It’s another issue with something for everyone. Adam leads off with the sad news of Now Software’s demise and anchors the issue with a detailed criticism of Google Wave. Also this week, Matt Neuburg reviews the GTD-inspired Things application, Doug McLean examines the spate of Time Capsule failures, Mark Anbinder provides an overview of what’s new in FileMaker Pro 11, and Glenn Fleishman covers Amazon’s release of the Kindle software for Mac OS X and the confusion caused by incomplete coverage of Apple’s iPad battery replacement policies. Finally, we have a discount on the invoicing software ProfitTrain for those who didn’t win a copy in last week’s DealBITS drawing. Notable software releases this week include BusyCal 1.2.3 and Phone Amego 1.1.14.
Sad news - Now Software, the makers of the venerable Now Up-to-Date & Contact event and contact management package and its Now X replacement, has suspended day-to-day operations and released all of the company's staff.
Amazon has finally released its Mac OS X Kindle application about five months after the Windows version, and a year after its iPhone release. The free beta software provides a window into Kindle Store books. Amazon also previewed its app for the iPad, and detailed plans for Kindle software on other tablet operating systems.
Updates to database applications are rarely sexy, but we're pleased to see several welcome enhancements in FileMaker Pro 11, the latest version of desktop and server database software from Apple's FileMaker subsidiary.
An iPad battery-replacement FAQ entry has led to a spate of articles that seem to say all poorly functioning batteries in the not-yet-shipping device will cost $105.95 plus tax to replace. Those reports ignore warranty coverage, which Apple hasn't made easy to understand.
See who won copies of ProfitTrain 2.0 in last week's DealBITS drawing, and if you're not among them, read on to save 20 percent on the time-tracking and invoicing software.
Are you an owner of a Time Capsule that's kaput? You're certainly not alone - nor up a creek. Apple is replacing some faulty units. We look at the backstory to these replacements, and how you can keep your Time Capsule working properly
Things, from Cultured Code, is a to-do list manager. It's simple and easy, but can implement a sophisticated Getting Things Done regimen if you want it to.
Perhaps it's not quite fair to criticize a preview release, but when it comes from Google and is widely available, it's worth pointing out bits of clothing the emperor would do well to don. After months of trying to use Google Wave for real-world tasks, Adam shares both his frustrations with the service and his suggestions for how Google might address some of Wave's myriad problems.
Notable software releases this week include BusyCal 1.2.3 and Phone Amego 1.1.14.
Our ExtraBITS links this week focus on saving money by building your own discounted Mac software bundle, learning how the Pandora music-streaming service managed to survive, noting Apple's repeat top ranking among Fortune's "Most Admired Companies," and checking out John Gruber's backup success story.