Bike2Power introduces the MountCase Kit for the iPhone 6
Bike2Power (www.bike2power.com) has introduced the MountCase Bike Kit for iPhone 6, and the BikeCharge Dynamo, a compact and mountable device with an integrated bicycle dynamo.
The US$49.95 MountCase Bike Kit comes equipped with a RainGuard and MountCase, converting from an everyday case to a bike-mounting system. It's build of polycarbonate plastic and weighs less than two ounces. The RainGuard lays over the MountCase protecting the device from rain, snow, dust and dirt.
While the MountCase Kit allows users to stay connected to fitness apps and trail maps during their rides, the $119 BikeCharge Dynamo uses the rider's own pedal power to charge their mobile devices simultaneously. Sporting a compact build, the BikeCharge Dynamo features a USB 2.0 Port. Able to power bike lights, bike computers, GPS units, cameras and more, the BikeCharge Dynamo’s built-in battery is fully charged after 2.5 hours of 12 mph pedaling.
The BikeCharge Dynamo is controlled from the handlebar with a button...
ScreenFlow 5.0 adds support for iOS recording, more
Telestream has released ScreenFlow 5.0, the latest version of the company's screencasting and video editing software for the Mac. The upgrade adds such features as direct recording from iOS devices, enhanced ease of use, improved media management, and new publishing capabilities.
ScreenFlow 5.0 adds the ability to record directly from an iOS device (iPhone or iPad) and adds new "Touch Callouts" that mimic finger gestures to help guide viewers. Action templates let users save popular actions for repeated use. Color labels on clips and clip-based markers help keep users organized, and iPhoto and iTunes libraries are now accessible from ScreenFlow's Media Library.
When it's time to export the finished piece, the new App Preview export option ensures files adhere to Apple's specifications for Preview on the Mac App Store. Additionally, ScreenFlow 5.0 is designed to save uers time by allowing them to batch export multiple projects at the same time, as well as publish directly to the...
Noteboom Productions introduces Tutor for OS X Yosemite
Noteboom Productions (www.noteboomproductions.com) has introduced Tutor for OS X Yosemite, their latest video tutorial for the Mac.
Tutor for OS X Yosemite consists of 49 video lessons designed to give users a better understanding of how to effectively use Apple's latest operating system for the Mac. It also includes lessons on setting up OS X default behaviors through System Preferences, installing and uninstalling Apps, working with documents, backing up, and troubleshooting tips.
Tutor for OS X Yosemite is included in membership to NoteboomTutorials online. Membership is available for US$8 a month, $19 a quarter, and $59 for an annual subscription.
Nektony releases guide to prepare your Mac for OS X Yosemite
Nektony has launched Getting Ready for Yosemite (http://tinyurl.com/nj6mmff), a free step-by-step guide designed to help users migrate to Mac OS X Yosemite.
In addition, the company highlights Boost & Memory, Disk Expert & ClearDisk, three of its disk utilities that serve to aid Mac users prior to installing Yosemite for OS X. Boost & Memory is used to check the current memory usage and releases the inactive RAM.
Disk Expert helps to perform an inventory of disk space and get rid from useless and bulky content. ClearDisk is used for immediate cleaning a Mac hard drive of unnecessary files.
InSilo.co introduces Peppermint code editor for Mac OS X
InSilo.co has introduced the Peppermint (http://www.osxpeppermint.com) code editor for Mac OS X, which supports more than 50 syntaxes.
It provides advanced editing features with dozens of extensions, giving developers the ability to create new apps. Peppermint is designed to provide a "one-window no-distractions experience" with extensibility features like plug-ins, live JavaScript console and third party extensions, according to Ioannis Zafeiropoulos, InSilo.com's chief software architect and CEO.
Peppermint 1.0 costs US$14.99 and requires Mac OS X 10.7 or higher. It's available worldwide through the Mac App Store in the Developer Tools category.
Zevrix Deliver revved for Mac OS X Yosemite
Zevrix Solutions (www.zevrix.com) has announced Deliver 2.4.10, a compatibility update to its automated file transfer solution for remote and local destinations.
Deliver lets users send files to FTP, SFTP, Amazon S3, WebDAV and other servers and offers automatic e-mail notifications, delivery to multiple destinations, file encryption, delivery history and other powerful capabilities. The new version makes Deliver compatible with recently released Mac OS X Yosemite.
Deliver can be purchased from Zevrix website for US$19.95. A demo is available for download. The update is free for licensed users of Deliver 2.x. Deliver requires Mac OS X 10.5 or higher.
PaintCode for Mac OS X adds Smart Symbols feature
ixelCut has announced PaintCode 2.2, an update of the vector drawing app for Mac OS X that generates Objective-C drawing code in real time. The new version adds Smarat Symobls, a new feature for prototyping user interface designs.
Smart Symbols allow designers to draw something on one canvas, then reuse it as a Symbol on other canvases in the document. When the designer adjusts the original canvas, all changes are instantly visible in all Symbols.
PaintCode 2.2 is available on the Mac App Store for US$99.99. More information about PaintCode and a trial version can be found on the product website (http://www.paintcodeapp.com/). Version 2.2 is a free update for registered users of version 2.x
Bowers & Wilkins launches the T7 portable wireless speaker
Bowers & Wilkins (www.bwgroup.com) has released the T7, a portable speaker that combines Bluetooth wireless streaming with a compact size. It's the company's first Bluetooth speaker.
The T7 uses two (patent-pending) force-canceling high-output bass radiators to extend low frequencies and sports two optimized two-inch drive units. It's the most portable standalone speaker Bowers & Wilkins has ever produced. The size of a hardcover book, it’s designed to be picked up and carried with you. T7’s rechargeable battery purportedly lasts up to 18 hours at normal listening levels.
The new T7 is available now and is priced at US$349.99.
Satechi launches Mac compatible wireless gaming mouse
Satechi has launched the Edge Wireless Gaming Mouse, which is equipped with seven function buttons.
It sports a Gaming Mode, which allows users to press the Turbo Button to double-click with just one keystroke, eliminating the need to literally double-click. This saves gamers valuable seconds, which could mean the difference between a win and a loss, according to the folks at Satechi. The mouse also has a Video Control Mode when not used for gaming. When in this mode, the functions switch into play/pause, fast forward/backtrack and clear screen buttons with a single click. While in this mode, the scroll wheel also adjusts the volume.
The Satechi Edge Wireless Gaming Mouse lets gamers enhance the mouse’s precision and speed with a single touch, adjusting the DPI between 800, 1600, 2400 or 4000 DPI. The mouse is built with 250Hz or 500Hz of return rate on the speed of transmission between the computer and the mouse.
The Edge Wireless Gaming Mouse runs on two AA batteries and features a...
Total War: Shogun 2 – Fall of the Samurai is coming to the Mac
Feral Interactive (www.feralinteractive.com) says the historical strategy game Total War: Shogun 2 – Fall of the Samurai will be released for Mac this fall. Developed by Creative Assembly and published by SEGA for Windows, Total War: Shogun 2 – Fall of the Samurai is a standalone expansion pack for Total War: Shogun 2, brought to the Mac by Feral earlier this year.
Here's how it's described: "It is 1864 and Japan is under intense western pressure to open itself to foreign trade, heightening tensions between the isolationist Imperial forces and those loyal to the more outward-looking Shogunate. Players will choose a side and deploy their mastery of real-time battle tactics and turn-based campaign strategy as all around them Japan hurtles into the modern age, a time of urgent political reform, dramatic social changes and rapid industrialization.
"As they take advantage of Japan’s growing rail network and drive research into civil development and military technology, players must deal...
Output Factory updated for Mac OS X Yosemite
Zevrix Solutions (http://www.zevrix.com) has announced Output Factory 1.511, compatibility update to its professional solution to automate output from Adobe InDesign.
Output Factory automates printing, exporting and post-processing from InDesign and offers batch output, variable file names, layer versioning, preflighting, detailed history and more. The new version makes Output Factory compatible with the recently released Mac OS X Yosemite and is offered as a free update to current users.
Output Factory supports printing as well as exporting to PDF, PostScript, EPS, Flash, INX, IDML, EPUB, INDD and several image formats. It costs US$169.95. A "lite" version is available for $119.95.
BatchOutput users can upgrade to Output Factory for $84.97. Output Factory is available for Mac OS X 10.6 and higher and works with Adobe InDesign CS3-CC 2014.
Hazel is ready for Mac OS X Yosemite
Noodlesoft has released Hazel 3.3 for Mac OS X support for Yosemite. Using Hazel's rule engine, you can create workflows that keep your files organized automatically.
Hazel also features options for managing your Trash and includes an intuitive application uninstaller. Hazel 3.3 adds the ability to have files match multiple rules. The new expanded preview interface allows users to how files match up against specific rules and also adds QuickLook support.
Hazel 3.3 is available for download now and features a 14-day free trial. Hazel has a retail price of US$29 and can be purchased from Noodlesoft (www.noodlesoft.com).
Apple Reports Fourth Quarter Results
Apple has announced financial results for its fiscal 2014 fourth quarter that ended Sept. 27. The company posted quarterly revenue of US$42.1 billion and quarterly net profit of $8.5 billion, or $1.42 per diluted share.
These results compare to revenue of $37.5 billion and net profit of $7.5 billion, or $1.18 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter. Gross margin was 38% compared to 37% in the year-ago quarter. International sales accounted for 60 percent of the quarter’s revenue.
Apple’s board of directors has declared a cash dividend of $.47 per share of the company’s common stock. The dividend is payable on Nov. 13 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on Nov. 10.
"Our fiscal 2014 was one for the record books, including the biggest iPhone launch ever with iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus," said Apple CEO Tim Cook. "With amazing innovations in our new iPhones, iPads and Macs, as well as iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite, we are heading into the holidays with Apple’s strongest...
Apple releases iOS 8.1
Apple has released iOS 8.1 with support for Apple Pay. It also allows Mac OS X Yosemite users to to access Continuity features such as SMS relay and Instant Hotspot.
iOS 8.1 also offers all iOS 8 users access to iCloud Photo Library and fixes some bugs. The over-the-ari upgrade also brings back the My Photo Stream album when the iCloud Photo Library isn't enabled.
CalDigit announces T3 with Thunderbolt 2
CalDigit (www.caldigit.com) says its T3 Thunderbolt 2 RAID storage solution is available for pre-order now and will be shipping Oct. 24. The new version of the T3 features Thunderbolt 2 technology, and a higher storage capacity of 15TB.
The T3 supports RAID 0, 1 & JBOD configurations and includes a five-year warranty. CalDigit is also giving away a free AV Pro drive reader with pre-orders of the 9TB, 12TB or 15TB models of the T3.
The CalDigit T3 with Thunderbolt 2 is available to pre-order now from the CalDigit Online Stores. Pricing for the T3 starts at US$499 (MSRP).
OWC announces memory upgrades for the iMac with Retina 5K display
Other World Computing (www.macsales.com) has announced OWC Memory Upgrade Kits from 8GB to 32GB for 2014 iMac 27-inch with Retina 5K display models. A "how-to install" video and lifetime limited warranty are included.
Just like the original 2012 model, a memory access panel on the rear of the 2014 iMac with Retina 5K display ejects via a push button located above the power input. Adding more memory involves installing new modules into the memory slots and reinstalling the access panel.
OWC memory upgrade options for the iMac with Retina 5K display model:
° 8GB (2 x 4GB) PC3-12800 DDR3L 1600MHz Upgrade Kit with Lifetime Limited Warranty. US$99.79. Add to existing 2 x 4GB factory installed modules for 16GB total memory. Offers over 50% savings vs. factory installed 16GB option.
° 16GB (2 x 8GB) PC3-12800 DDR3L 1600MHz Upgrade Kit with Lifetime Limited Warranty. $197.99 Add to existing 2 x 4GB factory installed modules for 24GB total memory. Offers over 50% more memory and 10% savings...
VideoEditor for Mac OS X revved to version 2.0.0
Voilabits (voilabits.com) has released VideoEditor 2.0.0 for Mac OS X. It's an update of the app to cut, trim, edit and merge multiple video clips into a masterpiece.
The new version lets you insert blank video and record monologue video with a built-in webcam. It offers improved stability, an optimized work flow. VideoEditor 2.0.0 also optimized the profile parameters of GPU acceleration, refined the video editing interface, and added a filter for a special video picture.
VideoEditor is designed to help Mac users to create a movie easily. You can cut and merge multiple videos, enhance video via editing features, apply special effect,s adjust brightness and contrast, crop, flip, rotate and more. VideoEditor lets you save your work in any common and HD format including 1080P and 4K ultra HD.
A single license of VideoEditor costs US$39.99. A license for five Macs is $59.99.
LightTable for Mac OS X gets internal re-engineeering
Einstein's legacy (www.einsteinslegacy.com) has unveiled LightTable 2.0.1, an update to its virtual canvas application for Mac OS X. The 2.0.1 update features internal re-engineering, adding more than 30 new GPU-image effects, canvas sharing, and a collection of new options for canvas automation.
Designed for photographers, graphic designers and other creative professionals alike, it allows anyone to move, resize, stretch, stack and align images just like they would on a physical light table. The app is designed to make it easier to identify the visual dynamics created when images are aligned in a two-dimensional space.
Lightable's dynamic canvas sizing allows users to change the canvas size to fit any content they are working with. Its flexible lets users move, resize, stretch, stack and align one of more images anywhere on the canvas.
Lightable's multiple resolution support provides control over the pixel density used to display the canvas. Sharing enables users to drag'n drop...
iMobie Upgrades All Products for OS X Yosemite and iTunes 12
iMobie (www.imobie.com) has launched upgrades on all its product sfor OS X Yosemite and iTunes 12.
The product line features world-class iPhone file management, iOS cleaning, and data recovery solutions, including AnyTrans, PhoneClean and PhoneRescue. AnyTrans is an iOS content management tool. PhoneClean for Mac is an iOS cleaning and optimization tool for iOS devices. PhoneRescue is a "lifesaver" utility for Mac users confronted by iOS data loss problem.
ATTO Technology Announces Complete Portfolio Support for OS X...
ATTO Technology (www.attotech.com) has announced Mac OS X Yosemite support for its Celerity Fibre Channel Host Bust Adapters (HBAs), 6Gb/s ExpressSAS SAS/SATA HBAs and RAID Adapters, FastFrame Network Interface Cards (NICs) and Converged Network Adapters (CNAs) as well as Thunderbolt Desklink Devices.
Customers can download the latest drivers immediately. ATTO also offers several software-based productivity and performance-enhancing solutions for the Apple market supporting OS X Yosemite. Xtend SAN iSCSI Intiatiator software allows Mac users to garner the benefits of Internet SCSI (iSCSI). With iSCSI, users can use key SAN applications such as collaborative digital video/audio workflows, laptop connectivity to SANs, and remote backups.
In addition, ATTO’s Express Power Center software is a disk storage RAID application that allows users to maximize attached storage when using ATTO Celerity Fibre Channel HBAs, ExpressSAS/SATA and RAID Adapters and Desklink Devices for everything...
Karelia Software Announces Yosemite Compatibility for All Mac...
Karelia Software (http://www.karelia.com/) has released a new Stars app, plus updates for Sandvox and The Hit List for Mac, with compatibility confirmed for Tangerine, a tool that lets you create playlists from your iTunes library. All the apps are now compatible with Mac OS X Yosemite.
Stars 5.0 is built from the ground up as a new version of the former "I Love Stars" app and requires Yosemite. Reimagined and renamed Stars, the new version introduces built-in 1/2-star ratings and sports a new, more modern user interface to function.
Karelia Software also updated Sandvox and The Hit List for Mac. Sandvox is web site design software, and The Hit List is a task management tool.
iBank ready for Mac OS X Yosemite
IGG Software (www.iggsoftware.com) has rung up version 5.2 of iBank, its Quicken alternative. The new version includes more than 30 additional updates and delivers full compatibility with Mac OS X Yosemite.
New in iBank 5.2 is an Overview section, a dashboard feature that compiles key financial information on one screen, including: net worth, account balances, upcoming bills and deposits, top recent spending categories, budget update, investment highlights and personal savings rate. Additionally, new Account Summary pages provide users with customizable, at-a-glance views of their individual accounts, based on account type.
iBank 5.2 is available for new users for US$59.99 after a 30-day free trial through the IGG store. Licensed users of iBank 4 may install the app, use it in trial mode, and upgrade from within version 5. Regularly priced at $59.99, the iBank 5.2 upgrade is available through IGG for iBank 4 users for $29.99. Version 5.2 is a free update for current users of version 5...
Coradine launches LogTen Pro X for Mac, iPhone and iPad
Coradine (http://coradine.com) has launched LogTen Pro X, an update to the pilot logbook available for all Apple devices.
Pilots can enter a scheduled flight on their Mac, head to the airport and the flight will be ready to go on their iDevice. They can then log further details en route and, when arriving home, all the data will already be updated automatically on all devices.
Version 7.0 boasts over 200 enhancements and is optimized for iOS 8. The whole LogTen Pro X platform is available today, and, after 40 hrs of flight time are entered in LogTen Pro X for iOS, pilots can purchase a monthly subscription at $6.99 or annual subscription at $69.99. Until Oct. 30, the annual subscription for LogTen Pro X has been reduced by over 50% for the first year to $34.99.
AfterShot Pro upgraded with new features, enhancements
Corel's Photo Editing group has released a new update to AfterShot Pro 2 (www.aftershotpro.com), the RAW converter and photo management software for Mac OS X, Windows and Linux systems.
Available free to registered users, the 2.1 update introduces a number of new features and enhancements including new HDR tools for Mac and Linux, support for more than 17 new RAW camera profiles, an improved Highlight Recovery Tool, and performance and stability updates to enrich the overall photo editing and photo workflow experienced.
AfterShot Pro 2 is available in English, German, French, Dutch, Italian and Japanese at the suggested retail price of US$79.99. Existing registered users can purchase for the upgrade price of $59.99. For a limited time, AfterShot Pro, PaintShop® Pro X6, Apple Aperture and Adobe Lightroom 5 registered customers may purchase AfterShot Pro 2 at the upgrade price. A demo is available for download.
Winclone and Boot Runner are OS X Yosemite-ready
Twocanoes Software (www.twocanoes.com) has announced OS X Yosemite compatibility for Winclone 4, Boot Runner, Geohopper for Mac and Push Diagnostics.
Winclone 4 is an solution for cloning, resizing and migrating Boot Camp on the Mac. Winclone Pro 4 includes package installation features for mass deployment of Boot Camp in enterprise environments. Pricing starts at US$29.99 for an individual edition.
Boot Runner ($9.99) provides full startup management of multi-boot Macs. Geohopper for Mac (free) extends the notification and automation capabilities of Geohopper for iOS.
Casper Suite 9.6 ready to assist in Yosemite migrations
JAMF Software has unveiled Casper Suite 9.6, an upgrade of the management tool for large-scale enterprise deployments of Apple technologies.
Using the Casper Suite, organizations are able to manage increasing numbers of Apple devices, whether they use Mac computers or iOS devices such as the iPad and iPhone. Casper Suite 9.6 is designed to ensure an easy migration path to OS X Yosemite. Users can report on eligibility and device status, and scope deployments to the appropriate devices and users to ensure compatibility, consistency, and compliance throughout the update process.
Once users are migrated to Yosemite, the Casper Suite provides native and integrated tools for managing the OS X platform within the Apple ecosystem, including management of new features. Users can enable or disable features to maximize productivity or decrease risk. You can also report on how the technology is used.
If you're looking to onboard new Macs, you make the transition simple for yourself and your...
Apple Introduces 27-inch iMac with Retina 5K Display
Apple has unveiled the 27-inch iMac with Retina 5K display, featuring what the company says is the world’s highest resolution display with 14.7 million pixels. The all-in-one also boasts the latest quad-core processors, high-performance graphics, Fusion Drive and Thunderbolt 2.
“Thirty years after the first Mac changed the world, the new iMac with Retina 5K display running OS X Yosemite is the most insanely great Mac we have ever made,” says Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “With a breathtaking 14.7 million pixel display, faster CPU and graphics, Fusion Drive, and Thunderbolt 2, it’s the most beautiful and powerful iMac ever.”
With a resolution of 5120 x 2880, iMac with Retina 5K display has four times more pixels than the standard 27-inch iMac and 67% more pixels than a 4K display. Text looks as sharp as it does on a printed page, and you can see more of your high-resolution photos with pixel-for-pixel detail, according to Schiller. In apps like...
Apple introduces the iPad Air 2, the thinnest iPad ever
Apple has introduced iPad Air 2, the thinnest Apple tablet ever at just 6.1 mm thin and weighing less than a pound.
It features an improved Retina display with anti-reflective coating and better cameras for taking photos and videos. Available in gold, silver and space gray, the new iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 offer Touch ID so users can unlock their iPad with just the touch of a finger and make purchases within apps using Apple Pay (starting next week).
The iPad Air 2 boasts a second generation 64-bit A8X chip, a new iSight and FaceTime HD cameras, faster Wi-Fi and LTE wireless. Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, says the iPad Air 2 is powered by the new Apple-designed A8X chip, which delivers a 40% improvement in CPU performance and 2.5 times the graphics performance of iPad Air, and still delivers up to 10-hour battery life.
Combined with Metal, the new graphics technology in iOS 8, the A8X chip unlocks realistic visual effects comparable to the...
OS X Yosemite is now available as a free download
Mac OS X Yosemite is available as a free upgrade for Mac users from the Mac App Store. It delivers a new look to the Mac operating system and introduces Continuity features that let you hand off activities between Mac and iOS devices.
Yosemite also includes a new Today view, a redesigned Spotlight and updated versions of Safari, Mail, Messages and iTunes. It's been redesigned with a "fresh, modern look, while maintaining the power and familiarity users expect from a Mac," says Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering.
Yosemite includes amazing Continuity features that make your Mac and iOS devices companions. Handoff automatically passes what you’re doing from one device to another, like writing an email or surfing the web. Instant Hotspot makes using your iPhone’s hotspot as easy as connecting to a Wi-Fi network AirDrop now works between Mac and iOS, so you can share content across devices.
All the SMS messages that previously only appeared on your...
DEVONAGent is ready for Mac OS X Yosemite
DEVONtechnologies (www.devontechnologies.com) has updated all editions of its smart research assistant DEVONagent for OS X Yosemite with new features and interface adjustments. DEVONthink and DEVONnote 2.8.1 bring bug fixes. The updates are free and recommended for all users.
All editions of DEVONagent now also search Baidu, the #1 search engine in China. DEVONagent Pro lets users share web content via the Mac's native share mechanism on OS X Mountain Lion or later. For better highlighting and more accurate summaries DEVONagent Pro now uses a secondary search term if entered.
Scanners in version 3.8.2 are more accurate. Some overhauled scanner plugins return better results and are more reliable, according to the folks at DEVONtechnologies. Scanners in DEVONagent are plugins that filter results by formal criteria.
All editions of DEVONthink as well as DEVONnote have received maintenance updates, too. Version 2.8.1 fixes a few more incompatibilities to the latest public beta of OS X...
LinkOptimizer for Mac OS X updated to version 4.9.26
Zevrix Solutions (www.zevrix.com) has released LinkOptimizer 4.9.26, an update to its workflow automation solution for Adobe InDesign.
LinkOptimizer allows users to reduce the size of InDesign links and speed up processing by eliminating excess image data. It also performs image color conversion and sharpening, converts file formats and more. The new version lets users insert a time stamp into variable names of optimized images.
LinkOptimizer can be purchased from Zevrix for US$259.95 (there's a "lite" version for $179.95) as well as from authorized resellers. A demo isavailable for download. The 4.9 update is free for LinkOptimizer 4.x users.
PCalc ready for Mac OS X Yosemite
TLA Systems has announced PCalc 4.1 (www.pcalc.com), an update to their scientific calculator for Mac OS X. The new version has support for Yosemite, including a Notification Center widget for quick calculations. Version 4.1 also offers:
° Handoff support, between PCalc running on iOS 8 and Yosemite;
° Support for custom button layouts created with the iOS version. Full editing on the Mac will come in the next release.
° Visual improvements, to match the new look of Yosemite, and unify with the iOS release.
° A new dark calculator theme, "Backlight".
° All the core calculation code improvements from PCalc 3.3.2 on iOS, including better operator precedence support.
PCalc 4.1 can be purchased for US$9.99 at the Mac App Store. It requires Mac OS X 10.8 or later.
AnyTrans 4 ready for OS X Yosemite, iOS 8
iMobie (www.imobie.com/anytrans/) has launched AnyTrans 4 for Mac OS X. It's an update of the iPhone file management utility.
With AnyTrans you can transfer iPhone, iPod music to/from any Mac computer, copy photos, videos and apps between devices and Macs, export SMS messages and even the associated image/audio files and more. Version 4 is compatible with Mac OS X Yosemite and iOS 8.
AnyTrans costs US$39.99 It requires Mac OS X 10.8 or higher.
Red Giant releases camera footage back-up utility
Red Giant has released Offload (http://tinyurl.com/kewtxm5), a standalone application for backing up footage in the field. Available alone or as part of the Red Giant Shooter Suite, Offload lets you back up files from a camera card to laptop and external drives.
Offload is media and camera agnostic, and requires no additional equipment used in the normal footage offload process. Unlike a typical footage “copy and paste” backup operation, Offload gives users clear visual assurances that their footage has been safely copied, says Shooter Suite Product Manager Randon Morford. The user interface features progress indicators as well as footage thumbnails, and offers file verification notices so that users are assured that their work has been safely transferred to disk. Users can also opt to make an additional, automated backup of their footage.
Red Giant Offload is now available for US$49. A "crossgrade" for existing BulletProof users is $29. For current Shooter Suite owners (v.12.5),...
Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers comes to Mac OS X
Pinkerton Road Studio says Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers 20th Anniversary Edition (www.GabrielKnight20th.com) has shipped for Mac and PC systems It's available for purchase online for US$19.99 from major online retailers such as Steam, GOG.com and the Phoenix Online Store.
Here's ow the game is described: "Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers 20th Anniversary Edition builds upon and greatly enhances one of gaming’s most storied adventures, reimagining the groundbreaking voodoo murder mystery, first released in 1993, for an entirely new generation of fans. Allowing players to experience the award-winning tale through the lens of a stunning visual makeover, and adding entirely new backgrounds and puzzles, it offers a must-see mix of new and familiar challenges alike.
"As struggling author and bookstore owner Gabriel Knight, players will investigate a series of savage ritual killings in New Orleans and their connection to voodoo’s sinister mysteries. The deeper they dive into...
Allegorithmic ships Substance Painter 1.0
Allegorithmic (allegorithmic.com) has released Substance Painter, a painting app with 4K support and the ability to load custom shaders.
It's designed to accurately replicate the look of age, decay and fractures and is targeted to game developers. Substance Painter boasts attributes like multi-channel painting, non-destructive workflows and physically-based rendering. It also includes a customized version of Popcorn FX’s particle editor.
Substance Painter 1.0 is available for both the Mac OS X and Windows platforms. Normally priced at US$149 for independent artists and $590 for a pro license, it will remain at its beta price of $99 until Oct. 31.
Gartner: tablet sales will represent less than 10% of all...
Tablet sales growth is slowing in 2014 as new hardware buyers turn to alternative devices and existing users extend the lifetime of their tablets, according to Gartner, Inc. (www.gartner.com).
The research group estimates that tablet sales worldwide will reach 229 million units in 2014, an 11% increase from 2013, representing 9.5% of total worldwide sales of devices in 2014. In 2013, tablet sales grew 55%. Worldwide combined shipments of devices (PCs, tablets, ultramobiles and mobile phones) for 2014 are estimated to reach 2.4 billion units in 2014, a 3.2% increase from 2013.
"The device market continues to evolve, with the relationship between traditional PCs, different form factor ultramobiles (clamshells, hybrids and tablets) and mobile phones becoming increasingly complex," says Ranjit Atwal, research director at Gartner.
In the tablets segment, the downward trend stems from the slowdown in basic ultramobiles — new sales of iPads and Android tablets — and the lifetime extension...
Juniper Research: over 100 smart watches to be in use by 2019
A new report by Juniper Research (http://www.juniperresearch.com) has forecast that more than 100 million smart watches will be in use worldwide by 2019, with a host of premium brand launches over the next 12-18 months bringing the category into mainstream consumer consciousness.
According to the report, differentiation is now shifting from hardware towards other features that allow new capabilities, such as GPS and NFC connectivity. It argues that these functionalities are likely to become standard in the next few years, particularly as Apple has offered payment and NFC capability via the Apple Watch.
The report also claims that the range of functionality available means that it is unlikely that a "killer app"for smartwatches would evolve. It cites the example of Fitbit, which grew to dominance in the fitness space with a mantra of "one size doesn’t fit all," and varying device form factor. The report argues that, given the greater scope for development in smart watches, the industry...
Buy FileMaker Pro 13 or FileMaker Pro 13 Advanced through Dec,...
FileMaker today announced a Buy One Get One Free promotion for FileMaker Pro 13 and FileMaker Pro 13 Advanced, a worldwide limited-time offer that allows those who purchase either product to receive a second downloadable copy of the same product for free (a US$329 or $549 value, respectively) from FileMaker.
The offer applies only to FileMaker Pro 13 or FileMaker Pro 13 Advanced and is limited to one gift request per person, household or company between Oct. 15 and Dec. 10, 2014. The promotion is valid for the downloadable versions of the products purchased from the FileMaker Store.
The free versions are fully working, not-for-resale versions of FileMaker Pro 13 or FileMaker Pro 13 Advanced for Windows or Mac. The offer is not valid in connection with any other rebates, discounts or promotions. Go here (http://tinyurl.com/matk8lc) for full offer details and other restrictions.
Power APP releases App Store Icon Resizer for Mac OS X
Power App AG (http://www.powerapp.ch) has announced App Store Icon Resizer 1.0, its new developer tool for Mac OS X. With a single action, it takes care of creating all sizes of app icons that are needed for every app in Apple's App Store.
App Store Icon Resizer prompts the user with a window, where the basic icon with a resolution of 1024x1024 pixels can be dragged in. After choosing the devices that the icon is meant to be used for, all necessary sizes can be exported to a user defined folder.
App Store Icon Resizer requires Mac OS X 10.7 or higher. It costs US$1.99 and is available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Developer Tools category.
KeyCue is ready for Mac OS X Yosemite
Ergonis Software has released KeyCue 7.3, an update to the cheat sheet for learning and remembering keyboard shortcuts. The upgrade is ready for Mac OS X Yosemite.
With KeyCue, whenever the command key is kept pressed for a while, the software displays a table with all keyboard shortcuts available in the currently active application, systemwide hotkeys, as well as key combinations for triggering macros in Keyboard Maestro, QuicKeys and iKeys.
KeyCue requires Mac OS X 10.5.8 or newer. The upgrade to version 7.3 is free for anyone who owns a valid license for KeyCue 7. Upgrade paths are available for owners of older licenses. For information about purchases, including enterprise licenses, volume discounts, and upgrade pricing offers, go to the Ergonis Software web site (www.ergonis.com).
Elmedia Player for Mac OS X gets tweaked user interface
Eltima Software (http://www.eltima.com) has released Elmedia Player 5.0, an update of its media player for the Mac. It sports a revamped user interface and eliminates the need to install plug-ins to playback videos.
Elemda Player can play all most popular Flash and video formats and allows downloading online videos and their external resources directly to the hard drive.
The free version of Elmedia Player allows playing such formats as XAP (Silverlight), RM and RV (Real Media), SWF, EXE and FLV (Flash), AVI, MOV, MPEG and more. It can play local movies and videos or online ones via a built-in web browser.
Elmedia Player also provides its users with organization and management: media library inspired by iTunes, usual and smart playlists creation, volume adjustment in the application (not interfering with system volume, which is unique for Flash files) and more.
There's also an US$19.95 pro version that unlocks such possibilities as: downloading online videos and movies with their...
IDG puts Macworld/iWorld on hold, Not taking place in 2015
IDG has released a statement that it's putting its annual Macworld/iWorld expo on hold.
The statement reads: "We are announcing today that Macworld/iWorld is going on hiatus, and will not be taking place as planned in 2015. Our MacIT event, the world’s premiere event for deploying Apple in the enterprise, will continue next year with details to be announced in the coming weeks.
"Since 1985, Macworld events have brought together a community to celebrate the incredible innovations that Apple has brought into the world, shining a spotlight on the developers who add value to the user’s experience in infinite ways. As Apple products and the related ecosystem have changed, so has the marketplace, and we are proud to have played a part in that evolution. Literally thousands of companies and hundreds of products have come to market at Macworld, and countless professional relationships have been forged. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Apple community for allowing us to host...
Grids is new Instagram client for Mac OS X
ThinkTime Creations has released Grids (http://thegridsapp.com), an Instagram client app for Mac OS X. Users can view their feed, profile, liked photos, popular photos and nearby photos as well as like, comment and save photos/videos, and more.
Grids' user interface works both at full screen and in widget-sized window. Photos are automatically resized according to the viewport size with customizable preferences.
Grids works with Mac OS X 10.7 or later, including Yosemite. It costs US$1.99 and is available worldwide through the Mac App Store in the Social Networking category. Grids requires users to have an Instagram account to use. Users can sign up for an account from their iPhone or Android Instagram app.
Maintain serves up OS X Yosemite version of Cocktail
Maintain has served up Cocktail 8.0 (http://cocktail.maintain.se), a new version of its Mac OS X utility that's compatible with Yosemite.
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 (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.
LEGO Movie videogame coming to the Mac on Oct. 16
Feral Interactive says The LEGO Movie Videogame will be released for the Mac on October 16. Developed by TT Games and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment for consoles, handhelds and PC, its an adaptation of the hit film, The LEGO Movie. When released, the game will be available for download from a variety of digital partner sites worldwide including the Feral Store, Steam and the Mac App Store.
Here's how the game is described: "The LEGO Movie Videogame tells the story of Emmet, a seemingly average construction worker recruited by a group of insanely imaginative ‘Master Builders’ to bring down the over-controlling Lord Business, who insists everyone follow building instructions. Players can take on Emmet and over 90 other LEGO characters, harnessing the wonderfully creative powers of the Master Builders including Wyldstyle, Batman, Gandalf and the irrepressibly cheerful Unikitty.
"With a madcap story told using clips from the film and original in-game dialogue, The...
FileMaker offers free guide to high-performance FileMaker...
FileMaker Inc. (www.filemaker.com) has announced the “Performance” guide, a free, 30-page electronic guide to building high-performance custom FileMaker solutions that run on iPad, iPhone, Windows, Mac and the web.
The first in a series of FileMaker guides focused on solution design, the Performance guide is available immediately for download via the FileMaker Technical Network, a free-to-join online resource network and community for FileMaker developers and enthusiasts.
Ryan Rosenberg, vice president, marketing and services for FileMaker, says the guide identifies the top factors that affect performance. In simple language, it details how to apply best practices to enhance actual solution performance. Rosenberg says readers will learn how to:
° Create efficient solutions that send the optimal amount of information;
° Offload automation tasks to FileMaker server so solutions run faster when accessed from FileMaker Go for iPad or iPhone;
° Design solutions that are easier to maintain...
Booq unveils the Cobra slim laptop bag
Booq (www.booqbags.com) has introduced the Cobra slim, a laptop bag constructed of Bionic fabric, a patented method that transforms recycled beverage bottles into high-performance yarn. It's available for US$195.
A bag for "fashion-forward professionals," the Cobra slim offers storage for a laptop, tablet, phone, and other essential accessories in a slender design. It provides protective, organized and accessible storage options tailored around common items. A large padded zipper compartment accommodates a 15-inch Mac or up to a 15.6-inch PC, while an interior slip pocket offers quick access to a tablet and smart phone.
A second zippered compartment on the front of the bag, lined with booq’s signature copper-colored lining for easy navigation, provides organization for chargers, pens, and other gadgets. An additional slip pocket on the back of the bag is large enough to hold a magazine, presentation or portfolio.
The Cobra slim also features booq’s original Terralinq service, a...
Belkin unveils QODE Ultimate Pro Keyboard for the iPad Air
Belkin has launched the QODE Ultimate Pro Keyboard for iPad Air. It costs US$149.99 and is available now at http://tinyurl.com/ptbbqb9 .
"We’ve taken everything that was great about our original QODE Ultimate Keyboard and added a number of premium features that our customers have requested, including a backlit keyboard, more responsive keys, adjustable viewing angles and a removable case," says Ana Hory, director of Belkin’s QODE keyboard business. "The QODE Ultimate Pro turns the iPad Air into a lightweight productivity workhorse, giving users a viable way to get real work done without having to carry around a clunky laptop."
Designed for users who want both a protective case and a keyboard, but not always at the same time, the QODE Ultimate Pro features a detachable back case that lets you remove it from the keyboard. The case portion is compatible with the Apple Smart Cover for full dual-sided protection when the keyboard isn’t in use. Thanks to its detachable case, the QODE...
NetSpot for Mac OS X revved to version 2.4
NetSpot (www.netspotapp.com/) has announced NetSpot 2.4, an update of the Wi-Fi site survey software for Mac users. New features now accessible from the Preferences menu include the ability to add an iperf3 server address for active scanning via TCP and/or UDP, import and export global AP aliases, and auto-clear old Discover Mode data.
NetSpot allows visualizing their networks, identifying areas of weakness and correcting problems. The free, standard version includes a wireless discover mode, a new streamlined interface, and more. Premium paid additions are offered for users who need more advanced Wi-Fi survey features.
The Pro edition gives network experts features such as multi-floor scanning, active scanning, the ability to scan hidden networks, and automated troubleshooting. The Enterprise edition includes all the features of the Pro edition and provides licenses to all users within a company, along with priority support. NetSpot Pro and Enterprise allow commercial use.
