A huge update to iThoughts for Mac and iOS is out today. We now get new map layouts, Scapple import, and complex relationship maps.
The new relationship maps are quite nice looking and have a lot of formatting options. There’s a very good description of the feature on the iThoughts Web site.
I’m just learning the value of summary and relationship maps but I already love the control that iThoughts provides over the details.
I’ve been a Mindmeister subscriber for a few years and a “Business” level subscriber since we started work on TapCellar for iOS. It’s one of my favorite collaboration tools because multiple people can work on the same map and the integrated task management is nice when you share a deadline.
This is an extraordinary deal. Mindmeister is normally $120 per year for a “Pro” account so $35 for two years is a huge savings.
The latest TaskPaper beta is coming along nicely. The new date formatting for filters is a welcome addition. It’s a nice combination of natural language and modifiers. To filter on tasks starting in the next 7 days @done <=[d] next week +7d does the trick.
You can read more about it in the draft support documentation
There’s also a new scripting guide available.
Unfortunately, saved searches are broken in this beta.
HazeOver is a Mac app that dynamically dims all background windows. It feels a bit odd at first, but for most work it’s a pleasant alternative to fullscreen apps. With just a bit of dimming I can still see my browser in the background or other Finder windows, but it’s easy on the eyes.
HazeHover is simple but not without control. Hot keys and opacity sliders are nice options. I can turn off the effect with a hotkey or visit to my meny bar.
OmniGraffle is one of the most generally useful apps on my Mac and iOS devices. The Omni Group is dramatically improving the app through third party stencils available through their “Stenciltown.” Version 2.0 adds options to upload and bookmark stencils. Check out the embedded video below:
Little Snitch for the Mac is both great and terrible. It’s great because I know exactly what apps are doing with my network. It’s terrible because there are a lot of legitimate processes making calls home that freak me out. For example, the “apsd” process started showing traffic in Little Snitch. I decided to temporarily allow it while I investigated further.
I could just block everything, but setting blanket rules in Little Snitch can cause frustratingly complex problems.
Everything from Todd Ditchendorf is so unique and thoughtful. His groundbreaking app Fluid is known by every longtime Mac user. Todd continues to impress with his new apps too. Schwartz is a vector graphics app that automatically generates templated code in a variety of languages. As with everything under the Celestial Teapot umbrella, Schwartz is also inexpensive at only $10.
Here’s a great intro to using Schwartz to create SVG graphics for Safari pinned tabs.
This week marks the official release of Default Folder X 5 for the Mac. I’ve used this app every day for at least 5 years. Maybe 10. Who knows. It’s just a standard part of every Mac I own. Version 5 (a paid upgrade) has a ton of minor fixes and some new major features.
The new Finder shelf is terrific. Click the button (or keyboard shortcut) to reveal the drawer below any Finder window.
From Rogue Amoeba:
Take audio from your physical microphone and combine it with audio sources like iTunes or QuickTime Player. Presto! Your guests on Skype will hear your voice, as well your sound effects and musical add-ons.
Rogue Amoeba makes such cool audio software. Unparalleled in the Mac market.
One of the first modern Mac apps that I really loved was Circus Ponies Notebook. I bought so many copies of that app for everyone I knew with a Mac. Sad to see them go.
