Apple released several updates Tuesday with solutions to noise problems with MacBook, MacBook Pro, and SuperDrive optical drives and solutions for AirPort client software.

Both the MacBook and MacBook Pro EFI firmware update allows users to use the SuperDrive firmware update to make the noise of the optical disk during startup and waking from sleep.

Products affected include:
iMac (20-inch, Mid 2009), MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009), MacBook (13-inch, Early 2009), MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2009), MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008), MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008), iMac (24-inch, Early 2009), iMac (20-inch, Early 2009), Mac mini (Early 2009)

The AirPort Client Update is recommended for all Macintosh computers running Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.2. The update contains fixes for the following:

• Inability to AirPort on or off in some cases after an upgrade from Mac OS X Leopard


• Occasional loss of network connection using Wake-on-Demand


• Inability to a computer-to-computer network, or parts of the internet in some MacBook, MacBook Pro and Mac mini computers

All updates can be applied through Software Update or Apple's support page.
[via Apple Insider]

Apple this week released Java updates for Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard. It is the first Java update for Snow Leopard, and the sixth for Leopard.

The update is said to deliver improved reliability, security and compatibility for Java SE 6 (10.6) and J2SE 5.0 (10.5). It updates Java SE 6 to version 1.6.0_17 and J2SE 5.0 to 1.5.0_22. J2SE 1.4.2 is no longer being updated to correct errors or security problems, and is disabled by default in the update for Leopard users.

Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 1 is a 78MB download available from Apple, or via Software Update. It requires Mac OS X 10.6.2 or later. Java for Mac OS X 10.6 is 122MB download requires Mac OS X 10.5.8 or
[via Apple Insider]

Originally scheduled to open this Saturday, Apple has postponed the inauguration of its new store in> Frankfurt, Germany at the last minute. Apple so far has shown, when the store finally opened, although according to Gary Allenin in January 2010.

hree-story place was built in the current building, but was heavily rebuilt to meet Apple's requirements for a standard architecture for its retail outlets. Apple has updated official website for the store to say it will open "soon."

It was said that the design issues are likely to lead to last-minute delays. Apple said that "it's entry to complete the last touches."

[via Apple Insider]

Apple released a new driver update to Boot Camp Thursday. The update, which weigh at 23.87 MB, solves problems with the trackpad and digital audio port. It also adds support for the magical mouse and wireless keyboard

Boot Camp 2.1 must be installed before running the update, and Windows Vista Service Pack 2 must be installed on machines running it before installing the update.

Boot Camp was a feature only available with OS X Leopard, which provides users with Intel-based Macs to install a copy of Windows on a separate partition
[via Apple Insider]

A new Windows-only version of QuickTime is Apple this week issued. Version 7.6.5 is a 30.99MB file available for download. It requires Windows XP SP2 or later, Windows Vista or Windows 7.

The update addresses some minor issues: It solves a problem where applications were not reliable libraries loaded by QuickTime is required at startup, and patches a bug where films embedded in a Web page does not display properly using custom scale attributes.

QuickTime 6 Pro users should know that installing QuickTime 7 or later disable the"pro"functionality in previous versions. Those upgrading from version 6 will have to purchase a QuickTime 7 Pro registration code

[via Apple Insider]

On this week Apple have released Waveburner 1.6.1, this professional application coming with Logic Studio for assembling, mastering and burning audio CDs. You can download from Apple and size is 88MB (requires Mac OSX 10.5.7 or later).

The update has a number of stability issues and provides fixes. With this the new version, mastering notes are properly saved to disk and Waveform display in the Mix Lane renders more consistently. The update is recommended for all Waveburner 1.6 users. Other fixes, according to Apple, include:

• More stability. WaveBurner no longer quits unexpectedly if Auto Render is running when a disc is burned.
  
  
• Changes to settings in AudioUnit plug-ins are now reliably maintained.
  
  
• It is now possible to enter a 12-digit UPC/EAN code.
  
  
• WaveBurner no longer sometimes quits unexpectedly if "Revert to saved" is used while a project is rendering.
  
  
• Changes to automation curves edited during playback are now immediately audible.
  
  
• The checkbox for the option to Save Rendering Data in the WaveBurner preferences is now accessible.
  
  
• WaveBurner now reliably adapts the GUI accurately for AudioUnit plug-ins that support resizing.
  
  
• Automation now reliably remains in sync with audio when projects are bounced or burned.
  
  
• Exported DDP images now include the UPC/EAN code.

[via Apple Insider]

Apple this week released updates for its Pro line of Final Cut Studio Applications, as well as a new version of Server Diagnostics.

Weighing in at 243.23MB, Pro Applications Update 2009-01 is a revision to the 2009 release of Final Cut Studio. It includes Final Cut Pro 7.0.1, Motion 4.0.1, Soundtrack Pro 3.0.1, Color 1.5.1, and Compressor 3.5.1. Apple said the update addresses general compatibility issues, improves stability, and addresses a number of minor issues. It requires Mac OS X 10.5.8 and QuickTime 7.6.2 or later, and can be downloaded direct from Apple.

Apple Server Diagnostics 3X106 tests Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard Server for hardware issues. It is compatible with Apple's latest server operating system on the early 2009 and early 2008 Xserve machines, as well as the early 2009 Mac mini. The 20.20MB application is a replacement for Apple Server Diagnostics 3X104 and can be downloaded from Apple.

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Among all of the new hardware debuts Tuesday, Apple also quietly updated its wireless keyboard with a more energy-efficient model. The latest iteration of the Bluetooth Apple Wireless Keyboard requires two AA batteries, down one from the previous model.

"And its intelligent power management system conserves battery life," Apple said. "So when you

Parallels confirmed Friday that a new version of their virtualization software for Mac OS X is in the works. Specific details on Parallels Desktop for Mac 5.0 are said to be forthcoming.

"Our relentless drive to delight customers fuels our ongoing effort to deliver innovative solutions to our customers, as can be seen in our award winning Parallels Desktop 4.0 for Mac and our more recently delivered Parallels Desktop Switch to Mac Edition," said Stefan Prestele, senior director of Consumer Marketing for Parallels. "We haven

This week Apple released an update for Intel-based systems running Mac OS X versions 10.5 (Leopard) and 10.6 (Snow Leopard). Performance Update 1.0 is available direct from Apple for Snow Leopard and Leopard. It can also be downloaded via Software Update.

According to Apple's support page, the update "addresses intermittent hard drive related pauses reported by a small number of customers." It requires Mac OS X 10.6.1 or Mac OS X 10.5.8.

The products affected include: MacBook Air (Mid 2009), MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2009), MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2009), MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009), MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53GHz, Mid 2009), iMac (20-inch, Mid 2009), MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009), MacBook (13-inch, Early 2009), MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2009), MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008), MacBook Air (Late 2008), MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008), iMac (24-inch, Early 2009), iMac (20-inch, Early 2009), Mac mini (Early 2009)

( Read more )