Typinator for OS X adds over 50 new features
Ergonis Software (www.ergonis.com) has announced Typinator 6.10, a new version of their text expander for Mac OS X.
It’s a tool for automating the process of inserting frequently used text and auto-correcting typing errors. According to the folks at Ergonis, version 6.10 comes with 50 improvements, including new features, compatibility enhancements, as well as fixes and workarounds for known issues. Among the new features are highlighting of markers in expansions, a built-in Case function for selecting different text fragments depending on an input value, support for logical values in calculations, new and extended arithmetic functions like min, max, round, and more.
Typinator requires Mac OS X 10.6 or newer. The upgrade to Typinator 6.10 is free for anyone who owns a valid license for Typinator 6.x. Upgrade paths are available for owners of older licenses. For new users the price is $24.99.
SuperTab brings Voice Control to the Mac
SpriTec Software has announced SuperTab 2.2 (http://www.supertab.me/SuperTab.html), an upgrade of its utility application for OS X.
The app enhances and extends the Mac's built-in Command-Tab Application Switcher. SuperTab builds upon the Mac's built-in App Switcher by providing users with instant access to more than just their Active Apps. Version 2.2 adds voice control. This let users simply use their voice to launch apps, open files, take screen shots, type commonly-used phrases and more.
According to the folks at SprTech, you don’t have to upgrade to macOS Sierra, due this fall, to get voice control. SuperTab 2.2 brings it to Mac OS X Yosemite (10.10) and El Capitan (10.11). However,, SuperTab's Voice Control will purportedlywork alongside Siri in macOS Sierra.
SuperTab 2.0 runs on Mac OS X 10.8 later. Version 2.2 is free to download and install and is fully-functional for 30 days. After 30 days, it remains fully-functional but will occasionally ask you to register. You can...
Apple releases new developer and public betas of macOS Sierra
Apple has released the seventh beta of macOS Sierra for developers and the six beta for public beta testers. The final version is due this fall.
The developer version can be downloaded from the Apple Developer Center. If you're not already signed up for the public beta program, you can do so here (http://tinyurl.com/pffuwnz). The public beta program is free, but remember: beta software is unfinished software so use with care.
Acronis True Image 2017 launches with wireless backup for mobile...
Acronis, a provider of hybrid cloud data protection, has debuted Acronis True Image 2017, the latest release of the company’s personal backup software.
The upgrade offers full image local and cloud backup for computers with new wireless backup for mobile devices to local Windows computers or the Acronis Cloud, support for an unlimited number of mobile devices, and complete backup of Facebook account data.
Acronis True Image 2017 is available for purchase starting at $39 for a single computer subscription, and $49 for a single computer license. Go to http://www.acronis.com/en-us/ for more info.
Agenda announced for the ninth annual Amsterdam SuperMeet
The agenda has been set for the Ninth Annual Amsterdam SuperMeet, which will take place during IBC2016 on Sunday, Sept. 11, at the Hotel Krasnapolsky in Amsterdam, NL.
The agenda will feature presentations on 360 VR filmmaking, including the making of "Pure McCartney VR." Also on stage will be user driven presentations from Blackmagic Design, Adobe, HP/NVIDIA, Lumaforge, and fayteq. To purchase tickets and for complete details, visit the SuperMeet website (http://supermeet.com).
HP and NVIDIA will present the VR experience "GIANT." Inspired by real events, this immersive virtual-reality experience, which mixes both game engine and live-action video, transports the viewer into the family's makeshift basement shelter.
Blackmagic Design will present the making of "Playing with Fire." Cinematographer Klaus B. Pedersen will be the presenter and give us an exclusive preview of his documentary short featuring Katalin Konya, the three-time world amateur champion in kickboxing.
Doors will...
VeprIT announces Photo Sense 2 for Mac
VeprIT has announced Photo Sense 2 for Mac, a new generation of the batch photo enhancement tool.
The automatic-first approach enables users to choose their preferred workflow complexity, from completely automatic to manual, and thus appeals both to novice and more advanced photographers. Version 2 offers more efficient batch adjustment tools, image settings synchronization, custom presets, and new customization tools.
Photo Sense 2.0.0 is free (but does tout in-app purchases) on the Mac App Store for $24.99. A demo that adds a watermark to exported images) is available on the product website (http://veprit.com/photosense).
Apple taking donations to help victims of Louisiana flooding
Apple has opened up donations to the American Red Cross at iTunes and its app stores to help victims of the flooding in Louisiana.
You can donate in increments of $5, $10, $25, $50, $100, or $200. The full amount of each donation will go to the Red Cross. However, charitable givers can't use any existing iTunes credit.
Apple releases new public and developer betas of iOS 10
Apple has released the 10th sixth public beta and seventh development beta of iOS 10. The finished version is due this fall.
If you're not already signed up for the public beta program, you can do so here (https://beta.apple.com/sp/betaprogram/). The public beta program is free, but remember: beta software is unfinished software so use with care. The developer beta can be downloaded through the Apple Developer Center or the Software Update mechanism in the Mac App Store.
Sony’s XAV-AX100 in-car audio system supports Apple CarPlay
Sony Electronics (www.sony.com) has announced its XAV-AX100 in-car audio system, which offers Apple CarPlay as an option. The system retails at $499.99 and will be available across North America as of late November
Compatible with iPhone 5 and later models, CarPlay provides a simplified way to use your iPhone interface on a car’s touch screen, giving users access to Siri voice controls, as well as Apple Maps, Apple Music, Phone, Messages, and a variety of third party apps.
The XAV-AX100 in-car audio system packs a 55 watts x 4 Dynamic Reality Amp 2 and EXTRA BASS low boost circuitry to overcome engine noise and reproduce clear sound at any volume. It also has a 10-band graphic equalizer.
WaterField launches Kickstarter campaign for iPhone 7 travel...
WaterField Designs has launched its first Kickstarter campaign for the RFID-blocking, play-through, Intrepid Travel Wallet (http://tinyurl.com/gv98o2h) for the upcoming “iPhone 7” (and similarly-sized phones). It’s a wallet, an iPhone case and a travel attaché all in one.
It is a wallet, but also functions as an iPhone case and a travel attaché. As a wallet, its two interior side pockets hold credit cards, hotel card-keys and metro tickets and its main compartment is large enough for a stash of domestic or foreign bills and a pen. Built-in RFID-blocking capability offers a little extra security while out and about. An included zippered pouch, the Micro Wallet, fits inside the main compartment and secures coins or keys.
As an iPhone case, the Intrepid’s play-through, scannable screen allows users to access the phone for texts, emails and apps, and to scan a boarding pass without removing the phone from the protective case. The Travel Wallet holds all this plus a passport and train or...
OpenVPN Technologies bringing its software to AWS Marketplace
OpenVPN Technologies Inc, (https://openvpn.net) a provider of open source Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) VPN, has launched a new product licensing model available in Amazon Web Services Marketplace (AWS Marketplace), giving any size company worldwide access to a Virtual Private Network (VPN) solution. This provides employees safe and secure remote access to their private networks, says OpenVPN Technologies CEO Francis Dinha.
OpenVPN provides the ability to create a secure platform for all device connections across public or private networks and addresses the end point security risk. By encrypting and tunneling traffic with OpenVPN, customers limit the size of the user access area and the overall security footprint decreases. This makes monitoring and securing company resources more manageable, says Dinha.
Through AWS Marketplace, businesses can pay as they go for OpenVPN products with no upfront costs or long-term investments. Additional benefits include bundled billing options from...
ADATA releases Premier SC660 External SSD and Premier HC660...
ADATA Technology (www.adata.com) has launched the Premier SC660 external solid state drive and Premier HC660 external hard drive. The two share a sandblasted metal design that measures just 9.6mm in thickness.
The grooved enclosure featured in both models is durable, resistant to shocks, scratches, and chipping thanks to an electroplated coating. The SC660 delivers high speed up to 440MB/s read and write performance and is compatible with Mac OS X, Windows, and Android devices. It’s available in 240GB and 480GB versions.
The HC660 shares the 9.6mm form factor of the SC660, which means it is roughly the same height as a bare 2.5-inch hard drive. It’s also compatible with Mac OS X, Windows and Android. The HC660 is offered in 1TB and 2TB models.
Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac launches
Parallels (www.parallels.com/about) has launched Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac (www.parallels.com/upgradedesktop12). Parallels Desktop 12 is macOS Sierra ready, includes up-to 25% performance improvements, and features more than 20 ingle-function tools and utilities which are also available as a standalone Parallels Toolbox for Mac app.
In addition, all Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac customers will receive a one-year subscription to a backup solution from Acronis True Image, which includes an incremental backup feature that reduces the time and size of subsequent backups ups and provides up to 500GB of free online storage.
New utilities featured in all editions of Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac make it easy to perform common tasks with simple single-function tools for both the Mac and Windows virtual machines (VMs), according to Jack Zubarev, Parallels president. Parallels Desktop for Mac Pro and Business Edition subscribers, and Parallels Toolbox for Mac subscribers, also receive free...
TunesKit launches DRM removal solution to remove DRM from Apple...
TunesKit Studio has debuted TunesKit Apple Music Converter (http://tinyurl.com/h7fytx6), a new DRM removal product for Mac OS X and Windows. It allows you to remove DRM from any Apple Music track and old iTunes M4P songs.
TunesKit Apple Music Converter can convert the DRM-ed Apple Music files from M4P to DRM-free MP3, AAC, WAV, M4A, M4B and FLAC while preserving the original ID tags and metadata, including track number, title, artist, album, genre and duration, etc. By striping DRM from Apple Music songs with this powerful DRM cracker, Apple Music users can freely transfer the unprotected Apple Music songs, albums and playlists to any device to enjoy, including the iPod, Samsung, LG, Motorola, Sony, Lenovo, Zune, and other MP3 players, according to the folks at TunesKit.
The Apple Music converter costs $34.95 and is compatible with Mac OS X 10.8 and higher.
AppYogi introduces One Chat for Mac OS X
AppYogi Software (http://tinyurl.com/gnxqog2) has introduced One Chat 1.0, their new social networking app developed for Mac OS X. It’s designed to combine chat and messaging services into one simple app.
One Chat gives mobile users the opportunity to access their WhatsApp, FB messenger, Telegram, Skype, Slack messages. Users can read and reply to messaging chats via their Macs, create new groups, get all their notifications in one place, share photos and videos without having to shuffle them between the phone and the computer; and do all this on a large, easily readable screen without issue.
One Chat can be configured using a unique QR code that will be displayed in the One Chat app itself. Once that has been scanned on to a Mac, the user can access their WhatsApp and other messaging content on the computer directly.
One Chat requires Mac OS X Yosemite or El Capitan. It costs $19.99 and is available at the Mac App Store in the Social Networking category.
Apple Mail Add-On MailButler Presents The New Unsubscribe Feature
Feingeist Software has upgraded MailButler, the Apple Mail add-on for Mac OS X.
Version 6407 introduces a Unsubscribe feature. Now, if a MailButler user doesn't want to receive a newsletter anymore, he or she just needs to press the unsubscribe button, which appears at the top of the email. MailButler will automatically unsubscribe the user from that newsletter.
MailButler (v6407) is free, and is available worldwide exclusively through the Feingeist Software website (https://www.feingeist.io/). Two service plans are offered. The free plan allows access to all features for one user, 30-plus actions per month, and one email avatar. The professional plan ($8.95 per month) allows access to all features for one user, unlimited actions, and three email avatars. (An "action" is defined as whenever a user makes use of one of MailButler's convenient features.)
AKVIS Retoucher 8 for Mac OS X adds new photo retouching mode,...
AKVIS (www.akvis.com) has announced AKVIS Retoucher 8 for Mac OS X (10.6 and higher). fThe new version offers an image retouching mode for correcting small defects, the History Brush tool, new setting options, support for 4k and 5k displays, and other important changes.
AKVIS Retoucher is a tool for photo restoration and photo retouching. The software heals damaged parts of a photo, removes scratches, stains, and other defects.
AKVIS Retoucher is available as a standalone application and as a plugin filter for Adobe Photoshop and other image editors. The Home version costs $87 for new users. A demo is available for download. Version 8 is a free upgrade for buyers of AKVIS Retoucher who bought or upgraded the license during the last 12 months. If your license isn’t valid for the latest version, you can get the new version for $14.95.
Apple announces environmental progress in China
Apple has announced a “significant commitment” by major supplier Lens Technology to run its Apple operations on entirely renewable energy. This unprecedented commitment, combined with zero waste compliance from all final assembly sites, furthers Apple’s efforts to help manufacturers lower their carbon footprint and reduce waste in China, helping to advance China’s transition to a new green economy, according to Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives.
Lens Technology has committed to power all of its glass production for Apple with 100% renewable energy by the end of 2018, as part of Apple’s supply chain clean energy program announced last year. Lens is the first supplier to make a clean energy commitment for all of its Apple production, and will meet its goal through an unprecedented power purchase agreement with local wind projects, says Jackson.
Apple is working with suppliers to help transform the environmental landscape in China, and is...
Unmarked Software serves up TextSoap 8.1 for Mac OS X
Unmarked Software has updated TextSoap, its Mac OS X productivity tool designed to automate the tedious task of manually cleaning up text, to version 8.1.
The software processes text from different formats. Version 8.1 brings user interface improvements and adds new options for all find and replace fields, either in the text editor window or with custom cleaners.
The upgrade is free to all TextSoap 8 customers. Customers may either update from within the app or directly download the update from Unmarked Software's website (www.unmarked.com). For new users the cost is $44.99.
Kool Tools: Nesta ceramic line of audio gear
House of Marley has added its first product crafted with zirconia ceramics to its line of audio gear and lifestyle accessories: the Nesta ceramic in-ear headphones.
The Nesta features noise-isolating design with 6mm drivers and are crafted from zirconia ceramics and ion-plated stainless steel trims. They sport angle-free woven cords with three-button remote and inline microphone, two sizes of ear gels and an ergonomic angled nozzle for ease of use and comfort. The multi-faceted ceramic casings reflect modern geometric design and have a jewel-like quality that is modernly edgy and effortlessly stylish for both men and women.
Other Nesta features include an in-line microphone with three-button remote control and a gold plated stereo plug. It comes with a recycled PET bottle stash bag and packaging from recycled materials
Nesta is available in hematite (black), gold, and rose gold and is available at thehouseofmarley.com and retailers nationwide for $49.99.
Red Giant releases Trapcode Suite 13.1
Red Giant has released Trapcode Suite 13.1, an update to their tools for creating 3D motion graphics and visual effects in Adobe After Effects. The update includes new features to Trapcode Form, Tao and Sound Keys, new presets for Trapcode Mir and Tao, as well as bug fixes for Particular, Form, Mir, Tao and Lux.
This update is free to current Trapcode users. What’s more, in honor of this release, Red Giant is offering 25% off Trapcode 13.1 in the redgiant.com store for 24 hours only. The sale includes full suite licenses and all individual Trapcode products as well as upgrades and academic store purchases (which are already 50% off). The sale runs until tomorrow, Aug.17 at 10 a.m. (Pacific). Use code TRAPCODE25 to receive the discount.
Twelve South releases new dual-screen background for the Mac
Twelve South has released the a new dual-screen background for the Mac: Hawaiian Island Adventure (https://www.twelvesouth.com/wallpaper/collection4). All of the dual-screen backgrounds are complementary.
Twelve South partnered with photographer Scott Gordon to capture diverse landscape of the islands. Gordon focused on Hawaii's second largest island, Maui, but was also lucky enough to experience the primarily uninhabited island of Molokai which features waterfalls of more than 2,165 feet tall.
KeyShade Password Manager released for Mac OS X and iOS
Rayner Software (http://www.raynersw.com) has introduced KeyShade 1.0, their new password and information manager for Mac OS X (10.8 or higher) and iOS (8.3 or later).
Featuring automatic backup and cloud sync functionality, it’s designed to provide a safe repository for sensitive information, offering a secure, encrypted database for managing website logins, bank accounts, credit cards, and notes. Its entire user interface exists within one menu on the menubar. Everything in KeyShade is protected by a single master password.
In the Mac version, KeyShade's entire user interface exists within one menu on the menubar. This makes it readily accessible at all times.
KeyShade was designed from the ground up to seamlessly integrate with its cloud service, KeyShade Sync, according to Rayner Software owner Tyler Rayner. This service provides versioned backups, as well as cross-device syncing. Each update to your database is saved as a new version on the server, allowing you to roll back to...
Output Factory Server for InDesign now supports Exchange Mail...
Zevrix Solutions has announced Output Factory Server 1.2.15, a feature update to its output workflow automation solution for Adobe InDesign. The software Server automates printing and exporting from InDesign by processing files from hot folders.
Output Factory Server offers layer versioning, preflighting, variable file name, export as single pages and other powerful features. Version 1.2.15 lets users send automatic email notifications on processing stages and errors via Microsoft Exchange SMTP servers.
Output Factory Server can be purchased from the Zevrix website (www.zevrix.com) for $699.95. A demo is available for download. BatchOutput Server users can upgrade for $350. Output Factory Server requires Mac OS X 10.7-10.11 and Adobe InDesign CS5-CC 2015.
Nuance Announces New Release Of Dragon For Mac OS X
Nuance Communications, Inc. (http://www.nuance.com/) has announced its new suite of Dragon professional productivity solutions for Mac OS X and Windows that leverage Nuance Deep Learning technology to deliver upwards of 24% greater accuracy.
The new Dragon releases include Dragon Professional Individual, version 15; Dragon Legal Individual, version 15; and, Dragon Professional Individual for Mac, version 6, and feature powerful dictation, transcription and customization capabilities. All these solutions also sync vocabulary customizations and auto-texts with Nuance Dragon Anywhere (available separately) to extend the benefits of professional-grade speech recognition to mobile devices running iOS or Android, according to Vlad Sejnoha, chief technology officer, Nuance Communications.
With Deep Learning technology at the core of its speech engine, Dragon delivers increased accuracy for even more users, with an enhanced ability to learn individuals’ voice patterns and accents, and...
Typoman: Revised now out on Steam for Mac OS X, Windows
Brainseed Factory has announced Typoman: Revised is now live on Steam for Macs and PCs. A free demo version is now available. The game is priced at $14.99 with a 20% off it’s first week of launch.
Here’s how the game is described: “Typoman: Revised is a unique 2D puzzle platformer where players slip into the role of a character made of letters, struggling to make their way through a dark and hostile world. Despite a small stature Typoman has a powerful gift: Players can craft words to alter the environment. But players must choose their words wisely - they can either be a blessing ...or a curse! The game comes with a very distinct soundtrack crafted by Netherland based award-winning audio studio SonicPicnic.”
Apple releases new developer betas of macOS Sierra, iOS 10, tvOS...
Apple has released a sixth beta of iOS 10, a sixth beta of tvOS 10, and a sixth beta of watchOS 3 for developers, and a new beta of macOS Sierra.
They can be downloaded through the Apple Developer Center or the Software Update mechanism in the appropriate App Stores. Finished versions of the operating system upgrades are due this fall.
Maintain Serves Up Cocktail 9.3.4 (El Capitan Edition)
Maintain has served up Cocktail 9.3.4 (El Capitan Edition), a new edition of Cocktail for users running OS X El Capitan 10.11.
Cocktail is a general purpose utility for OS X that lets users clean, repair and optimize their Macs. The new version:
° Fixed minor compatibility issues with the latest versions of OS X Server and TechTool Pro;
° Addressed an issue in which check of the S.M.A.R.T. status may fail;
° Fixed compatibility issues with some Logic Pro X and GarageBand audio units;
° Corrected a problem where Cocktail could show an error message regarding the Keychain key when launching for the first time.
Cocktail 9.0 (El Capitan Edition) requires OS X El Capitan 10.11 to run. Cocktail (Yosemite Edition) for OS X 10.10, 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 (http://tinyurl.com/p5adypq).
Cocktail costs $19 for a single user license and...
Gigastone introduces iPhone Flash Drive Micro SD Card Reader
Gigastone (http://www.gigastone.co) has announced its first ever Gigastone iPhone Flash Drive Micro SD Card Reader. The unit is Apple MFi Approved and has a slot that takes standard Micro SD Memory cards.
Traditionally Apple MFi approved iFlashDrives have only had internal memory, with an Apple Lightning adapter on one side and a standard USB adapter on the other. The i-FlashDrive CR8600, has an Apple Lightning adapter and a standard Micro SD Card can slide into it.
Gigastone President Michel Hassan says one big advantage is that data residing on a Micro SD Card can easily be accessed from an iPhone or iPad without having to copy the data onto the iPhone. Photos, videos and music files, usually too large to store on an iDevice, can easily be viewed or accessed using the Gigastone CR8600 iPhone Flash Drive Micro SD Card Reader, he adds.
Pricing and availability haven’t been announced.
Sixa is a new cloud computing service for designers
Mykola Minchenko and Ievgen Nechaiev have officially launched Sixa (https://sixa.io), a new cloud computing service for designers, developers, designers and gamers.
The service includes a choice of hardware and software and is capable of running the most demanding applications. It can be accessed from any device with a WiFi connection and through multiple platforms, including the web, Macs, PCs, iOS devices, and Android gadgets.
Six allows users to access a “computer in the cloud” for complex tasks such as video-editing, design, 3D modeling, development, gaming or VR. The service offers custom computers for developers, designers, and gamers, and each comes with preinstalled software for their specific use cases. Cloud computer can be accessed from any device with a wifi connection. Users can access the service through multiple platforms, including web, PC, Mac, iOS and Android.
More than 32,000 students now served by Apple’s ConnectED...
As the 2016-2017 school year kicks off, there are now 32,145 students at underserved public schools across the country who are learning, creating and exploring on iPad through Apple’s ConnectED commitment, the company says.
Today, 701 students in Indianola, Mississippi, were introduced to iPad as Carver Elementary School became the 66th ConnectED school — and the first of the school year — to transform its classrooms with Apple’s cutting edge teaching and learning technology solutions.
Apple has joined President Obama’s ConnectED initiative and pledged $100 million of teaching and learning solutions to 114 underserved schools across the country. The company is donating an iPad to every student, a Mac and iPad to every teacher, and an Apple TV to every classroom.
In addition to providing an iPad to every student and teacher, Apple’s ConnectED grant also includes professional learning, wireless infrastructure upgrades and ongoing support. For more information about how Apple is...
AAS releases NKS-ready version of the Strum GS-2 plug-in
Applied Acoustics Systems says its Strum GS-2 acoustic and electric guitar plug-in now supports Native Instrument's NKS extended plug-in format.
NKS brings interaction between Strum GS-2 and KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series keyboards and MASCHINE hardware. Strum GS-2’s key parameters have been mapped in order to provide tactile control of its physical modeling engine.
What’s more, the key switches of Strum GS-2’s Guitar, Keyboard, and Loop modes are reflected to the KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series keyboards’ Light Guide for a fast and persistent reference. Finally, Strum GS-2’s entire factory preset library now appears in the tag-based browsers of the MASCHINE and KOMPLETE KONTROL software.
This new NKS version of Strum GS-2 (http://tinyurl.com/qzynhxy) is available now and provided free of charge to registered users. Until Aug. 31, Strum GS-2 is offered at a price of $99 (a 50% discount) to new users. Strum GS-2 runs on both Mac OS X and Windows in 32- and 64-bit host sequencers supporting the...
Easy Cut Studio for OS X revved to version 4.0.9.5
EasyCutStudio.com has released a new version of Easy Cut Studio, its Mac sign cutting App. Version 4.0.9.5 adds support for the Roland CAMM-1 GS-24 and more.
Easy Cut Studio is vector design and sign cutting software for any cutting machines on the market. It provides a set of drawing and editing tools and is designed for creating custom signs, lettering, decals and graphics.
Easy Cut Studio is available for $55.95. Volume discounts are available.
ProjectWizards conjure up Merlin Project 4, Merlin Server 4
ProjectWizards (www.projectwizards.net) has conjured up Merlin Project 4 and Merlin Server 4, updates of its project management software for Mac OS X. You can now manage your team projects with more ease and efficiency than ever before, according to the ProjectWizards.
The company is also introducing the new "Work Areas" feature in Merlin Project 4, allowing work on a project to be divided into a private and public work area. Whenever a user doesn't want his or her project planning to be visible immediately to all users, the project manager can experiment in the private work area without affecting the live project.
The single-user version of Merlin Project 4 is available free of charge to version 3 users. Merlin 2 users can upgrade at a reduced price. Project managers who use a Mac, iPad, or iPhone, can download a 30-day demo of Merlin Project 4 and Merlin Server 4 from the ProjectWizards website.
Text Converter for OS X gets a maintenance upgrade
Tension Software (www.tensionsoftware.com) has revved Text Converter for OS X to version 1.3.1. The $9.99 app converts various file formats (PDF, HTML, RTF, RTFD) to standard plain text using drag and drop.
Version 1.3.1 is a maintenance upgrade with bug fixes and performance tweaks. It’s compatible with OS X Yosemite and El Capitan.
Seagate announces two new flash products
Seagate Technology (www.seagate.com) announced two new flash products at the Flash Memory Summit conference: a 60TB Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) solid-state-drive (SSD) — the largest SSD ever demonstrated — and the 8TB Nytro XP7200 NVMe SSD.
These two new products represent the high performance end of Seagate’s Enterprise portfolio. The 60TB SAS SSD features twice the density and four times the capacity of the next highest-capacity SSD available today — equivalent to the capacity needed to accommodate 400 million photos on a typical social media platform, or 12,000 DVD movies.
The 60TB SAS SSD also simplifies the configuration process of accommodating “hot” and “cold” data, enabling data centers to use the same enterprise HDD 3.5 inch storage form factor. This eliminates the added step of separating out different types of data for near-term availability versus long-term storage, says Brett Pemble, Seagate’s general manager and vice president of SSD products.
The 8TB Nytro XP7200 NVMe...
Fifth developer betas of macOS Sierra, iOS 10, watchOS 3, tvOS...
Apple has released a plethora of new betas to developers for testing purposes. They include new betas of macOS Sierra, iOS 10, watchOS 3, and tvOS 10. They can downloaded from the Apple Developer Center.
Members of the public can also get in on the beta testing fun via Apple’s public beta program. Finished versions of macOS Sierra, iOS 10, watchOS 3, and tvOS 10 are slated for release this fall.
Toshiba ships new multifunction printers
Toshiba America Business Solutions has announced the availability of 10 newly designed and engineered e-STUDIO line of multifunction printers (MFPs). The latest Toshiba MFPs include six color (e-STUDIO7506AC series) and four monochrome (e-STUDIO8508A series) models, which are all designed to connect, integrate and simplify the workplace.
Advanced software and hardware features integrated throughout the products enable users to tackle nearly any print, document management and workflow application, said Bill Melo, Toshiba America Business Solutions chief marketing executive. The powerful multi-core Intel Atom processor, a customizable tablet-style user interface (UI), Embedded Application Platform and Dual-Scan Document Feeder (DSDF) highlight Toshiba’s product portfolio, he added.
Toshiba’s customizable 9-inch tablet-style UI facilitates a more intuitive user experience. The latest e-BRIDGE Next controller, combined with the new UI, gives users the flexibility and power to accommodate...
SOASTA extends digital performance management platform
SOASTA (www.soasta.com) has announced the addition of Real User Monitoring (RUM)-based Testing to its Digital Performance Management (DPM) Platform.
Based on real user engagement data collected and analyzed by SOASTA’s mPulse product – including all users, all data, all the time – this new offering provides digital businesses with an unprecedented ability to test smarter, better and faster, said Tom Lounibos, Founder and CEO of SOASTA. “
SOASTA’s new RUM-based Testing gives companies access to accurate performance test plans for their websites and applications using data science techniques. Through analysis of RUM data – such as user paths, user bounce rates, user think time, user geography, web vs. mobile, device type, network type, first-party vs. third-party resource, and peak analysis, organizations are now able to generate automated test reports that tell them what to test, when to test, where to test and how to test. This reduces the risk of a crashing or slow website or slow...
Waves Audio ships Waves Tune Real-Time Plugin
Waves Audio (www.waves.com) is shipping the $99 Waves Tune Real-Time plugin. It’s designed to provide smooth, natural-sounding vocal pitch correction instantly and automatically, as soon as the notes leave the singer’s mouth.
Designed for live performances as well as pre-production, tracking and mixing in the studio, the plugin’s pitch detection and correction technologies ensure that the tuned vocal retains the vocalist’s natural vocal sound. Producers, engineers and performers can use the plugin for subtle pitch correction, but also as a creative pitch quantization effect – all in real time.
Waves Tune Real-Time is compatible with all Waves SoundGrid applications and eMotion mixers. It works with any live console via Waves MultiRack without the need for complex setups.
Akitio releases Thunderbolt 3 PCIe expansion chassis
Akitio has released the Thunder3 PCIe Box (http://tinyurl.com/gt5hrto), a Thunderbolt 3 external PCI Express (PCIe) expansion chassis device designed to provide an additional PCIe slot for Thunderbolt 3 computers where there’s either not enough space to install another PCIe card or on systems such as laptops where there previously was no option to add a PCIe card.
The Akitio PCIe Box features a 1x16 slot that supports half-length, full-height, double width cards, which can be swapped out due to the completely screw-less design of the Akitio box. The 1x16 PCIe slot also supplies up to 25 watts of power to the card, providing an all-in-one expansion chassis solution.
The box has two Thunderbolt 3 ports for daisy chaining up to six devices as well as a DisplayPort to easily add an additional monitor to your system. The downstream Thunderbolt 3 port supports Thunderbolt 3 devices as well as USB 3.1 and DisplayPort devices.
The empty Thunder3 PCIe Box has a manufacturer’s suggested...
Maclocks announces lock for Apple’s 12-inch MacBook
Maclocks, the Apple lock specialists, has introduced the New MacBook Lock (http://tinyurl.com/hnu2xlm), which the company claims is the first lock specifically designed to include security for the USB-C port on a 12-inch MacBook.
The lock’s bracket weighs less than 0.1 pounds, so it adds minimal bulk and still allows the MacBook to fit in a sleeve or bag. It’s fastened to the bottom of the device and incorporates the security slot to which the included cable lock is attached.
VSDX Annotator for OS X revved to version 1.1
Nektony has announced VSDX Annotator 1.1, an upgrade to its tool for opening, previewing, and annotating Visio drawings on Mac OS X.
It can open multi-paged documents, giving users the possibility to turn pages, switch layer visibility, view shape data and hyperlinks. There’s a total of 12 annotation tools, including adding notes, comments, titles, shapes, arrows, graphic files and more. You can also convert the file to a PDF or send it in PDF format via email from the menu bar. Version 1.1 is a maintenance upgrade with bug fixes and performance tweaks.
VSDX Annotator 1.1 costs $24.99 and is available at the Mac App Store. A demo version is available for download at the product website (https://nektony.com/products/vsdx-annotator-mac).
Calcline for Mac OS X gets a maintenance upgrade
Tension Software has updated Calcine, a modern version of the desktop calculator for Mac OS X Yosemite and El Capitan, to version 4.2.2.
Calcline starts as a small window utility. Insert a mathematical expression to evaluate, and the software will do the work. Version 4.2.2 is a maintenance release with bug fixes and performance tweaks.
Calcline costs $0.99 (for a limited time) and is available at the Mac App Store. Go to http://tinyurl.com/lojcner for more info.
Top Storey Apps releases Purrfect Memory for OS X
Top Storey Apps has announced the upcoming release of Purrfect Memory, a menu bar app for the Mac designed to help you memorize “anything.”
For a limited time, Purrfect Memory will be offered for $2.99. It’s available at the Mac App Store. Learn more at Purrfect Memory online (http://www.purrfectmemory.com).
MG announces Novi Portable Charging Station
MG has announced the $285 Novi Portable Charging Station (http://www.mm-goi.com/), which features a wireless charging dock that charges up to eight lightweight portable battery pods in only 2.5 hours.
The Novi Portable Charging Station consists of the Novi Dock and portable Novi Pods. The Novi Dock is powered by an internal AC adapter with a removable 2-prong cable that can be used in any country. Each dock can hold up to eight pods. Using MG's LunaPulse Technology, the Novi Dock charges all Novi Pods upon contact.
Each Novi Pod houses a built-in Lightning and Micro-USB charging cables. Each Novi pod is reportedly capable of totally recharging your device in as little as an hour and a half.
AKVIS releases Happy Birthday frame pack
AKVIS (www.akvis.com) has released its $17 Happy Birthday frame pack for Mac OS X 10.6 and higher. It includes 100 hand-painted designs. The frames can be used with the free AKVIS Frames software which has been updated to the version 2.0 and now supports ultra HD resolution.
AKVIS offers a range of photo frame sets devoted to particular themes: countries, four seasons, holidays and events, hobbies and interests, etc. The frame packs can only be used with AKVIS Frames (freeware) and AKVIS ArtSuite (Home Standalone/Home Deluxe/Business). The new Happy Birthday Pack includes 50 horizontal and 50 vertical templates. You can see all the photo frames in thumbnail view.
DB-Text for OS X upgraded to version 1.6.1
Tension Software has announced DB-Text 1.6.1 (http://tinyurl.com/jsradvt) for Mac OS X. DB-Text is a general use tool to open and edit CSV (Comma separated value) and TSV (Tab separated value) documents on OS X.
It can open import, edit and manage text data organized by rows and columns. Data can be manipulated and exported as text (as CSV, TSV, html or custom format selecting separators and other tags) or saved inside a native DB-Text document. Version 1.6.1 is a maintenance release with bug fixes and performance tweaks.
DB-Text requires OS X 10.10 or higher. It costs $9.99.
Apple releases iOS 9.3.4
Apple has released iOS 9.3.4. It’s available via an over-the-air download on all devices running iOS 9.x.
According to Apple's release notes, iOS 9.3.4 provides "an important security update" and is recommended for all iOS 9 users. It comes two weeks after the release of iOS 9.3.3.
Total War: Warhammer coming to the Mac this autumn
Feral Interactive (www.feralinteractive.com) will bringTotal War: Warhammer to Mac and Linux systems this autumn. The game is developed by Creative Assembly, in partnership with Games Workshop, and published by SEGA for Windows computers. Pricing and system requirements will be announced closer to release.
Here’s how the game is described: “A fantasy strategy game of titanic proportions, Total War: Warhammer combines an addictive turn-based campaign of skilful empire building with colossal real-time battles as players strive to conquer all at the head of one of four mythic Races.
“The deep and rich universe of Warhammer opens a new era for Total War by taking the series into a magical realm of grand high fantasy. Gigantic monsters, flying dragons, legendary heroes and regiments of nightmarish warriors all take their place on the bloody battlefields of Warhammer’s Old World.
“The first in an epic trilogy of titles, Total War: Warhammer delivers hundreds of hours of absorbing gameplay...
