The big news this week is the launch of Apple’s Mac App Store as part of Mac OS X 10.6.6—Adam looks closely at what you’ll encounter when you update and points out the pros and cons for the Mac ecosystem. Also this week, Adam announces an iPad-compatible version of the TidBITS News app, reviews the useful multiple-reminder-per-day HabiTimer app, and ponders the problem of user interface design liberalism. Then check out Matt Neuburg’s coverage of the new Panorama Sheets database/spreadsheet hybrid and Lorenz Szabo’s story about returning to the Mac after nine years away, by way of the iPhone. Notable software releases this week include Adobe Photoshop Elements 9.0.2, Apple Remote Desktop 3.4, cf/x alpha 1.2, Mac OS X 10.6.6, iWork 9.0.5, GarageBand 6.0.1, and iMovie 9.0.1.
iPad users, take note—you can now read TidBITS articles in the free TidBITS News app on the iPad, with a native interface.
If you need to take medication on a regular schedule, or just want something that will remind you to stretch your legs on a repeating basis, check out the free HabiTimer iOS app.
Does the Mac App Store mark a turning point in the constant tussle between those who want user interfaces to be entirely consistent and those who prefer the wild-and-crazy look? Does it matter? Adam thinks it does.
ProVUE’s Panorama, the wonderful database program, recently revised to version 6, now boasts a much less expensive sibling, Panorama Sheets, which will easily suffice for many users. Harness the power of Panorama without the learning curve!
After almost decade in the Windows world, a former Mac fan rediscovers an old friend.
Apple has opened the Mac App Store with over 1,000 applications. The Internet-based store offers easy purchasing, downloading, and updating of applications for the Mac but comes at a cost to developers beyond the 30-percent transaction fee.
Notable software releases this week include Adobe Photoshop Elements 9.0.2, Apple Remote Desktop 3.4, cf/x alpha 1.2, Mac OS X 10.6.6, iWork 9.0.5, GarageBand 6.0.1, and iMovie 9.0.1.
If you want to go further afield from TidBITS this week, be sure to listen to Joe Kissell talking about a paperless lifestyle and tune in Tuesday, when we’ll learn if Verizon Wireless’s media event is indeed to announce the iPhone coming to Verizon.