Alfred Updated to Version 2.0 with Improved Customization and Workflows

MacRumors · Mar 14, 2013, 12:25 PM

After a beta period that began in December, productivity and search app Alfred was today updated to version 2.0. Alfred, which is a Mac replacement for Spotlight, is now equipped with a new feature called Workflows.

Workflows are designed to allow users to automate and execute multi-step tasks with a single keystroke, using a simple visual editor. The app offers support for launching AppleScript actions in addition to opening files, executing system commands, and accessing the iTunes library. Here's a full rundown on available templates:

Quote:

-Essentials to connect hotkeys and keywords to script and AppleScript actions
-Show Alfred with pre-filled content
-Launch files and apps with hotkeys or keywords
-Web and URL templates to launch your favourite websites
-System Commands
-Clipboard templates
-iTunes Commands

The new version of the app also includes enhanced customization support via themes and improved contact search capabilities.

Quote:

Themes are now more flexible to allow you to make Alfred as big or small as you need. Create a new theme, then choose the fonts, sizes, colours, corner shape and spacing you prefer. Make your theme as beautiful (or as wacky!) as you want.

Alfred 2.0 is not yet available through the Mac App Store, but Alfred users can get it immediately from the website.

Article Link: Alfred Updated to Version 2.0 with Improved Customization and Workflows

Jamo12 · Mar 14, 2013, 12:37 PM

This is news about Mac related stuff??? What is this crap doing on macrumors? It is all about iOS!!!
/sarcasm

Seriously though, very happy for this update

Jessica Lares · Mar 14, 2013, 12:44 PM

Can't wait for the update on the MAS.

The new workflows sound great.

domness · Mar 14, 2013, 12:44 PM

Been enjoying Alfred v2 for a couple of months now. Great load of updates to the app and really loving the workflows.

CGagnon · Mar 14, 2013, 12:50 PM

Such a great app! I've been using the PowerPack version for months and it's great. Way better than spotlight.

James Craner · Mar 14, 2013, 12:54 PM

Excellent App, just downloaded and upgrading the Power pack licence.

numbersyx · Mar 14, 2013, 01:22 PM

Alfred replaced Launch Bar for me a year or so ago. This new workflow system looks interesting although the support web page could be a little easier to follow...

Weaselboy · Mar 14, 2013, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by numbersyx

Alfred replaced Launch Bar for me a year or so ago. This new workflow system looks interesting although the support web page could be a little easier to follow...

If you look over some examples in the workflows section of their forums, it will become more clear. There are some really slick workflows posted there already from the beta.

Kilamite · Mar 14, 2013, 02:19 PM

I use this app all the time at work. Being able to load bookmarks, search various things as well as the most robust keyboard mapping tool makes this my top app.

I've gotten so accustomed to it in my workflow I'd be lost if they stopped making it.

Michaelgtrusa · Mar 14, 2013, 03:30 PM

I hear you can have this new version and the old one installed at the same time.

bedifferent · Mar 14, 2013, 03:35 PM

I got this a while back for free during a promotion, have never used it. I've tried, but I might be missing the point (?)

My bad, it is currently free. I could have sworn there was a time when it wasn't. Oh well.

kristoffer4 · Mar 14, 2013, 03:37 PM

So is it better than version 1 ? Does it take up less ram?

I have the power pack and I am wondering if I should upgrade.

Weaselboy · Mar 14, 2013, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bedifferent

I got this a while back for free during a promotion, have never used it. I've tried, but I might be missing the point (?)

My bad, it is currently free. I could have sworn there was a time when it wasn't. Oh well.

The basic version has always been free, but the Powerpack is not free.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kristoffer4

So is it better than version 1 ? Does it take up less ram?

I have the power pack and I am wondering if I should upgrade.

I don't recall Alfred 1 using a lot or RAM, but here is Alfred 2 on my system.

IMO the new workflows available alone make it worthwhile.

mjcharlton71 · Mar 14, 2013, 04:07 PM

Hands down one of the most useful apps I've ever had the pleasure of using... makes work and play on my Macs a joy, even more so with some of the amazing workflows available and the ability to craft your own.

parish · Mar 14, 2013, 05:22 PM

Is v2 a free u/g from v1.x? Just asking as "Check For Update" in the app still says I'm on the latest version.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jessica Lares

Can't wait for the update on the MAS.

Not sure if it will be. The current version on MAS is 1.2, but the latest v1.x version is 1.3.3 - so why isn't that on the MAS? Perhaps they aren't distributing via MAS any more?

Weaselboy · Mar 14, 2013, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by parish

Is v2 a free u/g from v1.x? Just asking as "Check For Update" in the app still says I'm on the latest version.

I saw a Twitter post from the dev saying it was free is you bought V1 since December 2012.

Stella · Mar 14, 2013, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weaselboy

I saw a Twitter post from the dev saying it was free is you bought V1 since December 2012.

They sent out new license numbers today for those eligible.

James Craner · Mar 14, 2013, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by parish

Is v2 a free u/g from v1.x? Just asking as "Check For Update" in the app still says I'm on the latest version.

Not sure if it will be. The current version on MAS is 1.2, but the latest v1.x version is 1.3.3 - so why isn't that on the MAS? Perhaps they aren't distributing via MAS any more?

The basic App is free, but if you have the power pack installed, you will need to buy the upgrade to enable the power pack features in V2, unless you qualify for a free power pack upgrade. It was £10 for me to upgrade my Power pack 1 to Power Pack 2 Licence.

nsfw · 12:11 AM

Anyone who's followed this app for a while, does it ever go on sale?

Nevermind.. I bought it. Couldn't resist looking at the workflows. Pretty cool and powerful.

kristoffer4 · Mar 15, 2013, 11:04 AM

I also upgraded and got the Mega Support pack.

GIZBUG · 11:35 AM

Nice update to Alfred, impressed. $22 dollars a bit pricey for the powerpack though

----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michaelgtrusa

I hear you can have this new version and the old one installed at the same time.

This is true, V2 is rewritten and a completely new app

lakshwadeep · Mar 15, 2013, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GIZBUG

Nice update to Alfred, impressed. $22 dollars a bit pricey for the powerpack though

----------

This is true, V2 is rewritten and a completely new app

You might check out Quicksilver. It's completely free and very powerful.

turtlez · Mar 15, 2013, 11:15 PM

how did I not even know about the power pack, I've been using alfred for years.. Mac App Store has dumbed me down haha

GIZBUG · Mar 19, 2013, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lakshwadeep

You might check out Quicksilver. It's completely free and very powerful.

Thanks Ill take a look at it

MacFly123 · Mar 21, 2013, 06:20 PM

How does this compare to Automator?

Mar 14, 2013, 12:44 PM	#3
Jessica Lares macrumors 68030 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Near Dallas, Texas, USA	Can't wait for the update on the MAS. The new workflows sound great. __________________  Have You Hugged Your Mac Today? Daily Expressions \| Power Mac G5 \| Late 2011 13" MacBook Pro \| iPod Nano (7G) \| iPod Shuffle (2012) \| iPad Mini
	0

Mar 14, 2013, 12:44 PM	#4
domness macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Sheffield, UK	Been enjoying Alfred v2 for a couple of months now. Great load of updates to the app and really loving the workflows. __________________ Blog - Twitter \| iPhone 5 \| iMac \| MacBook Pro 2012 15" i7 \| iPad 3 \| iOS/Mac/Web Developer
	1

Mar 14, 2013, 12:50 PM	#5
CGagnon macrumors regular Join Date: Jun 2007	Such a great app! I've been using the PowerPack version for months and it's great. Way better than spotlight. __________________ rMBP 2.7/16/768 27" iMac 3.4/32/3TB Fussion MP, Two 3.06GHz 6-Core Intel Xeon/64/2048 SSD Three ThunderBolt Displays
	1

Mar 14, 2013, 12:54 PM	#6
James Craner macrumors 65816 Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Bristol, UK	Excellent App, just downloaded and upgrading the Power pack licence. __________________ Productivity Orchard Be more productive with your Mac
	1

Mar 14, 2013, 02:19 PM	#9
Kilamite macrumors G3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Edinburgh, Scotland	I use this app all the time at work. Being able to load bookmarks, search various things as well as the most robust keyboard mapping tool makes this my top app. I've gotten so accustomed to it in my workflow I'd be lost if they stopped making it. __________________ 15" MacBook Pro 2GHz i7 4GB 750GB \| Mac mini 2.3GHz i7 16GB 1TB Fusion \| OS X 10.8.3 iPhone 5 64GB \| Apple TV 3 1080p \| iOS 6.1.4
	0

Mar 14, 2013, 12:37 PM	#2
Jamo12 macrumors regular Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Ohio	This is news about Mac related stuff??? What is this crap doing on macrumors? It is all about iOS!!! /sarcasm Seriously though, very happy for this update
	2

Mar 14, 2013, 01:22 PM	#7
numbersyx macrumors 65816 Join Date: Sep 2006	Alfred replaced Launch Bar for me a year or so ago. This new workflow system looks interesting although the support web page could be a little easier to follow...
	0

Mar 14, 2013, 03:30 PM	#10
Michaelgtrusa macrumors 68040 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Everywhere And Nowhere	I hear you can have this new version and the old one installed at the same time. __________________ iMACAll life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better. TWITTER TUMBLR
	0

Mar 14, 2013, 03:35 PM	#11
bedifferent macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: NY	I got this a while back for free during a promotion, have never used it. I've tried, but I might be missing the point (?) My bad, it is currently free. I could have sworn there was a time when it wasn't. Oh well. __________________ Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. Arthur C. Clarke
	0

Mar 14, 2013, 03:37 PM	#12
kristoffer4 macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Denmark	So is it better than version 1 ? Does it take up less ram? I have the power pack and I am wondering if I should upgrade.
	0

Mar 14, 2013, 04:07 PM	#14
mjcharlton71 macrumors newbie Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England	Hands down one of the most useful apps I've ever had the pleasure of using... makes work and play on my Macs a joy, even more so with some of the amazing workflows available and the ability to craft your own. __________________ 27" iMac 2011 16GB/128GB Crucial SSD/1TB/6770m 11" Air 2011 4GB/128GB iPad Mini 16GB 4G black iPhone 5 16GB black (without dust in the lens on this one)
	0

Mar 14, 2013, 11:34 PM	#19
nsfw macrumors member Join Date: Aug 2009	Anyone who's followed this app for a while, does it ever go on sale? Nevermind.. I bought it. Couldn't resist looking at the workflows. Pretty cool and powerful. Last edited by nsfw; Mar 15, 2013 at 12:11 AM.
	0

Mar 15, 2013, 11:04 AM	#20
kristoffer4 macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Denmark	I also upgraded and got the Mega Support pack.
	0

Mar 15, 2013, 11:15 PM	#23
turtlez Banned Join Date: Jun 2012	how did I not even know about the power pack, I've been using alfred for years.. Mac App Store has dumbed me down haha
	0

Mar 21, 2013, 06:20 PM	#25
MacFly123 macrumors 68020 Join Date: Dec 2006	How does this compare to Automator? __________________ - Steve Jobs' best friend!
	0


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