iRig Keys I/O integrated control available for GarageBand, Logic...
IK Multimedia (www.ikmultimedia.com) has announced that a new plug-in is available for iRig Keys I/O that enables control surface integration with GarageBand and Logic Pro X.
Using the touch-sensitive knobs and buttons on iRig Keys I/O allows users to control functions such as: transport control with play, record, fast-forward and rewind buttons; moving the play head forward or backward via the data knob; looping on/off by pressing the data knob, and rotary knob control of the main parameters for effects and instruments in Apple’s music creation software.
iRig Keys I/O comes with either 25 or 49 full-size keys offering a synth-action keybed and 8 multicolored LED-lit velocity sensitive pads. For a true "hands-on" approach to controlling the most important functions of a DAW or virtual instrument, the other controls available include a volume/data push knob, four touch-sensitive knobs in two banks (acting as eight total controls). There are also 2 fully programmable touch control...
Cheetah3D 7.2 adds support for HEVC, ProRes, IES Lights, more
MW3D-Solutions has announced Cheetah3D 7.2 (https://www.cheetah3d.com), a feature update to its 3D modeling solution for macOS. Version 7.2 now uses the AVFoundation framework, which offers faster and higher quality movie export.
What’s more, professional users will enjoy the added ProRes workflow, according to the folks at MW3D-Solutions. The Cheetah3D unbiased render engine Falcon also sees some additions such as support for IES lights, Filmic tone mapping and improved soft shadows.
Cheetah3D 7.2 requires macOS 10.8.5 or higher and costs $99 for a single-user license. Customers may upgrade from older versions for $59, though the upgrade from version 7.x to 7.2 is free.
Apple opens its first store in Austria Saturday
Apple Kärntner Straße, Apple’s first store in Austria, will open Saturday at 9:30 a.m. (local time) in the heart of Vienna. Nestled on the famous pedestrian shopping street between St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Vienna State Opera, the store will have 150 employees (who, together, speak 44 languages).
“We can’t wait to join the bustling city of Vienna, a European crossroads so rich in history and culture,” said Angela Ahrendts, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail, in a press release. “Apple Kärntner Straße brings the best of Apple together with our products, services and educational programs. Everyone is welcome to connect, be inspired to learn, and unlock their creativity.”
Designed with the original heritage building in mind, the two-level store features a corner entrance and reinstated exposed columns with large window openings that seamlessly connect it to the public gathering space outside. Visitors can participate in free Today at Apple sessions every day focused on...
Apple releases new public betas of iOS 11.3, macOS 10.13.4
Apple has released new public betas of iOS 11.3 and macOS 10.13.4. The public betas are available on Apple's Beta Software Program website (https://beta.apple.com/sp/betaprogram/). Just remember that beta software is unfinished software, so proceed with care.
Apple does public betas in order to increase the size of the pool of testers. The tech giant recommends keeping back-ups of your files before installing a public beta.
Developer beta 3 of watchOS 4.3 now available
Apple has posted beta 3 of watchOS 4.3 for developers. Registered developers can download it from Apple's Developer Center — or over-the-air once the proper configuration profile has been installed from the Developer Center.
Sonnet’s 1TB Fusion Thunderbolt 3 PCIe flash drive ships
Sonnet Technologies is shipping the new 1TB version of its Fusion Thunderbolt™ 3 PCIe Flash Drive. A pocket-size solid-state drive (SSD) storage device with a Thunderbolt 3 interface, the drive is equipped with 1TB of NVMe flash storage and leverages the 40Gbps bandwidth of Thunderbolt 3 to deliver data transfer speeds up to 2600 MB/second.
The Fusion Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Flash Drive was designed for pro users and doesn’t require an AC power adapter. The storage device connects to any compatible Mac or Windows computer, or at the end of a Thunderbolt 3 device daisy chain, with its 0.5-meter Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) cable. Based on the latest PCIe Gen 3 flash memory technology, the Fusion Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Flash Drive is more than five times faster than 6Gbps SATA SSDs and USB 3 SSD drives, according to the folks at Sonnet.
Measuring a compact 2.8 inches wide by 4.1 inches deep by 1.25 inches tall, the Fusion Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Flash Drive features a rugged enclosure crafted out of...
Apple releases new developer betas of macOS, iOS, tvOS betas for...
Apple has updated three OS beta releases — macOS High Sierra 10.13.4, iOS 11.3, and tvOS 11.3 — for developers. All can be be downloaded from the Apple Developer Center.
Troi URL Plug-in 9.1 released for FileMaker Pro 16
Troi (www.troi.com) has released Troi URL Plug-in 9.1 for FileMaker Pro 16. It’s an update of the tool designed to help you fill in forms on the Internet, all from FileMaker Pro.
Troi URL Plug-in also retrieves data or images from web sites. Version 9.1 adds new functionality for movie metadata. A fully functional demo version of Troi URL Plug-in 5.0 is available for downloading at: https://www.troi.com/products/urlplugin/
Licenses cost $99 per user. Users who bought a license for Troi File Plug-in on or after May 10, 2016, are entitled to a free upgrade to version 9.1. Upgrades from licenses bought before May 10, 2016, are available from $59 per user.
Paragon Software releases APFS Retrofit Kit for macOS
Paragon Software has released the free APFS Retrofit Kit for macOS (https://tinyurl.com/y9y79gve), a system driver that enables read-only access to APFS (Apple File System) volumes under macOS 10.12 or earlier versions.
For Mac users working on legacy versions of Mac OS X and macOS where APFS isn’t natively supported, the tool allows instant, read-only access to APFS-formatted data stored on hard disk drives, solid-state storage, or flash thumb drives.
Once installed, the driver requires no additional interaction from the user. According to the folks at Paragon Software, the software delivers:
° Fail-safe operation across compatible hardware and software systems for general-purpose and specialized applications;
° Protection of data integrity, along with prevention of accidental data corruption or loss;
° Steady, balanced throughput with effective flow control, reduced overhead, and no data congestion;
° Thrifty usage of processor, memory, and disk resources.
Gro CRM platform for the Mac now includes stripe integration
Gro Software (www.grocrm.com) has announced Gro CRM integration with Stripe. Gro CRM is a remarkably easy-to-use and intelligent business contact management, customer relationship management and enterprise resource management.
With the Gro CRM Stripe integration, it only takes a few minutes to start accepting payments and process credit cards with the Gro CRM platform, according to the folks at Gro Software.
Gro CRM is a free download, but requires a monthly or annual subscription. Solo subscriptions are available for $14.99/seat/month, Basic subscriptions are available for $24.99/seat/month, and pro subscriptions are available for $49.99/seat/month. A 14-day free trial is available at the Gro CRM website.
AKVIS updates eight of its macOS apps
AKVIS (www.akvis.com) has updated eight of its artistic programs available as plugins and standalone applications: AirBrush, Charcoal, Draw, OilPaint, Pastel, Points, Sketch, and Watercolor.
The new versions offer the updated Texture Library, new Random Patterns frame, some interface changes, and other improvements. Each program can be purchased individually or in AKVIS Artistic Bundle at half price for a limited time. They’re compatible with macOS 10.7 or higher.
Apple updates macOS, iOS, watchOS, tvOS
Apple has released updates to macOS, iOS, watchOS and tvOS that resolves an issue of crashing when an Indian language character is received by certain messaging apps.
The bug causes causes app and system crashing on iPhones, iPads, and Macs due to a specific letter in the Indian language Telugu. Apple devices can’t render the Indian character, causing apps or the entire system to crash. If the character is sent in an iMessage, for example, the recipient's Messages app will crash when the conversation is opened.
If the character is pasted into the Safari or Chrome address bar on Mac, the browsers crash. This behavior extends to virtually any system text field on iOS and macOS, resulting in many third-party apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger being affected, as well.
macOS High Sierra 10.13.3 is available at the Mac App Store via the Updates tab. You can download iOS 11.2.6 by navigating to the Software Update section of the Settings app on your iPhone and iPad. watchOS 4.2.3 can...
Clearhaus brings Apple Pay to 5,000 Nordic webshops
Mobile payment and digital wallet service, Apple Pay was first introduced to Sweden, Denmark and Finland in the fourth quarter of 2017. Now, in a move to make this new technology available to its 5,000+ Nordic merchants, Danish acquirer Clearhaus has added support for payments made with Apple Pay.
Soon after its Nordic release on the Oct. 24, 2017, top Nordic banks like Nordea, Jyske Bank, Edenred, N26 and ST1 were quick to adopt Apple’s mobile payment service, which allowed physical stores across the region to accept contactless payments with iOS devices, says Katrine Bak Primdahl from Jyske Bank.
Online payment gateway solutions and acquirers were quick to follow suit. Clearhouse CEO Claus M. Christensen, adds that “he emergence of mobile-friendly payment technology like Apple Pay proves that consumer behavior is changing - and webshops will need to adapt quickly.”
Clearhaus is an EU payment institution and acquirer, whose goal is to make it quick and easy for merchants to accept...
iDevices announces Instant Switch, a wireless remote wall switch
iDevices (www.iDevicesinc.com) has released the Instant Switch, a $34.95remote wireless wall switch that users can pair with their iDevices products via Bluetooth technology for smart home control.
Instead of cutting holes or running wires, users can place the battery-powered Instant Switch anywhere in their home in seconds for control of their iDevices products. For example, when paired to a hard-wired iDevices Wall or Dimmer Switch, the Instant Switch immediately creates a 3- or 4-way control configuration for added functionality and user experience. The Instant Switch is also designed to control hard-to-reach places, outdoor lighting from inside, as well as provide additional access wherever it’s needed.
You can mount the Instant Switch with just a peel-and-stick to the wall using the included Command Strip from 3M. The pre-installed battery has a two-year lifespan. Since the Instant Switch mimics a permanently installed light switch, it can also be fitted with any standard rocker...
Default Folder X 5.2.2 improves speed, adds features and fixes...
St. Clair Software has released Default Folder X 5.2.2 (https://tinyurl.com/2gm24v) an update to their utility for macOS.
It enhances the file dialogs of all Mac applications. Default Folder X provides fast navigation to files, convenient previews, integrated Spotlight tagging and more. Its custom keyboard shortcuts put favorite and recent folders at your fingertips. Version 5.2.2 improves performance and compatibility while adding interface and AppleScript enhancements.
Default Folder X 5.2.2 is compatible with macOS 10.10 and higher. It’s a free update for existing version 5 users. New licenses are $34.95, and upgrades from version 4 and prior are $14.95.
Rally Racers drives onto the Mac
Rally Racers, a cartoon-based car racing game, is available on Steam (https://tinyurl.com/y9594lgn) for macOS and Windows for $11.99.
It’s a “crash and bash” car racing game where you pick up weapons, boosts and rockets to help you through your quest around seven worlds.
Performing stunts gives you power boost and earns you counts towards your awards. Collect oranges to upgrade your vehicles and unlock new characters and new cars. Compete in 21 different tracks against other AI racers and try to be the first to cross the line to collect gold cups and awards.
Twelve South releases the SurfacePad for iPhone X
Twelve South has released the $49.99 SurfacePad for iPhone X (https://tinyurl.com/zdrx3jd). It protects the front and rear of the smartphone, while providing sleep/wake functionality via magnetized front cover.
The SurfacePad for iPhone X has automatic wake/sleep functionality when opening or closing the front flap. It has a full-grain leather design and is available in black, cognac and deep teal flavors.
The SurfacePad for iPhone X Black is Qi charging compatible so it doesn’t have to be removed for using a wireless charger. It has an incorporated viewing/ isplay stand and a two-card wallet on the front flap.
Jamf releases Jamf Pro 10.2, earns Gartner recognition in EMM...
Jamf has released Jamf Pro 10.2 (https://www.jamf.com/products/jamf-pro/), its enterprise mobility management (EMM) solution for Apple devices, which expands on the patch management framework by adding support for external patch sources.
Users can now leverage patch reporting, patch notifications and patch policies for any third-party or in-house software titles hosted on an external source, while keeping all third-party software up to date and secure with both Jamf-managed and external patch sources.
Additionally, Jamf was recognized alongside Cisco and Google as a 2018 Gartner Peer Insights Customers’ Choice for EMM Suites, with a 4.6 out of 5 rating based on 135 reviews. The distinction is based on reviews by verified end-user professionals, taking into account both the number of end-user reviews and the overall user ratings.
New Process Flowcharts Solution available for ConceptDraw Pro
CS Odessa (www.conceptdraw.com) has announced a new Process Flowcharts Solution for ConceptDraw Pro. The new samples and library objects expand a set of tools and features for the software to allow users to diagram business process scenarios.
The new edition of Process Flowcharts Solution includes the CH-1 Business Process Modeling Notation to graphically describe the steps of a business process . It’s available in Solution Park at no charge to owners of ConceptDraw Pro 11, which retails for $199 per end user license and is included in ConceptDraw Office 4, which retails for $499.
Jumsoft's finance tracker Money 5 gets Direct Downloads,...
Jumsoft (www.jumsoft.com) has updated Money, their popular personal finance management app for macOS, to version 5.3.
The software offers a system designed to help you keep control of your financial life. You can oversee your account balances, track your income and spending, keep budgets, and so much more. Version 5.3 offers direct downloads, local data backups, cryptocurrency support, and more under-the-hood improvements.
Money 5.3 is available as a free download on Mac and iOS app stores. Users of earlier releases of Money 5 will automatically receive a Money Standard activation for a lifetime of unlimited accounts and transactions free of charge, and will be able to opt-in for the Money Premium plan with direct downloads separately.
Karl Traunmueller rolls out Compositor 1.0 for the Mac
Karl Traunmueller has released Compositor 1.0, a new Mac app that brings WYSIWYG [what you see is what you get] features to the LaTeX document preparation system widely used in academia for preparation of scientific and technical publications.
Editing and viewing are fully integrated. The document is typeset with every keystroke the user makes, and the results are displayed immediately, according to Traunmueller.
Compositor works with macOS 10.11 or newer. A fully-functional 60-day free trial is available for download from the product's website (http://compositorapp.com). Licenses can be purchased from the product's online store at an early-adopter price of $19. The purchase includes all future updates, including major version updates. There are currently no plans to support Windows or Linux platforms, says Traunmueller.
Howling Moon releases Verdant Skies for macOS and Windows
Howling Moon Software has announced Verdant Skies (http://verdantskies.com), its latest game title for macOS and Windows. It’s a $19.99 life simulation game in which you can customize artwork, dialogue, items, crafting recipes and more.
In Verdant Skies, you're on Viridus Primus, an alien world filled with wildlife and possibility. As you build a home for yourself, you spend your days fishing, painting and combining genes from various crops so they flourish. You make friends with a cast of colonists, deepening your relationships as you work together in this exotic world.
CPUG Network announces 17th annual Las Vegas SuperMeet
The Creative Pro User Group Network have announced that the 17th Annual Las Vegas SuperMeet will take place on Tuesday, April 10, 2018, in the Brasilia Ballroom at the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.
This SuperMeet will celebrate the 17th anniversary of holding SuperMeets in Las Vegas and promises to be the single largest gathering of Adobe, Avid, DaVinci Resolve and FCP X editors, gurus, digital and VR filmmakers and content creators during the 2018 NAB Show. “Early bird” tickets are on sale now.
Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. with the "SuperMeet Vendor Showcase," featuring over 20 software and hardware developers. Stage presentations will begin at 7 p.m. and continue until 10 p.m.
The SuperMeet agenda hasn’t been announced and won’t be until shortly before the event, but will feature user driven presentations from Blackmagic Design, Adobe, Frame.io, HP, Atomos and more. The second half of the show will feature a special guest who will be announced soon. Rounding out the evening will...
AKVIS Decorator for macOS upgraded to version 6.0
AKVIS (www.akvis.com) has updated AKVIS Decorator, its smart resurfacing and recoloring tool for macOS (10.7 and higher). Version 6.0 offers new tools, the selection saving feature, full compatibility with Photoshop CC 2018, a number of interface improvements, etc. Also, it’s now possible to apply different textures to the same image.
AKVIS Decorator allows youto alter the surface of any objects such as clothes, furniture, buildings, cars, walls, etc. The built-in library offers more than 1800 textures to suit most needs.
The product is available as a standalone program and as a plugin filter for AliveColors, Adobe Photoshop and other image editors. A Home license is $54. AKVIS subscribers can buy the product at a special reduced price (10% off). One license key allows activating and using the software on two computers.
Version 6.0 is a free update for users who bought Decorator in the last 12 months. Users, whose license is older and is not valid for the new version, can get...
Cisdem releases iPhone Recovery 4 for the Mac
Cisdem (www.cisdem.com) has updated iPhone Recovery for Mac to version 4.0. The app can recover the photos, messages, contacts, video etc.
According to the folks at Cisdem, the new version enhances the contacts, messages, videos, voice memos, and call history recovery.
Pricing starts at $39.99 for a one-year license. A demo is available for download.
Gro CRM Launches Apple TV 2.0 Update
Gro Software has updated their Gro CRM Apple TV app to version 2.0. Gro CRM is a Mac CRM software platform for small business contact management, customer relationship management and enterprise resource management made exclusively for Apple users and their devices.
The new update for Apple TV includes a new look and updates for tvOS11, streaming history, in/out employee tracking and more. Gro CRM 2.0.1 for AppleTV is available as a free download through the Apple App Store. and on the Gro CRM website. The download is free but requires a monthly or annual subscription.
Solo subscriptions are available for $14.99/seat/month, Basic subscriptions are available for 24.99/seat/month and Pro subscriptions are available for $49.99/seat/month. A 14-day free trial is available on the Gro CRM website (www.grocrm.com).
DEVONagent 3.10 searches Google Scholar for case law,
DEVONtechnologies (www.devontechnologies.com) has updated all editions of its smart research tool DEVONagent. The update brings a plug-in for searching Google Scholar for case law and supports DuckDuckGo Bangs in its integrated web browser.
It also adds more formats for sending results to DEVONthink. Extended plug-in and AppleScript API [application programming interface] enhance the options for automation. The updates for all three editions of DEVONagent are free and recommended for all users.
StarTech releases new hard drive eraser
StarTech has released a new 4-Bay Hard Drive Eraser for 2.5” or 3.5” SATA Drives (https://tinyurl.com/create.php) that erases four SATA drives simultaneously. It’s designed to offer an efficient way for users to securely erase sensitive data and information from hard drives in batches, ultimately saving time.
The $814.99, 4-bay drive eraser is made for the IT professional and technician, but also the tech minded business professional who wants to quickly erase sensitive data from SSDs and HDDs to repurpose them, according to the folks at StarTech. With several industry-recognized erase modes, users can erase the contents of their drives and confirm completion by connecting the eraser to a serial printer to print a receipt.
Train Crisis game now available at Steam
U-Play Online has released Train Crisis for Mac and PC systems today. The game's full price on the Steam store (https://tinyurl.com/yabyetg6) is $4.99, but you can get it for 15% off for a limited time.
Here’s how the game is described: “Train Crisis is a demanding puzzle strategy game in which you have to guide trains with a different color each towards their corresponding destination. The game is set in 4 distinct historical contexts such as the Industrial Revolution, the Far West, the Modern Era and the Future. It contains 168 levels and it brights with stylized 3D visuals. The direction of the trains can be modified by changing junctions, timing traffic lights, avoiding traps in tunnels, and blowing up barriers.”
iPhone source codes gets leaked online
Source code for “iBoot,” one of the most critical iOS programs, was anonymously posted on GitHub, which could pave the way for hackers and security researchers to find vulnerabilities in iOS and make iPhone jailbreaks easier to achieve, according to Motherboard (https://tinyurl.com/ya4h2hfm).
iBoot is the program that loads iOS, the very first process that runs when you turn on your iPhone or iPad. It loads and verifies the kernel is properly signed by Apple and then executes it.
Apple takes special care to keep iBoot secure and its code private; bugs in the boot process are the most valuable ones if reported to Apple through its bounty program, which values them at a max payment of $200,000.
“This is the biggest leak in history,” Jonathan Levin, the author of a series of books on iOS and macOS internals, told Motherboard. “It’s a huge deal.”
Maintain serves up Cocktail 11.3 (High Sierra Edition)
Maintain has served up Cocktail 11.3 (High Sierra Edition), a new edition of Cocktail for users running macOS High Sierra.
It’s a general purpose utility for macOS that lets users clean, repair and optimize their Macs. The new version adds ability to thin or delete local Time Machine snapshots and offers some bug fixes and performance improvements.
Cocktail costs $19 for a single user license and available for purchase from the Maintain website (http://www.maintain.se/cocktail/). When unregistered, Cocktail runs in demo mode and will expire after the tenth launch.
Open Screen Ltd. releases Archisketch 2.9 for iPad
Open Screen has released Archisketch 2.9 (http://www.archisketch.eu), the latest version of its scale-aware sketching app for the iPad.
With its freehand sketching features and solid line drawing tools, Archisketch provides an early-stage design and development solution with, according to the folks at Open Screen, none of the complications of the CAD and BIM software traditionally used in the design industry.
Archisketch 2.9 is available immediately from the Apple App Store as a free download for use with up to 50 shapes in two projects, with an in-app purchase for unlimited shapes and projects for $9.99. Version 2.9 requires iOS 11 or later on an iPad, iPad Air or iPad Pro. Support for Apple Pencil requires an iPad Pro.
What’s more, Open Screen is now accepting submissions to it's "Archisketch Drawing Contest," with more than $2500 in prize monies to be won.
ZAGG debuts Rugged Book keyboard/detachable case for the iPad
ZAGG (www.ZAGG.com) has announced the $129.99 Rugged Book, a wireless keyboard and detachable case for the Apple iPad, 9.7-inch iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad Air 2.
It boasts four modes (book, keyboard, case, and video), an adjustable cradle hinge for 180 degrees of viewing angles, and a detachable keyboard with reinforced metal plating. The Rugged Book also features four layers of construction that meet military drop-test standards, allowing it to protect the device from drops from up to two meters/6.6 feet, says Charlie Quong, vice president, product development for ZAGG.
Backlit keys, available in seven different colors, make typing easy in low-light conditions, he adds. The rechargeable battery purportedly lasts up to two years between charges; built-in magnets activate the keyboard’s sleep/wake function to preserve battery life.
Apple posts new developer betas of macOS 10.13.4, iOS 11.3, tvOS...
Apple has released new developer betas of macOS 10.13.4, iOS 11.3 and tvOS 11.3. Registered developers can download it from Apple's Developer Center — or over-the-air once the proper configuration profile has been installed from the Developer Center.
Graphic Node releases GN Templates for iWork 4.0.2
Graphic Node has rolled out GN Templates for iWork 4.0.2, an update to its package of templates for iWork. Sporting a new interface and anew section for Pictures, the new update adds hundreds of customizable designs.
GN Templates for iWork 4.0.2 is free, but does tout in-app purchases. It’s available exclusively at the Mac App Store (https://tinyurl.com/y9csqz6k).
Bare Bones Software Releases BBEdit 12.1
Bare Bones Software (www.barebones.com) has updated BBEdit, its HTML and text editor, to version 12.1. It can now open significantly larger files and can perform more large-scale operations on big files than was possible in previous versions.
Performance has been improved for opening and saving large files as well. New Touch Bar support provides access to commonly used functions
in the FTP/SFTP browser, Text Factory, "Preview in BBEdit" and editing windows. Version 12.1 also adds enhancements to "Go To Line" and "Preview in BBEdit" features.
BBEdit 12.1 is the first version of BBEdit to run as a 64-bit application, the benefits of which include quicker launch times, plus access to a wider variety of third-party color pickers and contextual menu plug-ins. It also includes enhancements and refinements to existing features, and fixes for specific reported issues, and is a recommended and free update to all registered customers with BBEdit 12.
BBEdit 12 requires macOS 10.11.6 or later....
Updated Output Factory for InDesign improves file naming, layer...
Zevrix Solutions has released Output Factory 2.2.7, a maintenance update to company's output automation solution for Adobe InDesign.
Output Factory automates printing, exporting and preflighting from InDesign and offers batch processing, export as single pages, layer versioning, custom scripts integration and more. Version 2.2.7 allows users to use specific text from InDesign layout in the variable names of output files when exporting combinations of InDesign layers as separate documents.
Output Factory can be purchased from the Zevrix website (www.zevrix.com) for $169.95; there’s a “lite” version for $119.95. A demo is available for download. The update is free for the users of Output Factory 2.x, and $84.97 to upgrade from Output Factory 1.x and BatchOutput. Output Factory requires macOS 10.7-10.13 and Adobe InDesign CS3-CC 2018.
Apple, Cisco, Aon, Allianz team up for cyber risk management...
Apple, Cisco, Aon and Allianz have announced a new cyber risk management solution for businesses, comprised of cyber resilience evaluation services from Aon, secure technology from Cisco and Apple, and options for enhanced cyber insurance coverage from Allianz.
The new solution is designed to help a wider range of organizations better manage and protect themselves from cyber risk associated with ransomware and other malware-related threats, which are the most common threats faced by organizations today.
Cyber security risk is growing. Losses from cyber threats are outpacing investment in IT security, according to Chuck Robbins, Chairman and CEO, Cisco. This fact, combined with low adoption of cyber insurance, an active adversary, a fragmented security technology market and a security skills shortage, means it’s difficult for many organizations to understand and manage this risk effectively, he adds. The new solution covers the primary dimensions of cyber protection for businesses....
RE:Vision Effects releases RE:Match v2 for After Effects and...
RE:Vision Effects (www.revisionfx.com) has released RE:Match 2 for Adobe After Effects and Adobe Premiere Pro. The upgrade addresses common color problems when using multiple shots and/or multiple cameras.
For general multicam shoots RE:Match matches, as best it can, one sequence's color appearance to match that of another. For stereo pairs, the software can further refine the overall color match by taking into account that the two views are captured at the same time with a relatively small distance between the views.
In addition, RE:Match is also able to propagate color changes into areas that are present in only one view. It can also make other details, such as reflections, specular highlights, and lens flares be consistent between the two views.
RE:Match costs $89.95 for the standard version and $189.95 for the pro version. Version 2 is a free upgrade for RE:Match Pro 1 users.
iMobie updates PhoneRescue to recover los data from all Android...
iMobie has updated PhoneRescue (https://tinyurl.com/ydxegk6q), its Mac-compatible data recovery tool, to version 3.6.0, allowing users to recover data from all Android phones and tablets.
They include Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, LG, and Sony brands. PhoneRescue allows you to recover lost messages, photos, contacts, app data and more.
The app costs $49.99 for a single user license and $69.99 for a family license. A demo is available for download.
Mac-Chi launches Enact app for macOS
Mac-Chi has debuted Enact, a macOS productivity app that focuses on simplifying the movement of data. It allows users to format, save, print, or post the clipboard contents to social media.
By dragging text onto the Enact dock icon, users can optionally include a customizable citation when dispatching the text. Users can also directly open a specific tab in Safari by clicking on a status item in the menubar.
Enact requires macOS 10.10 or later. It’s free to download from the Mac App Store (https://tinyurl.com/ybb6gnxk). However, in-app purchases allow you to access “premium” features.
Apple’s revenue and EPS hit all-time records
Apple has announced financial results for its fiscal 2018 first quarter that ended December 30, 2017. The company posted quarterly revenue of $88.3 billion, an increase of 13% from the year-ago quarter and an all-time record, and quarterly earnings per diluted share of $3.89, up 16%, also an all-time record. International sales accounted for 65 percent of the quarter’s revenue.
“We’re thrilled to report the biggest quarter in Apple’s history, with broad-based growth that included the highest revenue ever from a new iPhone lineup. iPhone X surpassed our expectations and has been our top-selling iPhone every week since it shipped in November,” said CEO Tim Cook in a press release. “We’ve also achieved a significant milestone with our active installed base of devices reaching 1.3 billion in January. That’s an increase of 30% in just two years, which is a testament to the popularity of our products and the loyalty and satisfaction of our customers.”
“Thanks to great operational and...
RailModeller Pro for macOS rolls to version 6
Isle of the Kakapo has rolled out RailModeller Pro 6.0, an update to their model railroad and slot car layout design solution for macOS (10.10 or later). The new version introduces Community Layouts.
RailModeller Pro offers design tools that enable hobbyists to design model train and slot car track layouts via drag and drop. The app includes a library catalog covering over 200 track systems in all major model scales, as well as scalable accessories, allowing for custom designs of any layout a user can visualize.
RailModeller Pro 6.0 is available for $39.99 exclusively at the Mac App Store (https://tinyurl.com/ycvnh4j5). A free version, RailModeller Express - which is suitable for smaller layouts with a limited number of tracks is also available through the Mac App Store in the Graphics and Design category.
LibreOffice upgraded to version 6.0
The Document Foundation has released LibreOffice 6.0 (https://www.libreoffice.org), an update of the LibreOffice family for macOS, Windows, Linux and the cloud. It adds a large number of significant new features to the core engine and to individual modules (Writer, Calc and Impress/Draw), with the objective of providing users the best in terms of personal productivity, according to the folks at The Document Foundation.
LibreOffice Online is fundamentally a server service, and should be installed and configured by adding a cloud storage and a SSL certificate. It might be considered an enabling technology for the cloud of ISPs or the private cloud of enterprises and large organizations.
LibreOffice users, free software advocates and community members can support The Document Foundation with a donation.
Kensington introduces a new USB-C, USB 3.0 docking station
Kensington (www.kensington.com) has introduced the $219.99 SD4700P Universal USB-C and USB 3.0 Docking Station, which gives organizations full support for both USB-C and USB 3.0 devices from laptops using both macOS and Windows.
You can connect the Docking Station to the USB port on a laptop, and transfer audio, video, data and power (supported USB-C devices with power deliver function only). With Zero Footprint Mounting organizations have the option to attach the dock to the back of any VESA-compatible external monitor display. The Docking Station connects to the single USB-C or USB 3.0 port on a laptop and gives the connected user access to:
° DisplayPort++/HDMI to provide flexible video connections with support up to 2560x1600 for a single monitor or 2048x1152 for dual monitors using DisplayLink.
° Six USB ports that extend the productivity capabilities of laptops via one USB-C port, and five USB 3.0 ports, one of which is a 2.1A fast-charging port to power up a tablet or...
Tidy Up 5 for macOS is completely re-engineered
Hyperbolic Software (www.hyberbolicsoftware.com) has introduced Tidy Up 5, an update of the duplicate finding and disk tidiness app, developed exclusively for the Mac.
It employs a customizable search algorithm that scans any mounted drive volume. Tidy Up also has the capability to scan the databases of popular applications such as Lightroom, Photos and iTunes. Version 5 is completely re-engineered and was developed focusing on efficiency, according to the folks at Hyperbolic Software.
Tidy Up 5 requires macOS 10.12 or later. It costs $28.99.
Pocket Informant now available on Mac App Store as Informant 1.0
Fanatic Software has announced the availability of Informant for macOS (10.11 or higher) in the Mac App Store (https://tinyurl.com/y8kvv8wl).
It’s a cross-platform day planner app that combines your Calendar, Tasks, Projects, and Notes into a single app. Users can combine multiple personal or work calendars from different sources such as iCloud and Google. Its features include sub-tasks, and start-and-end dates.
You can get the Mac-based version or Informant for macOS as a one-time purchase of $49.99. The iOS version of Informant (Informant 5 for iOS) is now available at the Apple App Store as a subscription of $25/year which also includes a subscription to the Informant Sync service.
You can subscribe to the Informant Sync service ($25/year) to keep all your data in sync across your devices. if you sign up for the Informant Sync service, you can get a free access to the iPhone and iPad versions. Or, you can try a free two-week trial of the full version of the app by configuring the...
Gro Software releases Gro CRM 2.0.1 for the Mac
Gro Software has announced Gro CRM 2.0.1, an update of the Mac CRM for small business.
It’s a software platform for small business contact management, customer relationship management and enterprise resource management. Gro CRM is made exclusively for Mac users. Version 2.0 release includes new features including iOS 11 and iPhone X support.
Gro CRM 2.0.1 is available at the Mac App Store and on the Gro CRM website (https://www.grocrm.com). The download is free but requires a monthly or annual subscription. Solo subscriptions are available for $14.99/seat/month, Basic subscriptions are available for $24.99/seat/month and Pro subscriptions are available for $49.99/seat/month. A 14-day free demo is available at the Gro CRM website.
Final Cut Pro X 3D sports graphics plugins released by FxFactory
FxFactory has released XEffects 3D Sports Graphics, a Final Cut Pro X plugin suite for macOS.
Developed by partner Idustrial Revolution, the plugins are designed to fulfill the need in sports of displaying, fixtures, teams, in play graphics, results tables and of course, name supers and associated locators, and tags. Although designed for sports coverage, the plugins can also be used in other types of video and television production.
XEffects 3D Sports Graphics is distributed on the FxFactory app store (https://tinyurl.com/ycmbb7ea). It’s being launched at a discounted price of $39 (normally it’s $49) for one week (until Feb. 6).
BatchOutput for Microsoft Word now supports PDF automation in...
Zevrix Solutions has announced BatchOutput DOC 2.5.5, a compatibility update to company's output automation app for Microsoft Word.
The tool automates printing and exporting of multiple Word documents to PDF. The software offers PDF security, variable file names, export as single pages and other options. Version 2.5.5 addresses a bug in the recently released Word 16, which resulted in creation of corrupt PDF files produced with Office AppleScript engine.
BatchOutput DOC can be purchased for $19.95 from the Zevrix Solutions website (www.zevrix.com), as well as the Mac App Store. A demo is available for download. The update is free for users of version 2 and $20 from version 1. BatchOutput DOC requires macOS 10.6-10.13 and Microsoft Word 2008, 2011 or 2016.
