Matthias Gansrigler has updated his drag and drop "helper" Mac app, Yoink. to version 3.0. Yoink is designed to simplify drag and drop between windows, spaces and (full screen) apps by providing a "shelf" where dragged files can be placed, to free the mouse for other actions like navigating. Version 3.0 adds some new features, user interface enhancements to complement Mac OS X Yosemite, and a couple of smaller additions. Yoink's window can now be resized or automatically adjusted in height based on the number of files in it. You can now quickly view files in a file-stack in the app by right-clicking onto it. There are also improvements and bug fixes, like better QuickLook Previews, cleaned-up preferences and better localization of filenames and paths Yoink is available on the Mac App Store for US$1.99 for a limited time (it's normally $4.99). It requires OS X Lion or newer. A free 15-day trial is available on the product website (http://www.eternalstorms.at).

MacStadium — a provider of Mac hosting, cloud computing and infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) — has launched its Enterprise Solutions Suite, a VMware powered, dedicated Mac server hosting and managed cloud service offering. The new suite offers cloud hosting and support for large-scale virtualization while complementing MacStadium’s current Mac mini hosting and collocation service designed for single operating system environments, according to CEO Greg McGraw. The company's hosting services are designed to support the growing number of enterprises and businesses that need a world-class infrastructure and rely on Mac hardware and/or MacOS X operating systems as their computing and IT platform of choice. It also has the ability to support traditional server environments. The foundation is built on Mac Pro servers dedicated exclusively to each customer and connected to a redundant network, power, cooling and secure infrastructure residing within MacStadium’s data center facilities....

Apple has announced the availability of WatchKit, software that gives developers a set of tools to create experiences designed specifically for the upcoming Apple Watch. Developers can create WatchKit apps, actionable notifications and Glances, for timely information accessible by a look at the smartwatch. "With the iOS 8.2 beta SDK [software developer kit], developers can now start using WatchKit to create breakthrough new apps, Glances and actionable notifications designed for the innovative Apple Watch interface and work with new technologies such as Force Touch, Digital Crown and Taptic Engine," says Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. Developers can create notifications that allow users to take action or respond from their wrist such as turning the lights off after they've left the house, accessing flight details at the airport, and rerouting their transit when a train or bus is late. Developers can incorporate Glances, which show users...

Quark Software has released Quark Author (http://tinyurl.com/ncdzyqt), new Web-based software that allows business users and subject matter experts to create structured content within a word processor-like environment that keeps XML behind the scenes. With Quark Author writers can create and organize content in components using standard content types such as sections, paragraphs, lists, tables, charts and figures. When created as structured components – or Smart Content – content can be dynamically assembled for output across mobile, digital and print channels. Smart Content is Quark’s name for the next generation of automated, XML-driven publishing. Quark Author is tightly integrated with Quark Publishing Platform, which is the component content management system from Quark for authored content.

Embraceware Software (http://embraceware.com/) has announced Awaken 6.0 for Mac. The update was visually redesigned and updated for Mac OS X Yosemite and iTunes 12. Awaken turns your Mac into a music alarm clock and sleep timer. The application supports multiple timers with sorting and labeling and can even launch applications or files. Users can select from over a dozen built-in sounds. You can fall asleep to your music as well as gradually fade out the music volume and screen brightness. Awaken 6.0 costs US$9.99. It's available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Productivity category.

Here are some of the latest apps available at the Apple App Store for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Polwarth Medical has announced Cranial Ultrasound. It's an US$1.99 educational quiz app designed to help medical professionals brush up on their neonatal cranial ultrasound interpretation skills. Paragon Software Group has released the Oxford Learner's Thesauraus. The $29.99 app is designed to help with understanding the differences between similar words in written and spoken English enabling learners of English to enrich their vocabulary and to find the right words to say exactly what they mean. Each entry has a group of 3-10 synonyms with the meaning clearly explained, together with additional help with, for example, grammar and register. 2camels Publishing has launched Veggoagogo. It's a $2.99 travel translation app for vegetarians. It addresses many of the needs that the traveling vegetarian faces on a daily basis, from locating a restaurant,  choosing suitable items from the...

Digital Film Tools (www.digitalfilmtools.com), has released Film Stocks 2.0, Light 4.0, and Rays 2.0. Film Stocks is a filter that simulates 288 different color and black and white still photographic film stocks, motion picture films stocks and historical photographic processes. As a result of customer requests, Bleach Bypass, Cross Processing, Grunge, Three Strip and Two Strip Processes have been integrated into the Film Stocks 2 workflow. The Film Stocks user interface has also been upgraded with Retina display support for Mac OS X as well as three new masking types: Path, Snap and Selection. OFX plug-in support has also been added, making Film Stocks compatible with digital intermediate programs Assimilate Scratch and Blackmagic Design Davinci Resolve, the Foundry’s Nuke compositing software and the Sony Vegas non-linear editing system. With Light, light can be added to a scene where none existed before just as if you were adding light at the time of shooting. Gobos (patterns) are...

Patriot (www.patriotmem.com) has introduced two new models to its FUEL+ family of charging devices: the FUEL+ 6000mAh and 12000mAh. They're available for US$49.99 and $79.99, respectively. FUEL+ devices feature a portable design with two USB charging ports offering the option to simultaneously charge two devices. One port provides a 2.5A power output for fast charging of larger devices such as tablets. The 6000mAh model can purportedly charge a smartphone up to four times before needed to be recharged while the 12000mAh can charge one up to eight times. To safeguard against under-discharge, over-charge, and short-circuit, FUEL+ devices come with built-in protection. They also boasts pass-through technology that enables the battery and device(s) to be charged simultaneously when plugged into a USB or wall outlet. There's an LED indicator to let the user know how much charge their portable charger contains. Fuel+ includes a micro USB to USB cable and comes charged and ready right out of...

Apple says the App Store has added UnionPay, the most popular payment card in China, as a payment option for customers in China. Customers will be able to link their Apple ID with a UnionPay debit or credit card for one-tap purchases.  "The ability to buy apps and make purchases using UnionPay cards has been one of the most requested features from our customers in China," says Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. "China is already our second largest market for app downloads, and now we’re providing users with an incredibly convenient way to purchase their favorite apps with just one-tap." As a bankcard network, China UnionPay operates China’s national inter-bank clearing and settlement system, develops the worldwide UnionPay Card acceptance network, promotes the issuance and usage of the UnionPay Card as well as other innovative payment solutions, so as to provide quality, efficient and safe payment services to cardholders. To date, the total...

Astound Holdings (http://tinyurl.com/n6ly7o8) says its new suite of gaming plug-ins are now available on the Unity Asset Store for game developers. The AstoundSound 3D spatial audio technology software core powers the plug-ins with two solutions: AstoundSound 3D RTI and AstoundSound Expander available for Mac OS X, iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux platforms. The plug-ins provide 3D audio spatialization for all types of games (2D and 3D) including VR, first person shooters, third person shooters, and more.

Twocanoes Labs has released their next-generation iBeacon technology, Bleu Station Series 200. Features include over-the-air firmware update capability, LED visual status indicator, encryption and reset button. Bleu Station beacons include certified AC power adapter, meaning no battery maintenance is required. Bleu Station beacons are fully compliant with Apple's iBeacon performance standard and are available now on the Twocanoes Store. The Bleu Station Beacon Series 200, Bleu Proximity Starter Kit and free apps are available at Twocanoes Software and Labs online (www.twocanoes.com).

Apple says it's unaware of any iOS users affected by the so-called "Masque Attack." Masque Attack was discovered and described by FireEye mobile security researchers (http://tinyurl.com/l96l7yp). This attack purportedly works by luring users to install an app from a source other than the iOS App Store or their organizations’ provisioning system. In order for the attack to succeed, a user must install an untrusted app, such as one delivered through a phishing link.   In a statement to iMore (http://tinyurl.com/pyz6ccg) Apple says: "We designed OS X and iOS with built-in security safeguards to help protect customers and warn them before installing potentially malicious software. We're not aware of any customers that have actually been affected by this attack. We encourage customers to only download from trusted sources like the App Store and to pay attention to any warnings as they download apps. Enterprise users installing custom apps should install apps from their company's secure...

Kenu.com has launched the US$29.95 Stance, a compact tripod for iPhones. It mounts directly into the Apple smartphone's Lightning port using the "MicroMount." 
The Stance weighs 1.2 ounces and is smaller than a pack of gum. Non-slip feet and premium zinc-alloy construction create a stable base. A ball-and-pivot joint lets the phone tilt and rotate freely. With the legs folded flat, the Stance positions your iPhone for watching videos or taking pictures in landscape mode. If you’re ready to unplug, Stance even has a bottle opener built into one of the legs.

StarTech has announced the upcoming release of two new Thunderbolt adapters, including a Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet and USB 3.0 Adapter (TB2USB3GE) and a Thunderbolt to eSATA and USB 3.0 Adapter (TB2USB3ES). The new adapters enable users to harness the speed and reliability of Thunderbolt, to add two essential connection ports to their MacBook or Thunderbolt-equipped laptop through a single host connection, says Carey Cline, senior product manager for StarTech.com. They offer full-speed connections from each of the ports provided, avoiding connection bottlenecks, even when both ports are in use, Cline adds.   The manufacturer's suggested retail price for the Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet and USB 3.0 Adapter and Thunderbolt to eSATA and USB 3.0 Adapter is US$127.99. These products will be available at CDW, Amazon.com, Newegg.com, PC Connection, and Insight and will be distributed by Ingram Micro, SYNNEX, Tech Data, D&H and ASI.

If you're using running a Mac that uses a third-party SSD, then upgrading to OS X Yosemite "will leave you in a world of hurt as Apple drops support for third-party SSDs," reports ZDNet (http://tinyurl.com/nrxxltm). According to Cindori Software, makers of the popular utility Trim Enabler, the issue involves a newly introduced security feature called kext signing. A kext is an OS X kernel extension, or a driver. Enabling TRIM is one of the best ways to maximize the life of a solid-state drive, but OS X doesn't support it out-of-the-box except for Apple's own drives, but until now it has been possible to enable it by altering drivers.  "Kext signing basically works by checking if all the drivers in the system are unaltered by a third party, or approved by Apple," Cindori Software writes (http://tinyurl.com/ojmjmc4) on its blog. "If they have been modified, Yosemite will no longer load the driver. This is a means of enforcing security, but also a way for Apple to control what hardware...

SanDisk Corp. has announced the iXpand Flash Drive, the company's first USB Flash Drive designed specifically for iPhone and iPad. "According to IDC, nearly three-quarters of all images are now captured on smartphones and tablets," says Dinesh Bahal, vice president, product marketing, SanDisk. "With this significant increase in mobile-generated content, consumers are looking for easy ways to manage it all. In fact, our research shows that 82% of U.S. smartphone users find transferring photos, videos, music and other files to be very important to them2. We created the iXpand Flash Drive to offer consumers a quick and safe way to move their favorite content between devices so it's available when and where they want it." The iXpand Flash Drive transfers photos and videos from an iPhone or iPad to a Mac or PC without cables, Internet connections, or bandwidth limitations. In addition, it maintains the original photo or video resolution quality. The iXpand sync app is free at the Apple App...

Publicspace.net has updated its A Better Finder Attributes utility (http://tinyurl.com/ana4k) -- which can change Finder attributes, such as creation and modification dates -- to version 5.28. The new version features a major user interface refresh for Mac OS X Yosemite. A Better Finder Attributes requires Mac OS X 10.7 or higher. It costs US$14.95; business and enterprises licensing is available. The app is also available at the Mac App Store under the name File MultiTool 5.

CS Odessa has announced ConceptDraw Office 3 (http://tinyurl.com/nsnf9ny), the next generation of its business/productivity suite that features three integrated products: ConceptDraw PRO, ConceptDraw MINDMAP and ConceptDraw PROJECT for, respectively, diagramming, mind mapping, and project management. ConceptDraw PRO 10 now allows for the import/export of native format Visio 2013 files, new connector-types, and improved performance. ConceptDraw MINDMAP 8 now includes hi-res images, an improved presentation mode, and task/email integration. ConceptDraw PROJECT 7 has had a major makeover that improves functionality and interoperability, imports/exports MS Excel files, and you can even import/export MS Project files, facilitating project collaboration. ConceptDraw Office 3 is compatible with Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows. It retails for US$499. The three apps are each available individually for $199.

HARMAN International Industries has announced JBL’s Horizon (www.JBL.com), an US$99.99 clock radio with JBL stereo sound and ambient light. It can also your phone, tablet, or wearable devices. JBL’s Horizon clock radio delivers stereo sound enriched with the multi-sensory ambient glow of LED lights, says Michael Mauser, president of HARMAN Lifestyle. Two separate alarms, customizable for you or your partner, wake you to one of several original digital alarm tones, the FM station of your choice, or music from your smartphone. The Horizon sports five programmable FM radio presets and Bluetooth to stream your music wirelessly from any Bluetooth phone or tablet. If you choose, you can even wake up to a traditional buzzer. The JBL Horizon features a compact design that fits in on any nightstand or kitchen shelf. The LCD clock display has a built-in light sensor to automatically adjust the brightness according to the light in the room. Two USB ports allow you to charge your phones, tablets...

Pixeljam Games (http://www.pixeljam.com) has introduced Glorkian Warrior: The Trials of Glork for Mac OS X, a collaboration with comic book artist James Kochalka. It requires Mac OS X 10.6 or later and is available for US$3.99 at the Mac Game Store in the Games category. Here's how the game is described: "Glorkian Warrior is a unique hybrid of Galaga-style shoot 'em up, simple platforming action and Saturday morning cartoon. Help Glorkian Warrior defend his asteroid against an endless onslaught of alien invaders, and be prepared for somewhat unexpected results! This game offers a wicked arsenal of weapons, powerups and much more."

Prosoft Engineering says its US$19.99 Hear sound enhancement software is ready for OS X Yosemite. It's also optimized to support more apps. Hear is an app designed to improve the sound quality of the internal or external speakers on you computer. It offers an array of settings. A 30-day demo is available at the Prosoft website (www.prosofteng.com).

Cumulonimbus has announced its exclusive Founding Developer program today for its app, PressureNet. The peer-to-peer weather forecasting and data platform seeks 10 experienced developers to join its exclusive group. PressureNet is an atmosphere data and software intelligence company with a mission to dramatically improve weather and climate forecasting. "As we further built-out our app, we want to invite just a handful of top-notch developers to work with us on this scientific app," says Jacob Sheehy, CEO and Co-Founder of PressureNet. "Since we will be choosing just 10 people to be part of our Founding Developers program, this will be a great opportunity for developers to showcase their skills and gain recognition in the community." Utilizing smart phone sensors to garner data and create better forecasts, the PressureNet app developers will build one of the largest live atmosphere observation networks in the world, he adds. Developers will help create an open source iOS PressureNet...

einstein's legacy (http://www.einsteinslegacy.com) has released ChapterWork, a Mac OS X utility for working with chapter tracks and markers in your digital movies. Built on Apple's AVFoundation technology, ChapterWork frees is designed to free users from using labor-intensive text-based tools and provides a simple and effective graphic interface for creating, updating and internationalizing chapter tracks in your movies, according to the folks at einstein's legacy. ChapterWork allows you to share the completed output movie via e-mail or using Internet services. ChapterWork requires Mac OS X 10.9 or higher. It's available for US$19.99 from the Mac App Store (in the Video category).

A payment alliance between Apple and the Alibaba Group Holding, a Chinese e-commerce company, is in the works, according The Wall Street Journal (http://tinyurl.com/p4lwshr). Apple Pay may be embedded in Alipay, Alibab's payment system, to operate in mainland China. This could help tackle policy issues. In return, Apple may help Alibaba expand its business in the US. Apple and Alibaba are currently discussing the specifics of a possible partnership, says the WSJ. "One possible scenario is for Alibaba’s financial affiliate, which owns the Alipay electronic-payment business in China, to provide back-end services for Apple’s Apple Pay payment system, allowing iPhone users to pay with Apple Pay using the money from their Alipay accounts," the article adds.