Latest in Mac OS X

Despite the popularity of social networks like Twitter and Facebook, RSS readers are still arguably the best way to monitor and manage daily news items and subscriptions on both our computers and mobile devices. With the pending death of the Google Reader, we on the lookout for alternative RSS reader clients that go beyond Reader's capabilities. One of the newest readers on the block is NewsBar for Mac and iPhone. Even though I've been a longtime user of NewsRack, I was immediately impressed with the NewsBar's features.
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Compared to other standard calculators, Mac OS X users definitely can't complain. The Calculator app that ships with Macs by default is diverse and incredibly powerful. However, you simply can't build an app as general as a calculator to satisfy all possible user scenarios. For different users, different apps will always come out on top. Luckily, there's no shortage of calculator alternatives in the Mac App Store.
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You might think Apple’s relatively small laptop selection would make choosing a model easy. For some people, that’s true, but for others the tight range of options and prices makes for a difficult choice. A consumer with $1,200 could end up looking at both versions of the Air and the 13-inch Pro. I think all of the MacBooks are a good choice, but the reasons why are various. I’ll help you sort through the clutter and decide which MacBook is for you.
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Bring the best features of Windows to OS X. You did not read that incorrectly. Many Mac users won't admit it, but there are some pretty nice features in Windows – particularly Windows 7 and later. Maximizing apps in a way that isn't seemingly random, resizing your windows by dragging them to a particular side or easily hiding notification icons are just a few things Microsoft's brought to the desktop that Apple hasn't got around to (yet?)
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I've written several articles about Mac automation, including a MUO Automation Guide on how to get started with Apple's Automator and the built-in OS X features for creating smart folders, playlists, albums, and mailboxes. But next to the application called Hazel, which I also recently reviewed, the classic automation program Keyboard Maestro ($36.00) is my most used application for getting things done on my Mac. You can download it for a 30-day free trial.
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Free call and text platform Viber is coming to desktop with the release of a new client for Windows and Mac OS X. The new desktop version of Viber brings all calling and texting features to your PC or Mac, and adds some new ones such as video calling and desktop to desktop calls, which are currently still in beta. The announcement comes as part of the roll out of Viber 3.0, which includes major updates for the app's iOS, Android, and Blackberry versions as well.
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I have previously written an entire MUO guide about using Apple's smart folders and Automator program, but a classic third-party application called Hazel is one of my personal automation assistants that works in the background, requiring no keyboard shortcuts and mouse clicks on my part. Hazel is an automation program that essentially goes into action when files are added or changes are made to designated folders.
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How often have you sent an email to yourself, simply to move a picture or document between computers? Often, the only obvious alternative is clear overkill, like setting up a temporary FTP server on your jailbroken iPad. For these kind of scenarios - moving small files quickly and efficiently - Mac OS X's own AirDrop is the ideal tool for the job.
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Popular podcast iOS client on Instacast has just launched a new version for Mac. The desktop version of the app is still in open public beta, which will run until May 31st, so if you're interested, you have exactly one month to sink your teeth into the podcast client before the final release hits the market. The final release will not be free, so if you want to enjoy it without paying, now is the time.
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The iPad (or even the iPhone) is a great device to enjoy apps and video while you're on the road, or in bed. In fact, you can enjoy your media wherever you are. However, sitting a small distance from your big television set, some of this media might be wasted on the small screen of your iOS device. Instead, you could switch to your computer, or a media center hooked up to your TV. But if you want to enjoy the content from your iPhone or iPad, there's a third option.
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If you work at a home-based office like I do, you no doubt spend a significant amount of time getting things done on your Mac. While I have already written about the advantages of using a standup desk, there are also several important and general productivity apps for almost any type of workflow you engage in. These applications not only save me time but in many cases help me work more efficiently.
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Alfred is a task launcher for Mac OSX - hit a shortcut, start typing the name of a file, folder, contact, application or search term, and bam - there it is. Since version 2, the concept of workflows was introduced - essentially, user-created plugins that can extend the functionality. My mind was blown - this in an incredibly powerful app, possibly the most useful I've come across yet. To use workflows, you must have the PowerPack purchased for $25.
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Twitter's long-neglected Mac application has just had its first update since June 2011. Version 2.2 of the service's official desktop client adds support for Retina displays and a redesigned Tweet composer with support for image hosting at pic.twitter.com. Also included in the update are a set of new icons and support for 14 new languages.
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Apple announced updates to its iTunes Store recently, which now includes the option to download movies, movie bundles, music box sets, TV episodes, and Season Passes at a later time, rather than immediately at the time of purchase. The new "download later" options apply to items purchased on iTunes 11 (Mac or Windows PC versions), or on iOS devices running iOS 6 or later. When you purchase an item it will be added to your iTunes account, followed by a "Download Now?" button giving you the option to download immediately or later.
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Although AirPlay - a system that allows you to stream video and audio between AirPlay-enabled Apple devices - works great in a lot of situations, it isn't a perfect system. Perhaps most importantly, Apple's AirPlay system is proprietary, meaning it's only officially implemented by Apple and thus only available on Mac OS X and iOS devices, leaving a lot of Windows-Apple crossover users out in the cold. Luckily, both of these problems are solved by AirParrot.
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