Stairways Software has released another version of its productivity tool for Mac OS X. Keyboard Maestro 3.4 includes a Typed String trigger, which enables the user to launch macros when typing a matching string, Shiny New Program and Window switcher windows and more.

Keyboard Maestro is a powerful macro program that lets Mac OS X users design a custom keyboard using their own shortcuts. You can use the macros to navigate through running applications and open windows working with an unlimited number of clipboards, but best of all, you can activate them any time you want. With iTunes, for instance, you can just assign your shortcuts to advance to the next song, rewind the current song, or play a favorite with a combination of keystrokes convenient to you.

Select Menu Item is another cool feature of Keyboard Maestro which allows you to assign a hot key to any menu item in any application. The Execute Apple Script action lets you execute any Apple Script simply by pressing a key. You can automate click mouse actions as well. You can also use Keyboard Maestro to run commonly used scripts with the touch of a button, if your work depends on scripting to automate your workflow.

More Keyboard Maestro 3.4 highlights are listed below. For the full changelog (including bug fixes), click here.

- Typed String trigger - fire off macros when you type a matching string.
- Shiny New Program and Window switcher windows.
- Display only active macros in Macro Group Palettes.
- Tweaked simulate keystroke action sheet to make it clearer you can type a key.
- Removed PreserveOldClipboard hidden pref.

To upgrade to the new version of the program, users must completely replace the old application with the new one. The preferences should be retained. Keyboard Maestro 3.4 is available HERE as a free download. The program will initially run in demo mode. To continue using it, you will have to purchase a license.