We want to hear from you! We’re running a reader survey to find out if we’re providing the articles you want and how we can improve. Also, in this issue, Adam Engst proposes that Apple should train Siri with user feedback instead of labor-intensive eavesdropping. Now that Apple Card has started to become available, Josh Centers explains how to get the most out of your Apple Card benefits. And Adam shares real-world observations and advice for using Apple Maps and Google Maps while traveling. Notable Mac app releases this week include Keyboard Maestro 9.0, Mailplane 4.1.4, GraphicConverter 11.0.1, Lightroom Classic CC 8.4, Microsoft Office for Mac 16.28, and Parallels Desktop 15.0.
After nearly four years, it’s time once again for a reader survey to make sure we’re producing the kind of content you want to read. We’d appreciate it immensely if you would take a few minutes to give us feedback on our articles, Web site, and more.
Apple took well-deserved flak in the press for having contractors listen to Siri conversations—and inadvertent initiations where people didn’t know they were being recorded. But Adam Engst suggests that we users should instead teach Siri about its mistakes.
Apple is slowly rolling out its new Apple Card across the United States. If you’re an early adopter, here’s how to maximize your cash-back benefits.
After spending several weeks using Apple Maps and Google Maps constantly while traveling in Switzerland, Adam Engst has a few thoughts and recommendations that could ease your future trips.
Watchlist
Major update for the automation and clipboard utility adds Dark Mode support, OCR for text in images, and JSON. ($36 new, $25 upgrade, 25.8 MB)
Brings compatibility with the macOS 10.15 Catalina public beta, plus adds support for the Simplify Gmail extension and the DEVONthink 3 public beta. ($29.95 new, free update, 68.8 MB)
Major new release for the Swiss Army knife of graphics programs adds macros and improves RAW image editing. ($39.95 new, free update, 151 MB)
Adds accelerated image editing with GPU support for smoother performance. ($9.99/19.99 monthly Creative Cloud subscription, free update)
Monthly maintenance release brings new features to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. ($149.99 new for one-time purchase, $99.99/$69.99 annual subscription options, free update)
Addresses issues with Insider Preview beta releases of Windows 10 and Office for Windows. ($79.99 annual subscription for standard edition, $99.99 annual subscription for Pro and Business Editions, 204 MB)