Archived Post

Notable apps and updates, June 1-6

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 updated Pixelmator Pro to version 1.6.4. The upgrade adds support for opening and exporting images in WebP format and offers other additional fixes.

Pixelmator Pro 1.6.4 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.

The LiquidText note-taking app is coming to the Mac. Previously available on the iPad, it integrates reading and note-taking. The folks at LiquidText says the macOS version, coming later this month, will be one of the first major iPadOS products to come to the Mac using Apple’s Catalyst technology. It will feature all the familiar LiquidText interactions, but be adapted to work with a mouse and keyboard.

Pricing hasn’t been announced. However, in August, LiquidText expects to release a new subscription service that will enable backup, synchronization, and work group collaboration across all LiquidText apps. 

Bare Bones Software has released BBEdit 13.1, an update to its professional strength text and code editor. The upgrade brings back HTML Tidy and introduces an overhauled Preview feature, a new Run Unix Command command, and expands the array of supported Markdown variants.

Customers writing Markdown can now select a specific renderer for use in live previews and HTML exports. BBEdit 13.1 includes built-in renderers for CommonMark and “classic” Markdown; and can use Pandoc, MultiMarkdown, and GitHub-flavored CommonMark, if the customer has those installed. In order to serve any alternative needs, BBEdit 13.1 also provides an option to use a custom Unix command for Markdown-to-HTML conversion.

In addition, there are internal updates to the Preview in BBEdit feature for those who use BBEdit to create content in HTML and Markdown. A new Run Unix Command command provides a means to directly run one-off Unix commands for processing text within BBEdit.

The BBEdit 13.1 update also brings improvements to the built-in syntax coloring, function navigation, and code folding support for Unix shell scripts, CSS/SCSS, and Python. In addition, “callout” comment support has been added to the built-in Markdown, CSS/SCSS, and Unix shell script language support

BBEdit 13.1 also features a suite of markup utilities based on the “Tidy” suite of commands for HTML and XML, including reformatting, correcting simple errors, and checking Web accessibility. A demo is available for the first 30 days of use. At the end of the 30-day evaluation period, BBEdit will continue to run in Free Mode with a permanent feature set which includes its powerful editing capabilities, but not its web authoring tools or features. BBEdit’s exclusive features may be re-enabled at any time with a purchased license.

BBEdit 13.1 requires macOS 10.14.2 or later.

Econ Technologies has released ChronoSync 4.9.10, an update to their multipurpose app for local and cloud backup, bootable clones and folder synchronizing under macOS (10.11 or newer.)

Apple’s release of macOS 10.15.5 broke the capability to create new Bootable Backups using ChronoSync v.4.9.9 and earlier. ChronoSync 4.9.10 implements a work-around to restore the creation of new Bootable Backups. 

The bootable backup issues introduced in macOS10.15.5 only effect bootable backups created from scratch using macOS 10.15.5 Catalina. These issues do not effect existing bootable backups under any macOS version so most users don’t have to do a thing, according to the folks at Econ Technologies. Also note that more these issues effects all apps that create and maintain bootable backups, not just ChronoSync.

ChronoSync is available in a variety of pricing options. Go here for details.

iOS

Anatomage, which specializes in 3D medical imaging technology, has launched Anatomage Table Companion,an iPad app that complements the Anatomage Table experience by allowing users to access one of the Table’s real human cadavers. 

A real human cadaver can be engaged virtually on the Apple tablet. The Anatomage Table Companion app is now available for purchase from the Apple App Store at the promotional price of US$24.99 instead of $49.99 for a limited time.

Peleon has launched an at-home fitness app. You can download it p and get started with a 30-day free trial to access every Peloton class with any equipment or none at all. Afterward, subscribe to a digital membership for US$12.99/month.

Comb O&P, LLC, an orthotic and prosthetic shape capture company, announced that its Comb 3D Scanner App is now available on the Apple App Store. 

It leverages the iPhone’s TrueDepth camera, powered by KNOCKOUT 3D, to capture 3D scans of body parts without the need for additional attachments or hardware. It’s used for molding/capturing parts of the body for fitting custom made bracing and orthopedic appliances.

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.