Archived Post

Notable apps and app updates for Jan. 17, 2017

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.

iOS Apps/Updates

Red Giant has released two all-new sticker packs for iOS users: Blockbuster and Holomoji. Designed by Red Giant filmmaker Seth Worley and iOS developer Micah Lanier, the sticker packs leverage the best of Red Giant motion graphics and visual effects to bring a sense of Hollywood action to iMessage conversations. Drag and drop from the sticker keyboard to add high-quality visual effects and holographic emojis directly to texts, images, and videos in iMessage conversations. These sticker packs can be downloaded free of charge from the iOS App store.

macOS Apps/Updates

Ergonis Software has announced Typinator 7.1, a new version of its text expander for macOS.

It’s a tool for automating the process of inserting frequently used text and auto-correcting typing errors. In the new version, the new powerful input forms are no longer modal. While an input form is open, it is now possible to temporarily switch to other windows, for example to copy/paste text into form fields. The new version also offers further enhancements and compatibility improvements with macOS Sierra and third-party applications.

Typinator requires macOS 10.6 or newer. The upgrade to Typinator 7.1 is free for anyone who owns a valid license for Typinator 7. Upgrade paths are available for owners of older licenses. For new users the price is $24.99.

BlobmanLabs has released Blobman 3.0, a complete rewrite to its $19.95, traces-based, golf swing improvement tool for macOS.

Designed for professional instructors, experienced golfers and new golfers alike, the app is designed to encourage better understanding and appreciation of an effective complete swinging motion to better define and polish a golf swing. In version 3.0, component relationships are more easily seen, understood and utilized.

Isle of the Kakapo has rolled out RailModeller Pro 5.3, an update to its model railroad and slot car layout design solution for macOS.

RailModeller Pro offers design tools that enable hobbyists to design model train and slot car track layouts via drag and drop. The app includes a library catalog covering over 240 track systems in all major model scales, allowing for custom designs of almost any layout a user can visualize. Version 5.3 adds: native support for baseboards; a baseboard assistant; and updates to the libraries in the bundled catalog.

RailModeller Pro 5.3 requires macOS 10.9 or later. It’s available for $39.99 exclusively through the Mac App Store. A free version, RailModeller Express, which is suitable for small layouts with a limited number of tracks and layout dimensions of up to 0.5km – is also available through the Mac App Store.

Schoettler Software has given us CalcTape 1.2, an update to its desktop calculator for macOS. 

The tool is a substitute for the classic desktop calculator machines. All entries are recorded on a virtual paper roll. The app features logging of all your calculations, and allows for changing numbers, writing comments and correcting errors afterwards. Templates may be created for repetitive use and open calculations may be emailed to business associates. Version 1.2 brings new memory buttons.

CalcTape for Mac 1.2 requires macOS 10.9 or later. It costs $7.99 and is available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store. 

Dennis Sellers
the authorDennis Sellers
Dennis Sellers is the editor/publisher of Apple World Today. He’s been an “Apple journalist” since 1995 (starting with the first big Apple news site, MacCentral). He loves to read, run, play sports, and watch movies.