovi, and other developers and organizations, in Brussels, Chicago, New York City, Tokyo, San Francisco and Sydney. Code.org is a non-profit specializing in tools for teaching and learning programming.
Adobe admits (kinda) that HTML, not Flash, is the web platform...
In a blog post (http://tinyurl.com/q5m98t2), Adobe announced that Flash Processional CC will be renamed Animate CC, with a focus on creating HTML 5 content starting in 2016. Adobe writes:
“While standards like HTML5 will be the web platform of the future across all devices, Flash continues to be used in key categories like web gaming and premium video, where new standards have yet to fully mature. Moving forward, Adobe is committed to working with industry partners, as we have with Microsoft and Google, to help ensure the ongoing compatibility and security of Flash content.
“In that spirit, today we are announcing that we are working together with Facebook to help ensure Flash gaming content on Facebook continues to run reliably and securely. As part of this cooperation, Facebook will report security information that helps Adobe improve the Flash Player.
“Looking ahead, we encourage content creators to build with new web standards and will continue to focus on providing the best...
Patina is new drawing app for the Mac
Atek has introduced Patina 1.0, a simple drawing application for Mac OS X. According to its developers, it echoes the simplicity of Microsoft Paint, but goes goes further with a more visually appealing interface and additional functionality.
Patina sports large tool buttons and color controls. It allows you to handle basic operations, such as drawing and manipulating shapes, setting and changing colors, moving and resizing objects, and doing annotations.
Patina is offered for free on promotion in the Mac App Store (https://itunes.apple.com/app/patina/id942568098) in the Graphics & Design category through Dec. 9. After this date, the price will be $2.99. Patina requires OS X 10.8 or later.
