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Apple's next big iOS update could get a public beta test first
Worried that the next iOS update could repeat last year's glitchy rollout of iOS 8? We imagine the folks in Cupertino feel the same way, and according to a report from 9to5Mac, they plan to avoid it by adding public beta tests to the mix. Specifically, the move will mirror its early test of OS X Yosemite, with iOS 8.3 getting a preview in mid-March, and then iOS 9 over the summer. Those willing to risk some stability to help out can sign up for the AppleSeed program here although that doesn't assure inclusion -- the test will reportedly be limited to 100,000 people.
802.11ac WiFi fix coming for latest MacBook Airs
Apple's latest MacBook Airs, unveiled at WWDC in June, have received rave reviews for their performance and -- most notably -- their battery life. However, the latest generation of Apple's sleek portable is reported to be suffering from some pretty annoying WiFi issues relating to its new 802.11ac WiFi chip. However, it appears that Apple is working quickly to squash the bug. As AppleInsider notes, some owners of the latest MacBook Air models who are in Apple's AppleSeed program have received emails from the company inviting them to beta test a prerelease version of the "MacBook Air WiFi Update 1.0." Apple doesn't state what issues the update addresses; instead the company only asks for feedback on the machines WiFi capabilities after the update is installed. There are no clues pointing to when the general public may get access to the software update, but Apple's 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display also suffered from WiFi issues after it first shipped in October. By December, Apple had issued a software fix to address the problem.
Deal of the Day: Anime UMDs for $5 each at Gamestop
Your UMD collection can grow like a cancerous universe-creating monster at the prices that Gamestop is selling them at. Akira, Appleseed, Ghost in the Shell, and Ninja Scroll UMDs are all available at the low price of $5. (For the non-anime fans out there, Dawn of the Dead should fit the bill quite nicely.) Don't forget to use coupon code SAVER for free shipping.[Via CAG][Update 1: All products are sold out! You see what happens when you price UMDs the right way?]
Apple testing new Backup update
We got word from a tipster that Apple is about to seed a software update for their Backup application to select users, who are being notified by invitation-only to participate in the super-exclusive AppleSeed program. No word yet on what improvements or enhancements are being tested, but we'll let you know as soon as our mole gets back to us. We're guessing it has something to do with making Backup's .Mac features not suck so much and having it work more than 40% of the time. At least that's what we're hoping for.
