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Oct 7 2019

Toronto, Canada

Mira doesn't support MacOS 10.15 Catalina

MacOS 10.15 has removed core frameworks that Mira relies on for functionality. Mira will not function in MacOS 10.5 Catalina.

While some applications may be made to support Catalina with a slight tweaking and recomplication for 64bit, Mira's functionality is not so straight forward as it makes extensive use of APIs and Frameworks that are no longer avauilable with the latest OS. Some of these have direct replacements while others do not. In addition there are new security restrictions that make some of what Mira does potentially more awkward for customers and may impact the seamless integration of a remote control Mira has always offered.

At this time, if you need Mira in your workflow, it's recommended you avoid updating to the new OS. We're working on something and will provide more information as it becomes available.


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Nov 8 2018

Toronto, Canada

MacOS 10.14 Mojave, Security & Privacy Settings

A change in MacOS 10.14 restricts applications and background processes from interacting with other applications by simulating "user" input. This can cause Mira to stop controlling your apps when pressing buttons on the remote. It may not affect all apps and it may not affect all MacOS installations. You should enable Mira to control other apps to make sure everything continues to work as designed.

To allow Mira to control other apps, its background process, MiraRCD will need a check-mark applied to it inside the Accessibility section of the Security & Privacy preference pane.

Directions: Open System Preferences, click on the Security & Privacy icon in the top row and then select the Privacy tab. You will need to also unlock System Preferences by clicking the lock icon at the bottom of the window to make changes. In the left-hand list within the window, select Accessibility. On the right side you should see MiraRCD already listed. Click its check-mark and Quit System Preferences.

Security & Privacy Accessibility Settings


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Aug 5 2018

Toronto, Canada

Vacation Schedule

The family and I will be away from August 8 until the end of the month. Any hardware orders during this time will be shipped when we return. Software orders will continue to be processed automatically and I'll continue to have limited access to email.

Thanks for your support and understanding, the vacation has been a long time coming and the first one in many years. Wish me luck!


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October 2 2017

Toronto, Canada

New Release: Mira 1.5.2

This update includes current Apple Developer signing certificates which allows trouble-free installation with Gatekeeper on Mac OS. New DuoPress actions are also included for a couple of specific apps and the Global Profile for all apps. See the Version History page for additional details.

This update is recommended for all customers with an Intel Mac and MacOS 10.7 or newer. MacOS 10.10 or newer recommended.

What's changed:

  • DuoPress actions for iTunes
  • DuoPress actions for Decibel
  • DuoPress actions for Global Profile (all/any app)
  • Display Sleep/Wake actions (DuoPress) (MacOS 10.9+ recommended)
  • Revised Installer
  • Updated Apple Developer Signing Certificates (Gatekeeper/Security)
  • Small updates to built-in Mira Help

If you have an existing Mira installation, please use the "Restore Built-in Profiles" feature in the Profile Options (gear under apps list) to update and install new or changed profiles. New profiles and updates are not installed by default to preserve any custom settings/changes you may have already made - these are overwritten when you use the Restore feature. As always, Mira is found inside System Preferences.


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May 18 2017

Toronto, Canada

Spring Outta May Sale

Sale pricing is in effect for the duration of May as we head out of spring and into summer.

Manta Mini IR receiver and Mira bring quick and easy support for the Apple Remote to all Macs, such as iMac, Macbook Air, MacBook Pro and the upcoming all-new Mac Pro. Make sure to also grab a USB-C adapter if you need one - the price can't be beat.

You can easily control all your apps using built-in settings or customize the buttons to your liking. Manta Mini also works in Windows and Linux with your favorite media center software like Kodi and Plex with any universal remote.

Take advantage of the deals and help spread the word - pass a link to any friends to take advantage of our sale.


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January 23 2017

Toronto, Canada

New Release: Mira 1.5.1

This small update primarily adds built-in support for the new Plex Media Player that was released in December after we'd finalized the last update. See the Version History page for additional details.

This update is recommended for all customers with an Intel Mac and MacOS 10.7 or newer. MacOS 10.10 or newer recommended.

What's changed:

  • Support for Plex Media Player from Plex
  • Support for Photos from Apple
  • Added Plex Media Player to default Launch Menu list (on new installs)
  • Revised DuoPress actions for Movist, mpv, MPlayer, MPlayer OSX

If you have an existing Mira installation, please use the "Restore Built-in Profiles" feature in the Profile Options (gear under apps list) to update and install new profiles. New profiles and updates are not installed by default to preserve any custom settings/changes you may have already made - these are overwritten when you use the Restore feature. As always, Mira is found inside System Preferences.


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December 18 2016

Toronto, Canada

Christmas Sale

Holiday pricing for the holiday season - the sale will run until the new year.

Picking up a new Macbook Pro for Christmas? Grab a few USB-C adapters. Everything's listed for a really attractive price.


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December 6 2016

Toronto, Canada

New Release: Mira 1.5.0

This is the final 1.5.0 release and includes a revised Pref Pane, updated graphics, support for the new Manta Mini receiver (now shipping), plus new built-in actions, new app support and defaults. See the Version History page for additional details.

This update is recommended for all customers with an Intel Mac and MacOS 10.7 or newer. MacOS 10.10 or newer recommended.

A partial list of what's changed:

  • Support for new Manta Mini IR Receiver (now shipping)
  • Larger Pref Pane, updated Retina graphics, controls & language
  • Display Sleep/Wake actions (DuoPress) (MacOS 10.9+ recommended)
  • Support for OpenPHT (Community-driven fork of Plex)
  • Support for mpv media player from mpv.io
  • Support for Capture One Pro 9 from Phase One
  • Support for additional apps built-in
  • More default apps in Launch Menu for new installations
  • Revised profiles
  • Securely signed installer for MacOS 10.12 Sierra

If you have an existing Mira installation, please use the "Restore Built-in Profiles" feature in the Profile Options (gear under apps list) to update and install new profiles. New profiles and updates are not installed by default to preserve any custom settings/changes you may have already made - these are overwritten when you use the Restore feature. As always, Mira is found inside System Preferences.


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November 24 2016

Toronto, Canada

Thanksgiving + Black Friday Sale

For many, this is the official start of the holiday season and a chance to take some time off and spend it with family. Don't get into too many arguments and make sure to pass the cranberry sauce when asked - indulge, over-eat and over-drink (safely) - sleep in tomorrow and let the kids make their own breakfast.

While you're still in the bag, take advantage of the sale prices on the site and tweet the news far and wide - you won't regret it in the morning, I promise.

Picking up a new Macbook Pro this weekend? Grab a few USB-C adapters. Everything's listed for a really attractive price.


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November 11 2016

Toronto, Canada

New Release: Mira 1.5.0 Beta 2

This should be the final beta before the final 1.5.0 release. The update adds support for the new mini receiver (now shipping), plus new built-in actions, new app support and defaults. See the Version History page for additional details.

This update is recommended for all customers with an Intel Mac and MacOS 10.6 or newer. MacOS 10.10 or newer recommended.

A partial list of what's changed:

  • Support for our Manta Mini miniature IR receiver
  • Global Display Sleep/Wake actions (inside the DuoPress action menu)
  • Support for mpv media player from mpv.io (highly recommended file player)
  • Support for Capture One Pro 9 from Phase One

If you have an existing Mira installation, please use the "Restore Built-in Profiles" feature in the Profile Options (gear under apps list) to update and install new profiles. New profiles and updates are not installed by default to preserve any custom settings/changes you may have already made - these are overwritten when you use the Restore feature. As always, Mira is found inside System Preferences.


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November 8 2016

Toronto, Canada

Announcement: Manta Mini IR Receiver

The new tiny Manta Mini IR receiver started shipping this weekend. In a thumb-drive style (and size), you can use it with or without a USB cable (included) on any Mac - if you have a new USB-C equipped Mac you can pick up a super-small aluminum USB-C to USB adapter for $7 - the adapter is good for any USB device, including hard drives, scanners, your iPhone, etc.

Check everything out in the shop.


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October 28 2016

Toronto, Canada

Announcement: Coming Soon

In about a week there will be a new Mira beta with more built-in apps + new and useful system actions, the long-due "mini" replacement for Manta TR1 & a tiny USB2/3 to USB-C adapter. Use the adapter with the new MacBook Pro (and MacBook) & Manta receivers, iPhones, hard drives, thumb drives, anything really. It'll also work on other USB-C devices like Android phones too.

Check our Twitter for some sneak-peek photos.


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October 19 2016

Toronto, Canada

New Release: Mira 1.5.0 Beta 1

This update contains some internal driver tweaks for Manta receivers, new code signing for the latest OS updates and updated actions and defaults. Additional updates and changes will be made in the next beta. See the Version History page for additional details.

This update is recommended for all customers with an Intel Mac and MacOS 10.6 or newer. MacOS 10.10 or newer recommended.

A partial list of what's changed:

If you have an existing Mira installation, please use the "Restore Built-in Profiles" feature in the Profile Options (gear under apps list) to update and install new profiles. New profiles and updates are not installed by default to preserve any custom settings/changes you may have already made - these are overwritten when you use the Restore feature. As always, Mira is found inside System Preferences.


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June 22 2016

Toronto, Canada

Summer Sale

I don't know where you are, but it's hot here - It's been stinky hot in fact and a great prelude to what's looking like it will be an epic summer.

But while pining for the weekend, we still have to work right? Get your presentations flipping via remote, your music queued up at the office and pause that Game of Thrones episode in the background when your boss comes around for a chat. Mira and Manta TR1 USB IR Receiver will bring you click-click happiness, controlling any app on any Mac with ease.

We're kicking this season off with steep discounts on everything, at least 25% off, so jump over to our store for the goods.

Oh, one more thing... Don't forget to tell a few friends.


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January 26 2015

Toronto, Canada

New Release: Mira 1.4.12

This is a small update to add support for Kodi (formerly XBMC), Vox beta, the older music player app which some customers still prefer and to tweak the Keynote settings for better performance with Keynote 6.

If you have an existing Mira installation, including older application profiles/settings, please use the "Restore Built-in Profiles" feature in the Mira preference panel to update them and also to install new profiles. New profiles and updates are not installed by default to preserve any custom settings/changes you may have already made - these are overwritten when you use the Restore feature.


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December 9 2014

Toronto, Canada

New Release: Mira 1.4.11

This releases primarily addresses the System Preferences crash when adding some applications to the Mira Launch Menu. A few new apps have been added, including small music player Vox.

Some action and defaults have also been updated, so please see the Version History page for additional details. This update is recommended for all customers with an Intel Mac and OS X 10.5 or newer.

A partial list of what's changed:

  • New Global DuoPress actions
  • Revised the default apps listed Mira Launch Menu (affects only new installs)
  • System Preferences crash when adding certain applications to the Mira Launch Menu

If you have an existing Mira installation, including older application profiles/settings, please use the "Restore Built-in Profiles" feature in the Mira preference panel to update them and also to install new profiles. New profiles and updates are not installed by default to preserve any custom settings/changes you may have already made - these are overwritten when you use the Restore feature.


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October 16 2014

Toronto, Canada

New Release: Mira 1.4.10

Everyone should see the new Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite released starting today and we're happy to release a small update to Mira to keep installations running smooth for new customers. The previous version of Mira works in Yosemite, but this new update also contains Apple's new code signature versions to make sure the application cannot be modified by any third parties and remains secure on all OS releases.

Some action and defaults have also been updated, so please see the Version History page for additional details. This update is recommended for all customers with an Intel Mac and OS X 10.5 or newer.

A partial list of what's changed:

  • DuoPress actions to control video/YouTube for all browsers
  • Additional DuoPress actions for all applications
  • Updated code signing for Mac OS X 10.9.5 Mavericks and 10.10 Yosemite
  • Speed improvements for installation

If you have an existing Mira installation, including older application profiles/settings, please use the "Restore Built-in Profiles" feature in the Mira preference panel to update them and also to install new profiles. New profiles and updates are not installed by default to preserve any custom settings/changes you may have already made - these are overwritten when you use the Restore feature.


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March 13 2014

Toronto, Canada

New Release: Mira 1.4.9 final

All customers can now download the final release of Mira 1.4.9 - Please see the Version History page for additional details. This update is recommended for all customers with an Intel Mac and OS X 10.5 or newer.

If you have an existing Mira installation, including older application profiles/settings, please use the "Restore Built-in Profiles" feature in the Mira preference panel to update them and also to install new profiles. New profiles and updates are not installed by default to preserve any custom settings/changes you may have already made - these are overwirtten when you use the Restore feature.

If you have a PowerPC based Mac, please download Mira 1.4.8r2 which has been updated with the new profiles and DuoPress commands of 1.4.9


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February 1 2014

Toronto, Canada

Announcement: Online store changing back to US Dollars

We feel comfortable having watched the foreign exchange market for some time, that we're pleased to announce that pricing will once again return to a USD base. As of today, February 1st 2014, all pricing in our online shopping system will be listed and charged in US Dollars. As usual, foreign currency transactions will continue to be converted by our payment processor.

Thank you for your previous feedback on this topic, we're sure very many customers will be pleased to resume doing business in USD.

To say thanks, we're also extending our Winter Sale for a little longer - but hurry, it can end any time.


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December 19 2013

Toronto, Canada

New Beta Release: Mira 1.4.9 b8 - More Mavericks Ready

All customers can now download Mira 1.4.9 beta 8 - This release fixes a possible crash when installing license files or importing profiles, it also adds support for the Rdio app and includes the Spotify profile missing from the last beta.

The most significant change in this release is new behavior for un-checking (disabling) applications. Instead of completely disabling the remote for the un-checked app, Mira will now issue Global Actions, just like the behavior of the unregistered version. The default Global profile has also been changed to control iTunes in the background. Consult the notes for the previous release below for more details.

If you have an existing Mira installation, including older application profiles/settings, please use the "Restore Built-in Profiles" feature in the Mira preference panel to update them and also to install new profiles. New profiles and updates are not installed by default to preserve any custom settings/changes you may have already made - these are overwirtten when you use the Restore feature.

As always, please contact us by email if you have any issues with the update. If you are unable to launch your license file immediately after installing, please try restarting your computer first.

Please see the Version History page for additional details. This update is recommended for all customers with Mac OS X 10.5 or newer.


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December 10 2013

Toronto, Canada

Hackintoshers: Please read this "John"

A lot of customers over the years have built their own Mac-like systems to run Mac OS X, picking up Mira and Manta TR1, or other supported USB receiver, to use an Apple remote with all their apps. While we can't vouch for any particular build setup and can't guarantee our software and hardware will work with your particular custom hardware choices, we're certainly willing to help you get your remote working. And of all the people that have ever written in about such systems, everyone has always had great results in the end.

So recently, while evaluating Mira, "John" wrote in asking for advice about using Mira with his system and a misc. receiver he says was previously working, but no longer. Provided you have a supported receiver, the only issue we ever see with Hackintosh systems is centered around the lack of full support for one or more USB ports on the system by Mac OS X itself. In other words, not every USB port is going to work properly. Especially when some USB ports are on a different bus, the solution here is to try all of them - one at a time, directly connected, not through a hub.

And this brings me to the last tip. If you're contacting us by email, please make double-sure you are entering your correct email address. If you don't receive a reply from us and there were no problems processing the email through the site, it's probably because there was a typo in your email address. John has written twice and each time has unfortunately included an invalid email address. I'm sorry, but it's impossible to get a reply through if they keep bouncing as undeliverable. Maybe the third time will be the charm. ;)


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December 6 2013

Toronto, Canada

New Beta Release: Mira 1.4.9 b6 - Mavericks Ready

Mavericks customers can now download Mira 1.4.9. This release addresses the inability for previous versions to install in Mavericks, plus adds a number of new app profiles and enhancements. Including support for: iBooks, Plex Home Theater, Spotify, Prezi and more.

There will be at least one more public beta release before we consider 1.4.9 final - a couple of additional small feature enhancements are being added and also a few small issues which need to be addressed on some systems. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the customers who have so graciously tested the first 5 beta builds over the past couple of months and helped us address these issues.

If you have an existing Mira installation, including older application profiles/settings, please use the "Restore Built-in Profiles" feature in the Mira preference panel to update them and also to install new profiles. New profiles and updates are not installed by default to preserve any custom settings/changes you may have already made - these are overwirtten when you use the Restore feature.

As always, please contact us by email if you have any issues with the update. If you are unable to launch your license file immediately after installing, please try restarting your computer first.


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August 24 2012

Bruno Fernandes: The Liveable Mini Theater

This is where I test automation ideas and real-world application of our products. The design started in SketchUp to plan the space in 3D and keep accurate dimensions for all the parts required to fabricate the furniture. This makes it easy to scale the layout for different rooms/dimensions if necessary. Most of the electronics are hidden within the cabinet and panel; with media file storage/server, battery power backup and audio power amplification housed in a room below.

If there's interest, I'll provide a detailed parts/products list, including sources, and upload the 3D project file.

Control/Automation:

  • Master Controller: Scripted events/actions, manual/automatic triggers
    • Timers, daylight sensor, voltage sensors/triggers
    • Output via routed IR, RS-232 and relays
  • Remote Control: Hand-held, custom programmed/scripted "universal"

Media Playback:

  • TV: 55" LCD with local-dimming LED backlighting
  • Audio: 7 discrete channels + 2 LFE (~3000 total Watts RMS)
  • Sources: all digital connections
    • SageTV HD200 DVR Extender
    • Boxee Box with Manta TR1 IR receiver
    • Apple TV
    • Mac mini with Manta TR1 IR receiver
    • Squeezebox 3 Music Player
    • Network file server to supply media files
    • SageTV DVR w/multiple tuners for "over the air" HD recording

Miscellaneous:

  • Lighting: Automated low & high voltage dimmable LED lighting
  • Acoustic treatment: Multiple artwork-covered absorbent panels (2-4" thick)
  • TV art: Canvas print & acrylic texture - inspired by "Archer" TV series
    • Canvas mounted on expanded PVC board
    • Roller motor "lift system" with counter-weight
Home Theater with Motorized Artwork

The photo above matches closely with the original 3D models created in SketchUp.


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News

MacOS Catalina Unsupported

MacOS 10.15 has removed core frameworks that Mira relies on for functionality. Mira will not function in MacOS 10.5 Catalina. If you need Mira in your workflow, please don't update to the new OS at this time.
» more...

MacOS Mojave Settings

To make sure Mira continues to properly control your apps in MacOS 10.14, you might need to manually grant it permission inside the Accessibility section of System & Privacy Preferences.
» more...

Now Shipping

New Mira version, new mini IR receiver, USB-C adapter.
» more...

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