Apps: MagicFrames; LightsOut; MiNews

• MagicFrames 3000 ($100) is a plug-in for programs such as Photoshop, Elements and PhotoPaint that contains more than 3,000 frames and 1,200 edges. An editable layering mechanism allows users to create new edges as well as patterns via actions, and the 3000 release includes a texture generator alongside RGB16b support and side-by-side comparison frames. [Download - 565.5MB]


• LightsOut 2.3 ($9) enables Mac systems to sleep under conditions that would normally keep a Mac awake. The latest release, version 2.3, enables the application to run natively as a Universal Binary, and lets users toggle the Safe Sleep function on and off. Users can also toggle the Wake When Lid is Opened setting on laptops. LightsOut 2.3 requires Mac OS X 10.2.8 or later. [Download - 4.1MB]


• MiNews 1.4 (free) is an RSS news aggregator with a built-in browser pane, offering integration with Apple's Address Book to quickly share stories with colleagues. Users can bookmark stories individually for later viewing, according to the company, and the latest release fixes some minor bugs while offering adding a new option to refresh feeds automatically on startup. [Download - 2.6MB]


• FinanceToGo 1.1 ($45) is a personal finance program that combines several tools into one package. The latest revision adds autosaving, improved Quicken import capability, and several bug fixes which include the ability to delete categories without a faulty error message. FinanceToGo is a Universal Binary that runs natively on Intel-based Macs, requiring Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later. [Download - 3.6MB]


• Debtinator 2.0 ($15) claims to restructure personal budgets to pay off debts as quickly as possible. The second edition introduces an easier interface while offering new reporting options designed to present more repayment schedules. Debtinator 2.0 also aims to make reporting options "more intelligent," enabling users to find deeper sources of funds. [Download - 932KB]


• HoudahSpot 1.4 ($20) attempts to improve on Apple's Spotlight technology by creating and saving more specific file searches. Changes to version 1.4 include a customizable toolbar, cosmetic user interface improvements, and the elimination of a startup crash bug. The application is a Universal Binary, requiring Mac OS X 10.4.8. [Download - 2.81MB]

Filed under: software
Other story tags: Other Applications