9 to 5 Mac - Mac All Day

Facebook adds ‘Stickers’ to Messenger iPhone app, brings back swipe-to-delete
Nike+ Fuel Band successor rumored with improved display, heart rate monitor, bolstered API
Fitbit now shipping its first-ever Bluetooth 4.0 wristband for $99
Adobe adds new features to Creative Cloud ‘CC’ web tools: Dreamweaver, Flash Professional, Edge Animate & Edge Reflow
Adobe shows off Bluetooth ‘Project Mighty’ pen with customized settings stored in the Cloud & Napoleon digital ruler
Adobe CC pricing: $19.99/month for CS6 customers, $29.99/m for older customers, $49.99/after first year or new customers
Adobe shows off new features for Premiere, After Effects, Audition, Prelude, SpeedGrade, & Story Plus for Creative Cloud users
Adobe rolls out huge update to Creative Cloud ‘CC’ design tools: Illustrator, InDesign, Muse, InCopy, Kuler, Ideas
Google Drive sharing of files now ‘right-click easy’ on Mac
Adobe’s Creative Cloud now allows you to sync settings and fonts between multiple computers
Facebook adds ‘Stickers’ to Messenger iPhone app, brings back swipe-to-delete
Posted: 06 May 2013 03:57 PM PDT


Facebook has updated its Facebook Messenger for iPhone and iPod touch application to add the popular Stickers functionality. Stickers will roll out to users gradually and is already available in the standard Facebook for iOS app. Additionally, by popular request, the company has brought back swipe-to-delete functionality for conversations. The update also includes unspecified bug fixes. The app is available for free on the App Store.






Nike+ Fuel Band successor rumored with improved display, heart rate monitor, bolstered API
Posted: 06 May 2013 02:17 PM PDT


Following the launch of FitBit’s Bluetooth 4.0-powered wrist device, Andru Edwards at GearLive claims to have a series of details about Nike’s next-generation Nike+ Fuel Band.

Some of the notable rumored additions:

Heart rate/pulse monitor
More responsive, faster data display
Bluetooth 4.0 for improved battery life, syncing
Accelerometer data for developers via a more robust API
GearLive claims the new device is being actively tested in the wild, but details about a release timeframe are currently uncertain.

Nike’s Fuel Band is known for being an easy-to-use, easy to wear wearable health accessory. The device is also notable as Apple CEO Tim Cook wears one. Apple is rumored to be developing a wrist watch-like device that could include some of the features of the Fuel Band and FitBit products.






Fitbit now shipping its first-ever Bluetooth 4.0 wristband for $99
Posted: 06 May 2013 12:54 PM PDT


Fitbit announced today it is now shipping its latest fitness tracking device that pairs with its popular iPhone app and its first ever wristband design. First shown off at CES, the Fitbit Flex is a $99 wristband appears to compete directly with the slightly more expensive Nike FuelBand and Jawbone Up wearable fitness bracelets but also includes some unique features including NFC and real-time syncing. Fitbit says Flex is the first fitness and sleep tracking wristband on the market to automatically sync wirelessly via Bluetooth 4.0:

Like its sister products the Fitbit Zip and Fitbit One, the new Fitbit Flex tracks steps taken, distance travelled, and calories burned, as well as a brand new stat: active minutes. Active minutes track how many moderate-intensity cardio minutes you have a day (the Center for Disease Control recommends 150 of them each week). Flex’s bright LED indicator lights offer a visual display as you reach 20 percent increments of achieving your goal (such as walking 10K steps), while a vibrating notification celebrates with you as you hit your goals throughout the day. Flex also tracks how long and how well you sleep, allowing you to learn how to sleep better, and offers a Silent Wake alarm that gently vibrates to wake you without waking your sleep partner.

TechCrunch has a nice review after having some hands on time with the Fitbit Flex and a full list of features is below:

Know your stats: Tracks steps, distance, calories burned and active minutes, a new stat from Fitbit. The Center for Disease Control recommends achieving at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. Flex will encourage you to meet—and exceed—that goal, whether you are taking a brisk walk, running or working out at a cardio class.
Getting good ZZZs: Tracks quality of sleep (number of hours, how many times you wake up and offers a sleep efficiency index) and uses a silent alarm that vibrates to wake you up gently.
First and only wristband to: Sync to select mobile devices via Bluetooth 4.0 (the first all-day wristband tracker to offer this capability). It also syncs wirelessly and automatically to your computer. Syncs to iPhone 4S and 5, and now select Android devices, like the Samsung Galaxy S III and Note II.
With you all the time: Comfortable enough to wear all day. Water-resistant. Wear it in the shower or the rain.
Match your mood or personality: Flexible, interchangeable tracker with a variety of colorful wristbands (Black, Slate, Teal, Tangerine, Navy) that allow you to personalize your Flex. Flex trackers are sold with Black or Slate bands, and users can purchase accessory packs (Teal, Tangerine, Navy) for $29.95 for all three or $14.95 for one color.
Rich mobile and online offerings: iPhone and Android app and online tools show activity charts, leaderboards and more. Set goals, view progress and earn badges. Also log food, weight and more on Fitbit’s website and apps.
Social motivation: Connect with friends and family for support or friendly competition.
NFC and real-time syncing mean stats on-the-go: For select Android users, simply tap your Flex band on your NFC-enabled Android phone and it will automatically launch your Fitbit stats. For select iOS users, with real-time syncing, watch your steps increase on your Fitbit iPhone app right before your eyes!
Multiple partners: Fitbit also integrates with many popular health and fitness apps, including Endomondo, LoseIt, MapMyFitness, MyFitnessPal and Sparkpeople, to enable users to share data from their favorite apps.




Adobe adds new features to Creative Cloud ‘CC’ web tools: Dreamweaver, Flash Professional, Edge Animate & Edge Reflow
Posted: 06 May 2013 11:42 AM PDT


Adobe has officially dropped support for its CS6 suite today and made the announcement at its MAX 2013 conference today that it is moving to updates for Creative Cloud members only going forward. We have already detailed a ton of new features coming to Photoshop, video apps such as Premiere and After Effects, and its brand new CC design tools including updates to Illustrator, InDesign, and new Kuler, and Adobe Ideas iOS apps.

Adobe also announced today that it is rolling out big updates for its design tools starting June 17 including new features for Dreamweaver, Edge Animate, Flash Professional, and Edge Reflow. Head below for details on the new features:

Dreamweaver gets one of the biggest updates today with the addition of many features that have long been requested by users including PhoneGap Build support for building and packaging native apps for iOS and Android. Some of the other new features that Adobe is showing off at MAX include the new CSS designer, an enhanced Fluid Grid Layout, Sync settings to access files, settings, and preferences from anywhere, support for author projects using HTML, CSS, and Javascript, and brand new interface that Adobe notes has removed outdated features for a “lighter and faster application.”

Flash Professional Adobe is launching a completely rebuilt Flash Professional CC app that includes 64-bit architecture, HD export, improved HTML publishing, a new streamlined UI, real-time mobile teasing for iOS and Android devices, as well as a new ode editor, real-time drawing, an unlimited pasteboard size, and more.

Edge Animate gets updated alongside just about every other of the over 20 new Creative Cloud CC apps. New features include customizable, fine-grain motion paths, templates, and enhanced content delivery with “an option to host your Animate files on an Adobe con ten deliver network powered by Akamai” for free.

Edge Reflow Adobe’s new responsive design tool gets a few new features in the company’s move to its new Creative Cloud only suite of CC apps. Preview 3 of the app now includes asset management and Typekit integration.

Adobe announced today at its MAX conference that all new features will be coming to Creative Cloud users starting June 17 at which time Adobe will be ending support for CS6 with all new features coming to Creative Cloud users only.

You can currently get 40% off to upgrade from Creative Suite product to a Creative Cloud membership with special introductory pricing of $29.99/month and $20/month off for signing up for Creative Cloud for Teams.





Adobe shows off Bluetooth ‘Project Mighty’ pen with customized settings stored in the Cloud & Napoleon digital ruler
Posted: 06 May 2013 11:25 AM PDT


Today at Adobe’s MAX 2013 conference the company is showing off a piece of hardware in addition to the many software updates it announced for Creative Cloud members. ‘Project Mighty’ is a new Bluetooth LE enabled pen that Adobe is clearly gearing towards users of its collection of iPad apps by integrating a number of features that users can adjust through Adobe’s cloud sync settings feature. For instance, users can set preferences for double taps or pulling up tools using the button built into the pen.

Adobe made a point of noting that the Mighty pen is connected to the Cloud, allowing users to move from one device to another while keeping the settings specific to the user’s cloud settings.

Adobe also showed off another new hardware project called Napoleon which is essentially a digital ruler that works alongside the Project Mighty pen:





Adobe CC pricing: $19.99/month for CS6 customers, $29.99/m for older customers, $49.99/after first year or new customers
Posted: 06 May 2013 11:21 AM PDT


Adobe announced its new Creative Cloud pricing this afternoon and it is pretty much the same as it is currently. One big difference: Current Adobe customers get significant discounts and noting the big feature updates, this seems like a pretty good way to get current customers into the transition.





Adobe shows off new features for Premiere, After Effects, Audition, Prelude, SpeedGrade, & Story Plus for Creative Cloud users
Posted: 06 May 2013 11:11 AM PDT




Adobe isn’t just announcing big updates to Photoshop and its web & design products for Creative Cloud customers It’s also rolling out a ton of new features for its video products including Premiere, After Effects, Audition, Prelude, SpeedGrade, and Story Plus. Below the fold we have all the details on new features:

Premiere gets one of the most notable updates among all of Adobe’ brand new video Creative Cloud video apps that it showed off on stage at MAX 2013 today. Among the new features is “a redesigned Timeline, intuitive track targeting, and dozens of helpful new shortcuts. Dupe-detection markers, through-edit indicators, and clearer labels.” Adobe is also including a new “Link & Locate” feature to search for files that have been renamed, moved, or transcoded, Sync settings that most apps received today, Adobe Anywhere integration to work on files over shared servers, Lumetri deep color engine integration with SpeedGrade, an Audio Clip Mixer and Closed captioning.

After Effects New features for After Effects CC won’t disappoint with the addition of the new Refine Edge tool, 3D workflows with support for Cinema 4D integration, pixel motion blur, and a Warp Stabilizer VFX allowing users to Select stabilization points, edit and delete them throughout time, and preserve scale to fix tricky shots such as aerial fly-throughs.” Adobe Anywhere video integration will also be coming soon in a future update.

Create photo-real visual content fast with awesome new advancements, such as the Live 3D Pipeline between After Effects CC and CINEMA 4D, an enhanced 3D Camera Tracker, and layer and mask snapping for faster composition construction. Save hours of tedious rotoscoping work with the Refine Edge tool. Be more creative, thanks to advancements in stabilization and other refinements for a more responsive workflow. Plus, with upcoming support for Adobe Anywhere for video, broadcast and post-production professionals can collaborate on workflows across enterprises regardless of location.

Other updates to CC video apps today include new Multitrack editing, Sound Remove and Preview Editor features for Adobe Audition, Anywhere video integration and Hover Scrub thumbnails for Prelude, as well as a handful of new features for SpeedGrade and Story Plus.

Adobe announced today at its MAX conference that all new features will be coming to Creative Cloud users starting June 17 at which time Adobe will be ending support for CS6 with all new features coming to Creative Cloud users only.

Adobe is offering some big deals on Creative Cloud memberships just in time for today’s updates to Photoshop alongside tons of new features for all of its video, web, and design tools.

You can currently get 40% off to upgrade from Creative Suite product to a Creative Cloud membership with special introductory pricing of $29.99/month and $20/month off for signing up for Creative Cloud for Teams.





Adobe rolls out huge update to Creative Cloud ‘CC’ design tools: Illustrator, InDesign, Muse, InCopy, Kuler, Ideas
Posted: 06 May 2013 10:48 AM PDT




Adobe’s MAX 2013 keynotes are happening right now, and below we have the details on the brand new features added to its suite of Creative Cloud products that are now branded with “CC” and apparently replacing its CS6 offerings, which will no longer be supported going forward. We’ve already covered big updates rolling out today to Photoshop and Adobe’s video products such as Premiere and After Effects, but the company also just announced some of the biggest updates yet to its design tools including many highly requested features for apps such as Illustrator, InDesign, Muse, a new iPhone app for Kuler, and new features for the now free Adobe Ideas iOS app.

Head below for all the details:

Illustrator was a big focus at today’s MAX event with Adobe demoing new features including a Touch Type tool that allows characters to be “manipulated like individual objects” with support for multitouch devices and stylus, images in brushes, the ability import multiple files while defining location and scale, and CSS Extraction:

Hand-coding web elements such as icons and patterns can be frustrating. Now, create websites faster by letting Illustrator generate CSS code for you, even for a complete logo that includes gradients. Copy and paste the code right into your web editor.

It also gets new sync settings, sync colors, font search and sync fonts with Adobe Typekit fonts like most of the updated CC apps today.

InDesign gets an overhaul today that includes performance enhancements and new features including 64-bit support, a new modern UI, HiDPI and Retina Display support, a new QR Code Creator, and the other Sharing with Creative Cloud and Sync features that Adobe is rolling out for many other apps today.

Muse receives a smaller update that brings syncing features, parallax scrolling, and in-browser editing.

InCopy is now included for Creative Cloud members and at the same time gets a new UI, HiDPI and Retina display support.

Kuler for making color themes on the web gets a new iPhone application today with the ability to export to Illustrator CC, and access to the new Sync Color features to access the themes from anywhere. The iPhone app also includes new preset color modes:

Color presets make it easy to create great themes right off the bat. With your iPhone, you can choose among five presets such as Colorful and Muted. In the Kuler web app, you can pick presets that follow color theory, including Analogous, Triad, Compound, and more.

Adobe Ideas goes free today on the App Store and gets new color themes, Kuler integration, favorite brushes, increasing drawing accuracy, and social sharing.

Adobe announced today at its MAX conference that all new features will be coming to Creative Cloud users starting June 17 at which time Adobe will be ending support for CS6 with all new features coming to Creative Cloud users only.





Google Drive sharing of files now ‘right-click easy’ on Mac
Posted: 06 May 2013 10:47 AM PDT


Google just announced a nice little upgrade to Google Drive which allows you to share your Google Drive Files from your desktop on your Mac (or PC). Once you click, you get the following message screen:

.





Adobe’s Creative Cloud now allows you to sync settings and fonts between multiple computers
Posted: 06 May 2013 10:38 AM PDT


We are live at Adobe MAX where Adobe just announced that its Flagship CS suite of applications is now called Adobe CC for Creative Cloud (not ‘Commons’). One of the more interesting features of Adobe’s CC suite is that it now allows you to sync settings and fonts between multiple computers.

This is pretty cool if it works as advertised.