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Keep your Mac awake with caffeine
Our Macs work hard, and sometimes they get sleepy. But that doesn't mean they can slack off on the job! To keep your Mac alert and ready to go, check out Caffeine. It's a tiny little app (and at 48KB, we mean tiny!) that puts an icon in your menu bar. Give it a click to prevent your Mac from going to sleep, putting the disk to sleep or dimming the screen. Click again to remove these restrictions. It's quicker than launching system preferences and adjusting those settings manually, and convenient for those overnight downloads. Caffeine is universal and free.Alternatively, try out Jiggler, which periodically "jiggles" your cursor to prevent your Mac from sleeping or launching a screensaver. Like Caffeine, Jiggle is universal and free. Now tell your Mac to get to work!
Top 20 freeware shmups
If you read the recent guide to doujin shmups and are itching for more freeware shooting goodness, Independent Gaming has got your fix. The blog has just released a list of the top 20 freeware shmups for 2006-2007 (yes, they can peer into the future). Everything from Clean Asia to Guxt is here, including one of our favorite Flash shooters, Gamma Bros. If those aren't enough satisfy your need to shoot stuff, check out the results of the AutoFire 2007 Shooter Competition for even more free games.
Virtually Overlooked: Cave Story
Welcome to our weekly feature, Virtually Overlooked, wherein we talk about games that aren't on the Virtual Console yet, but should be. Call it a retro-speculative.Doukutsu Monogatari (Cave Story) is a free-roaming side-scrolling action adventure game developed over five years by a Japanese designer who goes by Pixel. You can download Cave Story right now and play it on the computer on which you're reading this article, PC or Mac. It's completely free. We have a copy on our own computer that we've played through many times. So why do we want to pay money to play it on the Wii? Because it's that good.
Within a Deep Forest creator Nifflas interviewed
Two very small, unassuming freeware platform games have made a big splash in the indie gaming community: Within a Deep Forest and Knytt. Created with Multimedia Fusion, a game creation suite similar to Game Maker, designer Nifflas wanted to make something different than the thousands of platformers swarming the internet.Nifflas' games focus on exploration and intrigue, breaking a few gaming conventions along the way. Both WaDF and Knytt feature large game worlds with very few enemies and tons of secrets to uncover. Knytt has practically no background music and instead relies on ambient sounds played at key points during the game.PlanetFreeplay has just posted an interview with Nifflas who is hard at work on a new game. He continues to forge ahead with his current philosophy to create more of exactly what we want. These games may look simple, but they're just as epic as many commercial titles on the market. Plus, they're free.
CookWare: organize your favorite recipes
Do you have too many random bookmarks to your favorite recipes, or print them out and shove the papers in a random cookbook somewhere? Ok, so maybe that's just me, but CookWare Deluxe is an inspiring bit of niche software that promises to organize all your favorite recipes (up to 64 quadrillion, in fact), in addition to a wealth of other handy food-related features. All you have to do is drag your favorite recipes into the application, and CookWare will reformat text and change quantity abbreviations according to your preferences, making everything nice and consistent when hunting through recipes later. You can even plan meals with the built-in calendar feature, and write and organize your shopping lists, and these lists and your recipes can be exported as HTML files so you can carry them around and to the store on your iPod. Ok, I think we're getting a little food-organization-crazy now. But seriously, the list of CookWare's features are impressively robust, and the brand new version 3.0 introduces a wealth of new features and options, and other minor enhancements. Unfortunately, I have not been able to download the program to try out myself (something appears to be wrong with the download link as I write this), but I'm looking forward to a test run. A single user license for CookWare Deluxe 3.0 rings in at $35.95.
MPEG Streamclip: complete video encoding software
Ok, so MPEG Streamclip certainly isn't new but it's such a solid piece of software that I feel like I just need to give it a random mention. I broke it out for the first time in a few months the other day, and I was instantly reminded of how much I really appreciate this software's versatility. MPEG Streamclip is a video encoding application for converting to, and from, a boatload of different formats including: MPEG, MOV, DV, MP4, AVI, and others. You can convert raw Final Cut Pro video files (my most often used function), demux VOB files, and easily export screenshots. And it supports DivX, WMV, and FLV with the necessary components, in addition to all of the other standard formats. The software is along the same vein as ffmpegX, but the somewhat 'easier' nature of MPEG Streamclip is what really makes it shine. Encoding settings are a-plenty and easily tweakable, plus the software is quick, too. Anyway, if you're looking for a complete video encoding package for exporting Final Cut projects, or want to make some quick MP4s for your iPod, or whatever it is you might want to do with the video lying around on your hard drive, MPEG Streamclip is a fine option for your video tinkering and encoding needs. Oh, and of course: it's free.
BitrateCalc 2.0: optimal DVD/DivX encoding
BitrateCalc, a teensy little utility that calculates optimum bitrates for encoding video and audio for authoring DVDs and encoding DivX video discs, has been updated to version 2.0. Although it boasts no new features, it is now a Universal Binary. As far as using the program, all you are required to do is enter the time length of the video and choose your media type and audio bitrate, and you've got yourself a max bitrate figure for encoding that disc! Easy enough. (And free, of course.)
DAVID software turns your webcam into a 3D laser scanner
Those snazzy laser-based scanners that just have to make at least one appearance in every science-fiction film worth its salt are now available for your home, and it'll cost you quite a bit less than what Hollywood presumably shelled out for theirs. Thanks to folks who see value in "free," a few clever programmers have crafted the DAVID Laserscanner software, which turns your webcam into an ultra-sensative laser recorder and then reconstructs the object on-screen based on the breaks in the beam. Reportedly, all your need is a PC, a halfway decent webcam, a perfect 90-degree angle in the corner of your wall, some foreign object(s), and a street-corner laser pointer to go along with the software. DAVID computes the beam length as you "brush over the object with the laser" in order to render the object on your display, and while it can't quite do 360-degree renditions just yet, the developers hope to add that functionality soon enough. So, if you're the proud owner of all the above prerequisites, be sure to hit the read link and get your laser scanning on.[Via hack a day]
X-MasTree
The holiday season is upon us, and it is only 28 days until Christmas. I know this because I just downloaded X-MasTree, a freeware app that puts a Christmas tree (with optional Christmas countdown) on your desktop. X-MasTree has a surprising number of preferences for a one trick freeware app. You can choose the color of the tree, what kind of lights are on, whether those lights blink, and if you want a star on top.X-MasTree 1.3 is a Universal Binary and requires OS X 10.4.
PS3 & Wii video converters now available
Red Kawa has released a pair of freeware video converters to transcode your video files for use on PlayStation 3 and Wii. Both PS3 Video 9 and Wii Video 9 are based on PSP Video 9's GUI, with a number of key improvements. These applications can also be integrated with Videora to automatically create PS3- and Wii-compatible content from BitTorrent and RSS feeds.As with Xbox 360, getting your PC's video files to run on PS3 and Wii is gonna be tedious -- so get started now. At least the good folks at Red Kawa are making the process free. (Of course, donations are always welcome.)[Thanks, John]
Cave Story, a freeware game heading to the PSP
It seems like Sony is starting to make a habit of taking freeware games and bringing them to their video game systems. First it was Flow on the PS3, and now it's Cave Story on the PSP.However, I may be going out on a limb here, but I think it's safe to say Cave Story will receive some drastic graphical improvements before it reaches our hands. At least I hope it does. The game is being developed by Variant Interactive and should be released in 2007.In case you're like me and have never heard of this game before, it's about a boy who wakes up inside and "delves into the rocky tunnels in search of clues to his where abouts and his identity. Meanwhile, a mad doctor makes use of an enchanted crown to enslave a race of rabbit-like creatures, known as Mimigas.As the boy travels through the cave, searching for an exit, he meets Sue, a mimiga unlike all the others. Soon he is caught up in an adventure beyond imagination as the fate of both human and mimiga races hang in the balance," according to Variant's website.How do you guys feel about having to pay for a freeware title, even if it's been upgraded?[Via Kotaku]
coconutIdentityCard goes Universal
I recently bought a backup battery for my Compaq laptop (it runs Linux, not Windows. Don't worry) on Ebay, and it was fun to track its journey to my front door all the way from China. Have you ever wondered just where and/or when your Mac's (or iPod's) journey began? Now you can find out for sure.coconutIdentityCard is a piece of freeware that does just one thing: It lets you know exactly where and when your Mac and iPod were "born," as we described back in December when we first noticed this application. It's now up to version 2.1, which includes a few changes. First, it's universal. Also, and more interestingly, it searches an online database of stolen Mac serial numbers, so you can tell if that Powerbook you got on Ebay "Fell off the back of a truck." coconutIdentityCard is free and requires Mac OS 10.3.9, as well as a Mac made in or after 1997 (it won't work with the iPod shuffle, either).[Via FreeMacWare]
Weekend review: this week's software for 8-06-06
I hope you've cleaned out your downloads directory, because we have another roundup of software for the week of 7-30-06 to 8-5-06:Shareware Pukka 1.3 - del.icio.us bookmarking utility gets private 'mark and AppleScript support Packrat 0.87 - killer offline Backpack client (probably the only) receives page link editing and creation TubeSock - Rip, mix, save and convert YouTube videos for your iPod WiLMa - automatically change default network, printer, SMTP servers, desktop wallpaper, system volume and more based on Mac OS X Locations Audio Hijack Pro 2.7 - big podcast recording update to an already killer audio app Freeware Apple Security Update 2006-004 - many bugs and security holes were put to rest kip - iPhoto for your documents (digital or otherwise) Afloat - killer Mac OS X plugin/utility that brings transparency and 'always on top' options to all Cocoa apps Quake 4 demo - Aspyr finally gets a clue, releases demo of $50, hardware-hungry game Picasa Web Album Uploaders - Google releases standalone uploader and iPhoto plugin for their Picasa web photo sharing service Doodim - darken background apps (a la Exposé) for better concentration Open Source Back/Center Stage 0.6 - open source media center project receives Apple Remote support, new UI and Intel-friendliness NeoOffice 2.0 Aqua Beta - major update to the non-X11 OpenOffice client Donationware ShapeOnYou - handy and integrated basic 3D drawing app Photoshop Automator Actions v3 - major update to rocking set of around 50 actions for automation with and without Photoshop Widgets DashMail (formerly QuickMail) - quick email widget, works with addresses from Gmail, AOL, AIM, Yahoo! , .Mac and custom servers. Remembers addresses and subjects, with Address Book support in the works iPick - magic card trick widget Reuters Yahoo! Widget - 10-line Reuters news widget for Yahoo! Widgets (formerly Konfabulator) Telescope - Basecamp widget Universal Camino (Intel-optimized) - Mac OS X-friendly Mozilla browser receives an Intel-only optimized build
Weekend Review: this week's software for 7-30-06
It was another packed week for software premieres and updates, so here is a roundup in case you missed them the first time around:Shareware Groupcal 3 - manage your Exchange calendar from iCal EyeTV 2.3 - Front Row-like menu and speed boosts OmniPlan (beta) - OmniGroup's brand new project management app BurnAgain - powerful and standards-compliant multi-session 'smart' CDR/RW burning utility Rax 2 - virtual rack software for musicians Übercaster (beta) - all-in-one podcasting application NewsFire 1.4 - feature update for popular RSS reader mira 1.1 - make your Apple Remote control more than just Front Row Freeware Automator action to change wallpaper Fenêtres Volantes (Flying Windows) - gorgeous 3D screensaver that gives your open windows something to do Suggest-a-ZOT - be the first to suggest a new macZOT app, get a free copy Skype 1.5 beta and video preview - more Mac OS X integration and a 'preview' version with video support Donationware iStat Pro 3.0 - powerful system monitoring widget gets a major upgrade and a new UI Widgets bpiDash - finally, a second widget for Backpack Basecamp - widget for 37Signals' much-loved online project management service Universal Flip4Mac - QuickTime codec for playing Windows Media files ShapeShifter (beta) - Unsanity's Mac OS X skinning utility gets a speed boost (thanks Intel!) Now Up to Date and Contact 5.3 - contact management software MaxMenus - application launcher LiteSwitch X - application switcher Democracy Player - popular and powerful IPTV player gets the Intel treatment
Weekend review: this week's software
In case you missed them the first time, here is this week's review of software releases, updates, thrills and spills:Shareware Call Recorder plugin for Skype - don't blackmail without it Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac 11.2.5 - vulnerability and bug fixes Mouseposé 2 - new features for the premier mouse highlighting app Freeware CamiScript 4.0 - AppleScript menu plugin for Camino Boot Camp 1.0.2 beta - detail-less update to Apple's Windows-on-a-Mac utility Open Source Firefox 2.0 beta 1 - pile of new features, including (finally) spell checking, to the flagship Mozilla browser Widgets newTunes - check new releases by artists in your iTunes library Universal FileMaker 8.5 - impressive 100% speed boost for both Intel and PPC-based Macs
iStache
The days of straining your hand whilst penciling in mustaches on photos are over! iStache automates one of the oldest prank known to man. It comes loaded up with a number of different mustaches that you can paste onto any photo that you load into the program and then save (see me sporting a new 'stache at right).iStache is free (though priceless).
Cyberduck 2.6 is available
Cyberduck is the free, open source FTP/SFTP client for Mac OS X that I've been using for about a year now. It works quite well, is full-featured and free (I said that already, right?). You can also get a Dashboard widget, Growl notification and Quicksilver integration for Cyberduck.Version 2.6 is now available, and changes include: Turkish Localization Automatic software update Dashboard Widget included Reintroduced transcript drawer in browser window Transcript drawer added to transfer window Option to use Network Diagnostics upon failed connections Cyberduck requires Mac OS 10.3.9 or later.
Take your Mac's temperature with Temperature Monitor
Here's a timely piece of freeware. With Temperature Monitor, you can keep a watchful eye on your Mac's CPU temperature, either PPC or Intel. Select either Celsius or Fahrenheit, and watch your Mac heat up and (occasionally) cool down via the dock or menu bar (or both).Temperature Monitor requires Mac OS 10.2.5 or later and is free.[Via FreeMacWare]
Charlotte, Spotlight for the Web
If you like Spotlight, and you like searching the web then have I got the app for you! Charlotte, which bills itself as Spotlight for the Web, is a desktop application that let's you search Yahoo! with a very Spotlightesque interface. Best of all it is free!Charlotte is available now and requires OS X 10.4.
Use a webpage as your desktop with WebDesktop
Here's a handy bit of freeware. WebDesktop lets you use any web page as your desktop picture. Simply enter the URL of a terrific website (like, say, this one), set the transparency and reload rate and you're all set! When in the background, the page you're monitoring acts as your desktop picture, but when in front, you can scroll, click and otherwise interact with that site as if you were using a typical browser.MacDesktop requires Mac OS 10.3.9 or higher, is free, and universal.[Via FreeMacWare]
