Mac OS X update adds regular check-ins with Apple servers

Well, it looks like Windows isn't the only operating system that thinks your computer needs a daily check up. According to Mac developer Daniel Jakult, the most recent update to Mac OS X not only fixes a few security holes, but adds a three times a day check-in with Apple's servers, apparently to ensure that your Dashboard Widgets are up-to-date. A useful feature to some no doubt, but an invasion of privacy to others, especially since the "feature" doesn't exactly make itself known and apparently can't be disabled. For its part, Apple has said that the tool doesn't transmit any personal information back to them, but given Microsoft's recent troubles with its over-eager connectivity, we wouldn't be surprised if Apple added an off switch in their next update.