MacTech News

Kool Tools: Songmaker Kit

dsellers — Fri, 06 Apr 2018 11:46:40 +0000

ROLI’s Songmaker Kit (www.ROLI.com) is a portable music studio for creating a track anywhere. It combines the Seaboard Block and Lightpad Block M, two cutting-edge controllers.

The tactile, touch-responsive surfaces of these Blocks — both released within the past year — introduce a new way to shape sound and create songs. The Loop Block, which helps to record tracks and toggle between sounds, completes the kit.

Kool Tools: Razer Goliathus Chroma gaming mouse

dsellers — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 11:46:21 +0000

Razer’s (www.razer.com) $39.99 Razer Goliathus Chroma is a multi-color LED version of Razer’s = soft mouse mat that gamers can now customize with up to 16.8 million color options and an array of lighting effects.

Kool Tools: Nomadic Audio Speakase

dsellers — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 11:36:04 +0000

Morel’s Nomadic Audio Speakase is a portable Bluetooth speaker and travel carry-on hybrid that transforms the suitcase’s interior volume into a large-scale hi-fi speaker. Its design won a 2018 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) innovation award.

Apple posts first public betas of iOS 11.4 and tvOS 11.4

dsellers — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 17:49:48 +0000

Apple has released the first public betas of iOS 11.4 and tvO 11.4, both of which add support for AirPlay 2.

AirPlay 2 is Apple’s followup to the original AirPlay Wi-Fi-based music playback standard. While Sonos popularized Wi-Fi-based multi-room audio playback, Bluetooth became ubiquitous, and multi-platform Wi-Fi audio standards spread in popularity, Apple lacked a competing story until AirPlay 2.

Messages in iCloud is also back in the iOS 11.4 beta. It allows you to store your iMessages in iCloud.

iMobie PhoneRescue can now recover forgotten iTunes backup passwords

dsellers — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 13:38:53 +0000

iMobie says its data recovery software, PhoneRescue 3.7.0 for both Mac and PC, is now able to recover forgotten iTunes backup passwords.

For those iPhone users who forgot their iTunes backup passwords, the utility can purportedly help them get access to their encrypted backups no matter how complicated the password is, as well as restore photos, messages, contacts and other essentials from the backups successfully.

PhoneRescue costs $49.99 for a personal license, and $69.99 for a family license.You can purchase licenses from iMobie’s online store (https://tinyurl.com/y89jzsxd).

Obvious Matter releases Fossils 1.1.1 for macOS

dsellers — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 13:29:38 +0000

Obvious Matter has released Fossils 1.1.1 for macOS. The app is designed to help you clean up old and unused files from your computer.

With it, you can browse through your old stuff and preview a file's contents. Then you can decide if you want to archive or delete a file using keyboard shortcuts. Fossils supports previewing a large number of file types, including images, movies, PDF, Word, Pages, Excel, Numbers, Keynote documents, zip files, and more.

It requires macOS 10.12 or later. Fossils costs $4.99 and is available at the Mac App Store (https://tinyurl.com/yamzzvvy).

Apple releases first developer betas of iOS 11.4, tvOS 11.4, watchOS 4.3.1.

dsellers — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 17:52:52 +0000

Apple has released the first developer betas of iOS 11.4, tvOS 11.4, and watchOS 4.3.1. Registered developers can download them from Apple's Developer Center — or over-the-air once the proper configuration profile has been installed from the Developer Center.

Output Factory for Adobe InDesign improves variable subfolder naming

dsellers — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 13:09:12 +0000

Zevrix Solutions has announced Output Factory 2.2.9, 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 2.2.9 fixes an issue which prevented users from including text from InDesign document in the variable subfolder name for output files of each InDesign document in the batch.

illumineX delivers EyeSpy update for macOS with new drifting balloon

dsellers — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 13:05:41 +0000

illumineX delivered Squeaky, a new drifting balloon character for EyeSpy 2.1 (and higher) to the Mac App Store today.

EyeSpy is a new spin on the classic toy in which cartoon eyes watch your mouse cursor as you work. It includes free original cartoon characters. The Squeaky balloon is available within EyeSpy as an $0.99 in-app purchase.

iFunia updates Free YouTube Downloader for Mac to version 5.2.0

dsellers — Fri, 30 Mar 2018 13:10:59 +0000

iFunia Studio (www.ifunia.com) has announced a 5.2.0 update for its Free YouTube Downloader for Mac, which now can convert YouTube to MP3 and download 2K, 4K, and 8K videos. It also sports an optimized user interface.

iFunia Studio is a free download. There’s also a pro version available for $39.99.

Tembo for macOS revved to version 2.2

dsellers — Fri, 30 Mar 2018 13:09:22 +0000

Houdah Software has released Tembo 2.2, an update to the file search utility for Mac. It’s a search tool based on the Spotlight engine.

Tembo is designed to make finding documents, mail messages, bookmarks, images and more as easy as possible. Version 2.2 brings refinements and under-the-hood improvements.

Tembo requires macOS 10.10 or higher. It costs $15 for a single-user license and $22 for a family license. A demo is available for download (https://www.houdah.com/tembo/). Upgrades from previous versions are priced $6.95 and $9.95. respectively.

Kool Tools: TRENDnet’s USB-C HD docking station

dsellers — Fri, 30 Mar 2018 12:00:29 +0000

TRENDnet’s (www.TRENDnet.com) $99.99 Mini USB-C HD Docking Cube (the TUC-DS1) is a compact docking station that supports high-resolution HD video, and extends or mirrors your notebook’s display.

TRENDnet’s Mini USB-C HD Docking Cube allows you to connect multiple USB devices, and network your laptop all from a single cable. You can manage multiple workstation devices such as USB storage, keyboard, mouse, printer, scanner, and HD monitor.

Agenda announced for 17th Annual Las Vegas SuperMeet

dsellers — Fri, 30 Mar 2018 11:40:48 +0000

The Creative Pro User Group Network (CPUG Network) has announced the 17th Annual Las Vegas SuperMeet to take place on Tuesday, April 10, in the Brasilia Ballroom at the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas.

Apple launches macOS High Sierra 10.13.4

dsellers — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 23:40:50 +0000

Apple has updated macOS to version 10.13.4. It’s available via the Updates section of the Mac App Store. According to the release notes, the upgrade improves the stability, performance, and security of your Mac, and it is recommended for all users. This update:

° Adds support for Business Chat conversations in Messages in the U.S.

° Adds support for external graphics processors (eGPUs).

° Fixes graphics corruption issues affecting certain apps on iMac Pro.

° Allows jumping to the right-most open tab using Command+9 in Safari.

Apple releases Swift 4.1

dsellers — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 23:07:11 +0000

Apple has released Swift 4.1 (https://swift.org/download/) for developers, an upgrade of its programming language. It contains updates to the core language, including more support for generics, new build options, as well as minor enhancements to Swift Package Manager and Foundation.

There was also significant progress made in stabilizing the ABI, according to Apple. Swift 4.1 is a minor language release. It is source compatible with Swift 4.0.

Apple debuts tvOS 11.3

dsellers — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 17:49:27 +0000

Apple has announced tvOS 11.3, which includes frame rate matching features that were previously only available on the Apple TV 4K.

You can obtain the update by going into the Settings app on your Apple TV. Choose System > Software Updates > Update Software. The Apple TV will restart and install the software.

Apple posts watchOS 4.3

dsellers — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 17:33:36 +0000

Apple has released watchOS 4.3 for the Apple Watch. You install it via the Apple Watch app on your iPhone. According to Apple the upgrade:

° Let’s you Control volume and playback on HomePod from your Apple Watch;

° Restores the ability to control music on an iPhone;

° Allows you to use any orientation for Nightstand charging mode;

° The Siri watch face now shows progress towards closing Activity rings and when new songs are added to Apple Music mixes;

° Resolves an issue where Activity achievements were incorrectly awarded for some users;

Apple releases iOS 11.3 for iOS devices

dsellers — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 17:24:16 +0000

Apple has released iOS 11.3 for its iPhone and iPad line *with a Battery Health tool, a Health Records feature, ARKit 1.5, Business Chat, new Animoji, and more. You can download it by going to the Settings App, selecting General, then choosing Software Update.

IK Multimedia releases Syntronik Deluxe for Mac/PC

dsellers — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 16:43:48 +0000

IK Multimedia (www.ikmultimedia.com) has announced Syntronik Deluxe, the expanded version of the synth powerhouse for Mac and PC systems. It adds five new synths, available both as a collection or as separate synths.

Syntronik offers a collection of vintage synthesizers. Syntronik Deluxe adds 500 new instrument presets, 18GB of new sounds, and more than 22,000 new samples for a new total of 22 synths, 2,600 instrument presets, 80GB of sound content and more than 120,000 samples.

WYSIWYG LaTeX Mac app Compositor receives update, now runs e-TeX

dsellers — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 13:31:13 +0000

Karl Traunmueller has released Compositor 1.1, an update to the LaTeX Mac app. It brings real-time WYSIWYG capabilities to LaTeX, the document preparation system widely used in academia for preparation of scientific and technical publications.

Version 1.1 now runs e-TeX, an extended version of TeX developed by the NTS project. The next version, 1.2, scheduled for release by end of April, will bring improved support for more commonly used LaTeX packages.

Creaceed unveils collaborative whiteboard for the iPad and Apple TV

dsellers — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 13:26:19 +0000

Creaceed has unveiled Inko (https://creaceed.com/inko), a peer-to-peer collaborative whiteboard app for the iPad, iPhone, and Apple TV.

It lets users draw collaboratively in real time on the same canvas from multiple devices, offering network-less connectivity, as well as live TV mirroring and interaction. It also supports the Apple Pencil.

Apple releases iOS 11.3 for the new iPad

dsellers — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 17:54:06 +0000

Apple has released iOS 11.3. However, it’s only for the new 9.7-inch iPad announced this week. Once you get your hands on one, you can download iOS 11.3 over-the-air using the Settings app. To access the update, go to Settings --> General --> Software Update.

Hopefully, iOS 11.3 will roll out ASAP for other iPads and iPhones. iOS 11.3 introduces new features, such as Messages on iCloud for storing your iMessages in iCloud, ARKit 1.5, and a "Battery Health" feature designed to provide iOS users with more information about their batteries.

Apple, Chicago Public Schools and Northwestern University bring coding to Chicago teachers

dsellers — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 13:15:57 +0000

Apple has announced a new collaboration with Chicago Public Schools and Northwestern University to offer free professional learning to teachers across Chicago, designed to give educators the tools they need to bring coding and computer science into the classroom.

Imagine Products, StorageDNA partner for myLTOdna interface

dsellers — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 12:00:19 +0000

Imagine Products — creator of software utilities for backing up, viewing, sharing, transcoding, and archiving video assets — and StorageDNA — which specializes in intelligent nearline and archiving workflow solutions for media professionals —have collaborated on an integrated solution that enables random access to files on an LTO tape, essentially turning it into a hard drive with dnaLTFS.

Kool Tools: Solo E600X-EQ Bluetooth Speaker

dsellers — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 12:00:19 +0000

Studio 19 has announced the upcoming release of the Solo E600X-EQ, a precision-engineered speaker system that’s ready to connect with music, movies and gaming for a premium audio experience.

Designed in powder-coated stainless steel (and available in space grey, gold, or charcoal black colors), the Solo uses state-of-the-art speaker drivers with a maximum output up to 200 watts, so it’s loud enough to handle virtually any occasion with no compromise in quality.

Logitech introduces Crayon and Rugged Combo 2 for the iPad

dsellers — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 23:30:32 +0000

Logitech (www.logitech.com) has announced the Logitech Crayon and Logitech Rugged Combo 2 for the new 9.7-inch iPad. Specifically designed for the classroom, it takes advantage of new technology in the Apple tablet and provides a solution for education so students can do even more including handwrite notes, illustrate projects and draw diagrams.

iWork update brings drawing and book creation to Pages, Numbers, and Keynote

dsellers — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:27:48 +0000

Apple is updating its iWork suite of productivity apps — Pages, Numbers and Keynote — that allow users to draw, sketch or write with an Apple Pencil directly in the iOS versions of the apps. The input device can also be used to add color, texture and more to any drawing.

Apple launches Everyone Can Create and Schoolwork

dsellers — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:18:15 +0000

Apple has announced Everyone Can Create and Schoolwork with educational institutions in mind.

Everyone Can Create is a new, free curriculum designed to make it fun and easy for teachers to integrate drawing, music, filmmaking or photography into their existing lesson plans for any subject. The new curriculum joins Apple’s Everyone Can Code initiative as programs for teachers and students. Everyone Can Create is designed to take advantage of the new 9.7-inch iPad and Apple Pencil.

Apple introduces new 9.7-inch iPad with Apple Pencil support

dsellers — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 15:53:24 +0000

Apple has released a new 9.7-inch iPad with support for the Apple Pencil with pricing starting at $329. The revamped iPad also sports a Retina display, the A10 Fusion chip and advanced sensors that help deliver immersive augmented reality, and all-day battery life.

FxFactory releases Smooth Glass Slideshow plugins for Final Cut Pro X

dsellers — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 15:39:43 +0000

FxFactory has released XEffects Smooth Glass Slideshow, a new set of Final Cut Pro X plugins.

Developed by partner Idustrial Revolution, the plugins are a pack of effects, transitions and titles that build beautiful glossy slideshows for images or video. They can be used variety of projects, from broadcast show openers, social media projects, and more. Editors can stack as many traveling glossy bars as they wish on the timeline to produce eye-catching results, according to Peter Wiggins, plugin developer at Idustrial Revolution.

Ergonis Software updates KeyCue for macOS to version 8.7

dsellers — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 14:39:14 +0000

Ergonis Software has released KeyCue 8.7, a new version of the keyboard shortcut “cheat sheet” for the Mac.

KeyCue displays an instant overview of the currently available keyboard shortcuts; application-specific menu shortcuts as well as system-wide hotkeys and user-defined shortcut descriptions. Version 8.7 is a maintenance release for KeyCue 8, while Ergonis is already preparing to release KeyCue 9 later this year.

3D Cab Room now free for AmpliTube Custom Shop users

dsellers — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 14:33:54 +0000

IK Multimedia has added 3D mic positioning and other Cab Room features (www.ikmultimedia.com/cabroom) for AmpliTube Custom Shop, the free version of their AmpliTube guitar amp and effects modeling software.

Previously only available for AmpliTube 4 users, these premium features are now available at no extra cost to all users. AmpliTube is guitar and bass tone software for the Mac and PC.

Apple releases seventh developer beta of macOS High Sierra 10.13.4

dsellers — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 23:39:27 +0000

Apple has released the seventh developer beta of macOS High Sierra 10.13.4. 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.

Jamf delivers pre day-zero support for Apple spring releases

dsellers — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 17:45:41 +0000

Jamf, which specializes in Apple device management, has announced both compatibility and key feature support for the upcoming Apple releases of iOS, macOS and tvOS.

Output Factory Server for Adobe InDesign update improves file queue management

dsellers — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 14:51:30 +0000

Zevrix Solutions has announced Output Factory Server 2.0.14, a maintenance update to company's output workflow automation solution for Adobe InDesign.

Output Factory automates printing and exporting from InDesign by processing files from hot folders. The app can serve unlimited users and offers layer versioning, preflighting, FTP delivery and more. The new version introduces background processing, improves file queue management, and fixes an issue related to exporting InDesign spreads as TIFF files.

Maintain serves up Cocktail 11.2.5 (High Sierra Edition)

dsellers — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 17:31:41 +0000

Maintain has served up Cocktail 11.2.5 (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 the ability to clear iOS backups and software updates; offers improvements on the "Clear User caches" procedure; addresses compatibility issues with Apple File System (APFS) volumes; and adds macOS High Sierra 10.13.4 compatibility.

Kool Tools: Brainwavz S0 IEM earphones

dsellers — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 11:33:35 +0000

Brainwavz (www.brainwavzaudio.com) has introduces its $49.50 S0 IEM noise isolating earphones. They’re designed to provide a balanced sound signature with each part of the sound spectrum represented being both accurate and clear.

The all metal housing and flat, tangle free cabling provides a sleek look, feel and durability. The Clearwavz mic and remote use a n MEMS (Micro-Electrical-Mechanical System) silicon microphone with a three-button control. This enables users to make audio calls as well as audio playback.

IK Multimedia releases AmpliTube Leslie and T-RackS Leslie

dsellers — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 11:17:22 +0000

IK Multimedia (www.ikmultimedia.com) has announced the availability of AmpliTube Leslie and T-RackS Leslie, a new collaboration with Hammond USA and Suzuki Music Corp. of Japan that brings the sound of the legendary Leslie amps and cabinets to IK's guitar amp and effects software AmpliTube, and to the wmixing and mastering processors in T-RackS.

Satechi announces Aluminum Type-C Multimedia Adapter

dsellers — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 17:09:50 +0000

Satechi has launched the Aluminum Type-C Multimedia Adapter. The hub features a USB-C Power Delivery port to charge PD-compatible devices (up to 49W), 4K HDMI (30Hz), 4K mini DisplayPort (30Hz), Gigabit Ethernet, micro/SD card slots and three USB 3.0 ports to access all devices.

Satechi’s Aluminum Type-C Multimedia Adapter boasts the upgraded USB-C Power Delivery (PD) standard to quickly charge compatible devices (USB-C PD 2.0 or higher). It includes multi-directional power flow (up to 49W) and efficient charging speeds to ensure all devices always stay juiced.

InvizBox announces portable VPN router

dsellers — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 17:03:25 +0000

InvizBox has announced the global availability of InvizBox Go (https://www.invizbox.com/buy/), a portable VPN router with a built-in power bank, Wi-Fi extension and ad blocker to secure Internet traffic and access blocked content. Pricing starts at $150.

AKVIS releases NatureArt 10

dsellers — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 13:27:00 +0000

AKVIS (www.akvis.com) has released AKVIS NatureArt 10, an update of its software for imitating natural phenomena on digital photos. Version 10 offers a new Night Sky effect with a number of ready-to-use presets, full compatibility with Photoshop CC 2018, some interface improvements, etc.

NatureArt 10 is available as a standalone program and as a plugin filter for AliveColors, Adobe Photoshop and other image editors. On the Mac platform, the software runs on macOS 10.7 and higher.

Kool Tools: ecobee Switch+

dsellers — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 11:38:51 +0000

ecobee’s (www.ecobee.com) smart light switch, the ecobee Switch+, offers customers easy and effortless access to information, entertainment and intuitive control.

Excel Software ships FileMaker, Xojo, Xcode plug-ins

dsellers — Wed, 21 Mar 2018 16:48:27 +0000

Excel Software (www.excelsoftware.com) has released new runtime plugins for FileMaker and Xojo developers of Mac and Windows desktop apps and a new library file for Xcode developers creating Mac OS apps.

The new runtime files give developers the latest QuickLicense 8 protection and licensing features plus updates for the latest Mac and Windows OS. App developers can access QuickLicense runtime commands with a function call.

Apple introduces new Apple Watch bands

dsellers — Wed, 21 Mar 2018 12:52:04 +0000

Apple has debuted a spring collection of bands that include Woven Nylon bands with a fresh stripe that alternates white with color, exclusive Nike bands that color-match with the latest Nike running shoes, and a new edge paint color for Apple Watch Hermès bands.

Later this month, all new bands will be available to order from apple.com and for purchase at select Apple Stores, Apple Authorized Resellers and carriers.
Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) will include new 38mm and 42mm Space Gray Aluminum Case with Black Sport Loop models.

Azpen announces new line of wireless chargers

dsellers — Wed, 21 Mar 2018 11:02:33 +0000

Azpen Innovation (www.azpeninnovation.com) has announced four new Qi wireless chargers: the Azpen Qi Wireless Charging Pad (C100), the Azpen Dual-Power Wireless Charging Pad (C200), the Azpen Power Bank with Wireless Charging (C300), and the Azpen Car Vent Magnetic Wireless Charger (C400).

Apple releases sixth developer beta of tvOS 11.3

dsellers — Tue, 20 Mar 2018 17:46:07 +0000

Apple has released the sixth developer beta of 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.

Keep It 1.3 adds iCloud folder sharing, PDF annotation and more

dsellers — Tue, 20 Mar 2018 17:42:46 +0000

Reinvented Software has announced Keep It 1.3 (http://reinventedsoftware.com/keepit/), an update to their notebook, scrapbook and organizer for macOS.

Designed for writing notes, saving web links, organizing documents, and finding them again. Version 1.3 adds iCloud folder sharing, PDF annotation, and more.

Keep It for Mac 1.3 requires macOS 10.12 Sierra or later, and is available as a 15-day trial. A license for Keep It for Mac costs $49.99 and includes all Keep It Version 1.x updates.

Twocanoes Software releases Certificate Request for macOS

dsellers — Tue, 20 Mar 2018 13:46:57 +0000

Twocanoes Software has introduced Certificate Request, a utility for the Mac that’s used to request and install digital X.509 certificates directly from Active Directory.

It automatically discovers all the required information from Active Directory. Once authenticated, requesting a digital certificate is reportedly as simple as clicking a single button. The digital certificate can be used for configuring wireless, Mail, VPN, or many other services on macOS.

QNAP rolls out new NAS series

dsellers — Tue, 20 Mar 2018 13:41:50 +0000

QNAP Systems has launched its 4-bay ( TS-473), 6-bay ( TS-673), and 8-bay ( TS-873) TS-x73 series NAS featuring an AMD RX-421ND quad-core CPU with Turbo Core up to 3.4GHz and two PCIe slots for installing a QNAP QM2 card, wireless network card or a graphics card to extend NAS functionalities.

The TS-x73 series provides small and medium businesses with a NAS solution to build a private cloud for applications including high-speed data transfer, backup/recovery, virtualization, media playback and graphics display, according to Jason Hsu, product manager of QNAP.

Apple releases new developer beta of macOS High Sierra 10.13

dsellers — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 21:44:41 +0000

Apple has released the sixth developer beta for macOS High Sierra 10.13. 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.