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Apple releases OS X Yosemite Developer Preview 3

In addition to seeding the third beta of iOS 8 this morning, Apple has also released the third Developer Preview of its new OS X Yosemite operating system. The update comes three weeks after Preview 2, and over a month after Apple announced Yosemite at WWDC.

The update is labeled as build 14A283o and can be downloaded via an update in the Mac App Store, or as a full download from Apple’s online developer center. It does not, however, appear to be out in Apple’s recently-launched public Yosemite Beta Seed program yet…

Sunrise for Mac launches with offline mode, apps, native notifications and more

Sunrise, the popular and free replacement for Apple's stock Calendar in iOS, has been making some notable strides.

Just last month, for example, the team added third-party app integration to Sunrise for iOS. And, the previous month brought us Sunrise for Android and a web app, making for a nice cross-platform solution.

Now available free in the Mac App Store, Sunrise for Mac brings the beautifully laid out iOS experience to your desktop, with such features as full offline mode, third-party app integration, notifications for reminders, support for Google and iCloud calendars and much more...

Taasky is a beautiful and minimalistic task manager for Mac

Taasky for Mac is one of the latest entrants in a highly competitive market of apps for task management, to-do lists and getting things done. How it aims to stand out of the pack is with a beautiful and sleek design, but how does it stack up functionally? Taasky can be best described as simple, both from a design and usage perspective. After giving the app a test drive on my Mac for a few days, here are my first impressions… 

Apple appears to have ended support for AIM accounts in OS X Messages

For years, Apple's Messages app for OS X (previously known as iChat) has offered support for the aging AIM messaging protocol with mac.com and me.com IDs.

Then on Monday, as it said it would, Cupertino has ended AIM support for mac.com or me.com accounts in Messages on Macs running OS X Lion 10.7.1 or earlier.

However, it now appears that the company has actually phased out support for AIM accounts for everyone, regardless of Mac OS X version, and without giving users a heads-up...

Apple launches $49 security lock adapter for Mac Pro

Apple on Wednesday launched an accessory to keep your gorgeously reimagined late-2013 "trashcan" style Mac Pro secure and tethered.

Available through the Online Apple Store for $49, the Mac Pro Security Lock Adapter ties the cylindrically shaped workstation to your desk using existing Kensington locks or similar third-party locks, so a thief would need to drag the desk itself to steal your precious Mac Pro.

Moreover, it prevents unauthorized access to the computer's internal components by securing the lift-off cover to the base of the machine with a security cable...

Photos for Mac won’t be dumbed down, says Apple

Apple's surprise announcement that it will cease development of its Aperture app in favor of Photos for OS X Yosemite has left watchers scratching their head. There's also the problem of prosumers and iPhone photography enthusiasts, many of whom have grown dependent on Aperture workflows.

The problem is even more pronounced given concerns that any feature-parity between Photos on iOS 8 and the upcoming Photos for OS X Yosemite Macs would inevitably lead to significant dumbing down compared to Aperture's feature set.

Case in point: the iWork for iCloud effect.

Anyway, Apple has now official confirmed via a written statement that Photos for Mac will include certain pro-grade features such as photo editing, image search and third-party effects and plugins...

Apple’s Back to School launches with free $100 store credit on Mac purchases

As predicted, Apple on Tuesday launched the 2015 Back to School promotion in the United States and in several countries around the globe, depending on their respective educational calendars.

Somewhat similar to last year's Back to School promotion, Apple this year is providing students with a $100 Gift card with the purchase of any new Mac model.

Students who opt for an iPhone or iPad will be treated to a free $50 Apple Store gift card. However, this is the first time that Apple's Back to School promotion is offering gift cards, redeemable against any Apple Store item purchase...

Apple to launch yearly ‘Back to School’ promo tomorrow

MacRumors is reporting that Apple is set to launch its annual ‘Back to School’ promotion in the US and several other countries beginning tomorrow—Tuesday, July 1st. The company runs the promo at various times in different regions, depending on their respective educational calendars.

According to the site, Apple will be offering up iTunes Store/App Store gift cards to students that purchase a Mac, iPad, or iPhone. Similar to last year, it sounds like students will receive a $100 App Store gift card for the purchase of a new Mac, and a $50 card for new iOS device purchases...

How to jailbreak iOS 7.1.x untethered with Pangu on Mac OS X [video]

Pangu for the Mac was just released today, and it brings with it the ability to jailbreak iOS 7.1.x untethered. The Windows version, which was released last week to much fanfare, has already allowed many people to enjoy the fruits of jailbreaking iOS.

I think it's safe to say that the Mac version has been highly anticipated since word of Pangu first hit the Internet. For those of you who remained patient, your patience has paid off. You can now jailbreak iOS 7.1 and iOS 7.1.1 using your Mac. Check our our full video walkthrough inside for all of the details.

Apple updates its pro apps: Compressor, Final Cut Pro, MainStage and Motion

As we continue to chew on the ramifications of Apple's eyebrow-raising decision to stop development of Aperture and iPhoto for OS X and focus exclusively on the upcoming Photos for OS X Yosemite (due in 2015), the Cupertino firm has just issued a round of updates to its pro apps: Compressor, Final Cut Pro, MainStage and Motion.

New versions of these apps are now available in the Mac App Store under the Updates tab. I've included release notes for each app right after the break...