The update for the Mac version introduced a number of bug fixes and performance improvements, including:
Improved video hardware detection and default settings, especially with Intel video. Vertex Animation Shaders have been disabled for systems with Intel video. Improved iTunes key-binding feature for smoothness and track name display. Fixed a bug where Tutorial Tips would not be marked as viewed correctly on PowerPC Macs. Fixed a rare crash bug in the audio code. Improved support for Weather Shaders. Added support for changing the mouse sensitivity in WoW. Previously, the Mac version ignored the value from the slider in the Interface Options dialog.
Most notable, however, is support for Multithreaded OpenGL for Intel Macs running OS X 10.4.8 or higher. According to the patch notes, depending on hardware, scene and settings, this can raise World of Warcraft framerates "up to a factor of 2X".
We first reported on Multithreaded OpenGL in August, after it was discussed privately at the Worldwide Developers Conference. Multithreaded OpenGL allows 3d games to take full advantage of multi-core and multi-processor Macs which have become so common. Doubling of framerates had been described with the early demos, and it appears that Multithreaded OpenGL was quietly released as part of the Mac OS X 10.4.8 update released in September.
Users should be aware that games need to be rewritten to specifically support Multithreaded OpenGL to see the benefits. Once rewritten, any Intel Mac with a Core Duo, Core 2 Duo or Xeon processor would see benefits. It does not appear that multi-processor PowerPC Macs are supported at this time, but this support is expected with Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard)
Wednesday November 13, 2024 2:09 am PST by Tim Hardwick
Apple is set to release iOS 18.2 next month, bringing the second round of Apple Intelligence features to iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 models. This update brings several major advancements to Apple's AI integration, including completely new image generation tools and a range of Visual Intelligence-based enhancements. There are a handful of new non-AI related feature controls incoming as well....
Sunday November 17, 2024 5:18 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple released the AirTag in April 2021, so it is now three over and a half years old. While the AirTag has not received any hardware updates since then, a new version of the item tracking accessory is rumored to be in development.
Below, we recap rumors about a second-generation AirTag.
Timing
Apple is aiming to release a new AirTag in mid-2025, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman....
Thursday November 14, 2024 4:19 pm PST by Juli Clover
The M4 MacBook Pro models feature quantum dot display technology, according to display analyst Ross Young. Apple used a quantum dot film instead of a red KSF phosphor film, a change that provides more vibrant, accurate color results.
Young says that Apple has opted for KSF for prior MacBook Pro models because it doesn't use toxic element cadmium (typical for quantum dot) and is more...
Saturday November 16, 2024 9:45 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Earlier this month, we reported about some iPhone users temporarily losing all of their notes in the Notes app after accepting Apple's updated iCloud terms and conditions. Apple has now indirectly acknowledged this issue in a new support document that outlines steps to follow if your iCloud notes are not appearing on your iPhone, iPad, or Vision Pro.
Fortunately, the notes can be re-synced...
Friday November 15, 2024 8:09 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple today added a few older iPhone and Apple Watch models to the vintage and obsolete products list on its website.
Apple has now classified the iPhone 6s Plus and iPhone XS Max as "vintage" worldwide. Apple considers a device to be "vintage" once five years have passed since the company stopped distributing it for sale. Apple and Apple Authorized Service Providers sometimes offer repairs...
