We’re still working our way through Jeff Porten’s coverage of the most interesting gadgets and services from CES 2019. More prosaically, Apple updated all four of its operating systems with bug and security fixes, but no new features. If you’re a Spectrum subscriber, you can now get an Apple TV app that could replace your cable box—Michael Cohen took it for a test drive. Finally, remember RAM Doubler? Join us on a 25-year trip down memory lane. Notable Mac app releases this week include Security Update 2019-001 (High Sierra and Sierra), Safari 12.0.3, GraphicConverter 10.6.8, Default Folder X 5.3.3, Slack for Mac 3.3.7, RapidWeaver 8.1, Pixelmator Pro 1.3, Agenda 4.1, and Hazel 4.3.4.
Apple’s iOS 12.1.3, macOS 10.14.3, watchOS 5.1.3, and tvOS 12.1.2 updates don’t offer many hints about what might have changed apart from a slew of security fixes.
Were you at Macworld Expo San Francisco in 1994, when Connectix unveiled the magical utility RAM Doubler, which did exactly as its name promised? Read on for a trip down memory lane, and be sure to share your stories of that time in the comments.
Announced last June at WWDC 2018, the Spectrum TV app, featuring Zero Sign-On, has finally arrived, making the Apple TV into a credible cable box substitute for Spectrum subscribers.
Jeff Porten’s visit to the CES Home and Health show floor included a smart mailbox for your deliveries, a battery accessible to the blind, a smartwatch you never charge, and news of an embarrassing moment for the CTA.
Itty-bitty MacBook chargers, chocolate-based art, and batteries; backpacks; and toy cars with seemingly magical powers were all found on the main floor at CES.
Watchlist
Patches security vulnerabilities in Apple’s last two operating systems. (Free, various sizes)
Addresses WebKit and cross-site scripting vulnerabilities for macOS 10.13.6 High Sierra and 10.12.6 Sierra. (Free)
Brings a number of improvements to the Swiss Army knife of image editing utilities. ($39.95 new, free update, 189 MB)
Adds label names to Default Folder X's toolbar icons. ($34.95 new, free update, 8.6 MB)
Introduces a new icon and makes some small improvements to the client app for the group messaging system and collaboration service. (Free, 65.6 MB)
Maintenance release with a host of bug fixes and improvements for the Web design and publishing software. ($89 new, free update from version 8, 77.9 MB)
Adds color tags for visually organizing layers in advanced illustrations and designs. ($39.99 new, free update, 164 MB)
Brings overall speed enhancements and improves undo/redo stability and accuracy. (Free with $24.99 premium purchase option, free update, 31 MB)
File cleanup utility adds an Insert Element item to the contextual menu in Pattern fields and fixes bugs. ($32 new, free update, 9.8 MB)
