Productivity

41 'Productivity' stories April 2013 - June 2013

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Getting TextExpander, BetterTouchTool and Parallels to behave with Mavericks

Scott Buscemi Jun 15 2013 - 9:04 pm PT

Since the new OS X Mavericks is just a few days old, bugs and incompatible applications are to be expected until developers have time to run through the new APIs and patch up their apps. In the meantime, some non-functioning apps can be fixed with simple work-arounds or downloads.

Over the next couple of months, expect a few sites to pop up with app compatibility charts for the new OS. If you’ve found an application that doesn’t work without an available fix, feel free to leave a comment below with the information.

TextExpander & BetterTouchTool

My dependence on TextExpander is insane. I have even set up my email signature through TextExpander (so I can choose when it displays with just a couple of key strokes). Finding out that TextExpander is thrown off by Mavericks was a bit disappointing, but iDownloadBlog posted the details on how to make it work. In short, the application tells you to go through “Universal Access” in System Preferences, but you actually need to go inside “Security & Privacy”.

This work-around also works for BetterTouchTool, the app I use for simple Window Snapping and creating additional multi-touch gestures for the Magic Trackpad / Mouse. Check out iDownloadBlog’s step-by-step instructions.

Parallels

Parallels, my favorite operating system virtualization software, isn’t able to open any virtual machines when you first try opening up the application on Mavericks.

However, Parallels provides a simple workaround on their Knowledge Base until they can update the app in the near future. The company has provided a “startPD” script that gets the application and all associated virtual machines up and running again. Update: Parallels has been updated to work with Mavericks.

We’ll keep our eyes peeled for any other workarounds and update this post as they become available.

Tempo smart calendar app for iPhone updated with support for 20 new conference calling services

Mike Beasley May 29 2013 - 12:00 pm PT

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srPSlTFrH2A]

Tempo, the smart calendar app that launched earlier this year, was updated today with dial-in support for the twenty most popular conference call providers. The complete list of new services includes AccuTalk.net, AdConferencing, AnyMeeting, Calliflower, Free Audio Conferencing, Free Conference Calling, Free Conference USA, FreeConference, FreeConferenceCall.com, Fuze, GlobalMeet, GoToMeeting, join.me, Powwownow, Rondee, TalkShoe, Totally Free Conference Calls, UberConference, Wiggio, and WebEx.

The update is live now in the App Store and is free for new and existing users.

Information management app Evernote finally adds reminders

Ben Lovejoy May 23 2013 - 7:32 am PT

Evernote, the highly popular cross-platform information management app, has at last added what the company described as one of its most-requested features: reminders …
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Clear for iPhone and Mac gains list sharing via email, multi task pasting, coming soon to iPad

Zac Hall May 22 2013 - 2:57 pm PT

Realmac Software is on the brink of launching its fun new camera app Analog Camera for iPhone, but it has one more major task to mark off its list before we all get our hands on it. With its latest update to Clear, that item can now be swiped right off the list.

Clear on the iPhone and Mac both were updated today receiving a frequently requested feature: list sharing over email.

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Yahoo Mail for iOS updated with AirPrint, performance improvements, more

Zac Hall May 15 2013 - 5:57 am PT

Yahoo! Mail for iOS received an update that brings support for printing attachments via AirPrint on compatible printers. The update also includes improvements to the performance of the app as well as bug fixes.

The update is available now in the App Store.
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QuickRes 3.0 makes switching resolutions on your Retina MacBook Pro quick and easy

Mike Beasley May 14 2013 - 5:56 pm PT

Switching resolutions on a Retina MacBook Pro usually requires going through System Preferences, but an app called QuickRes is designed to mitigate that annoying process.

QuickRes puts an icon in your Mac’s menu bar that allows you to quickly jump between a variety of preset display resolutions, even beyond supported by Apple, all the way up to 3840×2400. QuickRes can also enable HiDPI mode on non-Retina Macs, effectively doubling the resolution and giving a clearer (albeit bigger) picture.

To switch resolutions, you can right-click the app’s menu bar icon to select which display you want to change (if you have more than one), then select a resolution from a list of presets. You can also setup anywhere from two to eight of your favorite resolutions and switch between them quickly by clicking on the menu bar icon.

QuickRes is available in two flavors. The paid version is available for a 9to5Mac-exclusive price of $.99 (regularly $1.99) through this discount link. The free version, which supports fewer resolutions and does not include a quick HiDPI toggle for non-Retina, is available on the Mac App Store.

1Password for iOS updated to version 4.2 with new features and fixes

Mike Beasley May 13 2013 - 12:58 pm PT

1Password 4, the popular login manager for iPhone and iPad has been updated to version 4.2 today. The new version sports a bunch of new features and bug fixes, including the ability to search for items in your vault by their URL, improved sharing of vault items, and more. This update also features the fill animation that appeared in the desktop browser extension recently.

The update is available for free on the App Store for existing users. New users can get the fantastic password manager (see our review) for $17.99. The entire change log can be found below.

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Zendock MacBook Pro docking solution, a funded Kickstarter project, coming for MacBook Air

Mark Gurman May 9 2013 - 7:35 am PT

Last month, we covered the Kickstarter posting for the Zendock MacBook Pro docking station. As we profiled in April, the docking solution takes over your MacBook Pro’s ports in order to free up clutter on your workspace:

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Readdle’s PDF Expert iPad app updated with improved annotating, more

Mark Gurman May 8 2013 - 9:38 am PT

Readdle has updated its popular iPad document storing and annotating app, PDF Expert, with several new features for annotating.

-Сopy and Paste Annotations

-Move, resize and change properties of multiple annotation

-New layout in annotations toolbar for rect/oval/line/arrow

-Improvement in Text Highlight tool

Additionally, the update includes various other enhancements:

-New Day/Time keyboard for form filling

-New layout in annotations toolbar for rect/oval/line/arrow

-Added save/discard changes prompt to Save as -> Flatten

-Sync folders are supported in pdfefile:// scheme

-Increased timeout for move pages with tap & hold

I’ve been using PDF Expert for a while, and it is truly a powerful, easy-to-use solution for managing PDFs. Today’s update is free, but the app costs $9.99 on the App Store. There is a separate iPhone version as well for the same price.

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Swype VP confirms talks with Apple on revolutionary keyboard technology

Jordan Kahn Apr 26 2013 - 6:26 am PT

We reported earlier this week over on our sister site 9to5Google that the extremely popular Swype keyboard was now available for Android users on Google Play. Unfortunately its arrival came after the implementation of the similar Gesture Typing feature that Google introduced in Jelly Bean. While we know Swype owner Nuance has a pretty tight relationship with Apple through its voice recognition technology being used in Siri (although Siri’s co-founder told us Apple could “likely replace Nuance without too much trouble”), a Swype exec has now confirmed the company has had talks with Apple over its revolutionary keyboard tech.

iFans points us to a Reddit AMA with Swype Vice President Aaron Sheedy where the executive confirms discussions with Apple have taken place:
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Google adds ability to open Microsoft Office files directly in Chrome on Mac

Jordan Kahn Apr 25 2013 - 6:08 pm PT

Previously only available to Chromebook users, Google announced today on its Chrome blog that Mac and Windows users will now have the ability to open Microsoft Office files directly within Chrome. The functionality works for users running the latest Chrome Beta and requires installation of the Chrome Office Viewer (Beta) extension.

In addition to saving you time, the Chrome Office Viewer also protects you from malware delivered via Office files. Just like with web pages and PDFs, we’ve added a specialized sandbox to impede attackers who use compromised Office files to try to steal private information or monitor your activities.

Wunderlist ‘Pro’ arrives today with new team collaboration features for $4.99/month

Jordan Kahn Apr 25 2013 - 9:00 am PT

6 Wunderkinder, the developers behind the ‘Wunderlist’ to-do app that’s currently home to over 4 million users, today announced a new “Pro” version of the cross platform productivity app. Launching today on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and on the web, the new pro version comes with the introduction of the developer’s first premium model that will see users pay $4.99 a month (or $49.99 a year) to get access to new team oriented collaboration features:

• Assigning – now you can add an extra level of accountability and assign tasks to your colleagues

and friends.
• Unlimited subtasks – sometimes the task on hand is so big that you need to break it down into

small manageable subtasks. Now you can add as little or as many needed to get the job done.
• Backgrounds – Wunderlist Pro subscribers will have access to eight new backgrounds – from a minimal dark wood and soothing sands to vibrant florals and the Paris cityscape, plus a whole lot more!

6 Wunderkinder plans to keep adding additional features for pro users, including the ability to attach and share files through tasks:

Files will be the next feature to be added to Wunderlist Pro. With the support of Files you will be able to attach files to a task and share with your colleagues, for improved collaboration outside of just the to-dos.

The Pro upgrade for Wunderlist is available now as an in-app purchase in the Wunderlist iPhone & iPad app as well as the Mac App Store app and on the web.

Those that plan on sticking with the free version of Wunderlist will also be greeted today with new features in update 2.1.0 of the app. Among them is a new Action Bar and other UI improvements such as the ability to “Get a quick overview as to who created and completed a task with the Detail View.”

Agile Tortoise updates Drafts to 3.0

Zac Hall Apr 24 2013 - 6:23 am PT

Drafts for iPhone and Drafts for iPad received a major update today.

Drafts is by far the fastest way to input text on iOS. A blank text field and keyboard greets you as soon as you launch Drafts. No need to fiddle with menus and buttons to reach your intended destination. Write first and decide later.

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Turn your iPad (gasp) into a waterproof Microsoft Surface with new Logitech FabricSkin Keyboard Folio

Seth Weintraub Apr 23 2013 - 6:03 am PT

Logitech makes some pretty amazing iPad keyboards and now they can pretty much say the cover the spectrum of what’s out there. Today the company announced new $149 Logitech FabricSkin Keyboards that look and act like the keyboard case that comes with the Microsoft Surface. Even better? These guys are waterproof so you can just wipe away the coffee that you just spit out.

“We’ve combined design cues from the world of high fashion with the unbeatable typing experience you expect from Logitech to bring a new level of self-expression to iPad protection,” said Mike Culver, vice president of brand development for tablet accessories at Logitech. “TheLogitech FabricSkin Keyboard Folio and Logitech Folio give you more than just a protective case for your iPad, they add a distinctive accent to your iPad that reflects your personal style.”

Logitech worked with world-class designers to identify chic fabrics and a bold color palette and combined them with a clean design. As a result, both the Logitech FabricSkin Keyboard Folio and Logitech Folio are offered in a range of colors from Electric Blue and Sunflower Yellow to Mars Red Orange, and in an array of on-trend fabrics from matte leather to finely woven cotton.

“By developing color and material options that evoke our senses and speak to our individuality, Logitech has made owning an iPad unique again,” said Beatrice Santiccioli, world-renowned color expert and designer. “I brought my knowledge in color and design to Logitech to help inspire the selection of materials and develop a color palette that builds a strong emotional connection to people’s lifestyles.”

Don’t want the keyboard but still want the case? Have an iPad mini? The Logitech Folio is keyboardless, fits both iPads, and costs $70.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=KD5uWfq42YY

They are available for pre-order at Logitech and will start shipping next month.

Full-sized image gallery, another video and press release follows:
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Mailbox email app for iPhone removes reservation system following scaling improvements

Mark Gurman Apr 16 2013 - 9:26 am PT

The Mailbox for iPhone email application no longer has a reservation system, its developers announced today. The developers say that improved scaling contributed to this.

Good news! Mailbox is now available without having to wait in line. After 10 weeks of around-the-clock hard work, our engineering team has scaled the Mailbox service to deliver over 100 million messages per day (and growing). We believe we can now confidently handle new users as they sign up, so we’ve pulled down the reservation system.

It is unclear if Dropbox, the new owner of Mailbox, contributed to the new scaling efforts. The developers say that the app processes 100 million emails per day. Yesterday, Mailbox was updated with interface enhancements and new snooze options.

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Micro-review: Cord Taco cable-tidy

Ben Lovejoy Apr 16 2013 - 7:02 am PT

Every now and again, someone comes up with an idea which is deliciously simple yet rather useful. Meet Cord Tacos: a folded piece of leather with a rivet through it.

Yep, that’s it. The rivet acts as a kind of button, so you can unfold the leather, insert your cable and then clip it in place. No more cables getting tangled at the bottom of your bag, and much more elegant than the rubber bands we OCD types use to keep things tidy.

The review bit: they work. The cables are held securely, and the rivets don’t come undone.

My only complaint is that the standard 5-pack comprises two large (suitable for USB leads and the like) and three small. The small ones are really only useful for earphones, and who carries more than one set around? Which gets you three usable Tacos for $30 with shipping. A little steep, but a lot prettier than an elastic band. Available on Etsy.

Mailbox email app for iPhone updated with improved swipes, smarter snoozes

Apr 15 2013 - 1:59 pm PT

Mailbox for iPhone and iPod touch, the popular Gmail application recently acquired by Dropbox, has been updated with a couple neat enhancements. Adjustments for snooze times are now more specific, swipes are faster, and the UI has been updated with various tweaks. Additionally, bug and performance fixes are also present.

What’s New in Version 1.2.0

– smarter snoozes (adjust based on time of day and week)
– faster swipes (swipe as many items at one time as you want)
– UI improvements (e.g. double-tap a name bubble to see email address)
– bug fixes (including swipe-to-open bug) and performance improvements

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