On a regular basis, Apple World Today posts a list of notable new apps or app updates that have been released. They may not necessarily be new, but they’re popular and deserve mention. Here are this week’s picks.
macOS Apps/Updates
SpriTec Software has introduced Finer Focus, a new macOS utility designed to “melt away” distractions by dimming, blurring and fading the desktop elements that are all around the frontmost app window.
These elements include the Dock, the Menu bar, Desktop icons and background windows. This results in the front window remaining bright and sharp, while the surrounding elements simply, as the folks at SpriTec say, melt away.
Users can try the sixteen built-in Finer Focus themes. Each theme has its own characteristics, such as color and varying amounts of dimming, blurring and fading. The utility requires macOS 10.11 or higher and costs $4.99. A demo is available for download.
Parallels has released version 14 of Parallels Desktop, its desktop virtualization software for Mac. Among other things, the upgrade adds support for the upcoming macOS Mojave. Other new features include:
- Start Windows and other applications up to 35% faster.
- Get up to 20GB back with automatic disk monitoring.
- Instantly view and monitor CPU and RAM usage.
- Automatic adjustment of video for the best performance.
Existing Parallels 12 and 13 users can upgrade to version 14 for $50. New users can sign up for an $80 a year subscription or make a one-time purchase of Parallels 14 for $100. Parallels Desktop 14 Pro Edition and Business Edition both cost $100 per year. A Windows license isn’t included, so you’ll have to buy that separately.
Tropical Software has announced TopXNotes 1.8.6, an update to their personal information manager for macOS.
You can create, view, organize, and instantly access your Mac notes with the utility. According to the folks at Tropical Software, version 1.8.6 is “the most stable, easiest-to-use version of TopXNotes, with a few new features, performance enhancements and bug fixes” and is being offered at a discount as a back-to-school special.
It requires macOS 10.14 or higher. TopXNotes 1.8.6 .8.6 is available for a limited time for $9.95 from the Tropical Software website. Version 1.8.6 is a free update to customers who have already purchased version 1.5 or later. Existing customers with an older version (previous to 1.5) can upgrade to version 1.8.6 for $9.95 from the company’s website.
Lemke Software has rolled out GraphicConverter 10.6.3, an update to their “Swiss Army Knife” image editing utility for macOS.
The tool provides users with the ability to convert most graphic file formats into any of nearly 80 other graphic formats. Version 10.6.3 brings the removal of Exif image description tag during import from digital camera, a new “kuwahara” smoothing filter, and more.
GraphicConverter 10.6.3 requires macOS 10.9 or higher. It costs $39.95 is available worldwide through the Mac App Store in the Photography category. It can also be directly purchased online from the Lemkesoft website.
GraphicConverter 10.6.3 is a free update for all customers of version 10.x. Upgrades from older versions of the app are available for $25.95.
iOS Apps/Updates
Super Spell Heroes, a real-time 1v1 puzzle duel game, is now available. In the game, players engage in quick fire battles against fellow wizards using simple color-matching controls.
To win a duel, players match mystical spells to damage their opponent, block against their moves, or quickly replenish their own health. Leaving a trail of fallen wizards in their wake, players will journey through magical realms while unlocking and upgrading new spells. Super Spell Heroes is free, but does offer in-app purchases.
The historical strategy game ROME: Total War is out now on iPhone. The iPad version has also been updated. ROME: Total War for iPhone and iPad is available now for $9.99. It’s a universal app, meaning that players who have previously purchased the game on iPad will be able to install it on their iPhone at no additional cost, and transfer their save files.
