MacRumors' Mac Blog: Mac Apps, News and Rumors

Computerworld reports on an analyst Ezra Gottheil of Technology Business Research Inc. who believes that Apple could introduce two new netbook models at Macworld San Francisco. While an intriguing possibility, Gottheil admits this is not based on any inside information: "I...

In addition to OS X 10.5.6, Apple also released a couple of other updates today. Security Update 2008-008 brings to Tiger users a number of security enhancements that were delivered to Leopard users in 10.5.6. Full details on the security content of these updates can be found on Apple's support page. - Security Update 2008-008 (Client PPC) (71.6 MB) - Security Update 2008-008 (Client...

A SongFacts interview with The Asteroids Galaxy Tour who had their song Around The Bend featured in a recent iPod Touch ad. In asking how they were chosen, the band revealed that Steve Jobs personally made the decision. The article has since been edited but AppleInsider has the original...

Microsoft today released updates for both Office 2008 (12.1.5) and Office 2004 (11.5.3). The updates provide a number of security, stability, and performance-related fixes. Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac 12.1.5 Update weighs in at 103.6 MB and addresses security vulnerabilities and increases stability and reliability throughout the suite of Office applications. The update also provides specific ...

Macenstein notes that Apple was the subject of a segment on a The Simpsons episode last night: ...

RussianiPhone.ru claims that they have seen iPhone 2.2.1 Beta 1 and that it implements Push notifications as well as over-the-air MobileMe syncing with Notes support. As proof they've posted a screenshot showing the Notes and Calendar applications with a update badges displayed (though this is relatively easy to fake). MacRumors can't verify these claims at this time. Apple has not yet...

With early hints at only modest sales at Apple stores, it comes as a surprise that Best Buy's Mac sale appears to be over. The retailer's site no longer shows the $100-$150 discounts on new Macs. At this time MacMall sales (chart) remain in effect. Official U.S. Apple Black Friday sales should be published later tonight but it appears that modest ($100) discounts will only extend to the...

Only a week after the Safari 3.2 update, Apple has posted version 3.2.1 in Mac OS X's Software Update. Apple does not detail the changes but describes this update containing "stability improvements" and that it is recommended for all Safari users. The 3.2 update added protection from fraudulent phishing websites and better identification of online...

Apple today released Pro Apps Update 2008-004 for users of Final Cut and Logic application packages. The update includes Final Cut Pro 6.0.5, Compressor 3.0.5, Color 1.0.3, and Shake 4.1.1. While Apple's download page simply mentions that the update "addresses general performance issues and improves overall stability," further details on the changes included in these updates can be found in...

It seems there was some interest in the previous post about discounts on the original 1.6GHz MacBook Air ($1149.99). Our affiliate partner MacMall has since notified us that they are now offering the original 1.8GHz MacBook Air with 64GB SSD drive for $1749.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate. The original...

Apple has issued a QuickTime H.264 Compatibility Update today which "improves QuickTime compatibility with iChat." The 3.3MB download is available via Mac OS X's Software...

Stuff.tv reports a questionable rumor from a tipster they claim had "given us the goods on the PAYG iPhone before everyone else." The claim is that Apple will be introducing an iPod "Stick" potentially at Macworld with the following features: "WiFi, Multitouch flex display and, er, a 7MP camera." We're not quite sure what a "flex display" exactly is (aside from the obvious) and why you'd...

Our affiliate partner MacMall notified us that they are now offering the original 1.6GHz MacBook Air with 80GB hard drive for $1149.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate. This represents a significant drop in price for the 1st generation MacBook Air. The 1.6GHz model originally retailed for $1799 but has since been replaced by the NVIDIA-based MacBook Air that was introduced in October. Specs for...

TechCrunch suggests and then dismisses the possibility that Apple may be building a search engine. According to the site, they had heard some reports that Apple might be working on a search engine, but thus far the evidence does not seem to pan out: But one important fact that isnt checking out - if Apple were...

MacBlogz claims to have heard details of the iPhone tethering plan that AT&T is planning to offer. Not surprisingly, the details are nearly identical to the current tethering plans available for other smartphones from AT&T. - 5GB Data Cap (just like Blackberry users) - AT&T will automatically turn off your tethering connection if you use too much bandwidth. Of note, the 5GB cap might get...

Amidst rumors of doom and gloom for the tech market, analyst Trip Chowdhry claims that Apple will start selling iPhones at Costco for $149 starting in January. The tone of the rest of the report indicates that the tech market is scaling back considerably due to the global economic...

Many users have contacted us about the status of Apple's in-ear headphones. Apple announced the accessory at the September Let's Rock event with an expected availability date of "October." Today, Apple's site still lists the accessory as "Coming Soon." Readers have reported Apple privately promising various shipping dates, though Apple has yet to publicly comment on the...

Apple today released iLife Support 8.3.1, a security update for iLife '08 users on OS X 10.4 Tiger. iLife Support provides system software components shared by all iLife '08 applications. This update improves overall stability and addresses a number of other minor issues. It is recommended for all users for iLife '08.According to the accompanying support article, the update addresses security...