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- Monday June 17
- 09:54 amAdobe Acrobat Review
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating ProsCross-platform software available on all relevant operating systems.Offers some advanced PDF manipulation tools.Supports signature collection from other users.ConsMac app is bloated and lags even when performing basic tasks like scrolling.Free version is too limited when compared to macOS’ built-in tools.Paid subscriptions are expensive and don’t offer one-time purchase options.Our VerdictAdobe Acrobat is potentially the most popular PDF companion and many users’ go-to solution for viewing and editing these files. Despite its fame and large user base, however, it’s far from being the best app for all things PDF. With so many valid alternatives offering well-optimized apps and more flexible pricing, I personally wouldn’t opt for Adobe Acrobat. Price When ReviewedAcrobat Reader: free; Acrobat Standard: from $12.99 a month; Acrobat Pro: from $19.99 a month Best Prices Today: Adobe Acrobat Retailer Price Adobe (Monthly) $12.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket When you first open the Adobe Acrobat app on your Mac, you will be welcomed by its main Home view. There, you will find different banners prompting you to perform various tasks. These include two Acrobat Pro ads, recommended tools, and a prompt to set the app as the default PDF viewer. None of them are dismissible, and they certainly disrupt what could’ve been a cleaner Home page. Foundry Foundry Foundry In the Home page’s sidebar, Adobe Acrobat features some convenient shortcuts to popular destinations. So you get to easily navigate between shared files, agreements you’ve signed, document scans, connected cloud storage services, and more. Once you load a PDF in Acrobat, the tools you can use will populate in the sidebar. Those marked by a blue star when hovering the cursor over them require a paid subscription for access. Overall, the user interface is generally acceptable, albeit not the sleekest out there. More importantly, though, the experience may be frustrating to some, as the Acrobat app is somewhat bloated and frequently slows down. Tasks as simple as scrolling a small, uncomplicated PDF file can get the app to lag on my MacBook Air M2. Why the free Acrobat tier is not worth it If you’re seeking a free PDF viewer or editor for your Mac, then Adobe Acrobat is almost objectively not worth it. The free tier offers basic annotation tools that are present in Apple’s built-in Preview app. In fact, Preview’s execution is far superior in most cases. (Compared here: Apple Preview vs Adobe Acrobat). For example, both Adobe Acrobat and Apple Preview offer a form-filling feature. However, the latter app automatically detects fields and allows you to fill them easily. With Adobe’s solution, you have to manually align your text boxes on the PDF’s fields, as the app seemingly can’t detect them on its own. Furthermore, Apple’s solution offers free tools that Adobe has paywalled, such as PDF page organization/deletion, password protection for PDF files, document scanning, and much more. So, if you’re not planning to pay for Adobe Acrobat, then Apple Preview may make more sense to use. It is preloaded on your Mac and offers a faster performance, sleeker design, and more refined tools. Looking for a free PDF editor? Read: Best free PDF editors for Mac. What paying for Adobe Acrobat gets you If you don’t mind paying at least $12.99/£13.14 per month, then Adobe Acrobat is certainly one of the best PDF editors available. By subscribing to the premium service, you’re accessing pretty much every PDF editing functionality you may need. The paid versions offer more control over the PDF’s content, allowing you to freely edit the text and media. Similar to Apple Preview, you also get to reorganize the entire document’s layout by inserting, deleting, or rearranging pages. Foundry Foundry Foundry Beyond editing, you can fill and sign forms, request signatures from others, and collect feedback. This adds a social aspect to Adobe Acrobat and makes it more suitable for collaboration. The app also gives users flexibility when exporting PDF files, allowing them to pick between different file formats, add passwords, compress the size, and more. That’s not to mention some of the more advanced tools it packs, such as object measurements, accessibility preparation, JavaScript support, and search index insertion. Chances are the paid Adobe Acrobat app supports all PDF editing features you may need at any given time. Pricing and availability Acrobat is available across the latest versions of macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Windows, Android, and even the web. So, you can access it from pretty much any modern computing device. While Adobe offers PDF viewer Acrobat Reader for free, most of Acrobat’s editing functionalities are paywalled. The Standard plan costs $12.99/£13.14 a month and unlocks most of the commonly needed PDF editing tools, such as text/image editing, file format conversion, password protection, PDF splitting, and more. Meanwhile, the Pro version goes for $19.99/£19.97 a month and unleashes Acrobat’s full potential, which bundles even more power-user features. These include permanent redaction, web form creation, PDF comparisons, accessibility checks, audio/video insertion, and much more. At the time of writing, Adobe is also offering its AI Assistant add-on for a discounted $4.99/£4.98 a month. Both free and paid plan users can opt for it if they’re interested in adding more smarts to the Acrobat app. The bottom line As our breakdown reveals, Adobe Acrobat can be a handy PDF editor—but only when you’re paying for it. Though, given its relatively high monthly fees and the lack of a one-time payment option, casual users likely won’t justify paying for it. It’s better suited for those who professionally deal with PDF documents on a daily basis and rely on workflows that integrate and harness its advanced features. So, if you’re looking for basic annotation and page organization, Apple Preview may serve you better. Otherwise, if you need some basic editing tools, then you will find less powerful apps that support text editing for more reasonable price tags. Ultimately, you’ll have to check the comprehensive list of features and compare it to those of other apps to find the best deal that caters to your needs. Based on my experience using Adobe Acrobat, though, I can safely say that average users with common PDF editing needs can settle for better alternatives elsewhere. MacOS, PDF Editors09:42 amApple Watch Series 10 to be thinner and have larger screen size
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims that the Apple Watch Series 10 is getting tenth-anniversary redesign that will bring it the same screen size as the Apple Watch Ultra.Apple Watch Series 10 could have the same screen size as this Apple Watch UltraRumors of the Apple Watch Series 10 or Apple Watch X being a major redesign have been circulating for years, most recently with a report that it would be thinner. Now Ming-Chi Kuo backs up that claim of a more thin design, but also says that the overall screen size will increase.2H24 Apple WatchSeries 10/3D / The focus of the 2H24 New Apple Watch: Series 10 and BLT/3D Printinghttps://t.co/5KIdhvec0d— (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) June 17, 2024 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums08:36 amKuo: Apple Watch Series 10 to feature larger display and thinner chassis, approaching Ultra screen size | 9 to 5 MacKuo: Apple Watch Series 10 to feature larger display and thinner chassis, approaching Ultra screen size
In his latest note, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo wrote that he believes the upcoming Apple Watch Series 10 will feature a thinner chassis and a larger display, compared to . What is perhaps most surprising is just how much bigger Kuo believes the screens are getting. Kuo says the Watch will increase from the current 41mm and 45mm sizes to about 45mm and 49mm respectively. Remember, unlike other Apple devices, these sizes measure case height of the watch, not diagonal screen size. Naturally, a taller case also means a bigger display. For comparison, the current Apple Watch Ultra is also measured at 49mm case height. more…08:00 amGet lifetime access to 500GB of cloud backup for 66% off
Macworld Cloud storage is essential in today’s digital working world. For the many of us who have come to rely on Google Drive, there’s an intuitive, easy-to-use, and affordable alternative that’s on sale for a limited time only. You can get 250GB with FolderFort for only $39.99, and 500GB for $59.99. FolderFort is great for small teams of collaborators because it supports creating unlimited workspaces. It features shareable links that you can use to easily share files and data with co-workers, clients, or collaborators. You can also set links to public or private to make sure they’re accessible to only those you deem qualified. Store files affordably with this simple and intuitive platform. Save on either of these lifetime deals: FolderFort 250GB Storage Plan lifetime subscription, on sale for $39.99 (reg. $107) FolderFort 500GB Storage Plan lifetime subscription, on sale for $59.99 (reg. $179) StackSocial prices subject to change. AccessoriesSunday June 1611:24 pmiOS 18: top 18 features and changes for iPhone [Video]
In this initial hands-on walkthrough, I discuss 18 of my favorite new changes and features from the first iOS 18 beta for iPhone. I explain why you should be excited about new long-awaited updates to the iOS Calendar app, Reminders, Notes, Messages, and more. Watch our hands-on video, and be sure to subscribe to 9to5Mac on YouTube for more hands-on iOS 18 coverage. more…07:22 pmThis incredible $18 Anker power bank will fit into your palm
Macworld When you’re out and about, it’s always a fantastic idea to have a portable power bank on you because you never know just how fast your phone will drain. The Anker Nano portable charger is a fantastic choice since it’s only $18 at Amazon, down from $26, and it’s the best price yet. This is a super compact portable power bank that will even fit into women’s pockets. I just recently got one of these, and it performed super well, keeping my phone alive during a Coldplay concert. The Anker Nano has a 5,000mAh capacity, which should provide you with a full charge for your device – or pretty close to it. Whether you’re binge-watching your favorite series on a long journey or need to make sure your phone still has juice to call an Uber after the concert’s done, the tiny Anker Nano has you covered. The Anker Nano has a built-in Lightning connector, making it incredibly convenient for Apple users. You won’t need to carry any extra cables or anything—you just plug it into your smartphone and go about your day. Since this is the Lightning connector version, it won’t work with the newer iPhone models. The Anker Nano’s USB-C version is on sale for $19 at Amazon. Since the connector flips into place, I suggest you hold onto both the battery and your phone while it’s plugged in. The Anker Nano is fairly light, but you’ll still feel its weight, and you really don’t want it to drop to the ground. The power bank has 12W fast charging capability, which allows you to power your device quickly and efficiently. Since the Anker Nano is only $18 at Amazon right now, there should be nothing keeping you from adding this tiny thing to your cart straight away. Buy the Anker Nano 5K portable charger for $18 at AmazonView deal at Amazon Mobile Phone Chargers06:55 pmSteven Spielberg rattled by false “hard fall” Apple Watch warning
Director Steven Spielberg was giving a talk at the Tribeca Festival when his Apple Watch suddenly said he'd taken a hard fall. His reaction to the false alarm ended up making matters worse.Pressing the onscreen "X" will cancel any sort of false alarm on the Apple Watch.Although false warnings from an Apple Watch are rare, they are not unknown — and can sometimes happen at inopportune moments. In this case, the renowned filmmaker was in the middle of giving a talk about his earliest feature film.When the Apple Watch on his wrist beeped and displayed the warning, Spielberg should have simply pressed the on-screen "X" to cancel it. Instead, eager to resume his talk, he removed it, and dropped it on the ground. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums05:19 pmFirefighter credits Apple Watch for live-saving intervention
A fit professional firefighter is crediting his Apple Watch for helping to save his life when he suffered a heart attack after playing road hockey with his son.While the Apple Watch cannot diagnose a heart attack, its warnings should encourage seeking medical attention.During the game, Travis Chalmers of Elmsdale, Nova Scotia said he suddenly felt a "warm sensation" in his chest, along with a splitting headache. At first, he thought it was a flu or cold coming on and "shrugged it off," he said."About a half hour later, I'm laying down with my daughter and my heart rate is still beating out of my chest," he told Canada's Global News. He then glanced at his Apple Watch, which told him he was experiencing atrial fibrillation. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums03:20 pmUpgrade to Windows 11 Pro for less than $25
Don't get stuck using an old version of Windows. Upgrade your PC to Windows 11 Pro with this limited-time sale from Cult of Mac Deals. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)03:00 pmSecurity Bite: Can Apple’s new Passwords app replace your password manager?
9to5Mac Security Bite is exclusively brought to you by Mosyle, the only Apple Unified Platform. Making Apple devices work-ready and enterprise-safe is all we do. Our unique integrated approach to management and security combines state-of-the-art Apple-specific security solutions for fully automated Hardening & Compliance, Next Generation EDR, AI-powered Zero Trust, and exclusive Privilege Management with the most powerful and modern Apple MDM on the market. The result is a totally automated Apple Unified Platform currently trusted by over 45,000 organizations to make millions of Apple devices work-ready with no effort and at an affordable cost. Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today and understand why Mosyle is everything you need to work with Apple. For years, Apple provided its built-in Keychain password management tool hidden within the Settings app. This tool allowed passwords to be automatically generated and saved in the Passwords section, but it could often be cumbersome when a user needs to quickly manage particular logins. Now, in iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, passwords have broken away into its own dedicated app called Passwords. Apple hopes this change will make managing credentials more convenient for its users, but one question is on everyone’s mind right now: Does it offer enough to replace paid password managers? Let’s talk about it. more…02:45 pmToday in Apple history: iPhone 4 preorders set an impressive record
On June 16, 2010, Apple reported a massive surge of interest in its upcoming iPhone 4, with 600,000 sales on the first day of preorders. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)02:10 pmNot all new Apple Intelligence features will be available in the fall
Although iOS 18 will be in the fall as usual, many Apple Intelligence features are on a slower rollout schedule. Here's what to expect, and when.Craig Federighi rolled out Apple IntelligenceUsers should expect only a handful of the many features unveiled as part of Apple Intelligence to be available when the new updates arrive. Even those that are available on release day will be noted as "previews," with further features arriving late in 2024 or as late as early 2025.Bloomberg reports on Sunday that many features of Apple Intelligence won't even be available to developers until later this summer. As noted during the WWDC keynote, even those features will be limited to US English at first. Rumor Score: 🤯 Likely Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums01:49 pmFuture iPhones, Apple Watch and MacBooks could sport super-slim designs
Apple reportedly wants to make iPhone, MacBook, and Apple Watch the lightest and thinnest products in their respective categories. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)01:20 pmApple plans slimmest iPhone 17 & MacBook Pro designs following iPad Pro success
The new thinner iPad Pro models will be followed up by more shrinking across Apple's product line, with the iPhone 17 and MacBook Pro expected to get thinner next.A render of what could be the iPhone 16Apple's update of the iPad Pro lineup included a refresh to the designs, making the premium tablets thinner than ever before. This is thought to be the start of a continuing design trend for Apple, which will make other items in its catalog even thinner.According to sources of Bloomberg, Apple is working to make a "significantly skinnier" iPhone 17. The change will be part of a wider effort, with the source adding that the MacBook Pro and Apple Watch will also undergo design diets. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums01:05 pmCrime blotter: Tracked iPad helps catch kids who stole their teacher's car
In this week's Apple crime roundup, a woman accused of AirPods theft sues the accusing school, there was a big iPhone theft from Verizon Store, and K9 dog's iPhone recovery may have saved a man's life.The Apple Store on Walnut Street in Philadelphia Once again, it's time for the latest in an occasional AppleInsider series, looking at the world of Apple-related crime. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums01:00 pmThese cool new features won’t come to older Apple devices
Happy that your old iPhone or iPad will get the iOS 18 or iPadOS 18 update? You might want to check if they will gain access to all the new features. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)12:48 pmApple planning redesigned iPhone, MacBook Pro, and Apple Watch that are significantly thinner | 9 to 5 MacApple planning redesigned iPhone, MacBook Pro, and Apple Watch that are significantly thinner
Last month, Apple unveiled its thinnest product ever with the new M4 iPad Pro. Measuring in at 5.1mm, the 13-inch M4 iPro Pro is even thinner than the iPod nano. As it turns out, Apple has plans to give the rest of its product lineups a similar treatment, making the iPhone, Apple Watch, and MacBook Pro all significantly thinner. more…08:00 amDaily learning can be sustainable with Headway’s 15-minute book summaries
Macworld Everyone loves to learn, but the pace of modern life doesn’t let us do enough of it. Headway is a groundbreaking app that lets you turn your downtime into inspiration time, providing users with the main takeaways from more than 1,500 books in a variety of genres. With a one-time payment for Headway, you can browse its 15-minute summaries of best-selling non-fiction titles spanning finance, marketing, science, personal growth, and more. You can engage with the summaries by watching, reading, or listening to them as audio narrated by professional voice actors. With Headway, you no longer have to dive headfirst into full-length books, though daily use could inspire you to pick up the complete copy and read it through in one day. To keep you invested, Headway provides specifically curated content based on your interests or learning goals. It also gamifies self-growth, awarding users achievements and tracking your progress. Plus, you’ll get regular recommendations for new, exciting summaries. Headway’s innovative learning method earned it over 20 million downloads and awards like App of the Day four times in a row in 2023. Start your personal growth journey with a lifetime subscription to Headway Premium, now just $59.99. StackSocial prices subject to change. Accessories03:18 amGet $50 Off the Apple Pencil 2
The Apple Pencil 2 has a sale price that’s hard to ignore. Today, it’s down to just $79 from its original price of $130 on Amazon. The Apple Pencil 2 may be simplistic at first look, but don’t underestimate its hardware and capabilities. Boasting pixel-perfect precision, you’ll be able to draw graphical art down to […] The post appeared first on iLounge.03:16 amLive activities now show up on watchOS 11
Live activities that are initiated on iPhones will now show up automatically on the user’s Apple Watch via Smart Stack in watchOS 11. Before, Smart Stacks are usually accessed when the Digital Crown is turned. However, when watchOS 11 rolls out, Smart Stack will automatically open when a Live Activity is started. Furthermore, the stack […] The post appeared first on iLounge.