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quickeys posts

Filed under: Software, Cool tools

WWDC Demo: QuicKeys 4


WWDC isn't all about iPhone apps. Long before the iPhone was a twinkle in Steve's eye, WWDC was all about developing for the Macintosh. I had a chance to sit down with the guys behind QuicKeys, a venerable Mac app that will save you a lot of time on repetitive typing tasks. I got a look at the beta, but the full version is now available for $59.95 ($29.95 if you are upgrading from version 3).

For example, if you are constantly typing your email signature, QuicKeys can auto-complete the typing when you type "szm" or any other character combo you like (in a similar fashion to TextExpander). QuicKeys can also create keyboard shortcuts for darn near anything, and record actions for later use. That's really just the tip of the iceberg. QuicKeys has MIDI triggers, a powerful search tool, web actions, an online repository for shortcuts and tutorials, and the company is set to release a QuicKeys remote app for the iPhone/iPod touch (so yeah, you just can't escape that little platform).

Luckily, you can try QuicKeys yourself and get a feel for how powerful it truly is. There's a 30-day trial mode, but Startly (makers of QuicKeys) has a generous "unlimited" trial period, which extends the trial app indefinitely. I know I've often downloaded an app, installed it, then come back close to 30 days later to realize I can't dig into it within the timeout period. Give it a try and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. If you are a power user, this thing is a lifesaver. If you're a casual user, there's still benefit to typing less throughout the day.

Filed under: Software, Odds and ends

David Pogue on Macro programs

NY Times tech columnist David Pogue has done it again. I'll admit that more than once I've wondered about David after watching one of his whimsical video reports for the Times, but then he offers up a gem like the one in his latest column and I realize why he is a powerful tech columnist and I'm a lowly blogger.

Pogue takes a look at several Macro programs for both Mac and PC (a Macro program is one that allows you to assign certain actions to corresponding key strokes. Launch an app with a push of a button, have a script fire off, things of that nature). He takes Keyboard Maestro, iKey, and QuicKeys for a spin on the Mac side. They all fare well, but QuicKeys is the one the gets the highest marks, and the one that spawned the tip which has me believing in Pogue all over again. QuicKeys allows you to remap the tilde key (pictured to the right) to any button you would like. David uses it as a left hand delete button so he doesn't have to move his hand off the mouse whilst editing. Brilliant.

Filed under: Software

Proxi reaches version .20

Last week, we told you about the public beta of Proxi, the automation tool from Griffin Technologies. It's a piece of software along the lines of Automator and QuicKeys that lets you create routines to complete complex or repetitive tasks. Today, Griffin has released version .20 of the public beta. Changes include:
  • Store Value task and extra value added
  • AppleScript task now supports compiled AppleScripts
  • "Save As Blueprint"added to trigger popup menu
  • Launch Application task now shows icon of app to be launched as a badge
A number of bugs have been addressed as well. The final version is scheduled for a May release, and will be free. Proxi requires Mac OS 10.4 or later.

Filed under: Software

Griffin releases Proxi beta

Earlier today, Griffin technology released a public beta of Proxi, their latest piece of software for Mac OS X. By using "triggers" and "tasks," Proxi will let you automate complicated routines, much like Automator or QuicKeys. There are included triggers for many of Griffin's products, of course, like the PowerMate, AirClick and AirShark, but Proxi doesn't limit you to Griffin hardware; iTunes, iChat, Mail, Skype and more are all fodder for Proxi.

You can share "blueprints" (think "workflows") that you've created with other users. Check out the Proxi wiki for more information on that. I've only played around with the beta briefly, but it looks like fun. It's simple enough to allow non-programmers to create satisfying and useful routines.

The final version will be out in May, and will be free. No specific system requirements were given.

Tip of the Day

Holding the Command key (aka the Apple key) and pressing Tab will cycle through your open applications. It's easier to Cmd-Tab if you are Copy (Cmd-C) and Pasting (Cmd-V) to and from various applications.


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