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 today’s picks.
macOS
Parallels, which specializes in cross-platform solutions, has launched Parallels Device Management 9. Formerly known as Parallels Mac Management for Microsoft SCCM, the plugin brings Mac management features to Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM).
The folks at Parallels say the new Parallels Device Management 9 now enables fast and flexible zero-touch deployment for iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. This makes it possible for admins to manage them all under the single pane of glass, and for users to get them ready in minutes, instead of hours.
Parallels Device Management 9 leverages Apple’s Device Enrollment Program (DEP) to equip IT admins with the ability to enroll Apple mobile devices to MECM and configure them through a completely remote, zero- touch process. IT managers can remotely configure the local management account as well as specify the type of local user account on Mac computers and Apple mobile devices during DEP enrollment. In addition, admins can now restrict the local user account, strengthening the security of any enrolled device.
The latest update to Parallels Device Management 9 comes with the iMazing Profile Editor integrated into the Configuration Manager console. With the editor already integrated into MECM, admins can create or modify Configuration Profiles for all Apple devices without switching to a third-party editor. Profiles can now be installed automatically during DEP enrollment.
Organizations who purchase iOS and/or iPadOS applications in bulk through Apple’s Volume Purchase Program (VPP) can now use Parallels Device Management to deploy VPP apps straight to their users’ enrolled Apple mobile devices. Once deployed, those same apps can be monitored and managed from MECM, streamlining mobile app deployment and providing centralized app administration to dramatically improve IT staff productivity and overall user experience.
Parallels Device Management 9 pricing starts at US$45 annually per Mac and US$15 per iPhone/iPad. Information about the latest release is available at parallels.com/mac-management.
Dejal Systems has released Simon 5.0, an update of the server monitoring tool. It checks web pages and other kinds of services for changes or failures.
HTML reports enable remote viewing of a summary and/or details of Simon monitoring. Version 5.0 includes syncing the Simon data between multiple Macs. It also sports a Simon Status service, a Link Checker filter, improved Find filter, iMessage and Speak Error notifiers, a new app icon, and more.
Simon 5.0 requires macOS 10.12 or later. It costs $99 for new users. A demo is available for download. This is a paid upgrade ($49) for licensed Simon 4 users.
Global Delight has served up Boom 2 v1.7.0, an update to their flagship audio app.
The new version offers enhanced features specifically built to cater to audiophile expectations, according to the folks at Global Delight.
Boom 2 was specifically designed to handle everything from the basic audio settings of entertainment enthusiasts to the extreme necessities of audiophiles. It requires macOS 10.10.3 or later. Pricing starts at $13.1 for a six-month pack for two Macs. A demo is available for download.
iOS/iPadOS
LITE Games has announced Mondoku, a creative number and logic game for iOS and Android devices. The structure as well as the artistic presentation of the puzzles is inspired by the works of the Dutch artist Piet Mondrian and combines puzzle fun with the art of neoplasticism.
Mondoku boasts over 500 puzzles in eight levels of difficulty. It requires macOS/iPadOS 11.0 or later. It’s free, but does tout in-app purchases.
