Defraggler adds Quick Optimize feature for SSD drives, disk performance graphs
Piriform has released Defraggler 2.18 and Defraggler Portable 2.18, minor updates to its Windows freeware defrag tool.
Version 2.18 builds on the previous release by adding additional functionality to the recently introduced Statistics tab as well as implementing a new Quick Optimize feature for sold-state storage drives.
Hardwipe drops 32-bit support, improves Recycler cleaning tool
Big Angry Dog Ltd has released HardWipe 4.0.1 and HardWipe Portable 4.0.1, a major new version of its ad-supported data wiping tool for Windows. Version 4.0.1 is notable for becoming a 64-bit only build, dropping support for legacy OSes including Windows XP in the process.
The update also sees HardWipe transition from the Qt4 to Qt5 application and UI framework as a result of becoming a native 64-bit application.
Peazip introduces File Manager improvements, updates archiving tools
PeaZip srl has released PeaZip 5.3, the latest version of its open-source, cross-platform archiving tool for Windows and Linux users. The archiver supports over 178 file extensions, and is also available for Windows users in 64-bit form as well as portable builds (both 32-bit and 64-bit).
Version 5.3 launches with numerous new features and improvements to the File Manager graphical user interface as well as a wide range of improvements to its archiving and extraction tools.
DropIt 7.0 drag-and-drop file management tool offers raft of improvements and new features
Drag-and-drop file mamagement tool DropIt 7.0 has been released. The open-source tool, also available in portable form, includes a raft of improvements, new features and a handful of bug fixes.
DropIt, which sits as a floating icon on the desktop when installed, allows users to process folders and files quickly via drag-and-drop, with up to 15 different actions (including move, copy, send by mail and upload) supported.
Stardock Start8 1.4 ensures compatibility with Windows 8.1 Update
Stardock Corporation has released Start 8 1.4, a minor update to its Windows 8 Start button and menu replacement tool. There are no new features in version 1.4, just a series of bug fixes and one key compatibility update.
That update is support for the forthcoming Windows 8.1 Update, due to ship on "Patch Tuesday" next week. Existing Start8 users should therefore update this before April 8th rolls around.
IObit PCtransfer launches, offers data and settings migration tool for Windows users
IObit Systems has released IObit PCtransfer 1.0, a freeware tool for migrating data and a limited selection of settings from one PC to another. The tool offers a simple, fuss-free user interface that will appeal to novices, but lacks advanced functionality, such as the ability to move entire programs or a more comprehensive array of supported program settings.
The program is packaged as a self-contained portable executable, so once launched, it’s a case of first selecting which items to include in the backup.
Spotify for iOS shows off darker theme, improved playlist features
Popular music-streaming service Spotify has updated its iPad and iPhone app with the release of Spotify 1.0. The app gains a refreshed user interface to match the new darker theme being rolled out across all platforms.
It also debuts several new features. Chief among these is Your Music, a means of saving, organizing and browsing the user’s favorite music in one spot.
Manage music on your mobiles, tablets and PC for free with KiwiG PhonTunes
Shunting music files between PC, Apple and Android is nothing new, but it can be a fiddly process if done manually, or expensive if you try to find a suitable third-party app to do the hard work for you. With the release of KiwiG PhonTunes 2.5, you can now enjoy quick and easy music transfer -- including directly between Android and Apple -- for free.
Version 2.5 has just been launched with a completely redesigned user interface, support for local music management and a built-in music player.
Opera Next 21 sports hardware-accelerated Aura shell, promises more responsive UI
Opera has moved version 21 of its web browser for Windows and Mac from the Developer (alpha) stream to the Next (beta) stream with the release of Opera Next 21. Most of the changes are system ones, designed to improve performance, but some other interesting tweaks have been implemented.
The move to the Next stream is part of the browser’s rapid-release development cycle, which brought Opera into line with rival browsers Chrome and Firefox.
DiskAid speeds up device cloning, improves backup and restore options
DigiDNA has released DiskAid 6.6, a new build of its tool for converting spare storage on an iOS device into an external hard drive for wireless or USB access from a Windows or Mac computer.
Version 6.6 speeds up cloning one device to others, improves support for restoring device backups and allows users to manually add or remove contacts on the iPhone via USB.
VirtualBox squashes major bugs, adds experimental native full-screen support to OS X
Oracle has released VirtualBox 4.3.10, a maintenance update to its cross-platform, partly open-source virtualization tool. Although primarily a series of bug fixes, there is one new feature of note for OS X users.
That feature is experimental support for the native full-screen mode as implemented in Mountain Lion and Mavericks -- press the defined host key plus [F] to toggle this on or off, or use the View menu. This new feature is accompanied by the removal of another: the mini-toolbar minimize button that doesn’t work in full screen view.
AIDA64 adds support for upcoming Windows 8.1 Update, debuts new graphics benchmark
Budapest software firm FinalWire Ltd has released AIDA64 Extreme Edition 4.30 and AIDA64 Business Edition 4.30. The latest builds of its diagnostic and benchmarking tool introduce a new graphics benchmark for measuring the SHA-1 hashing performance of modern chips and cards, plus adds support for the latest technologies.
AIDA64 4.30 also introduces support for the forthcoming Windows 8.1 Update and Windows Server 2012 Update 1 releases. It also optimizes and fixes three modules: ACPI query, tree enumeration and temperature measurement.
CCleaner improves Opera browser support, Registry cleaning
Piriform has issued the latest monthly update to its Windows cleaning tool with the release of CCleaner 4.12 and CCleaner Portable 4.12. After the excitement of last month’s release, version 4.12 is a more sedate affair.
Chief among its new features is wider support for the new Blink-based version of Opera, which joins various other tweaks, improvements and fixes.
MobileFamilyTree for iPhone and iPad sports new user interface, AirPlay support
Synium Software has released a major update to its Apple mobile family history app with the release of MobileFamilyTree 7.1. Aside from gaining an iOS 7-inspired facelift, the app also adds AirPlay video support, rebuilds the interactive tree from scratch and includes a number of other major and minor tweaks and improvements.
Despite the major changes, the app remains free to all existing users, while new users can take advantage of a special 50 percent off promotion and purchase the app for $6.99 before March 31st.
iTranslate provides translation services for Windows 8 and RT devices
Sonico GmbH has launched a Windows App version of its translation software with the release of iTranslate 1.1 for Windows RT and 8. The app follows the recent release of iTranslate Voice 2 on the iPad and iPhone.
As the name implies, iTranslate doesn't come with any support for translating phrases spoken into the microphone; instead users, must type their word or phrase into the box, and then wait for the app to translate it.
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