The software industry is
moving ahead at a rapid pace at the moment - particularly on the
Mac. We've seen some brilliant new applications released this
year, and a few classics updated with an impressive new feature
set.
Before we forge ahead into a
new year, likely dominated by the onset of the Mac App Store and
everything that entails, I thought it would be fun to take a look
back at the past twelve months to remind ourselves of what
happened.
I'd be honoured if you'd join
me in this review of Mac software in 2011. You might just find
some fantastic new software along the way!
1.Quicksilver
This single key launch
application creates a catalog of frequently performed searches
and tasks. Assign shortcut keys to frequently performed actions
and frequently opened files, folders and applications. It's more
than Spotlight (the live search feature built into OS X since
10.4) on steroids. It's like a mini-Finder and Spotlight in
one.
Some users even report that it
works faster than Spotlight. A December 2007 Lifehacker interview
revealed that the current developer does not have plans to take
Quicksilver much further, but since the program is open source,
anyone can ride to the rescue. For now though, you can head to
Blacktree, and download the latest version.
2.Adium
iChat is a great way for Mac
users to use AIM, but iChat gets a little hairier to use with
Google Talk, MSN Messenger or other chat networks. Adium is the
best IM tool available. Enabling iChat for non-AIM protocols
generally requires registering for a free account at open source
chat provider Jabber.org. Adium connects to AIM as well as Google
Talk, MSN, Yahoo Messenger, Jabber and many other protocols. Its
all-in-one interface allows for tabbed chats in one window,
smooth screename switching capabilities and skinned chatting.
Currently, iChat's primary advantage over Adium is its
well-integrated video chatting, but a video chatting plug-in has
recently been introduced for Adium as well. If you're not
convinced, check the instant messaging category - you are sure to
find one that suits your needs.
3.Mac
dvd ripper
The
free
mac dvd ripper can rip DVD to various video formats
(including MP4, AVI, M4V, MOV, 3GP, MPG, FLV) and audio formats
(MP3, M4A, AAC, WAV, OGG, APE, etc.) for playback on iPad, iPod
touch, iPod classic, iPod nano, iPhone, Apple TV, PSP, PS3,
Youtube (web), Creative Zen, iRiver PMP, Archos, all kinds of
video cell phones and digital video and audio players.
4.iSquint
Convert video files into an
iPod or TV-friendly format with iSquint, a free alternative to
QuickTime Pro. This drag-and-drop mini-app works with various
video formats including .mov, .mp4, .avi, .mpg, .wmv, .flv, and
.m4v. Help documentation is nonexistent, but the simple
application is unlikely to confuse.
5.DVD
creator for mac
The
free
dvd creator for mac lets you burn downloaded movies,
self-made videos, and slideshows into DVD disc, or to DVD Folder,
ISO or dvdmedia file that can be played with Apple DVD Player
directly. Apart from making DVD, This DVD Creator Mac offers
useful editing functions, slideshow building techniques, and lots
of gorgeous animated DVD menu styles and themes for you to create
a stylish DVD.