Yesterday's Top Launches: 5 Tools from January 11, 2026 | thistools

Yesterday brought a refreshing mix of tools to the digital landscape, proving that even in early 2026, developers and creators are still finding clever ways to solve everyday problems. From open-source utilities to privacy-focused web apps, January 11th was a solid day for new developer tools and creative software. Let’s dive into what launched.

SkreenPro

If you spend your days on a Mac taking screenshots for bug reports, documentation, or tutorials, SkreenPro is worth a look. It’s a free and open-source screenshot application that focuses on clean design and powerful annotation tools. The appeal here is straightforward: it’s built for people who appreciate software that just works without clutter. Unlike some built-in or bloated alternatives, SkreenPro seems to prioritize the annotation workflow—think arrows, highlights, and blurs—making it ideal for creators and developers who need to communicate ideas visually. The fact that it’s open-source is a significant plus for anyone wary of hidden costs or wanting to peek under the hood. It’s a simple tool solving a common need with elegance.

You can find it here: SkreenPro

ScribblePadGames

In a world saturated with screen time, ScribblePadGames offers a charmingly analog concept translated to the web. It provides pre-made grids for classic pencil-and-paper games like Tic-Tac-Toe, Dots and Boxes, and Battleship. The idea is to facilitate quick, screen-free play; you load a grid, print it or draw it on your own paper, and play offline. It’s freemium, which likely means the basic grids are free while more complex game sets might be unlocked. This isn’t a tool for productivity in the traditional sense, but it’s a clever resource for breaks, team-building, or keeping kids engaged without another app. It solves the problem of "I'm bored" with a dose of nostalgia, though its long-term appeal might depend on the variety of games added over time.

Check out the games at: ScribblePadGames

WinkLink

Managing a single online identity can be tricky, especially if you wear different hats professionally and personally. WinkLink addresses this by letting you create multiple profiles within one bio link (like the ones you see on Instagram or TikTok). You could have a "Work" profile pointing to your LinkedIn and portfolio, and a "Gaming" profile with your Twitch and Steam links. The service uses smart redirects, so you can send people to the version of you that’s most relevant. With privacy controls and premium designs, it’s aimed at influencers, freelancers, and anyone who wants more granular control over their digital first impression. The freemium model suggests there’s a tier for casual users and another for power users needing advanced analytics or custom domains. It’s a thoughtful solution in the crowded link-in-bio space.

Build your multi-profile link here: WinkLink

Boom for Mac

Remote presentations are a staple of modern work, but looking professional often requires jumping between multiple apps and editing recordings. Boom for Mac aims to streamline this for serious presenters. It’s a desktop app that works alongside Zoom, Meet, and Teams, allowing you to present live or record with polished layouts—picture your headshot neatly composited over your slides or screen share. The key sell is the lack of post-production; you get a professional look in real-time. As a freemium product, it probably offers basic layouts for free, with more advanced templates and features behind a paywall. This is for coaches, educators, and anyone who presents regularly and wants to elevate their video presence without a complicated setup. Its success will hinge on how seamlessly it integrates and performs without hogging system resources.

Elevate your presentations with: Boom for Mac

Burner Note

Privacy concerns around digital communication aren't going away. Burner Note enters the scene with a focused proposition: send a note that self-destructs after being read. It uses end-to-end AES-256 encryption entirely in the browser, employing a zero-knowledge architecture, meaning the service itself never has access to the content of your notes. This is for sharing sensitive information like passwords, confidential details, or anything you don’t want lingering in someone’s inbox. The freemium model likely limits the number or length of notes for free users. While similar concepts exist, the browser-based, zero-knowledge approach is a strong privacy statement. It’s a handy tool for security-conscious individuals, though its utility depends on the recipient also trusting and using the platform.

Send a secure, ephemeral note via: Burner Note

Quick Links

For easy access, here are links to all the products covered from yesterday’s launches: