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   TextExpander 4.0

   Agen G. N. Schmitz

   Smile has released [1]TextExpander 4.0, a major update to its typing
   shortcut utility with several new features for automating longer texts
   such as form letters. Aside from new features, however, the new release
   is also notable for the fact that Smile won't be releasing this latest
   version of TextExpander via the App Store due to Apple's sandboxing
   requirements (which limits an app's access to system resources).
   TextExpander 4.0 is available only from the Smile Web site for $34.95
   new and $15 for an upgrade from a previous version (though you can get
   a free upgrade if you purchased TextExpander after 15 January 2012).
   Additionally, TextExpander 4.0 now requires Mac OS X 10.7 Lion and
   later (version 3.4.2 is still available in the [2]Mac App Store for OS
   X 10.6 Snow Leopard users).

   As for new features, the release adds new "fill-in-the-blank" snippet
   options that enable you to create a form letter template that can then
   be personalized with names and dates as well as custom links or HTML
   tags with variable attributes. It also offers fill-in capabilities for
   multi-line text fields, pop-up menus for multiple choices, and optional
   text blocks that can be triggered as needed. For those new to
   TextExpander, the app now includes a Snippet Creation Assistant that
   provides step-by-step guidance on creating new snippets, and the
   interface has been tweaked to create fill-in snippets via a pop-up
   menu. Other enhancements include default values for text fields and
   pop-up menus, snippet expansion when filling out a text filed, and the
   addition of French and German AutoCorrect snippet groups. ($34.95 new
   with a 20-percent discount for [3]TidBITS members, $15 upgrade (free
   for purchases after January 15, 2012), 8.5 MB, [4]release notes)

References

   1. http://www.smilesoftware.com/TextExpander/
   2. http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/textexpander-for-mac/id405274824?mt=12
   3. http://tidbits.com/member_benefits.html
   4. http://www.smilesoftware.com/TextExpander/releasenotesTE4.html

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