Following in the footsteps of last week non-genealogy software updates (Feb 16, 2012 Edition), the following is a list of recent software updates that may be of interest to Mac-using genealogists.
VueScan Version 9.0.81 has been released.
VueScan is scanning software that supports a large number of scanners (and it’s what I use). Version 9.0.81 has fixes for Plustek, PIE, and Reflecta scanners, and addresses an issue with option changes and the scroll wheel.
More information: Hamrick.com (VueScan website).
ExactScan version 2.19.3
ExactScan is also scanning software, however it is focused on document scanning, including as an example, support for document scanners that handle 60 and 120 pages per minute. It supports over 200 document scanners (Avision, Kodak, Oki, Visioneer, Xerox, Canon, Fujitsu, and others, including many that do not have support for Mac OS X from the manufacturer.
There are two versions, both available through the App Store
– ExactScan – ExactCODE
– ExactScan Pro – ExactCODE
ExactScan Pro offers the ability to do Optical Character Recognition (OCR) directly to PDF (in a searchable format), “Imprinter” to print text into the scanned image, barcode recognition to file stacks by barcodes, and batch processing of existing image files.
WordPerfect Spotlight and Quick Look Plug-ins Version 3.6 (February 18, 2012)
This is a set of two plugins that do what they describe – they enabled Spotlight search and Quick Look thumbnails/previews for documents and graphics files created by any version of WordPerfect running on any operating system from WordPerfect 1.0 up through WordPerfect 11. They will even pass information such as the document format/WordPerfect version and whether a file is encrypted (password protected).
Readerware for Mac version 3.10
Readerware runs on Mac OS X 10.4 and above, and includes three apps – Books, Music, and Video. With version 3.10, Readerware Mobile for Android has been introduced. It allows you to take your Readerware databases on a compatible Android device. With the updates to Readerware Mobile, you can down determine what information is contained within the Readerware Mobile database. Android devices can be used to read barcodes and upload the information to the Readerware auto-catalog on the desktop.
There has also been a loan history feature added, along with a new “Seller” display type (helps with selling the items). There are quite a few bugfixes along with new features added. For the full list of information, see the full Readerware 3.10 Release Notes
Download ($75): Readerware.com
DeNoise 2.5.1
DeNoise reduces hiss and noise in audio recordings, such as from LP’s and Tapes. Version 2.5.1 fixes a bug in the batch mode. DeNoise is $40, but there is a 21-day trial.
Download: Click Repair – Brian Davies
Archive 7.0.3
Archive is an application that builds a catalog/index or removable media and devices – CDs, DVDs, USB drives and external hard drives, etc. The index is available for you to search for even if the device is not attached to your Mac. You can quickly find the information you need within Archive, and it tracks the following information about the files: file names, location (media it’s stored on), when it was created and when it was modified, and the size of the file. If needed, you can password-protect/encrypt the catalog you create with Archive. Archive 7.0.3 improves date handling, adds data file integrity check, and changes the name of the folder that holds the data file. It requires Mac OS X 10.5 or later.
It’s available for $12.99 through the Mac Apps Store – Archive – YENCO.COM.
Things 1.6b21 (beta) (aka Things Cloud)
Things is a task manager that that manages to-do lists, notes, dates, and projects, including “smart task lists”. It has the ability to sync your task management information between your Mac and the iPhone and iPad versions of Things (uses Wi-Fi). The iPhone and iPad versions are available through the iOS Apps Store – Things 3 for iPad – Cultured Code GmbH & Co. KG. It’s won quite a few prizes, including an Apple Design Award (2009). Things requires Mac OS X 10.6.6 or later.
This is the first public beta/release of Things Cloud – for more information, please see the Things Cloud beta information.
It can be purchased through the Mac App Store – Things 3 – Cultured Code GmbH & Co. KG – or you can read about it and the beta information through the developer’s website – Cultured Code.
Carousel 1.3
Finally, and a “fun” way to round things out, Mobelux has released Carousel 1.3. Carousel is basically an easy way for Mac users to access their Instagram photo feeds. You can view your feed, other people’s photos they’ve posted, comment upon photos, save photos, etc. There are even keyboard commands to make navigation/useage quick.
Carousel 1.3 adds new language support – English, German, Spanish, Russian, and Japanese are now available. It also adds iCloud support, adds features for users of Chrome and Safari through Carousel Extensions, and it allows for a Quick Reply option. There are also a few minor bugs which have been fixed.
You do need an Instagram account (iTunes App Store – Instagram – Instagram, Inc.). Instagram is free.
You can download a 15-day trial of Carousel from the Carousel website. It requires Mac OS X 10.6 or later.
If you like it, you can purchase it for $1.99 through the Mac Apps Store.