May 9 - 6:40pm EDT   The OpenOffice.org Community this week released a public beta release of OpenOffice.org 3.0, the open-source productivity suite for Mac OS X as well as Windows and Linux. The beta release will be the first to run on Mac OS X without X11, but is primarily designed to allow a broad user base to test and evaluate the next major version of OpenOffice.org: it is not recommended for production use, according to notes on the project. Version 3.0b brings a new "Start Centre", fresh-looking icons, and a new zoom control in the status bar. Updated spreadsheet features include improved calculations with a new solver component; support for spreadsheet collaboration through workbook ... [full story]

April 9 - 11:15pm EDT   Stairways Software today announced Keyboard Maestro 3.0, a new version of its productivity enhancer for Mac OS X. Version 3 adds new ways to create macros, including recording, new ways to trigger macros, new actions, simplifications and an improved user interface. With Keyboard Maestro's macros, users can control applications, windows, or menus; insert text; open documents, applications or URLs; execute scripts; control the system or iTunes; and more using the touch of a key, click of the mouse, or as scheduled action. Users can also trigger macros when an application is launched or running and over the Internet using Keyboard Maestro's built-in web server. [full story]

March 27 - 1:00am EDT   Chronos LC today unveiled SOHO Organizer 7 and SOHO Notes 7, updates to some of the company's business productivity applications, introducing a number of new features. SOHO Organizer 7, Chronos' alternative to iCal and Address Book, now can display recurring tasks, and allows tasks to show up directly in Day, Week, and Month views. Chronos is selling SOHO Organizer 7 starting at $50, with several different licensing options available. [full story]

March 22 - 1:50pm EDT   The OpenOffice Mac porting team is reportedly working on a native Aqua version of its business productivity software suite, rather than simply porting the platform-independent Java version. The software is listed as being the third development snapshot, announcing a number of bug fixes and interface optimizations. OpenOffice says the newest version now uses a Mac OS X native print dialogue, and that extensions are installable through the improved GUI. [full story]

February 21 - 3:30pm EST   Media Catalog 3.8.3 ($25) Indexes your removable media, such as Backup CDs and DVDs that you can quickly and easily find your files. In the 3.8.3 version of Media Catalog the most outstanding new feature is the option to automatically catalog and eject volumes, making it ideal for a setup on a headless Xserve. The improved quicksearch now behaves more intuitively and more precise. With the reduced memory footprint users of large catalogs will find a huge increase in responsiveness of the application. [Download - 444KB] DiscLabel 5.1.2 ($36) CD/DVD label design software for Mac OS X. It can import track lists from iTunes, iPhoto, iDVD, Finder, and Toast; import images from iTunes, ... [full story]

January 29 - 12:55pm EST   CS Odessa today released ConceptDraw MINDMAP 5.3, an update to the mind mapping business productivity software for Mac OS X. The latest revision enables users to create visual eBooks based on mind maps, producing electronic books where all information is presented as a mind map rather than text paragraphs. ConceptDraw MINDMAP 5.3 is priced at $120 and $200 for the personal or professional edition, respectively (system requirements were unavailable). [full story]

January 25 - 1:25pm EST   Mindjet has released MindManager 7 Mac with Leopard support, adding compatibility for Quick Look to provide previews of maps without the need to open a file. The application is designed to optimize both individual and team productivity with Microsoft Office integration, easier browsing in a redesigned Microsoft fluent UI with logically grouped tabs, and saved queries as well as views. MindManager 7 Mac is available for $130, with upgrades priced at $70. MindManager 7 Mac requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later. [full story]

December 20 - 12:20pm EST   Avaya has announced plans to ship its Avaya one-X Mobile software for iPhone in the first quarter of next year. Avaya one-X Mobile builds on the functionality of Extension to Cellular by providing a family of mobile clients designed to further enhance the productivity of enterprise mobile workers, according to the company. The family of Avaya one-X Mobile clients provides quick access to office phone functionality via an intuitive graphical user interface, and supports a broad array of devices ranging from high-end smart phones to less expensive consumer-oriented phones. [full story]

December 19 - 10:40pm EST   Marketcircle has unveiled Daylite 3.6, an update to its productivity management software, introducing Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard compatibility, and many bug fixes. After a long beta period Leopard users can finally take advantage of Marketcircle's powerful app. Also updated for Leopard compatibility is DMI 2.1, or Daylite Mail integration, which allows users to link emails, tasks, and projects to particular person, employee, or group. New users can try Daylite, DMI, or the Productivity Suite – a combination of both products – for 30 days, and can purchase the software starting from $150. [full story]