Mac

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Check out Snapdrop, a web-based clone of Apple’s AirDrop

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 16, 2018

The easiest way to share content between your Mac and an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad is AirDrop, a device-to-device wireless transfer technology built into the bowels of iOS and OS X. But when you want to transfer files between Apple devices and other platforms, AirDrop isn't very helpfu.

AirDrop, as you know, is limited to iOS and OS X and doesn't work on Android, Windows or other operating systems and computing platforms. Enter Snapdrop, an interesting web-based HTML5 clone of AirDrop by German developer Robin Linus.

Billed as the easiest way to transfer files across different devices, Snapdrop runs in a web browser and doesn't require you to install any special software. But does it work as advertised? Read on to find out.

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How to download older versions of iOS apps

Jeff Benjamin ∙ December 25, 2015

Charles Proxy is a tool for OS X that can be used to facilitate the download of older versions of iOS apps from iTunes. It's a bit of a drawn-out exercise, but if you've ever been in need of an older version of a particular app, then you know how handy such a technique can be. In this video, which was inspired by this Reddit post, I'll show you how to download older iOS apps directly from iTunes on Mac.

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How to fix ‘Outlook can’t upgrade your database’ errors when launching Microsoft Outlook on Mac

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 19, 2018

Last night, I decided that I would give the desktop version of Outlook a chance. Unfortunately, I ran into a problem when first launching the app. After doing a bit of troubleshooting, and lurking around the app's bundle, I was finally able to fix the issue.

If you've ever ran into the "can't upgrade your database error" when launching Outlook, then you may want to give this fix a try.

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Advanced iPad Pro and Apple Pencil support now available in Astropad’s iPad app

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 21, 2015

Astropad, an awesome app by former Apple engineers that basically turns the screen of your iOS device into a graphics tablet for the Mac, has received an important update this morning with expanded support for Apple's new 12.9-inch iPad Pro and the Apple Pencil. Coupled with the iPad Pro and Apple Pencil, Astropad is now truly a Wacom Cintiq replacement that’s wireless.

“We’ve spent significant time with iPad Pro and we’ve rethought, tweaked and tuned Astropad to make the most of this powerful device,” developers tell me via email.

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The Sims 2: Pet Stories hits Mac App Store

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated May 16, 2017

Tired of good ol' Sims? How about Sims with pets? Based off of The Sims 2 engine, this classic Sims title returns to the Mac—courtesy of Electronic Arts and Aspyr Media—with updated graphics and several other enhancements and is available for the first time on the Mac exclusively through the Mac App Store.

With native display support for Retina and 4K Macs, gesture support for zoom and rotate, drastically improved performance and other tweaks, you can now care for and train those lovable yet unpredictable pets as you compete for Best in Show at the most important local pet show of the year.

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Apple Music launches “Star Wars” radio station

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 18, 2016

Apple on Wednesday joined the chorus of other tech companies looking to capitalize on the popularity of the new Star Wars movie, by rolling out a dedicated radio station in Apple Music. You can find the new station in the 'Radio' section of the Music app on iOS, or in iTunes.

As you'd expect, Star Wars radio plays through a library of memorable music from past movies. In my short time listening to the station, I heard the popular Main Title/Rebel Blockade Runner, Yoda's Theme, Emperor Arrives, and a slew of sound effects like R2-D2 beeping.

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Apple seeds OS X El Capitan 10.11.3 beta 1 to developers

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 16, 2015

After releasing the first beta of iOS 9.2.1 to developers earlier today, Apple also seeded OS X El Capitan 10.11.3 beta 1 to members of the Apple Developer Program.

The first beta of what would become El Capitan's third major software update since its October 2015 debut carries a build number of 15D9c and is available as a standalone download through Apple's portal for developers or through the Mac App Store's Update tab on Macs enrolled in the beta program.

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How to control your Mac with the Siri Remote

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated May 30, 2017

Better Touch Tool, one of the most useful power-user utilities available for macOS has been updated to include support for Siri Remote control. The update, which is currently available as an alpha version download, lets you control your mouse with the Siri Remote, as well as assign shortcuts and mouse clicks to the Touch Surface and each of the remote's buttons.

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iTunes 12.3.2 with Apple Music browsing improvements now available

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 11, 2015

A few days following the release of the iOS 9.2 software update for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad with Apple Music improvements and other changes, Apple today posted a matching iTunes update for Macs running OS X El Capitan.

iTunes 12.3.2 makes it easier to browse classical songs on Apple Music with support for works, composers and performers.

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