MacworldAt a glanceExpert's RatingProsCross-platform software that offers macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Android, and WindowsIntuitive user interface that follows modern design guidelineCompletely free to download and use on macOSConsMac client doesnt support proper PDF editing Questionable user data collection Wonky annotation toolsOur Verdict SwifDoo is free to download and use, but Apples built-in Preview app performs most of the tasks offered, including proper PDF editing, which SwifDoo doesnt do. Price When ReviewedThis value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefinedBest Pricing TodayBest Prices Today: SwifdooRetailerPriceSwifdoo69,00 View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketPDF editors are essential for Mac users living the paperless lifestyle. While macOS can view, annotate, and sign PDFs natively, the OS provides little control over the files core content. So, those wishing to tweak the text or images of a certain PDF document will have to rely on third-party solutions. With so many apps out there, however, finding the right pick may be tricky. SwifDoo PDF for Mac is one of the options you may come across when hunting for an editor. Is it any good, though?Pricing and availabilitySwifDoo PDF supports macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Windows, and Android. Notably, however, the feature sets differ depending on the platform youre using. So, for example, the Windows app packs distinct capabilities unavailable on macOS or the mobile clients. Similarly, the price differs based on the OS youre running it on. In this review, we will be evaluating SwifDoo PDF for macOS specifically. The rating, pros, cons, and overall specifications only apply to this particular client.SwifDoo PDF for the Mac is available to install and use for free, and theres no premium tier to unlock additional features. To get started, you can head to the companys website, where you can download the installer.See our round-ups of of the best PDF editors for Mac and our best free PDF editors for Mac. First impressionsFoundryBefore installing SwifDoo PDF on my Mac, I checked the iOS/iPadOS clients listing on Apples App Store. I was shocked to find in the privacy disclosure section that the app collects users location data and uses it to track them. Theres absolutely no excuse for a PDF editing app to collect and use this kind of information, especially when iPhone and iPad users have to pay recurring fees to unlock all features. I then had ChatGPT read and analyze the privacy policy on its website and compare it to those of some reputable PDF editors. Unsurprisingly, SwifDoo PDF seems to collect a broader range of data than some other solid options out there. In short, I wouldnt trust this PDF editor with my data, especially highly sensitive documents. Whether you do depends on your personal preferences, though.FeaturesFoundryWhile SwifDoo PDF was designed for Intel Macs and seemingly hasnt been optimized for Apple silicon chips, it runs pretty smoothly on my MacBook Air M2. It features a clutter-free main page where you can interact with recently viewed files or open a different PDF via Finder.Once you load a document, you can tweak it using the standard annotation tools. These include highlighting, inserting notes, underlining, striking through, drawing, adding text boxes and shapes, stamping, and more. While the UI is generally modern and the app performs fluidly, using the annotation tools can be a bit wonky. For example, Id have to tap the highlight tool and select the text multiple times to get it to work. Otherwise, SwifDoo PDF for Mac doesnt typically lag or misbehave.Other SwifDoo PDF perks include page rotation, printing, and an auto-generated index that lets you quickly jump between document sections based on their headings. While these utilities are all great, the Mac client doesnt offer text or image editing. So, you cant add or remove sentences or manipulate the actual document beyond basic annotation.Should you use SwifDoo? Apples built-in Preview app performs most of the tasks offered by SwifDoo PDF for macOS. While the third-party Mac software is free to download and use, it doesnt support proper PDF editing. So, if youre unhappy with Apple Preview, SwifDoo PDF likely wont cater to your needs, either. For basic annotation, I recommend using the native tools provided by the operating system. To actually edit your PDF files, consider relying on a premium offering from a reputable company. Regardless, I advise you to stay away from SwifDoo PDF for Mac.

DuckDuckGo has urged the European Commission to open three investigations into Googles compliance with the EUs Digital Markets Act (DMA), alleging non-compliance with key obligations under the law.In a blog post, the privacy-focused search engine outlined Googles obligations under the DMA, which include sharing anonymized click and query data, implementing choice screens, and allowing users to easily change default search settings.Unfortunately, Google is using a malicious compliance playbook to undercut the DMA, DuckDuckGo said. Google has selectively adhered to certain obligations often due to pressure from the Commission while totally disregarding others or making farcical compliance proposals that could never have the desired impact.DuckDuckGo argued that the obligations were designed to counter Googles market dominance, noting parallels with findings in the United States v. Google case. The US judge in that case ruled that Googles scale and distribution advantages were illegal, citing that 70% of search queries flow through access points preloaded with Google.This creates what the judge called a perpetual scale and quality deficit for competitors, locking in Googles dominance.The US Department of Justice (DoJ) has now escalated its antitrust efforts against Google, seeking a landmark ruling that could reshape the technology sector.DuckDuckGos call for additional probes comes as Google faces growing competition from emerging players such as OpenAI and Perplexity AI.Compliance enforcement challengesDuckDuckGos allegations against Google shed light on the ongoing challenges in enforcing fair competition within the digital ecosystem.In its post, DuckDuckGo has even argued that DMA fails to adequately address Googles scale advantage. While sharing click-and-query data is a crucial step, the company said it is not enough on its own to foster a competitive search engine market.The potential gaps in Googles compliance with the DMA underscore the need for vigilant regulatory oversight, said Prabhu Ram, VP of the industry research group at Cybermedia Research. If substantiated, these allegations could significantly impact competition dynamics in Europe.SanchitVirGogia, chief analyst and CEO at Greyhound Research, added that its important to note that DMA is wide-ranging, complex, and open to interpretation.Hence, whether or not Google is compliant is still up for discussion, Gogia said. The fact is that Google has made select changes to encourage fair competition. Still, given the open-to-interpretation nature of this act, there is room for discussion (read allegation) from the competition.Moreover, as new competitors like Perplexity AI and OpenAI gain traction in the search market, any regulatory action against Google must account for the growing challenge these vendors pose to its dominance, Gogia added.What Google may doThis could get more difficult as analysts suggest Google may have strategies to navigate the issue, such as licensing anonymized search data that excludes a significant portion of queries.While this approach could technically comply with legal requirements, it risks undermining the intent of the rules.This, in turn, raises concerns about genuine user choice in an environment favoring incumbents, Ram pointed out. How EU regulators address these issues will be pivotal, shaping the behavior of other gatekeepers and setting important precedents for global competition policies.In its post, DuckDuckGo has called on regulators worldwide to examine the implementation of DMA, warning that Google has exploited loopholes to circumvent the rules. The company urged authorities to take measures to ensure Google cannot continue to obstruct progress and fair competition.

A US congressional commission has called for a Manhattan Project-like initiative to accelerate artificial intelligence (AI) development, urging Congress to grant the executive branch sweeping, multiyear contracting authority to fund advancements in AI, cloud computing, and data centers.The bipartisan US-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) issued the recommendations in a 793-page report on Tuesday, highlighting the growing urgency to outpace Chinas rapid strides in emerging technologies, including AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology.Congress should establish and fund a Manhattan Project-like program dedicated to racing and acquiring an Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) capability, the report stated, drawing parallels to the WWII-era government project that developed the first atomic bombs.Provide broad multiyear contracting authority to the executive branch and associated funding for leading artificial intelligence, cloud, and data center companies and others to advance the stated policy at a pace and scale consistent with the goal of US AGI leadership, the report further added as a suggestion to Congress.The report also advised the Secretary of Defense to designate AI projects as having the highest national priority, underscoring the strategic importance of staying technologically ahead of China to protect US economic and military interests.Direct the US secretary of defense to provide a Defense Priorities and Allocations System DX Rating to items in the artificial intelligence ecosystem to ensure this project receives national priority, it stated.A DX Rating is assigned to programs of highest national priority.The USCC, established in 2000 to monitor and report on US-China trade and economic relations, issued its latest report amid mounting geopolitical tensions and a race to dominate the technologies of the future.Tech rivalry with global implicationsThe commission warned that Chinas technological progress, if left unchecked could threaten US deterrence in the Pacific region and destabilize the global balance of power. Chinas advancements could erode the United States economic and military position and tip the global balance of power, the report said.The US has already taken steps to limit Chinas access to critical technologies. On Monday, the Treasury Department finalized a rule restricting US investments in Chinese AI, quantum computing, and semiconductor sectors a move building on President Joe Bidens executive order last year aimed at curbing the export of technologies that could bolster Chinas military and intelligence capabilities.Tuesdays report also detailed tensions between the two nations over issues such as sanctions on Chinese officials, restrictions on semiconductor imports, and national security concerns surrounding the Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok.Despite a bilateral agreement reached in late 2023 to pursue limited cooperation on military communication, climate change, countering fentanyl and other drugs, artificial intelligence (AI), and people-to-people ties, China has continued its efforts to counter or weaken US policies without changing its own behavior, the report observed.Generative AI is central to the recommendations of the report, which pointed out that while the US currently leads development in the domain by over a year, Chinese companies are making a concerted effort to develop generative AI models similar in sophistication to those of US companies. The USCC report also emphasized the US need to maintain leadership in developing Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) AI systems capable of performing any intellectual task that a human can do.The proposed initiative echoes the strategic and national security urgency of the original Manhattan Project, highlighting the role of advanced technology in shaping global power dynamics.

Their personal relationship has not always helped "Tim Apple", but Tim Cook has been more successful in working with Trump than most.Tim Cook and Donald Trump in a meeting at the White House in 2018 image credit: ApplePresident Trump has previously backed the FBI against Apple over what he called foreign apps, and famously forgot Cook's name, but overall Apple appears to have been able to benefit under a Trump administration. The Wall Street Journal says that this is down to a particular technique Cook uses, alongside lobbying Trump personally."That's why he's a great executive, because he calls me and others don't," Trump said in 2019. Continue Reading on AppleInsider

Amazon's official Black Friday Deals Week event starts now and we have live coverage of today's best Apple deals, including new low prices on M4 Macs, the 2024 iPad mini 7, current Apple Watch models and more.Amazon's Black Friday deals on Apple start now.Black Friday is happening now at both Amazon and Best Buy, and we're monitoring the Apple space closely so you can save the most money on your holiday shopping. From M4 MacBook and Mac mini discounts to the cheapest Apple Watch Series 10 prices we've seen this season, there are a number of bargains worth considering when choosing gifts for loved ones.Shop Amazon's BF Sale Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

National Museum of Photography Rotterdam building design in transformed historic eight-storey warehouse: to become state-of-the-art home for Dutch national collectionhttps://www.e-architect.com/rotterdam/national-museum-of-photography-rotterdam#nationalmuseum #photography #rotterdam #dutcharchitectureNational Museum of Photography Rotterdam building design in renewed historic eight-storey warehouse: Dutch national photographic collection

Designed by BWM Architects, the Grand Hotel Straubinger, in Bad Gastein, Austria, epitomizes luxury and historical preservation. Its selling proposition lies in its meticulous restorationhttps://www.e-architect.com/austria/grand-hotel-straubinger-bad-gastein-austria#architects #hotel #austria #historicalpreservation #architecture #restorationDesigned ny BWM, the Grand Hotel Straubinger epitomizes the pinnacle of luxury and historical preservation

New findings produced by the Institute of Psychology at the University of Freiburg and German Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems have shown the proven social acceptance of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs) in different urban conditions.According to techxplore.com, which first reported the news: "The conclusions showed that the acceptance of integrated photovoltaics in urban areas is generally very high and that PV on modern buildings is viewed more positively than on historic buildings."Additionally, the study found that colored PV panels that match their buildings roof or facade design increased their rates of acceptance. Andreas Wessel, a PhD student and co-author of the study says: "The study provides initial insights into the social acceptance of PV systems on and around buildings. It confirms that the acceptance of PV systems can actually be increased through good visual integration with colored modules, especially for historic buildings."

This edition of Bustler'scurated picksof noteworthy architecture and design competitions features four calls seeking the best architectural adaptations of existing structures, exceptional unbuilt projects, designs for a future-oriented and multifunctional library inPyeongtaek,South Korea, and creative garden designs located in Seoul's Boramae Park.For the complete directory of newly listed competitions, clickhere.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art announced the firms shortlisted for its expansion. The shortlisted firms are: Kengo Kuma & Associates, Renzo Piano Building Workshop, Selldorf Architects, Studio Gang, Weiss/Manfredi Architecture, and WHY Architecture.The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has announced the six architecture firms shortlisted for a major expansion to its hallowed grounds in Kansas City, Missouri. The six shortlisted firms are: Kengo Kuma & Associates, Renzo Piano Building Workshop, Selldorf Architects, Studio Gang, Weiss/Manfredi Archite...