We've written often about utilities for expanding abbreviations, including SmileOnMyMac's TextExpander, which has just seen an update to version 2. Notable new features in this release include support for grouping abbreviations (which TextExpander calls snippets), the capability to add snippet groups from external files, synchronization of snippet groups via .Mac, AppleScript snippets that expand to the results of the script, updating of snippet groups from URLs or external files, and lots of user interface improvements. Plus, our TidBITS AutoCorrect Dictionary is available for TextExpander users who wish to add a few thousand common typographical errors to their abbreviation lists (see "TidBITS AutoCorrect Dictionary for TextExpander and TypeIt4Me," 2007-09-10).

In this week's DealBITS drawing, you can enter to win one of three copies of TextExpander 2, each worth $29.95. Entrants who aren't among our lucky winners will receive a discount on TextExpander, so be sure to enter at the DealBITS page. All information gathered is covered by our comprehensive privacy policy. Be careful with your spam filters and challenge-response systems, since you must be able to receive email from my address to learn if you've won. Remember too, that if someone you refer to this drawing wins, you'll receive the same prize as a reward for spreading the word.