20 Feb 2006 | Print  |

iKey 2.2 Adds Double-Key Hotkeys, USB Device Events

by Adam C. Engst

iKey 2.2 Adds Double-Key Hotkeys, USB Device Events -- Script Software has released iKey 2.2, the latest version of their automation utility. Most notable among the new features is one I requested: double-key hotkeys that enable you to invoke a shortcut that chooses the Save As menu item, for instance, when you press Command-S-A (that's pressing Command-S, letting up on the S, and pressing A quickly). This is a brilliant feature I found utterly addictive in Nisus Writer Classic (it's also available in a limited fashion in Microsoft Word's internal keyboard customization, and in QuicKeys X3 from Startly Technologies), and it makes assigning memorable hotkeys to a constantly proliferating set of shortcuts far easier. Also new in iKey 2.2 are USB device events that let you invoke shortcuts using the various buttons and scroll wheels on USB devices attached to your Mac (unfortunately, you can't use a USB device event if you have another USB driver such as USB Overdrive installed). iKey 2.2 now saves the contents of the clipboard automatically before invoking certain clipboard commands and restores those contents afterwards; two new clipboard commands give you manual control over saving and restoring clipboard contents. It's easier to attach icons to your shortcuts, floating menus no longer include system contextual menu items, Apple's Backup application can now save iKey's settings, iKey warns you if there's a conflict between any of your hotkeys and system hotkeys, and a new version of my "Take Control of iKey 2" manual documents all the changes. iKey 2.2 is a free upgrade for registered users and new copies cost $30; it's a 4.8 MB download and is available as a universal binary for users of both PowerPC- and Intel-based Macs. [ACE]

<http://www.scriptsoftware.com/ikey/>
<http://www.takecontrolbooks.com/ikey.html>

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