The first virtual CES kicks off this week, and our typically roving correspondent Jeff Porten is attending virtually to sniff out the coolest and most interesting gizmos and gadgets. This year, you can vote on which ones most interest you! Glenn Fleishman discusses Apple’s new privacy disclosure rules for App Store developers, which are sending Facebook into a tizzy. Finally, Adam Engst describes When2Meet, a simpler alternative to Doodle for helping a group decide on meeting time. Notable Mac app releases this week include Zoom 5.4.7, EagleFiler 1.9.2, Nisus Writer Pro 3.2.1, Timing 2021.1, Pixelmator Pro 2.0.3. BusyCal 3.12.2 and BusyContacts 1.5.1, BBEdit 13.5.4, Default Folder X 5.5.4, and Keyboard Maestro 9.2.
Do you find yourself having to go back and forth when trying to identify a compatible meeting time with a group of people? Doodle has long been a good solution for this problem, but the When2Meet service is faster, easier, and free.
CES launches into unknown territory by holding its first-ever entirely virtual event, leading Jeff Porten to wonder whether it’ll be a disappointment compared to in-person. But the first batch of gadgets he has seen have some interesting contenders for your attention.
Facebook is unhappy with the enhanced privacy requirements that Apple recently unveiled. Apple will soon require that apps ask for and get explicit consent from their users in order to track them across apps and sites—and that’s a good thing. Apple has already added detailed privacy disclosure requirements. Let’s dig into how Apple’s new rules will enhance your privacy.
Watchlist
Adds compatibility with M1-based Macs and brings enhanced cloud contact integration for chat/call features. (Free, 23.3 MB, macOS 10.9+)
Maintenance release for the document organization and archiving app. ($40 new, free update, 31.2 MB, macOS 10.12+)
Maintenance update that focuses on fixing a few key issues, including sluggish behavior in macOS 11 Big Sur. ($65 new, free update, 277 MB, macOS 10.11+)
Introduces the capability to share projects with team members and view their time entries in the Timing web app. ($42 annual subscription, free update, 35.6 MB, macOS 10.13+)
Adds support for Apple ProRAW photos. ($39.99 new, free update, 217 MB, macOS 10.14.4+)
Adds support for M1-based Macs and Office 365 Hybrid Authentication. ($49.99 new for each, free updates, 23.1/12.7 MB, macOS 10.12+)
Changes the default location for the BBEdit Backups folder. ($49.99 new, free update, 18.7 MB, macOS 10.14.2+)
Fixes a bug that could prevent the Open/Save dialog enhancement utility from launching correctly. ($34.95 new, free update, 15.7 MB, macOS 10.10+)
Maintenance update for the automation and clipboard utility with several improvements and bug fixes. ($36 new, free update, 34.3 MB, macOS 10.11+)