Acrobat alternative Nitro Pro 8 drops version, adds more OCR
Nitro PDF Pty Ltd has just released Nitro Pro 8, the latest version of its self-titled “Acrobat alternative” tool for creating, editing and converting PDFs. Version 8, also available as a dedicated 64-bit build, promises faster conversion times, smaller PDF files, automatic OCR implementation and auto-save and recovery technology.
Nitro Pro 8 also sees the product drop its two-tier pricing structure, losing the non-OCR release in favor of a single option incorporating IRIS’s OCR engine for $119.99. The launch also coincides with details of a new partnership with PC manufacturer Lenovo, which will see Nitro Pro bundled with new Lenovo computers going forward.
CyberLink PhotoDirector 4 Ultra makes Mac debut
CyberLink has continued rapid development of its photo management and editing tool with the release of CyberLink PhotoDirector 4 Ultra. PhotoDirector 4, which appears on Mac OS X for the first time in addition to Windows, retails for $50 less than rival product Adobe Photoshop Lightroom.
Despite coming just six months after version 3 was released, PhotoDirector 4 adds a number of notable new features to its roster: facial recognition and content-aware removal tools, plus new HDR (High Dynamic Range) effects on single photos, and a Body Shaper tool for reshaping arms, face and body.
Pale Moon 15.1 fixes big bugs
Firefox-variant Pale Moon 15.1 for Windows has been released, promising to resolve a “fairly large number of issues with the initial version”. Version 15.1, also available as a dedicated 64-bit build, includes fixes for the mouse wheel scrolling preferences, memory inflation while playing some canvas games and a fix for private browsing mode.
Pale Moon, which is optimized for speed and efficiency, offers a lightweight, fast variant to Firefox. This latest build comes after version 15.0 was released at the end of last month.
Skype 5.11 for Windows Beta tightens Facebook, Microsoft account integration
Reflecting its recent acquisition by Microsoft, the new Skype 5.11 for Windows Beta has been released with a focus on improving integration with Microsoft services.
Users will now be able to log into Skype through their Microsoft or Facebook accounts as well as their regular Skype one. The update also makes it possible to take part in IM conversations with other Messenger contacts in addition to Skype users and Facebook friends.
XtraFinder 0.8.4 gives you what Apple left out of OS X
One area that doesn’t get an awful lot of attention with each new release of OS X is the Finder. Sadly, as the plethora of Finder add-on tools proves, that’s not because it’s perfect. Unfortunately, there’s usually a price attached to gaining extra functionality, but the good news is that it’s not always the case.
If you’re looking to give Finder a much-needed shot in the arm for free, check out XtraFinder 0.8.4. Since we last featured it, the tool has grown to fill even more gaps left by Finder, including the addition of multi-tabbed Finder windows, making it easier to work with two or more separate locations on your hard drive.
Now you can open PDFs directly in Firefox
Do you want to know what’s annoyed me most about recently switching from Google Chrome to Firefox (or, more precisely, its 64-bit variant, Waterfox)? The lack of a built-in PDF viewer, that’s what.
In Chrome, you’d click on a PDF link, and it would open in Chrome: do the same in Firefox, and it would save the PDF to disk instead. Incredibly annoying. The development of a built-in PDF previewer was welcome news to my ears, but having appeared in Firefox 15 Beta, it disappeared from the final version. The good news is that it’s there, and you can switch it on. If you know how.
Bitdefender 2013 update fixes Sandbox on Windows 8
Security vendor Bitdefender has released a major update to its 2013 stable of security products. Bitdefender Total Security 2013,BitDefender Internet Security 2013 and BitDefender AntiVirus Plus 2013 have all been updated to version 16.20.0.1483, and include a large number of fixes, many of which are in response to customer feedback. The new build is automatically applied through Bitdefender’s own update tool.
Build 16.20.0.1483’s notable fixes include ensuring the Sandbox works in Windows 8, adding a separate folder for backed up files disinfected by the product and ensuring Rescue Mode can also detect USB drives.
O&O releases DiskRecovery 8.0 Professional
Berlin-based O&O Software GmbH has released DiskRecovery 8.0 Professional, the latest iteration of its data-recovery tool for Windows PCs. Version 8, which is also available as a dedicated 64-bit build, recognizes more file types, plus promises improved tools for recovering picture and video from digital cameras. It also claims enhanced search tools for compressed files, including zip and 7-zip.
Despite the “Professional” tag, this version of O&O DiskRecovery is aimed very much at individuals as well as home users, and offers a simple wizard-based interface for finding and saving deleted, lost and corrupt data from a user’s hard drive.
Is your PC wonky? Try Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.65
Malwarebytes Corporation has updated both free and paid-for versions of its anti-malware software with major improvements and enhancements, particularly to the Pro version of the software.Malwarebytes Anti-Malware FREE 1.65 benefits from enhancements to the software’s Chameleon technology, which allows it to run on infected systems, plus update improvements and various fixes.
The Pro version also comes with major enhancements and additions to the software’s real-time protection features, as well as new features for business customers wishing to deploy the software throughout their organization.
zebNet ShutDown Manager 2012 gives you the power
One of Windows’ many annoyances has long been the general inaccessibility of the shutdown and restart controls. Previous versions of Windows stuck them on the Start menu, but now Windows 8 makes them even harder to find by burying them away in the Settings section of the Charms bar.
Thankfully, you can preserve your teeth and voice from a lot of gnashing and wailing by enlisting the support of a third-party shutdown tool. And if all you want is to access shutdown et al direct from your desktop, then you’ll want to take a look at zebNet ShutDown Manager 2012.
Tired of switching between browsers? Try Lunascape 6.8.0
Are you forced to run two or more web browsers on your PC for compatibility reasons? Perhaps your online banking doesn’t work properly unless you access it in Internet Explorer, while for day-to-day browsing you prefer Firefox.
Switching between browsers can be a real pain, which is where Lunascape 6.8.0 comes in. This freeware browser takes the browser engines from Internet Explorer, Chrome/Safari and Firefox, and wraps them up in a single program, letting you switch effortlessly between them.
Nero Kwik Media 12 is quick
Ahead of its official launch of Nero 12, Nero has updated its free media-management software. Nero Kwik Media 12.0.01300 is a minor refresh that follows on from a major update that promised better performance and enhanced tagging capabilities, and offers users a one-stop shop for organizing photos, video and music.
Nero Kwik Media also contains tools for creating picture-based slideshows and photobooks, and can be expanded via a number of paid-for plug-ins, providing additional functionality such as burning video DVDs and Blu-rays.
Symantec releases Norton 2013 security suites
Symantec has released brand new versions of its Norton security packages for Windows, Norton Anti-Virus 2013, Norton Internet Security 2013 and Norton 360 2013. It’s the first time all three packages have been updated simultaneously, while the branding has also been amended to remove all references to a date, simply naming each Norton Anti-Virus, Norton Internet Security and Norton 360, respectively.
The 2013 versions come with what Symantec describes as “five layers of patented protection”, which include stronger social networking and anti-scam protection. There’s also full, certified support for Windows 8 and the promise of better performance on multi-core CPUs.
Parallels 8 launches, supports Mountain Lion and Windows 8
Parallels Holdings Ltd has announced the launch of the latest version of its Mac virtualization tool, Parallels Desktop 8.0.18100. Parallels allows Mac users to run a variety of operating systems, including Linux and Windows, in a virtual environment, while integrating non-OS X applications into the Mac interface.
Version 8 extends support to both Mountain Lion and Windows 8, plus takes advantage of new technologies such as Retina displays, allowing Windows to run in a high-resolution environment.
Toast Titanium 11.1 is built with Cocoa, burns for Mountain Lion
Roxio has released a major update for its Mac disc-burning product. Roxio Toast Titanium 11.1 (1063) is supplied as an updater for existing Toast 11.0 users, and is the first fully Cocoa-ized build, boasting full Mountain Lion compatibility and support for 100GB and 128GB BDXL media.
Version 11.1 also comes with various web video improvements, and is available as an in-app upgrade, although some users have reported issues with updating to this new build.
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