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
The Pixelmator Team has released Pixelmator Pro 1.6, codenamed Magenta, an update to its Mac image editor.
The update adds a color picker, includes the ability to quickly choose colors using hex color codes and makes it possible to select multiple objects by simply dragging over them. Along with these changes, Pixelmator Pro 1.6 Magenta brings some significant performance improvements, adds the ability to more easily see RGB color codes, includes a way to view recently used fonts, and features y other improvements and fixes.
Pixelmator Pro 1.6 Magenta is available today from the Mac App Store. It’s free for existing users and US$39.99 for new customers. An upgrade discount is also available to owners of the original Pixelmator through the Pixelmator Pro Upgrade Bundle, also available from the Mac App Store. Pixelmator Pro requires macOS High Sierra or later and a Metal-compatible graphics card.
Apple Configurator 2 — a free utility that “makes it easy to deploy iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, and Apple TV devices in your school or business” — has been updated to version 2.12 with several improvements, including support for restoring firmware on the 2019 Mac Pro.
According to Apple the new version:
• Added support for restoring firmware on the 2019 Mac Pro
• Allow access to websites using TLS 1.0 and 1.
• VPN: Configure Provider Designated Requirement for Custom SSL connection type
• VPN: Configure network options for Cisco, Juniper, Pulse, F5, SonicWall, Aruba, CheckPoint, and Custom SSL connection type
• Send all traffic through VPN
• Exclude local networks.
MacXDVD Software has released a new version of MacX Video Converter Pro, its flagship HD video converter for macOS.
The upgrade brings new capabilities to download AV1 content from YouTube and other online sites and decode AV1 codecs into other formats. AV1 is an emerging royalty-free video codec that is designed to replace HEVC and VP9 for the same 4K quality “at an average of 30% better compression efficiency.
MacX Video Converter Pro is normally priced at US$59.95. However, between now and April 20, you can get a free copy.
64BitApps has announced PicConvert 1.2, an update of the Mac app that allows users to batch convert, resize and rename their photos with ease.
With it, you can batch convert photos and RAW image files to various image formats including JPG, JPEG, JPE, JP2, JPX, PNG, TIFF, TIF, GIF, BMP and even newer formats like HEIC or HEIF. Version 1.2 sports a new user interface, the option to open compatible image files directly into the app, and support for the HEIC, HEIF and RAW image formats.
PicConvert requires macOS 10.10 or later and costs $2.99. It can be purchased from the Mac App Store and from 64BitApps online.
iOS
Lume Studio has introduced Edge Flip, a mobile app that offers a combination of intelligent puzzles, exciting mazes, and magic in a fantasy land full of secrets and creatures to be discovered.
The game includes concepts from Celtic mythology, Rubik’s cube, and immersive motion graphics for a never-seen-before combination of puzzle, art, and magic. Edge Flip costs US$0.99 and is available at the Apple App Store.
Likepro has debuted 7ideo 1.0, a camera app developed for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Apple Watch. It allows anyone to control color, focus, zoom, speed, and profile switching during video recording. I
Targeted consumers are social media creators, major focus towards TikTok, Facebook, YouTube video content. 7ideo costs US$7.99 and is available at the App Store
watchOS
Today, schools are re-evaluating their teaching practices and learning environments to accommodate an at-home, remote learning experience. Jamf has announced the Jamf Parent watchOS app, which is available for both Jamf Pro and Jamf School.
It syncs automatically with the parent iPhone. Parents can restrict which apps and features their child can access on their device, including games and social media. The app can be used to create schedules to keep students on track. Parents can schedule homework or bed time and apply associated restrictions on device capabilities. They can also track student device location and set up notifications.
