With no sign of Lion last week, our issue ranges far and wide, starting with news of a security-related iOS update and new international data plans from AT&T. Then Adam explores how Apple seems to be pushing iCloud as merely a fancy syncing cable, rather than as an enabler of collaborative computing, and he also reviews the recently released Keyboard Maestro 5.0, which adds program logic to the popular macro utility. Finally, we step a bit outside our normal beat with a report from roving correspondent Jeff Porten about The Amazing Meeting 2011, a skeptics conference focused on promoting critical thinking skills. Notable software releases this week include Aperture 3.1.3, iDVD 7.1.2, iWeb 3.0.4, Snapz Pro X 2.3.1, DEVONthink and DEVONnote 2.2, GarageBand ’11 6.0.4, iPhoto ’11 9.1.5, TypeIt4Me 5.2, Sandvox 2.1, iBank 4.2.4, Firefox 5.0.1, BusyCal 1.5.4, Transmit 4.1.6, and Skype 5.2.
iOS updates close a PDF-related security vulnerability used in a jailbreaking technique.
AT&T has announced a new four-tier set of international data add-on packages for subscribers. The packages, intended for travelers with U.S.-based cellular accounts, more than double the data allowances per month, and in some cases lower the monthly costs.
Is iCloud anything more than a fancy virtual sync cable between individual apps? Should it be?
If you’ve ever wanted to automate something on your Mac that required program logic like if/then/else or repeating actions, the new Keyboard Maestro 5 macro utility may now have the power you require, without the need to learn or fuss with a programming language like AppleScript.
Roving correspondent Jeff Porten heads to The Amazing Meeting, an annual conference organized by the James Randi Educational Foundation. In his first report, Jeff interviews JREF president D.J. Grothe about the organization’s mission and how it is using iOS devices to help people think critically.
Notable software releases this week include Aperture 3.1.3, iDVD 7.1.2, iWeb 3.0.4, Snapz Pro X 2.3.1, DEVONthink and DEVONnote 2.2, GarageBand ’11 6.0.4, iPhoto ’11 9.1.5, TypeIt4Me 5.2, Sandvox 2.1, iBank 4.2.4, Firefox 5.0.1, BusyCal 1.5.4, Transmit 4.1.6, and Skype 5.2.
We found a variety of fascinating articles on the Web this week, starting with one that debunks the “nothing to hide” argument against privacy. Also, we found a roundup of the latest iOS device rumors, coverage of how Apple beat out Google for Nortel’s patents, and news of Netflix raising prices, along with David Pogue’s investigation into why Netflix decided to make the change.