Five Mac Apps Worth Checking Out - July 2020

[lpozdena]

I haven't used their app, but I would assume (good guess) they register as service with google. So they are using the API rather than caching credentials (which doesn't work well with 2FA anyway).

Correct. We've gone through the formal security audit that Google requires, and have been approved. Google's auth page is upfront about what we're requesting and we're trying to be very transparent about it.

you should seriously consider to offer a "client-only setup" and a "cloud-assisted" setup. Unfortunately, a lot of email-clients have started to proxy emails (or similar traffic) over their servers (mostly as necessity to delivery pushmail on iOS), which may be acceptable (users decision) but must be announced as such during setup so the user can make an educated decision. That said, on a desktop, I would really like to know which exact function can't be directly implemented in the app itself but rather has to go through your servers. You can sync down reminders and use local notifications on OSX.

I hear your point about local notifications and such. We can think about stricter client-only methods.

To be clear: unlike some other email clients out there, Twobird does not sync or route your email through our servers. We only use our servers to support notifications and reminders across multiple devices, so they work properly if, for example, you're logged into Twobird on your Mac, and also an iPhone or iPad. We try to explain this in our FAQ on our website, but maybe we can be more informative in-app somehow. Point taken.

Furthermore, you don't just offer a free app -you also run that service, which certainly results in operating costs. These days it has become obvious that services aren't free. (The general assumption has become "If you're are not paying for the product you are the product.")

That combination adds some serious questionmarks on the app/service that you might want to address directly on your website rather than per email or on MR.

I understand the skepticism, but we have no interest in exploiting user data. We’re very concerned with privacy and Twobird takes active measures, like blocking tracking pixels, to keep user activity private. We sympathize that everyone is tired of apps that compromise security and privacy, and we will continue to do whatever we can to keep Twobird users safe. As stated on our website, we intend to make money by selling premium plans with additional features. We just aren't there yet.
[automerge]1594838033[/automerge]

It id'd important messages as low priority, a deal breaker for me; thus I removed it.

Sorry to hear this happened. I understand if you're choosing to just move on, but in case you'd like us to try to fix the issue, can you send us more information on what messages were improperly categorized? You can reach us at feedback@twobird.com

 

[iDento]

So Bumpr is like Opener app for iOS?

 

[selfmachine]

In order of preference:

• Get Plain Text (not free, but PERFECT, does what the name says, removing formatting of copied text)
• Dozer (hides background apps from menu bar)
• AppClean (deletes all junk when you delete an app)
• Spark (email)
• Raindrop.io (bookmark manager)
• Zotero (reference manager)
• Todoist (to do lists, obviously)
• Hocus Focus (auto-hides non-active apps)
• Bandwith+ (keeps track of data usage)
• jwzlyrics (dodgy app that fetches lyrics for the Music App, and adds them too!)
• FileZilla (despite everything)
• EtreCheck, Onyx, Ccleaner (maintenance)
• Atom, TexMaker, R-studio, etc. (the good stuff for researchers)

 

[s66]

I haven't used their app, but I would assume (good guess) they register as service with google. So they are using the API rather than caching credentials (which doesn't work well with 2FA anyway).

I've not used it either, and will for sure not come near it.
But regardless of them storing the credentials themselves or them letting you approve their access via an API:
They have access. That in itself means if they are evil or is somebody who is evil hacks them: somebody evil now has access to your gmail account. It's not just your account, it's all their users' accounts, which makes it a juicy target for some.

Not only till you remove the app, but till you revoke the permission from the google side -I'm sure half of those that test it won't have a clue how to remove API access it they do that (likely),and even less are going to change their password after testing it (in the less likely case they also catch your password)

 

[cmdrmac]

Bumpr sounds like a great app, but I found a free alternative that works well for my case: Browserosaurus

 

[Rique]

For everyone complaining (or even just concerned) about pricing for SideNotes, note that it's available via SetApp. And yes, SetApp is a subscription ($9.99 monthly, or $8.99 if you subscribe annually), but it's one of the few I happily pay for, it's an incredible value.

The developer (Apptorium) has several other apps available in SetApp, as well.

 

[4jasontv]

For everyone complaining (or even just concerned) about pricing for SideNotes, note that it's available via SetApp. And yes, SetApp is a subscription ($9.99 monthly, or $8.99 if you subscribe annually), but it's one of the few I happily pay for, it's an incredible value.

The developer (Apptorium) has several other apps available in SetApp, as well.

I suspect anyone who is concerned about pricing would likely be against SetApp.

 

[Rique]

I suspect anyone who is concerned about pricing would likely be against SetApp.

You might have a point. I would argue, however, that there's a big difference between a $19.99 charge for yet another note-taking app (albeit one which takes a fairly innovative approach to the space) - and $9.99 per month for access to almost 200 fully functional applications.

I'd also argue that your comment disregards those of us who already have SetApp and might appreciate someone sharing that SideNotes is included. For example, I don't think I would have even considered SideNotes, TBH, but when I saw that it was included in SetApp, I gladly gave it a try.

As for SetApp (admittedly not the topic of the OP), I find it to be a great value - one of the (somewhat) hidden gems in the Mac app space. Naturally, YMMV.

 

[Apple_Robert]

You might have a point. I would argue, however, that there's a big difference between a $19.99 charge for yet another note-taking app (albeit one which takes a fairly innovative approach to the space) - and $9.99 per month for access to almost 200 fully functional applications.

I'd also argue that your comment disregards those of us who already have SetApp and might appreciate someone sharing that SideNotes is included. For example, I don't think I would have even considered SideNotes, TBH, but when I saw that it was included in SetApp, I gladly gave it a try.

As for SetApp (admittedly not the topic of the OP), I find it to be a great value - one of the (somewhat) hidden gems in the Mac app space. Naturally, YMMV.

In looked over SetApp and was not impressed (overall) with their selection. If I were interested in SideNotes, it would be cheaper for me to buy it in the long run, versus go the SideApp route. I think SetApp is geared towards people who use certain apps temporarily and move, or do I have that wrong?

 

[Rique]

In looked over SetApp and was not impressed (overall) with their selection. If I were interested in SideNotes, it would be cheaper for me to buy it in the long run, versus go the SideApp route. I think SetApp is geared towards people who use certain apps temporarily and move, or do I have that wrong?

For me, that's not how I use it. For the most part, I install apps I will use or at least want to try. It's rare that I use it for temporary access to an app, but I'd never say never - there's gotta be people who use it for that, so that's a fair point.

I use all of these apps with regularity: Jump Desktop, Paste, uBar, Bartender, One Switch, Waiting List, Boom 3D, Capto, PDFpen, Focused, iStat Menus, Ulysses. I'm evaluating SideNotes, it very well might be added to the rotation.

Other decent apps included which are either not for me or that I've not tried are 2Do, AdGuard, AnyTrans, Beamer (I love Beamer, but already own a copy), BetterTouchTool, BusyCal, BusyContacts, Disk Drill (I already own a copy), MindNode, Mosaic, Path Finder (again, I already have a licensed copy of PF), Swift Publisher (I've used, but rarely), Unite (already own a copy) - and that's way short of the full list.

In other words, SetApp is a $9.99 (or $8.99) monthly subscription that gives me access to a dozen fully licensed apps in my regular rotation of usage. It's a phenomenal bargain, IMO.

As with all things, YMMV

 

[4jasontv]

You might have a point. I would argue, however, that there's a big difference between a $19.99 charge for yet another note-taking app (albeit one which takes a fairly innovative approach to the space) - and $9.99 per month for access to almost 200 fully functional applications.

I'd also argue that your comment disregards those of us who already have SetApp and might appreciate someone sharing that SideNotes is included. For example, I don't think I would have even considered SideNotes, TBH, but when I saw that it was included in SetApp, I gladly gave it a try.

As for SetApp (admittedly not the topic of the OP), I find it to be a great value - one of the (somewhat) hidden gems in the Mac app space. Naturally, YMMV.

You are correct that there is a difference between paying for one app per month and many apps. My point was that if you are against subscriptions it's not the number of apps you get that is of any importance. For me one of the issues is that I expect app developers to fix bugs after I pay for software as a condition of me purchasing it in the first place. If a bookshelf crashed after a year of continuous use there would be class action lawsuits.

That said, the value of anything is what you are willing to pay, and not what is being asked for it. So for you, and I am sure many, SetApp isn't overpriced at all. I respect that. I personally wouldn't do it as the program works now, but I can respect that for some people it has value.

What I would consider is paying for SetApp where I get access to all their apps for one month and at the end of the month I get a certain number of apps to keep forever without paying any addition price. This would motivate SetApp to continue to find new apps to add to their service and never rely on their existing app library to maintain customers.

 

[Rique]

You are correct that there is a difference between paying for one app per month and many apps. My point was that if you are against subscriptions it's not the number of apps you get that is of any importance. For me one of the issues is that I expect app developers to fix bugs after I pay for software as a condition of me purchasing it in the first place. If a bookshelf crashed after a year of continuous use there would be class action lawsuits.

That said, the value of anything is what you are willing to pay, and not what is being asked for it. So for you, and I am sure many, SetApp isn't overpriced at all. I respect that. I personally wouldn't do it as the program works now, but I can respect that for some people it has value.

What I would consider is paying for SetApp where I get access to all their apps for one month and at the end of the month I get a certain number of apps to keep forever without paying any addition price. This would motivate SetApp to continue to find new apps to add to their service and never rely on their existing app library to maintain customers.

Gotcha. However if you're comparing the perceived value of a $19.99 one-time purchase (SideNotes, in this discussion) to an existing, already-in-place subscription (a suggestion I made directed at least in-part for anyone who has an existing subscription to SetApp) to acquiring SetApp for the sole purpose of evaluating SideNotes (or other apps) then I think you're comparing Apples to Oranges to Avocados.

As for subscribing to SetApp for one month and then from that subscription getting fully licensed access to any apps within their portfolio of apps (they have 180+ as of this writing) - the pricing of that would need to be set higher than $9.99 or it would lack value for developers. It would be a great deal for you, not so much for the developers.

In other words, the price for your innovative approach to acquiring licenses for apps would have to be commensurate with the value and for sure, that would be more than ten bucks.

 

[4jasontv]

Gotcha. However if you're comparing the perceived value of a $19.99 one-time purchase (SideNotes, in this discussion) to an existing, already-in-place subscription (a suggestion I made directed at least in-part for anyone who has an existing subscription to SetApp) to acquiring SetApp for the sole purpose of evaluating SideNotes (or other apps) then I think you're comparing Apples to Oranges to Avocados.

As for subscribing to SetApp for one month and then from that subscription getting fully licensed access to any apps within their portfolio of apps (they have 180+ as of this writing) - the pricing of that would need to be set higher than $9.99 or it would lack value for developers. It would be a great deal for you, not so much for the developers.

In other words, the price for your innovative approach to acquiring licenses for apps would have to be commensurate with the value and for sure, that would be more than ten bucks.

I agree it would need to be more. I am all for developers getting paid what their work is worth.

Some of these developers are suggesting their work is worth an infinite amount. That is never true. If your app is curating data that is of most value when up to date, now you are selling a service and its worth the monthly price because it's not just a an app. But if all you are doing is providing bug fixes and OS updates, than I expect that from my original purchase.