FastScripts gets parallel execution and keyboard shortcuts in version 3, exits the Mac App Store

FastScripts 3 launches on Mac

Developer Red Sweater has updated the popular automation tool FastScripts, which is free to download with a discounted premium upgrade for existing users, with new capabilities and keyboard shortcuts.

FastScripts is a popular automation tool for Mac users, and version 3.0 adds several new features and macOS Monterey-styled icons. Most features remain free to all users with advanced scripting and keyboard shortcuts locked behind a premium one-time purchase.

The flagship features for FastScripts 3 include parallel script execution, Scriptlight search, and progress reporting. There are also a number of refinements to script assignment and UI tweaks.

According to Red Sweater's blog post, Apple's restrictions on advanced functionality "made it impossible" to release an updated version of the app. So, the app will no longer be distributed using the Mac App Store.

Existing users of FastScripts 2 can get the new version directly from the Red Sweater website. Those who use the Mac App Store version will not be able to upgrade their app directly and will need to navigate to the website for the new version.

Anyone can download the app for free and use many of the scripting options without payment, but those who want the more intricate automation tools and keyboard shortcuts will need to pay. New customers can purchase the upgrade for $39.95, and existing users get the upgrade for $19.95.

Those who purchased the Mac App Store version of FastScripts 2 will need to authenticate their previous purchase using instructions in Red Sweater's help article.

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3 Comments

OutdoorAppDeveloper

said about 2 years ago

Lots of apps are leaving the App Store not because how much Apple charges developers but because of the restrictions Apple places on developers and users of third party apps. It is a lot worse on iOS where Apple forbids users to side load apps onto phones, tablets, watches, Apple TVs, Car Play, etc. Hint for EU anti-trust regulators: Ask Apple why this is happening? Ask why these types of apps that can't exist on the Mac App Store don't exist at all on the iPhone? Ask why Apple forces users to side load them on the Mac? Ask Apple why choices about what software you can run should be an Apple monopoly?

robaba

said about 2 years ago

Because the iPhone is not a general computing device, but rather a mobile console.

lowededwookie

said about 2 years ago

OutdoorAppDeveloper said:

Lots of apps are leaving the App Store not because how much Apple charges developers but because of the restrictions Apple places on developers and users of third party apps. It is a lot worse on iOS where Apple forbids users to side load apps onto phones, tablets, watches, Apple TVs, Car Play, etc. Hint for EU anti-trust regulators: Ask Apple why this is happening? Ask why these types of apps that can't exist on the Mac App Store don't exist at all on the iPhone? Ask why Apple forces users to side load them on the Mac? Ask Apple why choices about what software you can run should be an Apple monopoly?

I think the real question is why do these apps need to exist in the first place? There are already systems in place that allow a lot of these functions to happen with AppleScript and Automator/Shortcuts. 3rd party apps like this create a HUGE security threat. If you're happy with that then good luck to you. Most people just want their system to work without any hassles.

It's got nothing to do with the bollocks claim Apple has a monopoly. They built the platform, they built the services, they can do whatever they want with it. It's not a monopoly. They want security rather than flexibility which is inherently insecure. Tools like this don't offer security when they can access foundational aspects of the OS.

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