Cocktail (Yosemite Edition) revved to version 8.0.1
Maintain has served up Cocktail 8.0.1 (http://cocktail.maintain.se), a new version of its Mac OS X utility that's compatible with Yosemite. It addresses an issue in which Cocktail may fail to clear DNS cache, fixes compatibility issues with EtreCheck and contains other bug fixes and improvements.
Cocktail is a general purpose utility for OS X that lets you clean, repair and optimize your Mac. Its features are arranged into five categories that help you manage various aspects of your computer.
Cocktail 8.0.1 (Yosemite Edition) requires OS X Yosemite to run. Cocktail (Mavericks Edition) for OS X 10.9, Cocktail (Mountain Lion Edition) for OS X 10.8 and Cocktail (Lion Edition) for OS X 10.7 are available for download from the Maintain website.
When unregistered, Cocktail runs in demo mode and will expire after the tenth launch. Registration is US$19 for a single user license or $39 for a family license that covers up to five computers.
Seth Rogen to play Steve 'Woz' Wozniak
Seth Rogen will play Steve Wozniak alongside Christian Bale, who has been cast in the role of Steve Jobs in Sony’s upcoming Steve Jobs biopic, reports "Variety" (http://bit.ly/1vltQvl).
The film is based on Walter Isaacson’s book and adapted by Aaron Sorkin, writer of "West Wing," "The Social Network," and more. Steve Jobs will be the second film based on the life of the late Apple co-founder and CEO. Open Road’s 2011 film, "Jobs," starring Ashton Kutcher in the title role, was critically drubbed and made only US$35 million worldwide.
Native Instruments releases Traktor Kontrol S8 all-in-one DJ...
Native Instruments (www.native-instruments.com) has released Traktor Kontrol S8, an US$1,199, all-in-one DJ system with touch-sensitive controls and full-color displays.
The S8, designed for use with a laptop, also features a 4-channel standalone mixer, extensive audio interface, and enhanced performance decks for integration of Trakator Pro 2’s Remix Decks. Performance tools such as Freeze Mode take a snapshot of a running track and enable detailed slicing for instant live improvisation and an element of spontaneity.
The dedicated Remix Deck View provides hands-on control of Remix Sets, samples, and loops while monitoring a deck in full-view on the S8’s displays. Digital DJs can fine-tune mixes with two wide touch strips for precise track seeking and pitch-bending directly on the unit. Standalone mixer functionality offers connectivity for up to four turntables or CDJs.
OWC unveils new 2TB option for the Mercury On-the-Go Pro
Other World Computing (www.macsales.com) has announced a new 2TB option today offering 33% more capacity for the OWC Mercury On-The-Go Pro, a bus-powered, portable storage solution.
Designed for mobile users, the OWC Mercury On-The-Go Pro is compact in size, measuring 3.5 x 5.5 x 1 inches. It's engineered in an impact-resistant acrylic enclosure and sports the latest FireWire and USB interfaces.
Mac and PC compatible, the portable drive even works with digital cameras and camcorders equipped with FireWire and/or USB data ports. The Mercury On-the-Go Pro ranges in price from US$97.99 to $349.99, depending on the configuration.
Worldwide tablet market grows 11.5% in the third quarter
The worldwide tablet grew 11.5% year over year in the third quarter of 2014 (3Q14) with shipments reaching 53.8 million units according to preliminary data from the IDC research group (www.idc.com). Apple remains the number one tablet vendor.
Marked by back-to-school promotions and US appetite for connected tablets, the third quarter also saw shipments grow sequentially by 11.2% compared to 2Q14.
"Not only is the US market one of the largest for tablets, but third quarter results also indicate that this is where the growth is," says Jean Philippe Bouchard, IDC Research Director for tablets. "We saw Verizon continuing to sell connected tablets at a fast pace, a strategy that we believe other carriers will replicate in following quarters. We also saw RCA enter the top 5, impacting the entire US market and worldwide ranking with one large deal linked to back-to-school and channel fill ahead of Black Friday. Those two elements resulted in the US tablet market growing at 18.5% year-over-...
Apple smartphone shipments grow 16.1% year-over-year
New smartphone releases and an increased emphasis on emerging markets drove global smartphone shipments above 300 million units for the second consecutive quarter, according to the IDC research group (www.idc.com). With the introduction of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, Apple posted its largest third quarter volume ever and saw its smartphone shipments rise 16.1% year-over-year.
According to preliminary data from IDC, vendors shipped a total of 327.6 million units during the third quarter of 2014 (3Q14), resulting in 25.2% growth when compared to the 261.7 million units shipped in 3Q13 and 8.7% sequential growth above the 301.3 million units shipped in 2Q14.
A driving force behind the record smartphone volume was the combined effort of the vendors trailing market leaders Samsung and Apple. Samsung remained the leader in the worldwide smartphone market, but was the only company among the top five to see its shipment volume decline year over year.
Although Apple posted strong results...
Scannerz ready for Mac OS X Yosemite
Software and Computer System Company (SCSC) has released a new version (1.9) of Scannerz (http://www.scsc-online.com) for Mac OS X. It's a hard drive, SSD, and system analysis tool.
The new version of Scannerz now includes the new Performance Probe 2 as well as Phoenix and FSE. This new release is Yosemite compatible and remains compatible with previous Mac OS X down through Mac OS X10.5.
Current users of the product will be notified by the company in the next few days for update instructions. The update will be free for all current users of fully featured versions of Scannerz. Version 1.9 for Mac OS X is fully supported by SCSC in the U.S. for registered users. For new users the price ranges from US$21.95 to $49.95, depending on the package.
DEVONsphere Express, PhotoStickies, XMenu revved for Mac OS X...
DEVONtechnologies (www.devontechnologies.com) has updated its smart desktop assistant, DEVONsphere Express, with performance improvements and fixes for OS X Yosemite.
PhotoStickies 5.6.7 and XMenu 1.9.8 bring Yosemite adjustment and bug fixes, too. hows photos and web cams on the desktop. XMenu lets the user access documents, apps, and text snippets from the menu bar. The updates are free and recommended for all users.
Privacy Scan 1.7 optimized for Mac OS X Yosemite
SecureMac has released PrivacyScan 1.7 (http://tinyurl.com/p2azzyg), an update of the Mac privacy software. The upgrade is optimized for Mac OS X Yosemite and also adds additional Firefox web browser support and fixes.
PrivacyScan will notify Google Chrome, Chromium and Firefox users when their browser is configured to sync with Google’s servers, which can restore erased data. PrivacyScan will also add the capability to clean open windows in many popular apps.
PrivacyScan acts like a digital private eye, identifying hidden threats that can compromise privacy when accessed by advertisers or snoopers trying to see user activity. Version 1.7 is engineered for Mac OS X 10.6.6 and higher. It costs US$14.99; a 15-day demo version is also available.
Perfect Photo Suite for Mac OS X, Windows updated to version 1.7
onOne Software (www.ononesoftware.com/) has announced Perfect Photo Suite 9.5, an updated version of its photo editing and effects app for Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows. The new version features:
° An overhauled Browse module that adds fast previews of RAW files; new rating, ranking and keyword tools; and sophisticated filtering capabilities;
° A new Smart Photo feature, which lets you re-edit your photos with previous settings intact after saving and closing them;
° Improved masking and selection tools that have been improved and integrated throughout the Suites modules;
° A new Quick Mask brush: run it over an area that you want to select (or remove), and a detailed mask is automatically created;
° The ability to reduce noise in your photos while maintaining important details;
° A new Lens Flare filter in Perfect Effects;
° Faster processing; the Suite is now up to 2x faster than Suite 8 in many instances.
Perfect Photo Suite 9 is available in two versions: Premium and Basic. The...
CaptureSync is new, multi-camera capture software for Mac OS X
Bensoftware has released CaptureSync 1.0, a new multi-camera software product for the Mac.
It takes video and audio streams and records them to a single file, synchronizing all the streams together. CaptureSync is designed for recording interviews, scientific experiments, psychological research, musical performances and sporting events.
A 30-day demo of CaptureSync is available for download at the Bensoftware website (http://www.bensoftware.com/). Registration is US$320 for a single-user license or $2,400 for a site license. CaptureSync is compatible with Mac OS X 10.7 or higher.
TwelveSouth has launched the BookArc stand for the Mac Pro
Twelve South has released the BookArc Pro, a chrome-plated desktop stand designed exclusively for Apple's Mac Pro.
The arc-shaped stand holds a Mac Pro horizontally, cutting the vertical height requirement in half. A lower height increases the number of places you can park the most powerful Mac available, including inside professional gear racks and studio shelves. BookArc Pro is available at twelvesouth.com for US$59.99.
LG introduces Cinema 4K monitor
LG Electronics (http://tinyurl.com/pvcmpw7) has unveiled its 4K Monitor (model 31MU97). The Digital Cinema 4K boasts 4096 x 2160 resolution with a 31-inch IPS monitor and meets the standards of the Digital Cinema Initiative (DCI).
The monitor’s ultra-high quality 4K resolution and life-like colors are ideal for photographers, video editors and graphic artists and its incredible picture quality allows for detailed and accurate retouching of any image, according to Hyoung-sei Park, head of the IT business division at LG Electronics. With the monitor’s rich and vibrant colors and impressive 10-bit color, visual arts professionals will greatly appreciate the model’s high color accuracy, he adds.
The monitor’s IPS display purportedly supports over 99.5% of the Adobe RGB color space and provides users with several coloring options. Its Dual Color Space allows the monitor to display two different color modes at once, so that users can compare different perspectives of their work...
InPreflight Pro soars to Mac OS X Yosemite readiness
Zevrix Solutions (www.zevrix.com) has announced InPreflight Pro 2.11.13, a compatibility update to its document preparation solution for Adobe InDesign. The new version adds Mac OS X Yosemite compatibility.
InPreflight is an all-in-one solution to check InDesign documents, collect them for output and ship to final destination. It combines batch-packaging, quality control and graphic reports.
InPreflight Pro can be purchased from the Zevrix web site for US$99.95 (the Studio version is $59.95), as well as from authorized resellers and Adobe Exchange. A trial version is available for download.
Version 2.11.13 is a free update for licensed users of version 2.x, and $50 from earlier versions. InPreflight works with Adobe InDesign CS3-CC 2014.
Logitech announces Keys-to-Go keyboard for the iPad
Logitech (www.logitech.com) has unveiled the new Logitech Keys-To-Go, a slender, stand-alone Bluetooth keyboard for any iPad.
It's small enough to tuck into your purse, briefcase or coat pocket without taking up too much space, says Michele Hermann, vice president of mobility at Logitech. Its keys give you the tactile feedback you’re used to on your laptop, but are fused into a water-repellant FabricSkin covering that helps protect the keyboard from spills and dirt, he adds.
The rechargeable battery can last up to three months on a complete charge. The keyboard is compatible with all generations of the iPad and iPad mini and is available in three colors – black, red and teal – for a suggested retail price of US$69.99.
QUAD is a new rack extension synthesizer for Propellerhead Reason
Rob Paper Soundware has announced QUAD, a Rack Extension synthesizer built from the ground up for Propellerhead Reason. Rack Extension is an ever-expandable, freely-routable rack of instruments, effects, and sounds.
"What we face as a developer is having to have a PC version and a Mac version, and if you run them in your regular host, you can crash your host," says Rob Paper. "That’s a real big battle. People, if they use Reason, learn that things are connected. It’s cross-platform; everything works. It’s a major leap forward for Reason, and productions coming out of Reason will sound totally different. Reason remains Reason, but, now, it’s open.”
QUAD has two oscillators (OSC 1 and OSC 2) at its sonic core, each endowed with a selection of classic waveforms (Sine, Triangle, Saw, White Noise, and Pink Noise), together with a SPREAD function (adding multiple oscillators with slightly higher and lower pitch to the main oscillators to fatten up the sound), and a SUB oscillator tuned one...
NeoFinder is ready for Mac OS X Yosemite
Norbert M. Doerner has released a new version (6.6) of NeoFinder (formerly CDFinder). The new version is certified for OS X Yosemite, supports iCloud Drive, and is much faster with RAW files and archives, and more.
NeoFinder (www.cdfinder.de) is designed to make it easier to keep track of your digital files, photos, songs, movies, fonts on hard disks, USB sticks, server disks, Blu-ray disks, DVD-ROMs, CDs and other digital media. It generates thumbnails and reads metadata during cataloging for search possibilities.
NeoFinder 6.6 requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher. Version 6.6 is a paid update to licensed users of CDFinder with update price starting at approximately US$25. For new users the cost is $40. Version 6.6 is a free update to all NeoFinder customers.
CS Odessa announces Mac OS X user interface for ConceptDraw Pro
CS Odessa (www.conceptdraw.com) has introduces a graphical user interface solution for ConceptDraw Pro, which is now available in ConceptDraw Solution Park.
The Mac OS X User Interface Solution provides a toolset for developers and software product management professionals who use ConceptDraw Pro in their prototyping work. The new solution provides graphical user interface (UI) elements, UI patterns, and application icons.
The User Interface Solution has been added to ConceptDraw Pro at no charge. ConceptDraw Pro is compatible with Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows and retails for US$199. ConceptDraw Pro 10 is included in ConceptDraw Office 2, which retails for $499.
NewerTech announces the Headless Mac video accelerator
NewerTech (www.newertech.com) has announced the US$19.99 Headless Mac Video Accelerator, designed to fix poor graphics performance issues that occur when any Mac with a Mini DisplayPort (including but not limited to Mac mini 2009 and newer models) is used as a remotely accessed headless machine (without a display attached).
When a Mac is operated without a display attached, often as a high-powered, whisper-quiet home or professional server, the GPU [graphical processing unit] stays inactive. This leads to poor performance when the system is accessed remotely. Without an active GPU, the user interface lags, animation stutters, and cursor movement, navigation, and typing all suffer.
The NewerTech Headless Mac Video Accelerator provides a fix that makes the remote experience run smooth again, enabling a headless Mac to behave as if it already had an attached display, according to NewerTech CEO Larry O'Connor. This activates the GPU, taking full advantage of its power to restore...
Quark previews QuarkXPress 2015
Quark Software has unveiled QuarkXPress 2015 (www.quark.com/2015), the next major version of the design and layout tool for print and digital publishing.
Coming in the first quarter of next year, QuarkXPress 2015 will deliver "increased performance with a new 64-bit architecture, efficient print and digital production and many of the most user-requested features," says Matthias Guenther, director, QuarkXPress Business Unit for Quark. The new version of QuarkXPress will continue to be sold as a perpetual license.
He says new features include: 64-bit performance; larger page sizes; a dedicated orthogonal line tool; fixed layout interactive eBooks; custom paper sizes; the ability to relink any picture in the usage dialog; the ability to collect output for a complete project; user-definable Mac shortcut keys; table styles; a format painter; Mac OS X Yosemite support; and more.
In anticipation of the availability of QuarkXPress 2015, Quark has launched the "Buy QuarkXPress 10, Get...
BatchOutput PDF gets OS X Yosemite support
Zevrix Solutions (www.zevrix.com) has updated BatchOutput PDF, its PDF printing automation solution, to version 2.2.9, which is compatible with Mac OS X Yosemite.
The software allows users to print PDF files from watched hot folders, saving the time and effort of opening and printing each document manually. Documents are printed automatically using the assigned output preset.
BatchOutput PDF is available for $24.95 from Zevrix and the Mac App Store. A demo is available for download from the Zevrix website.
QuickerTek adds BT 4.0 and 802.11ac to older Macs
QuickerTek. has developed three additional mCards to enable 802.11a,b,g,n,ac WIFi as well as Blue Tooth 4.0 LE for Yosemite Continuity features including Handoff to Work on older Mac's running Mac OS X Yosemite.
mCard works with common wireless networking equipment. Users can also choose to add higher-power antennas, should their needs not be met by the internal stock antenna. mCard is user installable using only a screwdriver and/or Torx driver. Software drivers are supplied.
Using the same chipset that Apple uses in newer laptops and desktops, users of the new mCards can be confident that it works right out of the box — now and in the future, according to the folks at QuickerTek. mCard is user installable using only a screwdriver and/or Torx driver. Software drivers are supplied. Go to http://tinyurl.com/nxvo6sa for more info.
Alpine Electronics In-Dash Receiver with Apple CarPlay now...
Alpine Electronics of America has announced availability in North American markets of the iLX-007, an aftermarket in-dash receiver dedicated for optimum compatibility with Apple CarPlay.
The iLX-007 is a mech-less in-dash receiver with a 7-inch capacitive touch screen with a flat-face design. CarPlay gives iPhone users a way to make calls, use Maps, listen to music and access messages with just a word or a touch. When Apple CarPlay is used on the iLX-007, users can control Apple CarPlay from the 7-inch screen or activate Siri for minimized distraction, says Hirofumi Morioka, Alpine’s senior director and chief technical officer.
Corresponding audio, driving directions and phone calls are played through the vehicle’s speaker system. Apple CarPlay uses a Lightning connector and is compatible with iPhone 5 or later, including iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and the latest version of iOS. Other features include three (2V) preouts, one aux input, Alpine’s MediaXpander technology for improved...
Spike Software launches Audio Switcher 2.0 for Mac OS X
Spike Software (http://www.spikesoft.net) has launched Audio Switcher 2.0, a Mac OS X utility that allows you to switch your audio input and output between different audio devices.
Automatically detecting when your audio devices are connected or disconnected, the tool resides in the Status Bar. Version 2.0 expands support for a wider range of devices.
Audio Switcher requires OS X 10.7 or later and costs US$4.99. It's available at the Mac App Store in the Utilities category.
A-Audio debuts Icon Wireless headphones
A-Audio has announced the Icon Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, which the company claims is the first wireless headphone to offer "Three-Stage Listening Technology" that allows listeners to choose between Base Enhancer, Active Noise Cancellation and Audio modes.
The US$379 Icon sports Bluetooth 4.0 technology to connect wirelessly to mobile devices. Inspired by classic auto and luxury timepiece craftsmanship, the Icon incorporates supple leather with diamond-quilted stitching into the headphone band and premium anti-vibration octagonal aluminum bezels on each ear cup, according to the folks at A-Audio. Built-in controls on the ear cup put your music at your fingertips with remote control of track volume and more.
The Icon has a foldable design and comes with a custom tailored carrying case. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery purportedly provides 12 hours of uninterrupted wireless sound. It will be available next month at A-Audio.com and Amazon.com.
Chaos Group releases V-Ray 3.0 for Maya
Chaos Group has released V-Ray 3.0 for Maya (http://www.v-ray.com/maya/), delivering a new set of features and optimizations focused on speeding up lighting, look development, and rendering workflows.
V-Ray 3.0 for Maya introduces a faster ray tracing core that significantly speeds up a number of calculations for global illumination, lighting, shading and more. For additional speed gains, V-Ray 3.0 also includes an option to enable the Intel Embree ray caster for static and motion-blurred geometry, proxy objects and instances.
V-Ray 3.0 for Maya adds a new Progressive Image Sampler with a range of production features and is compatible with all of V-Ray’s GI algorithms such as irradiance map, light cache, and brute force path tracing. An enhanced V-Ray RT engine renders directly in the Maya Viewport and supports animated sequences as well as final frame rendering.
V-Ray 3.0 optimizes shading and rendering of millions of strands of semi-transparent hair with greater speed and...
Paradigma's Valentina products upgraded to version 5.6
Paradigma Software has rolled out version 5.6 of Valentina Server, Valentina DB ADK and Valentina Studio.
Valentina Core Database technology adds Hash Indexes as a new feature and related commands in its SQL support and high level API. Hash Indexes are high performance indexes for databases. The release also included other database optimizations. Indexes that operate on String/VarChar fields build much faster — up to 10 - 15 times faster than Valentina 5.5.
Valentina DB ADK, allows developers to embed the high speed, object-relational Valentina DB in their applications. Valentina DB ADK is available for every major computing platform and development API, such as Java, Objective-C / Cocoa, .NET / C#, C++, LiveCode, Xojo and more for Linux, Mac OS X and Windows. The databases are scalable to Valentina Server. Valentina DB ADK is available for $199 per platform, includes 12 months of updates and allows royalty free, unlimited deployment.
Valentina Studio 5.6 adds support for working with...
World Deluxe for Mac OS X ticks to version 4.12.1
MaBaSoft (http://www.mabasoft.net) has released World Clock Deluxe 4.12.1, an update of its Mac OS X tool for companies and organizations regularly communicating with people across the world, for frequent travelers, and for home users having family or friends in other countries or time zones. It's now compatible with Mac OS X Yosemite.
With World Clock Deluxe you can display multiple clocks in a configurable horizontal or vertical palette, in the menu bar, and in the Dock, and show the time in over 1,600 cities and 200 time zones, including Greenwich Mean Time and Coordinated Universal Time. The app also lets you calculate time conversions between different cities or time zones and show the current weather all over the world.
World Clock Deluxe costs US$19 for new users. Version 4.12.1 is a free update for registered version 4.x. users. It requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher.
PFAssistive Framework revved for Mac OS X Yosemite
PFiddlesoft says it's updated its PFAssistive Framework to version 3.4.0. The PFiddlesoft frameworks are two Cocoa frameworks for writing assistive applications for persons with disabilities using Apple's Accessibility and Quartz Event Taps APIs [application programming interfaces] on Mac OS X.
The PFAssistive Framework was updated to add support for new accessibility features introduced in OS X Yosemite. The frameworks are written using Objective-C. They support the Intel 64-bit architecture using reference counted memory management and ARC.
Developers can now license the PFiddlesoft Frameworks for distribution or 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 fee is required to distribute or use the frameworks with a product for which payment is requested or required. Source code is available for a...
Xmplify XML Editor for Mac OS X revved to version 1.6.0
MOSO has released version 1.6.0 of the Xmplify XML Editor (http://xmplifyapp.com) for Mac OS X. It's a XML editor built specifically for Mac OS X 10.6 and higher.
Xmplify XML Editor provides a fully XML-aware editing environment with DTD and XML Schema-based auto-completion, automatic document validation, XSLT and XPath support, live HTML preview and much more. Version 1.6.0 adds support for extracting and displaying element specification details from XSDs and DTDs, plus fixes and other improvements.
Xmplify costs US$59; volume and educational discounts are available. Version 1.6.0 is a free upgrade for Xmplify 1.x users.
Bare Bones Software releases BBEdit 11.0
Bare Bones Software has released BBEdit 11.0, an upgrade to its professional strength HTML and text editor. The update builds on a modernized foundation with newly overhauled systems for Find Differences, Clippings, and syntax coloring. Plus, it adds dozens of enhancements and new features.
In total, BBEdit 11 includes more than 200 additions and refinements to this award-winning HTML and text editor. For example, the new Find Differences workflow provides a more efficient single-window presentation of results for both file and folder comparisons, says Rich Siegel, founder and CEO of Bare Bones Software. A new sidebar for folder comparisons identifies mismatched files and makes easy the process of copying files to bring two differing folders into harmony, he adds.
For more information on BBEdit, or to download a fully functional demo version, go to http://www.barebones.com/products/bbedit/ .
Mail Designer Pro for Mac OS X updated to version 2
equinux (http://www.equinux.com) has introduced version 2 of Mail Designer Pro, its Mac OS X app for designing emails and newsletters.
The new version adds: design and preview features for the iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 6; support for 500+ web fonts; Retina display support; and a link to videos for integrating animated GIFs. It works with Mac OS X 10.7 or higher.
Mail Designer Pro 2 is available at a special limited time price of US$49.99 for a limited time. The price is normally $99.99. The app is available at the Mac App Store.
Zevrix Graphic Inspector now supports OS X Yosemite
Zevrix Solutions (http://www.zevrix.com) has announced Graphic Inspector 1.7.31, a compatibility update to its quality control solution for images and vector graphic files, which checks batches of files for potential problems according to specific workflow requirements.
The software provides graphic professionals with info on multiple images and vector graphic files, saving the time and hassle of checking them manually. The new version introduces full support for Mac OS X Yosemite.
Graphic Inspector can be purchased from the Zevrix web site for US$39.95, as well as from authorized resellers. It's free with purchase of PDF Checkpoint or InPreflight Pro for Adobe InDesign. A demo is available for download. The update is free for users of previous versions. Graphic Inspector requires Mac OS X 10.5 or higher.
Parallels releases Mac Management for Microsoft SCCM
Parallels has launched an update to Parallels Mac Management (parallels.com/mac-management), the product that extends Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) functionality to Macs. Parallels Mac Management enables IT departments to discover, enroll and manage Mac machines just as they do existing PCs – all through a single pane of glass.
The latest version offers new software distribution capabilities that benefit both IT administrators and end users, including the ability for Mac users to install approved software, features for planning hardware refresh cycles, improvements that empower IT administrators to make their Mac computers more secure using advanced encryption techniques, and a streamlined process for enrolling Mac computers in SCCM on large corporate networks.
Parallels tackles the perennial problem of Mac management head-on with Parallels Mac Management 3.1, enabling everyone from IT administrators to system architects to CIOs to leverage their current...
Storage Made Easy updates Mac File Sharing Apps for Yosemite
Storage Made Easy, a company that provides a private Enterprise File Share and Sync Solution compatible with most private and public storage clouds, have updated their Mac Cloud Apps to be compatible with Mac OS X Yosemite.
The SME Mac App suite features a cloud drive, folder sync and menu bar. The Storage Made Easy Cloud Solution integrates the cloud directly in the Yosemite desktop and also supports Mavericks, Mountain Lion and Lion operating systems.
Storage Made Easy currently supports more than 45 private and public data clouds such as Amazon S3, OpenStack, EMC Atmos, Cloudian and CleverSafe. SME also covers every mobile Operating System inclusive of iOS, Android Windows Phone, Windows Tablet, and BlackBerry (both OS versions). Go to
http://www.StorageMadeEasy.com for more info.
MovieBriefs 1.3.1 for Mac OS X beefs up slide show playback, more
einstein's legacy (http://www.einsteinslegacy.com) has announced MovieBriefs 1.3.1. It's an update of the Mac OS X video utility for creating image contact sheets from your movies by extracting up to 400 images and displaying them in an onscreen grid.
MovieBriefs, not only prints and exports overview images, but users may also create dynamic slide shows and share images via e-mail or with popular internet services like Facebook and Twitter. Version 1.3.1 includes enhancements to slide show playback, improved timing accuracy, a new movie info panel, and adjustable image output sizing.
MovieBriefs 1.3.1 is available for US$9.99 from the Mac App Store (in the Video category). It requires Mac OS X 10.9 or higher.
AKVIS introduces Horror Pack for ArtSuite
AKVIS (www.akvis.com) has announced a new collection of frames for its ArtSuite software for Mac OS X and Windows: the Horror Pack with 50 hand painted frame designs.
ArtSuite lets you frame your pictures. Just place a photo into a frame and run processing; the edges will be smoothed and hidden to fit the frame, and you will get a stylish and impressive framed image.
The new Horror Pack includes 50 hand painted frames of vampires, zombies, werewolves, ghosts, demons, witches, and other character. You can buy the new collection for US$15. AKVIS ArtSuite sells for $69; a demo is available for download.
Ephnic Movie Maker is ready for Yosemite
Ephnic Software has launched a new version (2.2.1) of its flagship application, Ephnic Movie Maker, for Mac OS X. The app helps users make home movies out of their favorite photos, video clips and music with transitions and theme effects.
The new version is compatible with Mac OS X Yosemite. It also sports a streamlined interface.
Ephnic Movie Maker is now available on Ephnic's website (http://tinyurl.com/lxhc29d) for US$29.99. A demo is available for download.
RunRev rolls out LiveCode 7
RunRev has released LiveCode 7 (http://livecode.com/livecode-7/), a revision of their multi-platform app development environment. Support for creating apps that work in multiple languages has been added to this version.
This means that developers can create international apps which work with all languages including Chinese and Japanese. The ability to render right to left languages such as Arabic has also been added. In addition to the ability to display and edit text, LiveCode’s text and data processing capabilities have been redeveloped so that LiveCode automatically understands how to process text written in any language.
Additional benefits of LiveCode 7 include support for teaching programming using the Raspberry Pi platform, support for Cocoa on Mac OS, a more powerful way to display web pages within apps and enhanced Linux support, including 64-bit Linux. With the addition of Raspberry Pi, LiveCode 7 now supports 7 platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, Server and...
NewerTech introduces the Snuglet for MagSafe 2 power connections
NewerTech (www.newertech.com) has introduced the Snuglet, a precision-manufactured ring designed to sit inside your MagSafe 2 connector port and provide a more snug fit to prevent your power cable from unintentional disconnections.
The NewerTech Snuglet purportedly provides a greater magnetic hold, making the MagSafe 2 power connection stronger. It costs US$19 for a box of two Snuglets and one removal tool.
VisionTek introduces pocket-sized USB 3.0 solid state drives
VisionTek Products has announced the new VisionTek USB Pocket SSD line of thumb drive-sized solid state drives for creative professionals, IT power users, and "performance enthusiasts." The line is compatible with Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux systems with a USB 3.0/2.0 interface.
While it’s sized like an ordinary thumb drive sporting a USB 3.0 connector, the VisionTek USB Pocket SSD’s aircraft-grade aluminum housing contains a SSD featuring a LSI SandForce controller that purportedly delivers up to 455MB/s reads and up to 440MB/s writes.
Both the 120GB (US$109.99) and 240GB ($174.99) models are designed and built in the US and are available immediately directly from VisionTek, select e-tailers such as Newegg, Tiger Direct, and Dell; and national distributors such as Ingram Micro and D&H. For more information go here: http://tinyurl.com/or667vl .
PhatWare releases WritePad handwriting recognition SDK for iOS 8
PhatWare Corp. (http://tinyurl.com/k9kq7tb) has announced its WritePad Software Development Kit (SDK), a new version of the multiplatform, multilingual handwriting recognition for iOS 8.
WritePad SDK enables app developers and OEMs [original equipment manufacturers] to leverage state-of-the-art handwriting recognition software updated for iOS 8. The new version of the SDK features improved handwriting recognition engine, updated dictionaries and new sample code that leverages new features found in iOS 8.
The WritePad SDK 4.5 for iOS is now supports arm7, arm7s, and arm64 architectures, and features improved handwriting recognition engine, updated dictionaries, and improved sample code updated for Xcode 6 and iOS 8. WritePad SDK evaluation is free, while commercial redistribution is royalty-based. Developers can download free SDK evaluation by visiting PhatWare's web site.
iOS Guides launches iPad Air 2 Guide
iOS Guides has introduced its latest eBook, the iPad Air 2 Guide (http://tinyurl.com/nbj9v8l). Available in the iBookstore it covers the technologies of Apple's latest tablet, including the Retina HD display, a camera that can capture video at 120 frames-per-second, and more.
It also covers iOS 8. The iPad Air 2 Guide is 217 pages and costs US$3.99.
GT Advanced Technologies announces settlement agreement with...
GT Advanced Technologies and Apple have reached a settlement agreement under which GT will wind down its sapphire materials production in the company's Mesa, AZ and Salem, MA locations. The company indicated that it will exit from the market as a producer of sapphire materials and will refocus its business as an equipment supplier, manufacturing and developing sapphire growth systems and processes.
Under the terms of the settlement agreement, which is subject to approval by the Bankruptcy Court, GT will be released from all exclusivity obligations under its various agreements with Apple. GT will retain ownership of all production, ancillary and inventory assets located in Mesa, and Apple is provided with a mechanism for recovering its US$439 million pre-payment made to GT over a period of up to four years without interest, solely from a portion of the proceeds from ASF sales.
The agreement provides for a mutual release of any and all claims by both parties. As a result of the agreed...
AOC introduces 17-inch USB monitor designed as a laptop, desktop...
AOC has debuted the AOC 17” USB Monitor (http://tinyurl.com/k2dbfq3), powered by DisplayLink Technology. It's designed for displaying visuals such as business presentations on a laptop or for adding a second monitor to your desktop for increased productivity.
It's Mac and PC compatible. The widescreen monitor receives both power and signal via a single USB cable for plug-and-play connection so doesn't require a power cord or VGA cable. The monitor also comes with a foldable stand that goes from landscape to portrait view mode with auto-pivot.
Designed with a piano-black glossy finish, the USB monitor features a 17.3-inch diagonally viewable area, 10ms response time, and a 1600 x 900 resolution @60Hz. The AOC 17” USB Monitor is available now at Amazon for $199.
Apple removes SSL 3.0 support from its Push Notification Service
Apple is updating its Apple Push Notification service and tells developers (http://tinyurl.com/nr3mxfw) that changes to their servers may be required to remain compatible.
"In order to protect our users against a recently discovered security issue with SSL version 3.0 the Apple Push Notification server will remove support for SSL 3.0 on Wednesday, October 29," Apple says. "Providers using only SSL 3.0 will need to support TLS as soon as possible to ensure the Apple Push Notification service continues to perform as expected. Providers that support both TLS and SSL 3.0 will not be affected and require no changes."
To check for compatibility, the company has already disabled SSL 3.0 on the Provider Communication interface in the development environment only. Developers can immediately test in this development environment to make sure push notifications can be sent to applications.
Monochrome for Mac OS X gets new options for slide show playback
einstein's legacy (http://www.einsteinslegacy.com) has announced Monochrome 2.2.1 for OS X. It's an upgrade of the application for converting batches of color images to grayscale.
Monochrome gives you control over the conversion process and applied effects, so you can create a consistent-looking set of output images. The 2.2.1 update expands the available GPU-based image rendering effects and adds new options for slide show playback.previewing, printing and sharing images.
Monochrome is available for US$19.99 from the Mac App Store in the Photography category. It requires Mac OS X 10.9 or higher.
Elixir releases Tesla Pro theme for RapidWeaver 6
Elixir Graphics has announced Tesla Pro (http://tinyurl.com/k3ajw6w), an US$24.95 "elegant, responsive theme" for RapidWeaver 6, Realmac Software's web development tool.
According to Adam Shiver, owner of Elixir Graphic, some of its most notable features are: extra stock banners; the ability to use your own images as banners; two ExtraContent areas; a lightbox for photo album images; and the "Blog Entry topper."
The Nova BLOX is a new power pack for smartphones, tablets,...
Juno Power has launched the Nova BLOX, a 4,000 mAh power pack packed in a five-ounce aluminum case with a 2.1A USB output. It charges smartphones, tablets, cameras and any other 5V device.
The palm-sized Nova BLOX is equipped with a high-powered LED flashlight. It's offered in three tints of gold, grey and silver. The power bank purportedly provides up to 20 hours of additional talk time for the iPhone 5, 12 hours for the Samsung Galaxy series and 18 hours for the Moto X. The Nova BLOX is currently available at JunoPower.com and Amazon.com for $24.99.
Pyle Audio presents the Street Vibe Portable Bluetooth Speaker...
Pyle Audio (www.pyleaudio.com) has introduced the US$149.99 Street Vibe Portable Bluetooth Speaker System, a classic boom box system that allows instant wireless music streaming through Bluetooth utilization. Additionally, the Street Vibe uses NFC (Near Field Communication) to connect with Android devices.
The Street Vibe is built in the retro boom box mold, but with a LCD display and USB/Micro SD memory card readers. It boasts two 2.5-inch stereo speakers, a built-in rechargeable battery (2200 mAh), a FM radio and sleep timer function, EQ presets, and touch button controls.
