At this week’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Brydge (www.brydge.com) launched its keyboard lineup for the Apple iPad Pro and iPad mini 4. Brydge has engineered its keyboards to maximize the functionality of the iPad while providing the productivity of a MacBook, says CEO Nicholas Smith. Following the same award-winning design as previous Brydge models, the BrydgePro and BrydgeMini are equipped with Brydge's patented 180-degree hinge system, 100% aluminum build, backlit keys, and haptic key feel. Both the BrydgePro and BrydgeMini boast a minimalistic design that includes Brydge's patented U-shaped silicon clamping mechanism for premium viewing angles and adjustments, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rechargeable battery that lasts up to three months. The BrydgePro for iPad Pro is $189 and is available for preorder at www.brydgekeyboards.com; shipping starts in April. The BrydgeMini for iPad mini 4 is $99 (preorder special offer) and is available for preorder at www.brydgekeyboards.com...

At this week’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Griffin Technology (www.GriffinTechnology.com) unveiled additions to its Apple Watch accessories line. Griffin’s Travel Power Bank ($69.99) is a compact battery with a Apple Watch charger. With 800 mAh of power, the portable battery purportedly delivers up to four four full charges for Apple’s smartwatch before it needs recharging via the included micro-USB cable. The Travel Power Bank (pictured) will be available in the second quarter of the year and will come with an attached keyring to clip it to a set of keys, a hook or carabiner. The Uptown Leather Band ($59.99) is a double-wrap band that complements all 38mm Apple Watch versions. It combines colored genuine leather bands with coordinating metal buckle detailing in gold, silver or rose gold. A metal buckle and floating keeper loops adjust to fit wrists measuring 5.1 to 7 inches, while the stainless steel lugs lock securely in place on the Apple Watch. The Uptown Leather Band will be...

At this week’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, BoomCloud 360 (BoomCloud360.com) previewed the BoomStick, which is designed to enhance the sound of any pair of headphones. Customers can pre-order the BoomStick for $99; it will ship in the spring. “While TV has made huge strides in terms of quality, from black and white to 4k, audio has been going backward. In fact, our research shows that only 4 percent of consumers believe they are achieving great audio experience with their headphones,” said George Appling, co-founder of BoomCloud 360. “Consumers shouldn’t have to settle for mediocre audio. With the BoomStick, you can make your free earphones outperform expensive headphones or you can take your expensive headphones to a whole new level of enveloping sound.” The BoomStick comes in black and silver. It’s compatible with any pair of headphones or earphones with a standard 3.5 mm connection.

Since Apple’s 12-inch MacBook only comes with an USB-C port, it’s a little tricky to connect a monitor. Or, at least it was. Acer and Lenovo have announced two displays with UBS-C connectivity, which should make them nice MacBook accessories. Acer says its H7 series monitors (pictured) are the world’s first to support USB Type-C, so users can transfer data and display content from notebooks or smartphones, while charging them at the same time through just one cable. With a ZeroFrame design, diamond-cut and brushed-metal stand, the Acer H7 series models are offered in 25-inch and 27-inch options. They also boast WQHD (2560 x 1440) display resolution, audio with Acer TrueHarmony and DTS Sound and come outfitted with USB Type-C and HDMI 2.0 ports. Acer says the H7 series supports 100 percent of the sRGB color gamut. The displays will be available in February with prices starting at $499.99. According to AnandTech (http://tinyurl.com/pfxqjks), Lenovo has announced the 24-inch ThinkVision...

MacTech and MacNews will be closed today for New Year's Day. We wish all our readers a great 2016. We’ll be back up and running on Monday, Jan. 4.

Waves Audio is shipping the Waves Greg Wells PianoCentric plugin (http://tinyurl.com/gvz9cvg), part of the Waves Signature Series.   Created in collaboration with multiple GRAMMY®-nominated producer, songwriter, musician and mixing engineer Greg Wells (Adele, Katy Perry, Mika, One Republic, Twenty One Pilots), it’s a an user friendly one-knob plugin that gives users direct access to the customized tools, signal flow and piano processing techniques perfected by Wells. Waves Greg Wells PianoCentric is a solution for shaping your piano or keyboard recordings, with options varying from full-range piano to lo-fi filtered sounds.   A demo is available for download. PianoCentric normally costs US$149, but it’s on sale for $99 for a limited time.

Tim Parnell has announced Answers 1.1.6 (http://nswrs.com), an update to his FAQ and Help documentation tool for Mac OS X. It’s designed to help users write help documents. Using a content-based approach you can make a help book or FAQ. You can create your text, then select a sleek theme to stylize your work. Version 1.1.6 is now a 64-bit app. Answers 1.1.6 is available now. There’s a free version and a more fully featured, $29 pro version.

DJMixerSoft has announced the next generation of DJ Mixer Express for Mac OS X. New features in the DJ software include advanced loop features. You can create and recall loops and set up cue-points. DJ Mixer Express now offers automatic/manual mixing, a mixer with crossfading between two tracks, automatic beat detection, iTunes library integration, the ability to apply multiple audio effects, support for mixing video and karaoke, and more, DJ Mixer Express Version 5.6.2 costs $29.95 and requires Mac OS X 10.10 or newer.  It may be downloaded as a free 30-day demo from the macdjmixer.com website. The demo version is full-featured and may be used for 30 days for evaluation purposes only.

Perk.com, a cloud-based mobile rewards platform provider, has announced that Corona Labs, the leader in 2D mobile game and app development, has released a new version of the Corona SDK [software development kit] for their community of 300,000-plus developers. Developers can now publish apps to iTunes Connect for tvOS, Android TV and Amazon Fire TV supported through the Corona SDK. Also included in this release is support for OS X allowing developers to build apps for Apple desktop computers. New features will continue to be added but the release marks a stable point in OS X platform support. “We’re proud that Corona Labs developers will be able to publish apps to exciting new channels, including Apple TV, Android TV, and desktop computers, using the same fast, easy platform they are already using to build great games and apps for mobile,” says Roj Niyogi, President and founder of Perk and newly appointed CEO of Corona Labs. “These updates prove that Corona Labs’ development platform...

Other World Computing has released the OWC Mercury Pro, a USB 3.1 Gen 1 optical drive for plug and play support of CD, DVD, M-DISC and/or Blu-ray disc reading and writing with Macs and PCs. It brings optical media back to your workflow with USB 3.1 Gen 1 connectivity for playback of optical media, data transfer and archiving with bandwidth to spare. The OWC Mercury Pro sports an aluminum chassis and is s available in two configurations: ° 24x DVD burner, for rapid backup, sharing and creating, and playback of any DVD media up to 4.7GB capacity and full read, write and playback of CD media as well; °16x Blu-ray disc burner, for recordings and large project storage up to 100GB. It allows you to play back retail and personally-created Blu-ray discs, DVDs, and CDs. The folks at OWC say that, when backing up audio, video, archives or other data for the long term, M-DISC makes the perfect partner for the Mercury Pro. The M-DISC is an archival-quality storage technology that protects your...

PhotoFast (www.photofast.com) has announced global availability of the PhotoFast iOS Card Reader. Built with a Lightning connector, it offers the power to store, transfer, stream and back-up data from a microSD card so you can access your photos, videos and songs anytime, anywhere. It can be plugged directly into an iOS iPhone or iPad, enabling people on-the-go to access, transfer and store up to 128GB of extra storage on their Apple device.   The iOS Card Reader is supported by PhotoFast’s i-FlashDrive ONE app, which includes a variety of online and offline capabilities. Users can store and back-up data from cloud-based services such as iCloud, Google Drive and DropBox, as well as social media accounts, Facebook and Instagram. The i-FlashDrive ONE app also offers enhanced security and file management features, including a USB accessory lock and app lock supported by Touch ID, says Warren Wang, CEO of PhotoFast. “   The PhotoFast iOS Card Reader is available with up to 128GB capacity...

Apple’s use of Force Touch technology in the Apple Watch and 3D Touch in the iPhone 6s line is leading to growth in force sensing and other touch-panel enhancements in mobile devices, according to IHS (). Other brands and integrated-circuit (IC) makers are now responding by preparing their own force sensing solutions, mainly for high-end and mid-range smartphones due to the high cost. In 2016, force sensing module shipments are expected to grow 317 percent to reach 461 million units in 2016. Nearly one quarter (24 percent) of new smartphones shipped will include the technology, according to the IHS (www.ihs.com) research group. “Aside from force sensing solutions, touch controller IC makers are aggressively expanding production of in-cell and on-cell touch displays to further improve touch interfaces for smartphone users,” said Calvin Hsieh, director of touch and user interface research for IHS Technology. “In-cell and on-cell touch panel shipments will reach 40 percent of all mobile...

Waves Audio is shipping the Element 2.0 Virtual Analog Synth, an analog-style polyphonic instrument designed to deliver the sounds of classic analog synths with the precision, flexibility and control of a software instrument.   The first synthesizer to take advantage of the next generation of Waves’ Virtual Voltage technology, Element 2.0 includes an array of features and functions, including five integrated effects, a 16-step sequencer, MIDI learn for all controls, and a massive, fully tweakable preset library.  Other features include: high resolution oscillators and analog envelope behavior; filters with zero-delay feedback; effects such as delay, reverb, distortion, chorus and two distinct crushers; the ability to choose between Element 1 and Element 2 modes at the click of a button; and a 16-step sequencer with Hold and Retrigger modes that can be used as a modulation source. You can use Element 2.0 as a plugin or as a standalone application. Go to http://www.waves.com/plugins/...

Appocto has introduced PDF Shrinker for Mac OS X. It lets you shrink and compress PDF files, making them smaller and easier to email. You can decide how much you want to compress files, and at which quality. PDF Shrinker sells for $4.99 and is available worldwide from Appocto online (http://appocto.com). It requires Mac OS X 10.7 or later.

Digital Heaven has announced Pro Player 2.0, a new version of their professional QuickTime player built for Mac-based video content creators and motion graphics designers. The free version of Pro Player provides a streamlined way to review or present video content. Pro Player can be extended with an in-app purchase of the Plus Pack to enable other features. Pro Player 2.0 requires Mac OS X 10.8. It’s available for download from the Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/jgppml5).

Industrious One has introduced Musicality 3 for Mac. Musicality breaks your music out of the browser, with desktop conveniences like keyboard shortcuts and notifications, AirPlay streaming, and an iOS remote. The app lets you take control of over a dozen popular music websites including Pandora Radio, Google Play Music, Spotify, and more. Version 3.0 sports built-in controls for nearly a dozen more music services. Musicality costs $11 and requires Mac OS X 10.10 or newer, as well as an Internet connection. It may be downloaded as a free 10-day demo from the Musicality website (http://industriousone.com/). The demo is full-featured and unlocks in-place when purchased. Musicality Remote is available free at the Apple App Store. It requires iOS 8 or newer and a Wi-Fi connection to Musicality for Mac.

TunesKit Studio has introduced iBook Copy for Mac (http://www.tuneskit.com/ibook-copy-mac.html), a tool to permanently remove the DRM lock from protected iBook ePub files. With the smart tool, the company says you can legally get rid of DRM protection from iBooks. All of the original meta info is retained, including the book author, cover photo, publisher, data, and more. You can read the iBook ePubs on Kindle, Nook, Playbook, and other eBook reading devices. Currently this smart iBook DRM Copy is only available for the Mac and is compatible with OS X 10.11 and higher iTunes 12.3. It costs US$24.95; a demo is available for download.

IK Multimedia is shipping Miroslav Philharmonik 2 for Mac and PC is now shipping. Made in conjunction with musician, jazz legend and sampling luminary Miroslav Vitous, Miroslav Philharmonik 2 is an orchestral workstation that takes the virtual instrument used on classical productions, film scores and pop hits and provides over 2,700 instruments with over 55 GB of samples recorded in high-resolution at the prestigious Czech National Symphony Orchestra Studios in Prague. It will be available at a current special, limited-time introductory pricing until Dec;31, and is offered in a number of different options. Current owners of Miroslav Philharmonik can upgrade for $199.99 via download or $229.99 for a boxed copy. Users with qualifying IK software can crossgrade for $299.99 via direct download or $329.99 for a boxed copy. New users can get Miroslav Philharmonik 2 for$399.99 via direct download or $429.99 for a boxed copy. At the end of the introductory period, Miroslav Philharmonik 2...

Booq has released their latest backpack for photographers: the Slimpack. It’s designed for photographers traveling with their gear and editing on the go, as it fits two DSLRs, up to four mid-sized lenses or one large zoom lens, a 12-inch MacBook or 10-inch iPad/tablet and a tripod. The interior features a cushioned, non-scratch lining and densely padded dividers that can be configured to fit users’ gear of choice, while a variety of pockets with concealed interior slots keep accessories safe and organized. Made from 47 percent recycled PET and 53 percent cotton, the bag's exterior weatherproof fabric is rugged yet smooth, while ergonomically designed shoulder straps and open mesh enable ventilation, keeping carriers cool and comfortable, says Kema Subsomboon, Lead Product Designer at booq. The Slimpack also features an exterior pouch and buckle to tote a tripod, and includes a removable rain poncho with reflective graphics for heavier downpours. The backpack’s flat bottom allows it...

KickShark has announced its “production ready” 13-port HydraDock (www.hydradock.com) USB Type C USB 3.1 docking station and hub for the 12-inch Apple MacBook and new Google Pixel laptop. The company has demonstration videos posted and is taking pre-orders now on its HydraDock web site for February shipment to customers. All input and output connections of the 13-port HydraDock are full compliant with the newest USB standards for data, power, configuration, and alternate mode operations, says Kristin Cales, marketing director for KickShark. HydraDock sits under or behind the MacBook, plugs in with its single cable, and is powered by the computer’s AC-DC power adapter. It can operate in reduced power mode just from the computer connection, without a power supply. HydraDock powers 4K displays by Mini DisplayPort or HDMI, two USB-C USB 3.1 ports and four USB Type A USB 3.1 ports (all at 5Gb/sec. speeds), SDXC cards up to 260MB/sec, Gigabit Ethernet, CD-quality stereo audio input or output...

Zevrix Solutions has announced LinkOptimizer 4.9.52, a maintenance update to its workflow automation solution for Adobe InDesign. LinkOptimizer helps reduce InDesign link size and speed up processing by eliminating excess image data, perform essential image adjustments, convert image formats and more. Version 4.9.52 adds support for image previews on Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan and introduces several bug fixes and improvements. LinkOptimizer can be purchased from the Zevrix website (www.zevrix.com) for US$259.95. There’s a “lite” version for $179.95. A demo is available for download. The update 4.9.52 upgrade is free for LinkOptimizer 4.x users and $130 to upgrade from previous versions. LinkOptimizer requires Mac OS X 10.6-10.11 and Adobe InDesign/Photoshop CS3-CC 2015.

Simulation Curriculum Corp, which specializes in astronomy and science education software, has released new versions of its award winning SkySafari astronomy apps for iOS. They’re available at the Apple App Store. The new SkySafari 5 apps are available today on the iTunes Store. All versions will be available at introductory discount pricing 50 percent off the list prices quoted below though Jan. 15, 2016. ° SkySafari 5 (US$2.99, 180 MB), basic version intended for the widest possible audience of casual stargazers: http://tinyurl.com/zn7ezps ° SkySafari 5 Plus ($14.99, 430 MB), enhanced version with telescope control and solar system fly-through mode: http://tinyurl.com/hk8sf76 ° SkySafari 5 Pro ($39.99, 1.6 GB), premium version with all features of Plus, plus professional-grade astronomy database: http://tinyurl.com/jnyzrdw
 All versions require iOS 8 or later, and are universal for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. Android versions are planned for the first half of 2016. New features...

Antelope Audio has announced that its interfaces, Orion32+ and Orion Studio, are both fully compatible with Apple Thunderbolt technology. Both interfaces, which were previewed at the 139th AES Show in New York City last month, are now shipping. During the remainder of December, customers who purchase an Orion32+ or Orion Studio at select dealers will receive a free two-meter Thunderbolt cable (an US$49 value). The Orion32+ follows its predecessor, Orion32, which launched three years ago as the world's first 32-channel interface solution in a 1U rack. Orion32+ is now Antelope's flagship interface, and features Thunderbolt compatibility, improved dynamic range, and zero latency monitoring. Suitable for both project studios, home recording environments and other applications, Orion Studio delivers professional grade audio quality and is capable of processing 32 channels of 192 kHz audio at speeds of 100μ round trip delay. It has 12 commercial quality microphone preamplifiers, 16 analog...

Ntrepid Corp., a provider of cutting-edge cyber security solutions, has announced the general availability of Passages Enterprise (Passages), a secure virtual browser that allows users to navigate and browse the Internet without fear of picking up malware. Passages also significantly reduces the ability of adversaries to conduct targeted social engineering attacks – all while providing the complete functionality that users expect from a traditional web browser, according to Richard Helms, Founder and Chief Executive at Ntrepid. Using Passages as the default method for Internet use, if/when a user clicks a bad link or is targeted with a web attack, they will be protected. Passages isolates the web session from the actual computer, allowing the user to virtually surf online without the risk of infecting their actual computer or mobile device – severing the link that would allow for the compromising of their data. The Passages user interface is based off of Mozilla Firefox. Passages’...