Some OpenGL files are MIA in latest OS update for Intel Macs

AppleInsider brings news that Apple will soon release an updated version of the 10.4.7 software update for Intel machines. According to the company, certain files pertaining to OpenGL performance are missing from the 10.4.6 to 10.4.7 updater package; all other packages including combo updates shipped with the files the first time around. The revised update is not yet available on the Apple website or through Software Update, but it is safe to assume that MacOSXUpd10.4.7Intel.dmg will show up sometime later today. No word yet on whether or not users who already applied the first updater will have to re-run the installer, or if they will receive a patch with the missing files.

10.4.7 v. 2 for Intel - The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)

technorati tags:Macintosh, Apple, OSX

New IM Client from Yahoo

Yahoo! Messenger releases Mac IM 3.0

The Yahoo! IM team just released the 3.0 version of Yahoo! IM for Mac. Yahoo! Messenger for Mac was last updated in September, 2003. Its feature set is interesting, but it appears to lack two of the PC version’s most compelling qualities: VOIP and the growing library of plugins built on the recently released software development kit. It’s hard for me to imagine using any single IM client on my Mac when I can use Adium and connect with all major IM systems at once.

Here’s what it does have:

• A new interface built in Cocoa, very OS X looking.
• Avatars and animated emoticons, which I’m sure will appeal to a wide audience.
• Webcam support, compatible across PCs and Macs - though I personally IM when I don’t want to communicate intimately.
• Custom stealth settings, eg. everybody but my ex-girlfriend can see that I’m available if I don’t want to talk to her.
• Visual notifications using the Growl system.
• IM alerts for Yahoo! Calendar, Mail and Personals. Good idea on their part, but IM alerts for any RSS feed would be even better.

Coming soon: chat with Windows Live (MSN) users. It will be a beautiful day if even the smallest amount of forward progress towards IM compatibility appears.

I’ll be very curious to see if the VOIP and plug-ins available to PC users are included in the future features the company promises.

Yahoo! Messenger

Tags: TechCrunch, Web2.0, Yahoo!, Yahoo!Messenger, Mac,

iTunes/Coke Promotion Coming Soon

Abandoning Pepsi, Apple has extended the olive branch to Coca-Cola. According to Digital Bulletin, Coke and Apple are currently wrapping up the details on a "...substantial iTunes promotion." Word has it the deal will put Coke-generated content into the iTunes Music Store (much like the gig with Nike).

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW):

Avid Xpress Pro 5.5, Avid Mojo SDI now shipping

I know most of us are big Final Cut Pro users and fans, but this is a significant update to a world-wide standard piece of software. Avid's "Open Timeline" is a huge feature and the implementation of multicam is really quite nice. Avid also leverages a greater support for Core Video technology than is currently present in Final Cut. -TG

June 28, 2006 - 10:26 EDT Avid Technology today announced the worldwide availability of version 5.5 of its Avid Xpress Pro software as well as the newest member in Avid's line of Digital Nonlinear Accelerator products, Avid Mojo SDI. Avid Xpress Pro 5.5 delivers HD capabilities for both Mac and Windows-based systems. Avid Mojo SDI, which works with Avid Xpress Pro and Media Composer software, provides high-quality, advanced analog and digital SDI (Serial Digital Interface) I/O connections for professional video and audio projects. Avid Xpress Pro 5.5 is priced at US$1,695 and Avid Mojo SDI is priced at $2,495. Existing Avid Xpress Pro v4 or v5 customers can upgrade to Avid Xpress Pro v5.5 for $49.95

Avid Xpress Pro 5.5, Avid Mojo SDI now shipping | MacMinute News:

Mariner Software Updates Entire Product Line

Minneapolis, MN - June 28, 2006 - Mariner Software, developers and
publishers of professional and personal software for the writing and
creativity markets, today announced the simultaneous update of each
of their five products, making the entire product line Universal Binary
supported.

The latest versions introduce several bug fixes and some enhancement
additions for each of the products. Updates and trial copies of Mariner
Write, Mariner Calc, MacJournal, Desktop Poet, and the latest public
beta release of the upcoming screenwriting package for the Mac OS X,
Montage, can be found on the Mariner downloads page:

Mariner Software:

Technorati Tags: Macintosh

BeLight Software releases Swift Publisher 1.3

June 28, 2006 - 09:21 EDT BeLight Software today announced the release of Swift Publisher 1.3, an update to its popular page layout application for designing and printing flyers, newsletters, brochures, and more. Version 1.3 delivers 20 new designs, improves picture import from iPhoto and Finder, adds Spotlight support and more. Swift Publisher is priced at US$39.95 for the CD edition ($34.95 for download), and requires Mac OS X 10.3 or later.
BeLight Software releases Swift Publisher 1.3 | MacMinute News:

Adobe updates Flash Player, Flex tool

Flash Player 9 for Windows and Macintosh, available as a free download, has been rewritten to improve the performance and "expressiveness," or interactivity, of Flash applications, said Sydney Sloan, group product marketing manager of Adobe's enterprise and developer business.

Sloan said Adobe will release a Linux version of Flash Player 9 but didn't specify a date.

In tandem with the Flash Player 9 release, Adobe is making its Flex 2 product line available, including a free, entry-level Flex 2 Software Development Kit meant to encourage development of more Flash applications.

Adobe updates Flash Player, Flex tool | CNET News.com:

Technorati Tags: Macintosh, Flash, Video

Apple Mac OS X Update 10.4.7 Combo PPC

This looks like an important update. I've installed in on one machine so far without problems. Please note there are two different versions of this update: one for PowerPC and one for Intel-based processors so choose correctly. Of course, you could (and should) use the built-in Software Update feature on your Mac and let it do it's thing!

Technorati Tags: Macintosh

Apple - Support - eMac Repair Extension Program

The eMac Repair Extension Program for Video and Power Issues applies to eMac computers that exhibit a certain video or power-related issue as a result of a specific component failure. These computers were sold between approximately April 2004 and June 2005. If your eMac is exhibiting any of the symptoms listed below and your computer's serial number is within the noted ranges, your computer may be eligible for repair, free of charge. If Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) determines that your eMac computer is eligible as part of the program, the repair will be covered by Apple for up to three years from the original date of purchase even if your eMac is out of warranty. This is a worldwide Apple program.

Apple - Support - eMac Repair Extension Program for Video and Power Issues:

Apple technology brings World Cup updates to millions

Chances are if you’re watching highlights from the FIFA World Cup matches on television, you are seeing Apple technology hard at work. Highlights from the world’s most popular sport are being prepared using multiple Apple products and technologies.

Macworld: News: Apple technology brings World Cup updates to millions:

MacFamilyTree Releases Version 4

MacFamilyTree offers all you would expect from an advanced genealogy application. MacFamilyTree will not only have you creating a crisp and clean overview of all your relations in a swift and stylish manner, but impressive graphics will make you want to put your pedigree on display even more. Extensive printing selections are also offered, as well as the option to publish your family tree on the Internet or burn it directly on CD. MacFamilyTree is entirely based on the Gedcom Standard for the international exchange of genealogical data. All program features make full use of the state-of-the-art graphic capabilities of Mac OS X.

MacFamilyTree:

PowerBook and MacBook Cases

As most of you know I'm a huge fan of Brenthaven cases for all things Macintosh. To date I've owned two of these fabulous bags and have traveled with them world-wide on planes, trains, ships and automobiles (no reference to the movie!) In all ways they are fantastic cases. So what's the deal with this post?



I've been following another maker of Macintosh computer bags for quite some time and wanted to make certain you knew about them, too. They're called Booq and make, appropriately, Booq Bags. Please visit their website and see what you think.

Technorati Tags: MacBook, Macintosh, PowerBook

Using A Macintosh in Law School

Are you considering Law School and/or just curious to know how the Macintosh is used in Law School? Then read on! -TG



Sure! Many students consider their use of Macs to be a secret weapon in the battle to survive law school. Whether you're a Windows user considering making the switch, or a Mac user wondering if Macs and law school are compatible, welcome to MLS!
Using A Macintosh in Law School:

Technorati Tags: Law School, Macintosh

iPod "Sweatshops"

While Apple continues its own investigation into accusations from The Mail that the iPod is made in Chinese sweatshops, the company accused of operating said sweatshops has denounced the charges, according to DigiTimes.

The British newspaper, The Mail on Sunday, last week claimed that iPods were being made in Chinese factories by employees working in "slave" conditions. The paper alleged that one factory at Longhua -- a town just outside the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen -- employed 200,000 workers, each of whom had to work 15 hours a day for a monthly pay of US$50. The paper said the workers lived in rooms which housed 100 people each.

However, Ding pointed out that Foxconn has a workforce of only about 160,000 employees worldwide, excluding ones with its handset-making arm Foxconn International Holdings (FIH).

The Cult of Mac Blog:

Advice to Students: Pack a Mac

From Business Week (with a HT to Matt) -TG

In a few months, nearly 3 million freshmen will head off to college. Included in the gear most of them lug along will be a computer, often brand new. This year I have some advice for the college-bound: Unless you have a compelling reason not to go with a Mac, an Apple laptop or desktop offers the best combination of features, ease of use, and value.
Read more: Advice to Students: Pack a Mac

Google Maps Plugin 2.5 for Address Book goes Universal Binary

The Google Maps Plugin for Address Book has updated to version 2.5, adding Universal Binary super-powers and a slick new feature: Google Earth support (which is handy, since Google Earth just went Universal, too). Also in this new version is a true-blue Apple installer package (no more digging around in Library folders), support for Europe and new localized Google Maps domains, and user can now choose their preferred default country in the Google Maps Preferences. The plugin is available here.

Google Maps Plugin 2.5 for Address Book goes Universal Binary, gets Google Earth integration - The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW):

In Case You Didn't Already Know

BBC NEWS | Business | Gates to end daily Microsoft role:

Bill Gates has announced he will end his day-to-day role as head of software giant Microsoft by July 2008.
Mr Gates said the move would allow him to spend more time on health and education work at his charity, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

"This is a hard decision," said Mr Gates, adding that he was not retiring but "reordering [his] priorities."

You can read another story here. -TG

iPod Rumor

Quoted from Engadget -TG

What can we say -- iPod rumors are a hot commodity, and we find it quite tantalizing when the Chairman of Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. -- one of the largest electronics manufacturers in the world and an Apple contractor on iPod manufacturing -- starts talking about Apple's next player. According to a Bloomberg report, Chairman Terry Gou said, "Apple is about to unveil the next generation of iPod, the best-selling music player in the U.S., using a 'none-touch' concept." Ok, well, how much of that is paraphrased and lost in translation is yet to be seen, but before we take that "none-touch" concept business away and start dissecting it (obviously we're totally hoping it's a brain-interface that doesn't require touching the precious, easily-scratched surface), we'd like to at least hone in on that bit about Apple getting ready to unveil the next iPod shortly. Enjoy, fanboys and haters....

Read more...

Apple Updates BlueTooth Firmware

About This Update

The Bluetooth Firmware Update 1.2.1 improves Bluetooth performance and reliability issues.

When the update package is downloaded, the Bluetooth Firmware Updater application will be launched. Follow the on screen directions to update your Bluetooth Firmware.

Please note that if you were successful in installing Bluetooth Firmware Update version 1.2. This update is not needed.

Technorati Tags: Macintosh, Apple

Review: 13-Inch MacBook by David Nagel

Summary: Starting $900 less than the base MacBook Pro, the 13-inch MacBook from Apple is a budget-priced laptop that offers screaming-fast performance and features that you won't find on any laptop from any manufacturer for anywhere near the price. We take a look here at the $1,299 model, which sports nothing less than a dual-core 2.0 GHz Intel Core Duo chip, built-in video camera, optical audio I/O, DVI-out and a number of other goodies--not to mention its ability to run both Mac OS X and Windows fully natively. If you don't need the high-end graphics of the MacBook Pro, the 13-inch MacBook will be your dream notebook.
Manufacturer: Apple
Platform: Mac OS X and WIndows
Price: $1,299 base price for 2.0 GHz (white) MacBook
Users: Consumer laptop users, creative professionals, graphic designers, audio professionals
Recommendation: Strong Buy

Review: 13-Inch MacBook:

Technorati Tags: Macintosh, MacBook

Microsoft Office 2004 Update

This update fixes vulnerabilities in Office 2004 for Mac that an attacker can use to overwrite the contents of your computer's memory with malicious code. This update also fixes issues in Microsoft PowerPoint 2004 and Entourage 2004, and it includes all of the improvements released in all previous Office 2004 updates.

Microsoft AutoUpdate: Learn More:

Put a "Face" on your iTunes Library

Browsing through your music collection, while now much more efficient thanks to iTunes, has nevertheless lost a lot of its fun. Luckily, we've narrowed it down to a critical event in the history of music: the loss of album art in digital music collections. And we didn't stop there. We're proud to introduce our solution to this problem.

Art Collectorprovides the ultimate, streamlined interface for users to find and apply album art to their music library, making the solution to the problem as simple as selecting your nude albums, and dropping in your preferred art from the selection Art Collector will automatically provide, courtesy of Amazon. And if you want to take a closer look at the art, a simple double click will open the image in Apple's Preview at full size.

Cool GPS Software for OS X!

GPSy X® is a sophisticated Macintosh GPS communications and GIS mapping program.

GPSy connects your Macintosh to a broad range of Global Positioning System (GPS) navigational units and has advanced mapping, logging, and data transfer features. GPSy X has extensive support for USGS DRG topo maps, Internet DGPS-IP servers, GPSyLinks to Internet Map Servers as well as user-scanned maps, Magellan and Lowrance/Eagle data transfer protocols, Sony IPS protocol, Rockwell Zodiac/Tripmate binary protocol support, Trimble TSIP support, Bluetooth support and much more.

Michael Bartosh Dies at 28

Sunday, June 11 2006 @ 08:42 pm CDT
Contributed by:macshome

It is with the heaviest of hearts that I write these words, but this weekend we lost Michael Bartosh to a tragic accident in Tokyo, Japan at the far too young age of 28.

Early on Sunday morning Michael fell to his death from a friend’s balcony. Police have ruled the death an accident.

To many people Michael was a source of endless information that he provided about Mac OS X Server. He was an author, a trainer, a consultant, and, to many, a good friend. All of us here at AFP548.com are still in a state of shock over the loss. We are sure that many in the community feel the same way.

He is survived by his wife, Amber. Please keep his family in your thoughts during these difficult times. We know he will never be far from ours.

Apple Updates Website

Apple has revamped the Professional area of its website. You can check it out here. Additionally, Apple has added a new section geared toward business and business users. Check it out here.

Technorati Tags:
Apple, Macintosh

Boot Camp Tutorial Update

I posted this back in April, but according to Matt the material has been updated and improved. Happy reading! -TG

macTV Show #128 - Installing XP on a Mac (via Boot Camp)Published April 20th, 2006 in macTV Episodes. This is an awesome and 100% necessary video for those of you who are lucky enough to own a new Intel Mac. UneasySilence.com has created this video tutorial that shows you how to install Windows XP *sigh* on your Mac. A video tutorial that won't send you to sleep! (Finally!) :) Enjoy! [58.7mb] [Running Time: 08:06]

macTV Show #128 - Installing XP on a Mac (via Boot Camp) at macTV Videocast

technorati tags: Bootcamp, Macintosh

'CSI' & 'Survivor' Fans Rejoice!

June 8, 2006 - 08:36 EDT CBS and Apple today announced that prime time programming from the network is now available on the iTunes Music Store. The CBS Television Network programming available for purchase and download includes the Emmy Award-winning reality series "Survivor," the popular dramas "NUMB3RS" and "NCIS" and top-rated CSI programs: "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "CSI: Miami," and "CSI: NY." iTunes now offers over 100 TV shows for US$1.99 per episode for viewing on a computer or iPod, and is the world's most popular online video store with over 30 million videos sold.

'CSI' & 'Survivor' now available on iTunes | MacMinute News:

Peachpit books now available in new graphically rich format

June 8, 2006 - 18:31 EDT Peachpit today announced that more than 25 of its most popular books are now available in a new graphically rich format in its online reference library. Peachpit’s computer users can now access electronic versions of their favorite titles with the original printed page design retained to look exactly like the printed versions -- from The Zen of CSS Design by Dave Shea and Molly E. Holzschlag to The Photoshop Channels Book by top-selling computer book author Scott Kelby.

Peachpit books now available in new graphically rich format | MacMinute News:

Technorati Tags: eBook, Macintosh

Final Cut Express HD Upgrade

As a Final Cut Pro user I haven't really given Final Cut Express much thought. With this upgrade, however, Apple has truly give "power to the masses." For more details on this significant upgrade, please click the link at the end of the abstract. -TG

Final Cut Express HD Upgrade

Discover the advanced moviemaking power of Final Cut Express HD. Capture and edit DV or HDV video, add dynamic titles and graphics using LiveType 2, then score your movie using Soundtrack 1.5.

Now available as a Universal application, this version runs natively on both Intel- and PowerPC-based Macs. New features include full keyframe control over effects and motion parameters, dynamic real-time effects, and new versions of LiveType and Soundtrack.

The Apple Store (U.S.) - Final Cut Express HD Upgrade:

Technorati Tags: Macintosh, puppy, Video

When Will Apple's Harvest Start?

I've often wondered about the so-called "Halo" effect between iPod sales and Macintosh sales. According to Forbes there is no such thing. While I don't like posting negative news, the statistics speak for themselves. I think it is up to the Macintosh community to continue evangelizing the Macintosh and not be so dependent on external factors, even if they come from Apple. -TG

Apple Computer rolled out yet another version of its iPod Tuesday: a black, stainless-steel number engraved with the signatures of Bono, the Edge and the rest of their U2 bandmates. This second-generation U2 iPod is likely to move a few more units of the iconic music player for Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs, who has sold more than 50 million iPods since October 2001

You may read the rest of the article here.

HVC Releases Color Composer for InDesign Google Reader

Master Colors has released HVC Color Composer for Adobe InDesign. It's a plug-in that
enhances InDesign by adding a color picker for choosing colors based on hue, value and chroma.

With it you can automatically build complementary color palettes. Choosing colors is fairly straightforward. Clicking the Hue button shows all... [ read more ]

Microsoft Entering the "Live World"

Obviously this isn't strictly Macintosh related, but I am always interested in new directions and goals at Microsoft. If you listen carefully you'll hear Bill mention Macintosh connectivity among other things. Tell me Google isn't changing (taking over?) the world... -TG

SAN FRANCISCO--Kicking off what he called the "live era" of software, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates said on Tuesday that the company plans to launch new Internet-based complements to its core products.

Gates said Microsoft is working on two products, "Windows Live" and "Office Live," that create opportunities for the company to sell online subscriptions and advertising. Both are targeted at smaller businesses and consumers.

The products won't replace the company's ubiquitous operating system or productivity suite, and people don't need to have that software loaded to tap into the Web versions. "They are not required to use Windows or Office," Gates said at a press event here.

Watch the Video Gates: We're entering 'live era' of software | CNET News.com

BeLight Software launches Disc Artwork contest

June 6, 2006 - 10:32 EDT BeLight Software today announced its Disc Artwork contest. Participants are welcome to send their CD cover designs from June 6th till June 12th, 2006. The two best designs will receive an Epson Stylus R220 Photo Printer each. All other participants will receive 15% discount on Disc Cover software for Mac. Entries must be done with Disc Cover, the company's tool for creating CDs and DVDs. A demo version is available.

Original article here

Technorati Tags: Macintosh

Apple Store shoppers rescued from glass elevator

By Prince McLean
Published: 12:00 PM EST
The New York City Police Department on Thursday was called to the site of Apple's flamboyant new retail shop to rescue a group of students that had become stuck inside store's glass-encapsulated elevator system.

The six students were visiting Manhattan as part of a school trip, one wrote in a blog posting about the incident. She said all but herself wound up stuck inside the captivating gizmo for about 45 minutes while the police were called to the scene.

Read more: AppleInsider | Apple Store shoppers rescued from glass elevator:

Firefox 1.5.0.4 released

Firefox 1.5.0.4 released - The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW):

Posted Jun 2nd 2006 2:00PM by David Chartier

I swear, if developers keep adding decimals to their versioning systems, I might just have to start a petition or something. Firefox 1.5.0.4.3.2.1.12 is available with "improvements to product stability" and several security enhancements. I believe it should be available via Firefox 1.5's built-in updating system, or simply from Mozilla's Firefox page.


[note: extra '.3.2.1.12' added for humor. Not intended as a real software versioning system - yet]