Smile has released PDFpen 3 and PDFpen Pro 3 for macOS (10.11 and higher). They’re PDF editing apps that allow you to sync documents between devices for editing via iCloud Drive, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneNote. Version 3 is made for iOS 11, using the new Files interface for document management. The upgrade also support drag and drop in iOS 11. PDFpen is available for $74.95. PDFpenPro is $124.95. Demo versions are available at the Smile website (https://smilesoftware.com/PDFpen).

Apple has released watchOS 4, featuring a “proactive” Siri watch face, personalized Activity coaching and a new music experience. The update also sports an enhanced Workout app and introduces GymKit, a technology platform that will offer customers connected workouts with cardio equipment. Siri intelligence extends further into Apple Watch with the new Siri watch face. With each raise of the wrist, the information on the display dynamically updates based on the time of day, daily routines and pertinent data from apps such as Activity, Alarms, Breathe, Calendar, Maps, Reminders and Wallet, as well as headlines from the new Apple News app for Apple Watch, according to Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer. With watchOS 4, the Activity app delivers “intelligent coaching and tailored encouragement” to help close Activity Rings more often and achieve longer success streaks. Every morning, users will receive a personalized notification if they’re close to earning an Achievement, or...

Stairways Software has rolled out Keyboard Maestro 8.0, the new version of its automation tool for the Mac. With it, you can automate almost any repetitive task you do on your Mac—from opening web pages at a specific time to rating iTunes songs. Version 8.0 enhances the editor, expands MIDI support, adds comprehensive AppleScript support, revamps the clipboard switchers, adds Gesture, Cron and Remote triggers, with lots of new actions and additions to the engine, and more. New customers can purchase Keyboard Maestro for $36. Customers with five or more users can contact Stairways Software for a volume discount quote. Customers who purchased Keyboard Maestro directly from Stairways Software after March 1, 2017, have been issued a free upgrade to Keyboard Maestro 8. Customers who purchased Keyboard Maestro 7 prior to March 1, 2017 can upgrade to Keyboard Maestro 8 for $18 until Nov. 19 and for $25 after that date. Customers who purchased older versions of Keyboard Maestro can...

Ergonis Software has announced Typinator 7.3, a maintenance update to their text expander. It’s not only a typing assistant that speeds repetitive typing tasks, but also a system-wide auto-correction tool that automatically fixes typing errors and misspelled words. Version 7.3 comes with more than 40 enhancements and is compatible with the upcoming macOS High Sierra, which is due next week. Typinator 7.3 requires macOS 10.6 or higher. It can be purchased on the Ergonis Software website (www.ergonis.com). The upgrade to Typinator 7.3 is free for Typinator 7 license owners and for anyone who purchased a license for Typinator 6 on or after Jan. 1, 2016. Upgrade paths are available for owners of older licenses.

Reinvented Software has debuted Keep It 1.0 for the Mac. It combines notebook and organizer features. With Keep It, you can take notes for that idea you need to save, or list you need to make, save web pages as links, and PDFs for offline viewing. The app can be used to edit its own notes, along with rich and plain text files, and can store any kind of file. Keep It will also show summaries, thumbnails and previews for most file formats. Keep It for Mac 1.0 requires macOS 10.12 Sierra or later, and is available as a 15-day demo (http://reinventedsoftware.com/keepit/) that can be unlocked upon purchase. A license costs $49.99. iOS versions are available at the Apple App Store.

B-Eng has rolled out File Manager Pro 1.7.1, an update to their dual panel file manager for the Mac. Along with basic functions like copying and moving files and directories, the tool allows you to compress and uncompress files, compare files and folders, synching files and directories and manipulating content of folders and files from an interactive, graphical overview. Version 1.7. introduces encryption abilities. File Manager Pro 1.7.1 require macOS 10.11 or higher and costs $18.99. It’s available at the Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/y7kwm9mf).

TunesKit Software has announced DRM Media Converter for Mac 3.5.1, an update to its DRM removal product for the Mac. This version adds support for iTunes 12.7 on macOS 10.12 and lower. DRM Media Converter was designed to losslessly remove DRM encryption from iTunes movie purchases and rentals, TV episodes, and music videos by converting the protected M4V videos to DRM-free formats, including MP4, M4V, MOV, AVI, FLV, MP3, AAC, and more. DRM Media Converter requires macOS 10.8 or higher. It cost $44.95; a demo is available for download (http://www.tuneskit.com/tuneskit-for-mac.html).

Satechi has released its Vertical Laptop Stand. It elevates most laptops and tablets, keeping desks and tables clutter-free and safe from water or coffee spills. Aside from maximizing desk space while storing laptops or tablets in an upright, vertical position, the stand is designed to keep ports exposed for charging, connecting to monitors. Additionally, its aluminum body helps devices stay cool as its bottom chamber regulates air flow and helps to prevent overheating.   Made with anodized aluminum, the Vertical Laptop Stand is heavy enough to securely hold laptops and tablets without toppling over, according to the folks at Satechi. The Vertical Laptop Stand’s sleek, adjustable design allows it to be universally compatible with laptops and tablets, even with shell cases, with one-half inch to 1.5 inch thickness, including the MacBook, MacBook Pro, Dell XPS, Asus Zenbook, Samsung Notebook and more.  Satechi’s Vertical Laptop Stand is available in now silver, space gray or jet black...

KnowledgeMiner Software has released INSIGHTS 6 for macOS (10.9 or later). It’s an update of the predictive analytics tool for forecasting macroeconomic development. INSIGHTS 6 introduces Systems of Equations, a superset of Vector Auto-regressive Models, to allow model development from observation data of linear and non-linear interdependent systems and processes for multi-step ex ante forecasting. there are accompanying examples such as forecasting the U.S., Japanese, or German national economies until 2021. INSIGHTS for macOS is available as either Free, Student, Advanced, Professional, or Ultimate editions. All are available exclusively from the KnowledgeMiner Software website (http://www.knowledgeminer.eu).

The US Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a binding operational directive to all federal agencies, ordering them to shutter use of Kaspersky software within 90 days over concerns with the Russian-based company's ties to the Kremlin, reports “ZDNet” (http://tinyurl.com/ya5eulbk). Kaspersky Lab is a Russian multinational cybersecurity and anti-virus provider headquartered in Moscow, Russia, and operated by a holding company in the United Kingdom. It ranks fourth in the global ranking of antivirus vendors by revenue. The company has became the subject of controversy in the United States, over allegations that it has engaged with the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), in the wake of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. DHS is giving federal agencies 30 days to identify Kaspersky Lab products on their networks and to remove and discontinue present and future use of the products in the next 60 days. The agency says there are requirements under Russian law...

.com Solutions has released FmPro Migrator Platinum Edition 8.34. FmPro Migrator is a stand-alone application that migrates FileMaker Pro databases to MySQL, Oracle, Access, SQL Server, Sybase, DB2, OpenBase and more. Users of Microsoft Access databases can lift the limitations of Microsoft Access with FmPro Migrator 8.34 conversions to FileMaker 16. Table Consolidation processing has also been enhanced. FmPro Migrator Developer Edition is priced at $600 per developer. A demo is available for download (http://tinyurl.com/yhzahuk).

Apple has updated iTunes for macOS to version 12.7, removing the App Store items for purchasing iOS apps. It can be downloaded at the Mac App Store for free. After you install the update, a popup window says “the new iTunes places emphasis on music, movies, TV shows, podcasts, and audiobooks.” Apple notes that, if you previously used iTunes to sync apps or ringtones to your iOS device, use the new App Store or Sounds Settings on iOS to re-download them without your Mac. Version 12.7 also: ° Adds support for iOS device syncing; ° Allows Apple Music subscribers to create profiles and follow each other online; ° Shows Internet radio stations in the music library sidebar.

Apple has announced the iPhone X, which is modestly describes as “the future of the smartphone.” It comes in an all-glass design with a 5.8-inch “Super Retina” display, A11 Bionic chip, wireless charging and an improved rear camera with dual optical image stabilization. The iPhone X delivers a new way for customers to unlock, authenticate and pay using Face ID, enabled by the new TrueDepth camera. The smartphone will be available for pre-order beginning Friday, Oct. 27, in more than 55 countries and territories, and in stores beginning Friday, Nov. 3. The iPhone X introduces a design with an all-screen display that follows the curve of the device, clear to the rounded corners. The all-glass front and back feature the most durable glass ever in a smartphone in silver or space gray, while a highly polished, surgical-grade stainless steel band seamlessly wraps around and reinforces iPhone X, according to Phil Schiller, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Marketing. A seven-layer color...

Apple has introduced Apple Watch Series 3, adding built-in cellular. It allows users to stay connected, make calls, receive texts and more, even without an iPhone nearby. The third-generation Apple Watch boasts intelligent coaching features, water resistance to 50 meters and a new barometric altimeter that measures relative elevation. Apple Watch Series 3 comes in two models, one with GPS and cellular, and one with GPS, both featuring a 70% faster dual-core processor and new wireless chip. Soon, the combination of cellular and watchOS 4 will allow Apple Music users to stream 40 million songs right from their wrist, according to Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer. Beginning Friday, Sept. 15, Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) will be available to order in 10 countries and territories, and Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) will be available to order in 28 countries and territories. Both models are available in stores starting Friday, Sept. 22. Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS +...

QuickerTek has announced 30 watt and 60 watt USB Type-C Solar Juicz Chargers (http://tinyurl.com/ycyzf55n). These solar panels feature the USB 3.1 adapter cable necessary to power and charge the 2015-2017 MacBook and MacBook Pro 13-inch and 15-inch laptops. They include a Type-C USB (3.1) cable that utilizes the PD protocol. To use, they can be plugged directly into the MacBook's special USB 3.1 adapter ports. These solar products power the computer battery for use while simultaneously charging the internal battery. The folks at QuickerTek say the Solar Juicz Chargers feature water resistant, foldable and durable photo-voltaic cells. Each panel is light weight for easy travel, weighing in at three pounds, including with accessories. QuickerTek is offering the 30 Watt USB Type-C Solar Juicz Charger for $499 and the 60 Watt USB Type-C Solar Juicz Charger for $999. These solar panels can also be used to charge QuickerTek's Most Powerful eyeBattery and Most Versatile eyeBattery.

Zevrix Solutions has rolled out Output Factory Server 2, an upgrade to company's output automation solution for Adobe InDesign. Output Factory Server automates printing and exporting from InDesign by processing files from hot folders, and can serve unlimited users on a network. Version 2 adds new features such as the ability to output InDesign files to multiple formats from a single hot folder, the ability to run custom scripts, the ability to process file aliases instead of originals, and more. Output Factory Server can be purchased from the Zevrix website (www.zevrix.com) for $699.95. A demo is available for download. The upgrade cost is $350 for the licensed users of Output Factory Server 1.x and BatchOutput Server. Output Factory Server requires macOS 10.7 or later and Adobe InDesign CS5-CC 2017.

Other World Computing is now shipping new orders of the $299 Thunderbolt 3 Dock (http://tinyurl.com/y9jmo5hf), which sports 13 ports. It provides connectivity through an included Thunderbolt 3 cable, delivering power to laptops and other devices. The dock takes full advantage of Thunderbolt 3 technology with throughput up to 40Gb/s of bandwidth. The 13 ports offer the capability to charge mobile devices, connect the newest displays, add external storage (including legacy devices such as FireWire drives), import photos and videos from SD cards, access wired networks via Gigabit Ethernet, and connect audio accessories. The OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock can be the foundation of a custom display setup, providing the ability to drive a latest-generation 5K display, two ultra HD 4K displays or a combination of 4K, HD and other displays with the Mini DisplayPort (mDP) with DisplayPort++ support, and additional Thunderbolt 3 port. For professionals working in the creative industries, there’s a...

AKVIS (www.akvis.com) has announced AKVIS ArtSuite 12, an update of the photo decoration software for macOS that offers a collection of visual effects and frames for your digital photos. Version 12 offers the new Passe-Partout frame, the Presets panel with ready-to-use AKVIS frame presets, the improved Halftone effect, and some bug fixes. The new version provides more customization options by adding a new gray interface color. A demo of AKVIS ArtSuite is available for download on macOS 10.7 and higher. It’s available as a standalone application and as a plugin to photo editors: AliveColors by AKVIS, Adobe Photoshop, and others. AKVIS ArtSuite 12 Home sells for $39, Deluxe for $49, and Business for $72. One license key allows activating and using the software on two computers. Version 12 is a free upgrade for recent buyers, as well for those who bought “one year of updates” during the last 12 months. Users whose license isn’t valid for the new version can get ArtSuite 12 for $14.95.

JSplash Studios has released Piano Tuner PT1 1.0, an update to its piano tuning app for macOS. It designed to help professional piano technicians to tune a piano to the highest possible standards. Piano Tuner PT1 sports a pitch recognition algorithm for showing the precise pitch frequency and deviation from the target frequency for any note. The app requires macOS 10.8 and costs $499.99. It’s available at the Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/y9j43g3p).

Recosoft Corp. has released PDF2Office for iWork 2017, the latest version of its PDF to Apple Pages, Keynote and Numbers conversion utility for macOS. PDF2Office for iWork allows you to recover, reuse and re-source the content stored in PDF files. The app converts PDFs to Numbers, Keynote and Pages files by: recreating the layout of the document; forming paragraphs; applying styles; regrouping independent graphic elements; extracting images; and creating tables automatically. PDF2Office for iWork 2017 sports a revamped user interface, the ability to batch convert multiple PDF files to different formats, an area select tool, and PDF to image conversion. It also contains the latest PDF Reconstruction v7.0 engine. PDF2Office for iWork requires macOS 10.9 or higher. It’s available at the Mac App Store (https://itunes.apple.com/app/pdf2office-for-iwork-2017/id1222474788) as an in-app purchase for $29.99 with a limited free-to-use option for 14-days.

Smile (http://smle.us/store) has revved PDFpen, its all-purpose PDF editing tool for macOS (10.11 and higher), to version 9.2. It updates the current optical character recognition (OCR) capabilities, making scans of text turn into selectable text with greater speed and accuracy. PDFpenPro and PDFpen 9 work with PDFpen for iPad and iPhone version 2, allowing editing across devices when used with Dropbox or iCloud. PDFpen retails for $74.95, and PDFpenPro for $124.95. Family pack licenses, which cover up to five computers in one household, are $94.95 for PDFpen and $149.95 for PDFpenPro. Office pack licenses start at $224.95 for PDFpen (five users) and $349.95 for PDFpenPro (five users). Upgrades from earlier single user versions of either application are $30, and free to users who purchased on or after Jan. 1, 2017. Upgrades from previous versions of PDFpen to PDFpenPro 9 are $50.

Logitech has announced Circle 2 Wired home security cameras and mounts (logi.com/Circle2) now work with Apple’s HomeKit. HomeKit is a framework that allows control of compatible home automation devices through iOS and Siri. You can set up your Circle 2 Wired camera with the Apple Home app and enjoy access to live camera video on your iPhone and iPad, notifications to your lock screen on iPhone or iPad or right on your Apple Watch, and home automation such as turning on the lights automatically when motion is detected by the camera. The Circle 2 Wired camera, and the camera when attached to the Plug Mount or Window Mount all work with Apple HomeKit. New and existing Circle 2 Wired owners can all take advantage of this new HomeKit integration starting today (existing Circle 2 users should visit here for update instructions). Circle 2 Wired is available now at retailers nationwide, and will be in Apple stores and Apple.com, starting in October in the U.S. and Europe for $179.95. The...

Mountain Duck 2 has been released for macOS (and Windows), featuring support for client-side encrypted Cryptomator interoperable vaults. The result? “Foolproof” client-side encryption for cloud storage mounted on your desktop. Encryption for data at rest prevents unauthorized access regardless of the server or cloud storage infrastructure. You can create secure vaults on any server or cloud storage available through the the broad protocol support in Mountain Duck – including Amazon S3, Backblaze B2, Microsoft Azure, Google Drive, Dropbox and OneDrive or any OpenStack Swift, WebDAV or FTP interoperable hosting solution. Additionally you can also connect to your local hard disk and browse Cryptomator Vaults you want to save on your computer. Also, all vaults either created by Mountain Duck, Cyberduck or mobile apps from Cryptomator for iOS and Android are fully interoperable. Mountain Duck 2 is available at the Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/y974m2zh) for $39.99. It requires macOS 10...

LandingZone (www.landingzone.net) has announced its latest docking station for the MacBook Pro with Touch Bar. It’s equipped with 16 ports and costs $299. Available for the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, the LandingZone Docking Station's compact size brings the functionality of a full desktop computer, with the ability to stay at a desk or be brought on-the-go during travel, says LandingZone CEO Steven Yang. The additional ports, such as USB 3.1 Type-C, USB 3.1 Type-A, HDMI, Mini DisplayPort and Ethernet, facilitate the connection of a large range of devices to the Apple laptop. The docking station eliminates the need for numerous dongles, as the MacBook Pro with Touch Bar offers only USB-C ports. In addition, the Kensington Security Slot built into the dock allows both the docking station and the MacBook Pro to be secured to a desk or table.