MacRumors' Mac Blog: Mac Apps, News and Rumors

Apple yesterday released several software updates targeting both Mac Pro and Xserve users and users of its Logic Studio professional audio application package. Mac Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.4, which weighs in at 1.96 MB and requires Mac OS X 10.5.8 or 10.6.2, addresses several issues related to Apple's Early 2009 Mac Pro models. This update addresses the following issues for Mac Pro (Early...

A new report today from The Korea Times claims that Apple is preparing to launch the fourth-generation iPhone, with sources claiming that it could debut as early as April. The assertions apparently come from an executive of KT, the exclusive iPhone carrier in South Korea, who claims that the new iPhone will launch to large Korean corporate clients in April, with release to the general public...

Apple today released a pair of updates for its Apple Remote Desktop software package, updating both its admin and client applications to version 3.3.2. This update improves the overall stability and performance of Apple Remote Desktop in addition to delivering the specific improvements listed below. Setup * Improved handling of IP address and port changes for clients accessed behind a Network...

The Mac Observer reports that it has received an image from a source showing what is claimed to be the "glass" for Apple's much-rumored tablet device, although the image actually depicts a front bezel. With no sense of scale for the image, the report relies on the source's claim that the "glass" (presumably the bezel opening for the screen) measures in at 10 inches. The bezel has a...

Apple today released Bonjour Update 2010-001 via Software Update, addressing issues with Apple TV connections. The update, which weighs in at 959 KB, has not yet appeared on Apple's Support Downloads page for manual download. This update improves the reliability of connections between iTunes and Apple TV....

Cult of Mac reports that it has received a tip from someone claiming to have contact with an Apple employee who revealed that the company's much-rumored tablet will have a "steep learning curve" when it comes to the device's interface. According to reader Tom: "I just heard [to] be ready for a steep learning curve regarding the "new" Apple product about to be released [and its] interface. This...

TUAW noted yesterday that Apple has dropped its regular U.S. educational pricing for the MacBook by $50 to $899. Special pricing apparently available through the University of Maryland's custom Apple Store reportedly even temporarily dropped pricing as low as $728 yesterday, although the offer was quickly removed. The new $899 price covers Apple's standard MacBook offering updated in October...

Citing a source who has been "amazingly accurate", Boy Genius Report issued a brief note today claiming that Apple's much-rumored tablet will be announced in January and will carry a 7-inch screen. Most rumors have pointed to a 10-inch screen for the tablet, and while the source does not rule out the possibility of such a model, they can only confirm the existence of the 7-inch model. It has been ...

Ever since the release of Apple's multi-touch Magic Mouse just a few months ago, one of the primary complaints from users has been a lack of support for Expos and other functionalities given the limited options available in System Preferences for configuring the mouse. Addressing these issues, Gizmodo today points to a new menu bar application, MagicPrefs, that greatly expands the...

CNET briefly noted late last week that Apple's iTunes U channel [iTunes Store] offering education content through the iTunes Store has surpassed 100 million downloads. According to Apple, one of the most popular areas of iTunes U has been that of the United Kingdom-based Open University (iTunes link), whose learning categories include Arts and Humanities, Business and Management, Childhood and...

Apple yesterday released several updates for Xsan, the company's enterprise-class storage area network (SAN) solution, bringing the software to Version 2.2.1. The updates target only the FileSystem portion of Xsan and include the following fixes: - Improves filesystem reliability - Improves the cvfsck filesystem repair utility - Resolves an issue that could cause QuickTime media to report...

Apple today released a pair of Snow Leopard printer driver updates, bringing additional compatibility for printers and multifunction devices from Epson and Lexmark. - Epson Printer Drivers v2.2 for Mac OS X v10.6.1 (546 MB) - Lexmark Printer Drivers v2.2 for Mac OS X v10.6 (121 MB) A full list of Snow Leopard printer drivers and compatibility is available on Apple's support...

Autodesk today announced that it is set to begin shipping Smoke 2010 for Mac OS X, a brand-new version of the company's high-end video post-production software. The release marks the first of Autodesk's pro finishing tools to be developed as a native OS X application. "The business of post-production is evolving. Post-production and broadcast facilities alike are seeking more affordable,...

French site Nowhereelse.fr has published [Google translation] what appears at first glance to be a video of a tablet computer being used to browse a touch-enabled version of an IKEA catalog. The sleek profile and iPhone-like status bar at the top of the screen have led to speculation that the device might be Apple's much-rumored tablet device. The video demonstrates a feature similar to Cover ...

Silicon Alley Insider reports that it has received an unconfirmed tip claiming that Apple is in talks to purchase Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) provider iCall. One reader just sent us a message that Apple is in talks to acquire VoIP company iCall in a $50 million to $60 million deal.As expected, iCall CEO Arlo Gilbert refused to comment on the rumors, and Apple has not offered a statement on ...

Engadget reports on a Twitter post from Eldar Murtazin, editor-in-chief of Russian mobile phone blog Mobile-Review, claiming that Apple's long-time partner Foxconn has received the manufacturing contract for the next-generation iPhone. Foxconn received order for next generation iphoneMobile-Review reportedly has a very strong track record in the mobile phone rumor community, but has rarely turned...

Robert Cringely speculates that underneath all tensions, Intel is actually looking to purchase NVIDIA. Intel had to do something the minute AMD bought ATi. Now with Larrabee gone Intel has no real choice but to buy another company to remain in contention. The only such company available is nVIDIA.Cringely admits that it's just a "conspiracy theory" but he lays out why he thinks the move might...

Apple today released four software updates, one AirPort client update targeting Snow Leopard users and three firmware updates addressing optical disk drive noise on a number of the company's computers. - AirPort Client Update 2009-002 (12.95 MB) addresses several issues experienced by users of Mac OS X Snow Leopard related to wireless networking. This update is recommended for all Macintosh...