AquaFold has announced Aqua Data Studio 16, an upgrade to its universal database management and analytics software that gives users more charts, features, capabilities, and options. With support for newer versions of natively supported database vendors, the latest version introduces new chart types, and more options to current charts, making it quicker and easier for users to understand and execute on their underlying data, says AquaFold's CEO, Niels Gron. Along with enhancements to the Query Analyzer, Visual Explain, FluidShell, and support for newer versions of natively supported database vendors, version 16 is the most streamlined and efficient Aqua Data Studio to date, he adds. Database support has also been upgraded for Sybase ASE 16.0, Sybase Anywhere 16.0, SQL Server 2014, MongoDB 3.0, VoltDB 4.9, Greenplum 4.3, Vertica 7.1, Hortonworks 2.2, Cloudera 5.2, Teradata 15, Netezza 7.1, ParAccel 5.1, Informix 12.10, MySQL 5.6, and Apache Derby 10.11. Aqua Data Studio 16 is localized...

Excel Software has announced MakeDongle 1.0, which runs on Mac OS X, Windows or Linux computers. It generates a secure USB dongle that grants a license to run protected software on the attached computers and complements a suite of protection and licensing tools. Protected software can be stored on the computer or dongle itself. When launched, the dongle is validated before the software is allowed to run. When building dongles, MakeDongle can copy multiple licenses, applications or installers to the USB drive. MakeDongle can be used standalone or with the QuickLicense, AppProtect or DocProtect products.  It also works with licensing plug-ins for FileMaker and Xojo. To use MakeDongle alone, add a programming command to Mac or Windows software. Several coding interfaces are supported with sample code provided for popular programming languages. MakeDongle 1.0 costs US$395 for a single user license. Go to www.excelsoftware.com for more info.

Software and Computer System Company (SCSC) has released Scannerz 1.9.9.10 (http://scsc-online.com) for Mac OS X. The Scannerz package is a set of hard drive, SSD, and system analysis tools designed to help users isolate hardware, system, and performance problems. The package consists of Scannerz, Performance Probe 2, Phoenix, and FSE or FSE-lite. With the release of Mac OS Yosemite Apple is placing more emphasis on Core Storage technology, and SCSC has responded by expanding the products handing of both Core Storage and Apple RAID components. This new release is fully Yosemite compatible and can be used on any systems running Mac OS 10.5 with Intel or PowerPC processors. Prices for the package begin at US$39.9; however updates for users with fully licensed copies of earlier versions are free of charge.

Apple has released iPhoto 9.6.1, which improves compatibility when migrating iPhoto libraries to the new Photos app in Mac OS X Yosemite 10.10.3 — which will be available this spring. It also fixes an issue that caused iPhoto to display only the first 25 images in a Facebook album, as well as an issue that could cause iPhoto to become unresponsive when printing an image. You can download the updates from the Mac App Store under Updates.

Twocanoes Software (www.twocanoes.com) has rolled out Winclone 5, a new version of the Boot Camp cloning and migration solution for the Mac. Winclone is designed to help everyone who uses dual boot Macs with Boot Camp more easily create snapshots, clone partitions or migrate Boot Camp systems and more. New in Winclone 5 is Winclone Backup, a utility for backing up mission-critical Boot Camp user files and a new consumer edition, Winclone Basic for no-frills Boot Camp backup. Winclone requires Mac OS X 10.8 or higher, Windows 7 (64-bit) or higher, and Boot Camp partition. Version 5 is a free upgrade for current licenses with an active support contract. For new users pricing starts at US$19.99 for the Standard Edition.

Searchware Solutions has announced Print Window 5.2, an update to their window printing utility for Mac OS X. Integrated with the Mac OS X Finder, it allows users to print a file listing of folders with a simple key command (or other methods of triggering a file listing). In addition to adding full Mac OS X Yosemite support, version 5.2 adds the ability to export File Listings as a CSV file and sports an updated application icon. Users have complete control over what gets included in the file listings and what does not. Print Window can also print subfolder contents of a specified folder manually selected by the user. Print Window also allows complete autonomy in the sorting process. Users can sort file listings by a variety of different criteria (including ascending and descending order) and even determine the files' icons and size. There are two different versions of Print Window: Standard Edition and Advanced Edition. The free Standard Edition includes basic features such as the...

Twelve South (www.twelvesouth.com) has introduced a new accessory for the Apple MacBook: the US$39.99 BaseLift, an "utra-thin" folding pad and stand. It attaches to the bottom of your MacBook and folds into a wedge, elevating your screen. It's designed to bring your keyboard to a much more comfortable typing angle. Folded flat, BaseLift is a soft pad that protects your lap from the heat or cold of your aluminum MacBook. However, it's also compatible with all Apple laptops, from the 11-inch MacBook Air to the 15-inch MacBook Pro.

Digital Film Tools, developer of visual effects software, has launched EZ Mask 3.0 (http://tinyurl.com/yn2dds). It's an update of the interactive image masking tool capable of extracting almost any object in an image. Version 3.0 adds support for Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom. EZ Mask iteratively estimates the transparency value for every pixel in the image based on a few strokes. There's even a Refine mode where EZ Mask automatically updates the mask or composite as you paint a stroke. In addition, color correction, image transformations, and color contamination removal can all be employed. EZ Mask 3.0 is available now for US$150. If installed on the same machine, one EZ Mask license will run in the following applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe® Photoshop Elements, and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom. Upgrades are available to existing customers for $50.

FileMaker, Inc. (www.filemaker.com) has announced the program for the 20th anniversary edition of the FileMaker Developer Conference (http://www.filemaker.com/r/devcon2015) , the largest annual gathering of worldwide FileMaker independent and corporate custom business solution developers, trainers and users.   "Experience the Possibilities" is the theme of the event. DevCon 2015 will be held July 20-23, 2015, at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Nevada, with a projected 1,200 FileMaker enthusiasts and 50 speakers participating. Attendees will hear about FileMaker Platform futures; learn how to develop solutions that combine the latest technologies with engaging user experiences; network with developers from around the world; and see new products and services. The 2015 program will include the Developer Cup competition, the annual Women of FileMaker luncheon and a special 20th anniversary attendee party. Seven conference tracks are designed to help attendees learn the techniques needed...

AppDynamics, an application intelligence company, says its Application Intelligence Platform will support applications designed for the new Apple Watch. This includes real-time monitoring and analytics support for the WatchKit extension that controls the Apple Watch’s user interface and responses to user interactions. With the tools available in the AppDynamics Application Intelligence Platform, developers and app owners will be able to see and understand the performance of their Apple Watch-enabled apps, the WatchKit extension, and the end-to-end user experience. Key metrics including app latency, crashes, stalls, errors, and other performance measures will be captured. An arsenal of custom metrics are available as well, providing interaction and performance data, such as how the watch is being used to interact with the app, round trip time for data traveling between the iPhone and watch, timers to measure user behavior, and more. AppDynamics’ gives real-time visibility not just...

MacTech, which publishes MacTech Magazine as well as produces live events such as MacTech Pro and MacTech Conference, has announced that Microsoft's "Microsoft Office for Mac and iOS Accredited Support Professional" accreditation program has been updated for Microsoft Office 2016 for Mac. This accreditation course and exam is a half day long session, which takes place the day prior to each MacTech event in 2015. The Microsoft accreditation program is training and evaluation focused on the issues every consultant and tech should know when advising on or supporting Microsoft Office for Mac and iOS and Microsoft Office 365 suites, with a focus on Apple users. All registered attendees to MacTech Pro events in 2015 are invited to attend the accreditation course at no additional cost, however, space is limited. The new accreditation program covers topics such as the new Office 2016 for Mac previews; installation; Microsoft Apps on Mac and iOS; Office 365 and Office Online; best practices...

Kestrel Moon Studios has introduced Creature (http://creature.kestrelmoon.com), a 2D animation software for Mac OS X. It's designed with game developers, digital artists and web designers in mind. Creature allows you to add animation to your digital content. With it you can automatically generate complex motion like Walk Cycles, Hair + Cloth Dynamics and other forms of secondary motion using the software's built in Physics and Procedural Animation Engine. Creature also provides advanced features like Motion Capture/Transfer, Path Creation/Following and Soft Body Physics. It exports animations to a variety of image and video formats. It also supports the export of animations to most major Game Engines. Game developers can playback character animations authored with Creature via provided source code runtimes. Creature requires Mac OS X Yosemite or alter. It costs US$99.99 and is available worldwide through the Mac App Store in the Graphics & Design category.

Starting March 17, KeyBank (www.Key.com) customers will be able to use Apple Pay to make secure payments at more than 700,000 businesses across the United States and select iOS apps. "We're thrilled to add Apple Pay to the fast-growing range of digital banking services we offer banking customers," says Matthew D. Lehman, senior vice president and head of digital banking. Using their iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus mobile devices running iOS 8.1 or later, KeyBank customers can use Apple Pay, a mobile payments solution, to  complete credit or debit card transactions without revealing their card information. Customers simply hold their iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus near a contactless reader with their finger on the Touch ID fingerprint sensor. KeyBank customers can also make in-app purchases with either the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air 2 or iPad mini 3 mobile devices. Lehman says that adding Apple Pay to KeyBank's digital banking program is part of a customer-focused plan that" redefines the...

Music software and hardware company Arturia is shipping KeyLab 88, a professional-grade, 88-note hammer-action hybrid MIDI keyboard controller that comes with the company's Analog Lab software synthesizer solution and more. It sports two virtual instruments. Grand Piano Model D delivers the sound of the Steinway Model D concert grand piano. Pianoteq 5 Stage is a physical modeling-based virtual instrument that provides acoustic and electric piano recreations as well as chromatic instruments. KeyLab 88 is available to purchase for US$699 from any authorized Arturia dealer or directly online (http://tinyurl.com/nzjfnqq).

Digital-Tutors (www.Digital-Tutors.com), a Pluralsight company and provider of a creative e-learning resource, has released three new tutorials that teach artists how to prepare their 3D models for TurboSquid's CheckMate Certification process. Available now, the tutorials are free and cover Maya, 3ds Max and CINEMA 4D workflows. Developed with TurboSquid (www.TurboSquid.com), the Digital-Tutors tutorials use a series videos that reveal how to correct critical mistakes artists can make in the 3D modeling process, says Beau Perschall, vice president, Business Development and CheckMate Evangelist at TurboSquid. Gaining certification for models helps validate model quality and provides artists with the opportunity to make more money on their 3D assets, he adds. Artists can design for two levels – CheckMate Pro and CheckMate Lite.

CGTrader has launched a 3D print challenge to more than 120,000 3D artists to create accessories for the Apple Watch. The challenge explores the commercial possibilities associated with wearable technology. It's an opportunity for 3D designers to submit /promote their printable accessory designs — from watch stands to buckles and travel pouches — compatible with the new smartwatch.    3D designers won’t want to miss the opportunity to create/promote and win.  You won’t want to miss the creativity that lies behind the unique accessories that anyone can use.   Designers can submit 3D printable accessory designs compatible with the new smartwatch, such as watch-stands, cases, buckles and straps, travel pouches, and more to win prizes and see your 3D models added to the special Apple Watch Accessories collection. To enter the challenge go to http://tinyurl.com/kcgx3le .

Fanurio Time Tracking (http://www.fanuriotimetracking.com) has announced Fanurio 3.1, a new version of its cross-platform desktop application. It allows you to track time, manage projects, and invoice their clients, so that they can get paid for their work. Version 3.1 adds new features and improvements, including an import module for iBiz, the time-tracking and billing solution developed by IGG Software that's been discontinued. Fanurio 3.1 is available from the Fanurio online store for US$59. New users can download a free 15-day trial with all the functionality of the paid version. It runs on Mac OS X 10.5 and higher.

Twelve South presents its first accessory for the most anticipated timepiece ever. Introducing HiRise for Apple Watch, a stand that showcases the watch while it charges. Designed to work with the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable, this metal stand holds the smartwatch at an elevated height and angle that lets you interact with it while it charges. Available in silver or black, the stand can be used with any style Apple Watch band, including closed loop metal bands. The HiRise for Apple Watch costs US$49.99 and will ship in May. More info can be found at www.twelvesouth.com.

PhatWare Corp. (www.phatware.com) has announced its WritePad Software Development Kit (SDK), a new version of the multiplatform, multilingual handwriting recognition. Version 5.0 enables third-party app developers to leverage state-of-the-art handwriting recognition software for Apple's iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices. WritePad SDK now supports 12 languages in a single library, features improved recognition quality, and support for iOS 8. WritePad SDK includes handwriting recognition engine static libraries for all supported CPUs, dictionaries for all supported languages, API header files, documentation, and sample code in Objective-C, allowing integration with new or existing iOS applications or devices. WritePad SDK evaluation is free, while commercial redistribution is royalty-based. For more information about the WritePad SDK and to request an SDK evaluation and commercial pricing, please visit PhatWare's website.

Cisdem has released iPhoneCleaner 2.0 for Mac OS X. It's an update of its US$29.99 iOS clean-up and back-up solution. Cisdem iPhoneCleaner is a Mac application that allows users to clean unnecessary files such as temporary files, cookies, script files, cached and offline files, and more from the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, and allows users to boost performance and regain storage space. Other features include the ability to delete large, forgotten files, backs up the important things such as photo library, camera roll, contacts, music, reminders, notes, and other important data on iOS device. Cisdem iPhoneCleaner is available through the Cisdem website (www.cisdem.com). A demo version available on the site also allows any user without a license to have a try with the App. A single license of iPhoneCleaner is available for $29.99; a license for two Macs costs $49.99; while a five-Mac license is priced at $69.99.

Zevrix Solutions has announced BatchOutput DOC 2.3.4, a maintenance update to its output automation solution for Microsoft Word. BatchOutput automates printing and exporting of multiple documents to PDF, and allows to carry out powerful professional PDF production directly from Word eliminating the need for time consuming post-processing. The new version addresses some issues that prevented BatchOutput DOC from working after installation of the recently released Microsoft Office 2016 Preview. BatchOutput DOC can be purchased for US$39.95 from the Zevrix Solutions website (www.zevrix.com), as well as from authorized resellers and Mac App Store. A demo is available for download. The update is free for users of version 2 and $20 from version 1. BatchOutput DOC requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher and Microsoft Word 2008 and 2011.

WaterField Designs has announced the US$179 Zip Brief (http://tinyurl.com/p87vryj), created to protect and showcase the new 12-inch MacBook. Lined with soft material, the Zip's internal pockets cradle the MacBook on one side and accessories on the other. The TSA-friendly Zip combines leather with waxed canvas or ballistic nylon for a comfortable yet sophisticated look, according to Gary Waterfield, owner of WaterField Designs. It's available in tan waxed canvas or black ballistic nylon with full-grain, naturally-tanned leather trim. Inside, padding cushions the 12-inch Apple MacBook in a custom-sized pocket and an additional two pockets protect and stow a hard drive, power supply or other accessories. A few files or a notebook fit into the center main compartment. For quick access items, an angled front pocket keeps items safe yet accessible, says Waterfield. Waterproof zippers extend around three sides of the Zip, allowing travelers to lay the MacBook bag flat and leave contents...

CS Odessa (http://www.conceptdraw.com) has announced the Landscape and Garden Solution, a new Solution for ConceptDraw Pro 10. The Solution contains professionally-drawn samples of garden elements to allow users to visualize your landscape plans using templates and libraries. These include topiary, flowers, water features, pathways and plots, hedges and recreational equipment. The Landscape and Garden solution is designed for any green-fingered gardener wondering how to design a garden. It contains 14 libraries containing 420 vector graphics shapes. The Landscape and Gardens Solution is an add-on for ConceptDraw Pro 10, available in the Solution Park for US$49. ConceptDraw Pro is compatible with Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows. It retails for $199. ConceptDraw Pro 10 is included in ConceptDraw Office 3, which retails for $499.

SitePenalise (https://www.sitepenalise.fr ) has introduced Anchorium 1.0, a free SEO app for Mac OS X. The key in strengthening the position of websites is understanding how search engine bots analyzes them. Anchorium is designed to demystify the world of search engine optimization by looking at and analyzing inbound linking on websites. Like many of the search engine bots, Anchorium looks at and analyzes inbound linking on websites. However, engines like Google and Yahoo don't reveal their findings. This means that Anchorium will help website owners understand how the web pages are linked together, which is important in how Google determines how much power and exposure a website receives, according to the folks at SitePenalize. Anchorium aims to help anyone with a website be searched and be found, they add. It explains in plain English what is happening within the infrastructure of websites and offers suggestions for improvement. Anchorium 1.0 is free and available worldwide...