• is a collection of 21 Photoshop-compatible plugins containing more than 150 different image effects. Version 1.5 includes a Page Curl plugin, which produces page curls of 12 different directions and page rolls in 4 directions. Two plugins from the demo version, PopArt and Zoom, are now freeware and fully usable. It is a free update to the $50 suite.


• Tri-BACKUP 3.2 is an update to the backup utility for Mac OS X. The update includes automatic execution of tasks, multiple actions per 'group', a new function to encrypt and protect compressed files with a password, new system-based triggers (at startup at shutdown), and an option to shutdown after completion. Upgrades to the $50 application are $30. [2.5MB]


• Infinisys has updated its HTML mail software, Mail Magic 2.3, its template-based application for creating and sending customized text and HTML mails in Mac OS X. It includes 60 ready-to-use templates, 50 clipart objects, 80 backgrounds, import functions, up to 10 custom fields per email, and new error checking functions. A demo of the $18 application is available. [666KB]


• Melonsoft's Exhibit 2.5 can now create HTML pages for full view images, as well as more useful navigation elements. It also includes a larger number of Placeholder tags, which can be used to insert dynamic, image-specific text into generated pages as well as new support for QuickTime. The $15 shareware generates Web-based photo galleries. [Classic, OSX]


• VVI has released Vvidget User 8.4.3, which includes a drawing tool for laying out 2D graphs, a preconfigured web graphing server, an Interface Builder palette for simple charts, two strip chart applications for plotting CPU and network performance in realtime, and an online user manual. Pricing starts at $50 for students and $90 for others.


• InterACTIVE-Technology has released version 2.11 of ActiveDeveloper for Mac OS X: "The ActiveDeveloper IDE cuts your API learning curve and allows incremental Development of any Project. With ActiveDeveloper you get a Runtime Object IDE allowing you to build native apps and servers directly at Runtime while they run." Licensing starts at $50. [1.0MB]


• 24U SimpleHelp Plug-In 1.0b1 lets developers define help tags for layout objects and controls, such as data fields, buttons, pictures etc. In Addition, 24U SimpleHelp Plug-In allows developers to create FileMaker solutions with an intuitive user interface, including desired help tags. It is now available as a public beta. [1.5MB]


• The $17 shareware ImageBuddy 2.8 adds free placement of text in Page Layouts, 4x Print spooling improvement in Contact Sheets and new higher resolution display modes. Imagebuddy is a digital image layout program with integrated support for iPhoto. [Classic, OSX]


• Default Folder 3.1.5 for Mac OS 9 adds the ability to erase your list of recently used folders and improves compatibility with Carbon applications. Default Folder will operate on any Macintosh running System 7 or higher, including Mac OS 9.2.2 and the Classic environment of OS X. It is a free upgrade to v3.0 users and $25 for a full license. [1.1MB]


• Imaja's font viewing utility ProtoFont 2.2 includes several new features for browsing your font library on Mac OS. The $30 software now supports subfolders and non-system fonts and deletion of font references from the Font List or Font Keyword windows. Upgrades are $20. [576KB]

by MacNN Staff