Adam Engst reboots the VidBITS column with a new format: informal video conversations where developers demo their apps. The first episode features Luc Beaudoin walking through Hookmark, a Mac utility that brings hyperlinking to local files and apps. Julio Ojeda-Zapata rejoins us to explore third-party Find My accessories that fill gaps Apple has ignored, ranging from wallet-friendly tracking cards to Find My-enabled chargers and luggage locks. We briefly note the passing of PageMaker creator Paul Brainerd, link to Jason Snell’s annual Apple Report Card (where scores dropped in 11 of 14 categories—ouch!), and share a fun color memory game called Dialed. Notable Mac app releases this week include BBEdit 15.5.5, BusyCal 2026.1.2, Camo Studio 2.6, Default Folder X 6.2.6, and Unite 6.6.
We’re reviving VidBITS with a new format—informal video conversations where developers demo their apps while Adam Engst asks the questions TidBITS readers would want answered. Here’s what to expect.
Hookmark brings hyperlinking to your Mac, letting you connect files, emails, PDFs, and more. In this hour-long video demo, CogSciApps founder Luc Beaudoin shows how to copy links, create bidirectional hooks, and navigate your workspace efficiently.
Apple’s AirTags are indispensable for tracking down a missing purse or wayward suitcase, but the large lozenge shape isn’t ideal for all Find My scenarios. Third-party accessory makers have stepped in with a range of Find My trackers—Julio Ojeda-Zapata looks at a wallet, several wallet cards, a mobile charger, and a travel lock.
Watchlist
Works around a bug in macOS 26 Tahoe that would cause intermittent stalls. ($59.99 new, free update, 28 MB, macOS 12+)
Brings big improvements to the calendar app's menu bar extension. ($49.99 new, free update, 83.3 MB, macOS 11.5+)
Introduces the Retouch digital appearance enhancement and adds more USB camera support. ($49.99 annual subscription, free update, 89.2 MB, macOS 12.3+)
Brings a few improvements and bug fixes for the Open/Save dialog utility. ($39.95 new, free update, 28.6 MB, macOS 10.13+)
Improves toolbar behavior for the site-specific browser that turns websites into full-featured apps. ($29.99 new, free update, 28.8 MB, macOS 12+)
