Some readers complained that last week’s HTML email issue was too wide to read easily in Apple Mail. Adam Engst tracked down the bug and suggests a workaround, should such a problem occur again. Separately, Adam explains how to remove words from OS X’s spelling checker if you added them accidentally; his advice also points to how to sync your custom user dictionary with other Macs. Continuing in the vein of practical Mac coverage, Josh Centers explores the world of services, a useful but often overlooked way of accessing an app’s features within another app, and even shows you how you can make your own services. He also explains what to do if your Mac Pro is covered by Apple’s quiet repair program for some 2015 units that suffer from video card-related crashes and more. Finally, Julio Ojeda-Zapata compares three independent keyboard options for the iPad Pro. Notable software releases this week include Carbon Copy Cloner 4.1.7, Final Cut Pro X 10.2.3, Motion 5.2.3, Compressor 4.2.2, Banktivity 5.6.5 (formerly iBank), and DEVONthink/DEVONnote 2.8.9.
If you had trouble reading last week’s HTML email issue of TidBITS in Apple Mail because of too-long line lengths, Adam explains why, and suggests a quick workaround.
Apple has launched a secret repair program for some late 2013 Mac Pros with video issues. Josh Centers tells you which models are affected and explains how to get them fixed.
If you’ve accidentally told OS X’s system-wide spelling checker to learn misspelled words, never fear, since there’s an easy way to remove them, either one at a time, or in bulk. And once you learn that, you’ll see how you can sync your custom words between Macs so you have the same set everywhere.
It’s not new, and Apple doesn’t show it much love, but the ubiquitous Services menu can be a productivity powerhouse. Josh Centers explains how to use it and even how to make your own services.
Apple’s Smart Keyboard for the iPad Pro works reasonably well and is thin and lightweight, but its chiclet keys are an acquired taste for many. Fortunately, alternatives do exist. Julio Ojeda-Zapata looks at three third-party iPad Pro keyboards that take different approaches.
Notable software releases this week include Carbon Copy Cloner 4.1.7, Final Cut Pro X 10.2.3, Motion 5.2.3, Compressor 4.2.2, Banktivity 5.6.5 (formerly iBank), and DEVONthink/DEVONnote 2.8.9.
In this week’s ExtraBITS collection, writer Craig Grannell calls out Apple for a lack of Reduce Motion options in OS X and tvOS, Facebook’s iOS app continues to use more power than is reasonable, and veteran technology journalist Walt Mossberg says that Apple’s apps need improvement.