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Mac OS X 10.6.4 now available
Mac OS X 10.6.4 just hit Software Update, people. It doesn't have much in the way of additional features, but it addresses a number of outstanding bugs and glitches -- and it includes Safari 5, in case you're late to the party. We're downloading it now, we'll let you know if we discover anything crazy -- won't you return the favor?
Safari 5 to join Steve onstage Monday for WWDC?
According to a report from French blog MacGeneration, one of the announcements on tap for Monday's WWDC 2010 keynote (which we'll be covering live, by the way) is a major update for Safari -- namely, version 5. If you believe the docs the site has obtained, there are more than a few big changes coming, including Bing now alongside Yahoo! and Google search options, a new "Safari Reader" for better / easier RSS reading (we're hoping they're taking a cue from Google on this), 25 percent faster JavaScript performance and DNS prefetching (hello, Chrome), improved HTML5 support (no big surprise there), and new developer tools which we assume will be along the lines of Firebug or Chrome's developer helpers. So we hope. The update will allegedly also add hardware acceleration for Windows PCs, an address field that auto-predicts URLs (they're calling it a "Smart Address Field"), and a handful of other minor tweaks and snips. Furthermore, there's an expected minor bump to Snow Leopard (10.6.4) which will resolve some nagging issues, though nothing really more than that. As we're sure you're aware, the next 48 hours or so are going to be filled with all sorts of nutty rumors about what's happening at Monday's keynote -- we'll try and separate the wheat from the chaff for you.
OS X grabs 8% share on Steam
Valve has released the first Steam Hardware Survey since their Steam platform released for the Mac, and OS X has gained 8% of the market share already in its various iterations. Most of the Mac users are running 10.6.3, not surprising, given that those most likely to have the latest operating system are probably also the most likely to know that a Steam client is out and ready for them to download. Of course, the Mac faction still pales in comparison to the amount of Windows gamers on the network, but for a client that came out on the 12th day of the month for the survey data, 8% ain't bad at all. Also of note: Intel processors in the survey jumped up by almost 3%, probably due to a lot of the new Mac users. And the 1280x800 primary desktop resolution also jumped as MacBook users installed and ran the new Mac Steam client. Average free hard drive space actually dropped a little bit (Mac users are busy people, after all...) and average network speed rose (...with fast Internet connections). The Steam Hardware Survey is always an interesting cross-section of what kind of PCs gamers are using, and a big injection of Macs into the numbers made for a fascinating set of data. [via Ars]
Drobo FS gains native Time Machine support, we go hands-on
Praise wasn't hard to find when Data Robotics finally caved and crafted a Drobo NAS drive last month, but ever since we've been itching to test one out and see how it actually fared. We've had our fair share of awful NAS experiences, particularly in mixed-platform environments, but we recently had the chance to sit down with a unit to test out the company's latest addition: Time Machine support. We asked the outfit why support for Apple's innate backup service was coming just after the product launch, and it really boils down to decisions based on fiscal calendars, accounting practices and other scenarios that interest you not. Fact is, though, the gratis update is being pushed out today through the Drobo Dashboard, and all Drobo FS users should be able to download the new build and start taking advantage right away. We stuffed our unit with four different sized SATA drives from different manufacturers, and just like the company promised, the Drobo FS took 'em all in as if they were equal. Hop on past the break for more of our setup experience. %Gallery-93324%
Ask Engadget: what's the best 13-inch Core i5 / i7 Wintel ultraportable for running OS X?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Dan Murphy [great name!], who needs to know which ultraportable on the market today is best equipped to roll both ways... if you know what we're sayin'. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "Real simple: what's the best Core i5 or Core i7 13-inch laptop (with discrete graphics) for running both Windows 7 and Mac OS X? I'm a video and photo guy who does marketing work for a university, and while I've been using a Dell M1330 to operate on both sides of the fence, I'm in dire need of a hardware upgrade. I'm not fussed by the Windows vs. Mac debate and use both on a daily basis, but I need as much power as possible in an ultraportable form factor in order to handle both of these operating systems (sorry, 13-inch MacBook Pro, but you aren't cutting it). Here's hoping your readers can help out!" We'd sure the master Hackintoshers out there would love to help out, and we're sure Apple will weep when realizing they'd have a sale if they would've crammed a Core i5 into their 13-inch MBP while refreshing the other guys last month. Go on, folks -- let this guy in on your secrets in comments below.
Flash Player 'Gala' brings hardware decoding support to Mac OS X
Even amidst all their fighting, it appears Apple and Adobe can manage to lay down arms and work together every once in a while: Apple just enabled low-level access to NVIDIA GeForce 9400M, 320M and GT 330M H.264 GPU hardware in Mac OS X 10.6.3, and Adobe's followed up six days later with a new preview version of Flash Player code-named "Gala" that takes advantage of it. That's good news for anyone who's ever heard their fans spin up while watching a YouTube video on a Mac (so, everyone) but we doubt it means there's any détente on larger issues between these two coming -- Apple remains committed to HTML5, while Adobe's pulled all investment from iPhone-related Flash development, and the company's relationship with Google seems to be heating up. We'll take what we can get, we suppose -- we'll hit you with some benchmarks just as soon as we get things installed.
Apple Technical Note TN2267: an opening for GPU-accelerated Flash?
There couldn't possibly be any less fanfare from Apple on this, but the company's recently released Technical Note TN2267 for OS X 10.6.3 might just be the GPU-sized opening that Adobe and, consequently, Flash users have been waiting for. Here's the key bit: The Video Decode Acceleration framework is a C programming interface providing low-level access to the H.264 decoding capabilities of compatible GPUs such as the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M, GeForce 320M or GeForce GT 330M. It is intended for use by advanced developers who specifically need hardware accelerated decode of video frames. Now, we're not exactly "advanced developers," but it seems pretty clear that this is designed to give developers access to some inner workings of OS X that have previously been restricted to Apple itself -- access that has been evident in Flash tests that show it performs much better in instances where it can access a computer's GPU. No word from Adobe on this just yet, but we've got to guess they've already taken notice.
Hackintosh-friendly Dell Mini 10v discontinued
The Dell Mini 10v, choice of netbook hackintosh owners everywhere, has apparently been discontinued as of a week ago. I discovered that today when I couldn't find any on Dell's site, and confirmed it with a live chat with a support representative who told me it was discontinued last week. A message was left for Dell's Media Relations team but was not immediately returned. Dell's naming system is confusing, so it would be easy to see the "Mini 10" and think that it is available, but the "10v" has a chipset that works with Mac OS X; the regular Mini 10 does not. Coincidentally, last night I setup my first Dell Mini 10v running Mac OS X. I had my Snow Leopard DVD, the free Netbook Installer application, the instructions from Gizmodo, and an 8GB USB thumb drive; setting this up could not have been any easier. The results are pretty cool, if you are willing to accept the obvious tradeoffs inherent in a netbook. Today I even ran Software Update, and have the beast running 10.6.3 without a hitch. As of this writing, there are still a few refurbished models available at Dell's outlet. Although the Mini 10v has been a hackintosher's dream machine, I have no doubt that other computers will come along which prove equally as hackintoshable (I realize that these are made-up words). Update: A Dell spokesperson tells TUAW that the product was naturally end-of-lifed. Intel launched its Pine Trail Atom processor last year; Dell will be refreshing the mini line with that updated processor. The spokesperson could not clarify the degree to which updated units would be Hackintoshable.
WoW Moviewatch: Emerald Dream
Emerald Dream is a big collaboration move created about a half dozen machinima personalities. The lyrics were written by Gigi, who obviously also did a large number of the vocals. But you can also hear Sharm and Princess Superstar performing in this piece. Other collaborators include Bloodvein Movies, WoPairs, Teagen and Kam. The video is in part intended to bring some attention to snowleopard.org, so take a moment and go check out that site after you've seen the video. Emerald Dream is a pretty interesting music video, and I think it definitely grows the "belf rap" genre by leaps and bounds. The music is refreshingly original, although I'm sure as soon as I say that someone will point out that I don't recognize the original version. Even if that's the case, the lyrics and beat were both intriguing. I felt like the overall narrative was much stronger than most music videos, and it definitely raises the bar for these performers. The video was obviously beautiful. I think if we were to ever see the Emerald Dream archetypified in the game, this must be how it will look. My hat's off to the machinimators who created this video. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an e-mail at machinima AT wow DOT com.
Apple updates Snow Leopard to 10.6.3, loads of minor quirks get patched
Nearly five months after OS X 10.6.2 hit the pipes (and just seven months after 10.6.1), Apple has updated its Snow Leopard operating system to v10.6.3. Weighing in rather heavily at 757.3MB (when you upgrade from 10.6.2, anyway), this mammoth update brings along a laundry list of fixes, including improved reliability and compatibility of QuickTime X, a resolution to an issue that prevented files from copying to Windows file servers and boosted reliability of third-party USB input devices. You can check the full changelog after the break, but in all honesty, we're guessing that the unwritten change is integrated support for Intel's mobile Core i5 / Core i7 chips, both of which should become options on the MacBook Pro line as early as tomorrow last week. Fire up Software Update to get the download rolling, but only if you're cool with subjecting yourself to all sorts of unknown application breaks. We're installing it ourselves here at Engadget HQ, and we'll update the post if anything catastrophic happens. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
10.6.3 released
Head on over to Software Update to find the latest OS X dot release. 10.6.3 is now available. Here's Apple's write-up on the matter: The 10.6.3 Update is recommended for all users running Mac OS X Snow Leopard and includes general operating system fixes that enhance the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac, including fixes that: improve the reliability and compatibility of QuickTime X address compatibility issues with OpenGL-based applications address an issue that causes background message colors to display incorrectly in Mail resolve an issue that prevented files with the # or & characters in their names from opening in Rosetta applications resolve an issue that prevented files from copying to Windows file servers improve performance of Logic Pro 9 and Main Stage 2 when running in 64-bit mode improve sleep and wake reliability when using Bonjour wake on demand address a color issue in iMovie with HD content improve printing reliability resolve issues with recurring events in iCal when connected to an Exchange server improve the reliability of 3rd party USB input devices fix glowing, stuck, or dark pixels when viewing video from the iMac (Late 2009) built-in iSight camera For overall details look here or find security information here. A combo updater is also available. While we're on the subject, we're guessing there will be a new version of iTunes this weekend.
Apple seeds Mac OS X 10.6.3 build 10D573 to devs, release probably not imminent
The saga of the 10.6.3 builds continue. Yesterday Apple seeded a new build -- build 10D573 -- to developers. This latest build, similar to the others, asks developers to focus on Graphics Drivers, Images & Photos, Mail, QuickTime, and Security Certificates. There is one known remaining issue, like in the previous two builds, in which Safari 4.0.5 will be re-offered by Software Update after upgrading to 10D573 from a previous seed. Last week a TUAW reader was able to download a *PRERELEASE** build of 10.6.3 on his iMac. We took the Apple slip-up as a sign of an imminent launch, but the builds just keep on coming. Is it going to be released soon? Who the heck knows? But now my guess is that Apple might be waiting for the April 3rd launch of the iPad. Perhaps 10.6.3 and a new iTunes will be required to sync it to your computer? I'll just be happy to start seeing those 10.6.4 builds. Jump on over to World of Apple for 10D573's seed notes.
Cool weird stuff: TUAW reader accidentally downloads 10.6.3 pre-release
Just in case you're thinking that Apple employee access was to blame, here are some basic facts: The reader bought the iMac online from the Apple Store and was never in a retail store with it. The reader who sent us these screen shots is not an Apple employee nor does he have access to Apple's RSA Secure ID or VPN. He performed his update at home and not at an Apple retail store. This kind of update does not normally appear in the wild on Software Update. Prerelease, and specifically "**PRERELEASE**", updates refer to Apple-internal builds distributed to any Apple employee who has access to Apple's VPN. A **PRERELEASE** build is typically seeded to employees 24 to 48 hours before the build goes public via Software Update. The pre-release weighs in at a whopping 1.19GB. The "About This Mac" screen shots he sent us (see below) note the build as 10D527 – a build that was reportedly released to developers today, only two days after the last build. Builds that come close together typically indicate a public release is imminent. It is not clear why this pre-release showed up on the TUAW reader's iMac.
Mac OS X 10.6.3 imminent?
After only two days since the last build was seeded, Apple has pushed another 10.6.3 version out to developers. The newest build is numbered 10D572 and focuses on Graphics Drivers, Quicktime, Images & Photos, Mail, and Security Certificates. In addition, the build also includes: Compatibility issues with OpenGL-based applications Performance improvements for 64-bit Logic Changes to QuickTime X that increase reliability and improve compatibility and security Printing reliability and compatibility with third party printers Issues resolved that prevented files from copying to Windows shares Issues resolved with recurring events in iCal when connected to an Exchange server Issues resolved that prevented files with the "#" or "&" symbols in their names from opening in Rosetta Issues addressed that caused background message colors to display incorrectly in Mail when scrolling Issue resolved that caused machines using BTMM and the Bonjour Sleep Proxy to wake unexpectedly Like the previous build, there is a single known issue: Safari 4.0.5 will be re-offered by Software Update after upgrading to 10D572 from a previous seed. As a general rule, the closer build release dates come to one another, the sooner the build will be released to the general public. 10.6.3 seems like it could very well be the biggest update to Snow Leopard since its launch last August. If the improvements are significant, it's very likely that Apple will soon press 10.6.3 discs to be sold in retail stores, much like they did with Mac OS X 10.5.3.
Charlie Miller to reveal 20 zero day security holes in Mac OS X
Say, Charles -- it's been awhile! But we're pleased as punch to see that you're back to your old ways, poking around within OS X's mainframe just looking for ways to remotely control the system, snag credit card data and download a few interoffice love letters that are carefully stashed 15 folders down within 'Documents.' The famed Apple security expert is planning yet another slam on OS X at CanSecWest, where he'll reveal no fewer than 20 zero day security holes within OS X. According to Miller, "OS X has a large attack surface consisting of open source components, closed source third-party components and closed source Apple components; bugs in any of these types of components can lead to remote compromise." He also goes on to reemphasize something he's been screaming for years: "Mac OS X is like living in a farmhouse in the country with no locks, and Windows is living in a house with bars on the windows in the bad part of town." In other words, Apple users are "safer" (due to the lack of work that goes into hacking them), "but less secure." So, is this a weird way of applying for a security job in Cupertino, or what?
Apple seeds new build of Mac OS X 10.6.3
iPhoneinCanada is reporting that Apple has seeded a new build of Mac OS X 10.6.3. The build, numbered 10D571, weighs in around 700MB and focuses on Graphics Drivers, iChat, QuickTime, Fonts. The build also fixes: Compatibility issues with OpenGL-based applications Performance improvements for 64-bit Logic Changes to QuickTime X that increase reliability and improve compatibility and security Printing reliability and compatibility with third party printers Issues resolved that prevented files from copying to Windows shares Issues resolved with recurring events in iCal when connected to an Exchange server Issues resolved that prevented files with the "#" or "&" symbols in their names from opening in Rosetta Issues addressed that caused background message colors to display incorrectly in Mail when scrolling Issue resolved that caused machines using BTMM and the Bonjour Sleep Proxy to wake unexpectedly There is one known issue in this build: Safari 4.0.5 will be re-offered by Software Update after upgrading to 10D571 from a previous seed. It has been over five months since Snow Leopard has been updated. 10.6 was released on August 28, 2009 followed less than two weeks later by 10.6.1. On November 9, 2009, Apple released 10.6.2.
Apple seeds another build of 10.6.3 to devs
Apple seeded another build of OS X 10.6.3 today. This latest build number is 10D558. This is just nine days after Apple seeded build 10D552. iPhoneinCanada is reporting that the current build focuses on Apple Filing Protocol, AirPort, Graphics Drivers, and QuickTime, as well as the following: Performance improvements for 64-bit Logic Addresses compatibility issues with OpenGL-based applications Includes changes to QuickTime X that increase reliability and enhance security Improves printing reliability and compatibility with 3rd party printers Addresses issues that cause background message colors to display incorrectly in Mail Issues that caused machines using BTMM and Bonjour Sleep Proxy to wake unexpectedly Issues with recurring events in iCal when connected to Exchange servers This is the fifth build of 10.6.3 Apple has released since January. While no time frame for release is ever given, generally the closer in time the builds come to one another, the better likelihood that a release is imminent.
Five customized Automator services to help save you time
One gem in Mac OS X that sometimes gets glanced over is the Services menu. Lots of readers may not know yet that Snow Leopard brought with it the ability to create your own customized service in Automator -- in other words, you can get additional selections on a contextual menu when right-clicking within a certain context, say a file within a Finder window. To create a customized service, all you have to do is launch Automator and select "Services" from the "Choose a template for your workflow" window, and then insert your own service from there. Here are five customized services for you to install on your own Mac.
How to "clean install" Snow Leopard
A friend's MacBook had slowed down to a snail's pace. Despite looking everywhere for the issue, streamlining everything I could, and yelling at it, it failed to accelerate to usable speed. So I recommended we start from scratch and build it back up with only the things she was using, free of all the other downloads and aborted installs of various software she never used or cared about. It also housed a prior system, and a PC migration from a few years back. All told, the computer was a bloated, duplicated whale of files and applications for what was essentially a light-load writer's computer. So I backed up the essential parts of her system using Time Machine: documents (including her novel and decades of prior writing, published and unpublished), ten years of family photographs, a 41GB iTunes library, among other things, and then....backed it up again elsewhere, outside of Time Machine. And again. And just for good measure, once more time, to yet another drive. I wasn't going to be the (ex-)friend who lost her novel. What I wanted to do was do the ol' "erase and install" that prior system software discs allowed you to do. But clicking around Snow Leopard left no obvious method for this. But instead of booting Snow Leopard while inside of Mac OS X, if you just directly reboot the computer off the disc itself (holding down the "c" button after the system chime, letting go when you see the Apple logo) you get a few more options. Once you've gone into the installer program, you'll see "Utilities" at the top, and if you select Disc Utility, you can see your hard drive. If you click on "erase" (like I did, with one hand over my eyes) you can wipe the drive clean with various security options, and then you can do a fresh install of Snow Leopard on your computer on a pristine hard drive. Once you've done that, you can either transfer your files back in directly, or use the installer program's built-in migration utility to restore any or all files from Time Machine. And now? The world awaits the Next Great American Novel, untragically unlost by yours truly.
Apple finally brings official Windows 7 support to Boot Camp (update: 27-inch iMac fix)
Either Apple isn't operating on the Gregorian calender, or these updates are just straight-up late. Either way, we're pretty stoked to see the suits in Cupertino finally wise up and allow Microsoft's best OS ever to work on its machines, as it has today issued new Boot Camp software (v3.1) for both 32-bit and 64-bit users of Windows 7. The updates add native support for Win7 Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate, and in case that wasn't enough, they also fix "issues" with the Apple trackpad and add support for Apple's wireless keyboard and Magic Mouse. You'll also find model-specific drivers floating around to add even more support, and the Boot Camp Utility for Windows 7 Upgrade is said to "safely unmount the read-only Macintosh volume on Windows Vista" when upgrading from Vista to Windows 7. Hit those links below for all the bits and bytes that you've been so desperately waiting for. Update: we're hearing reports that the 27-inch iMac is responding to Windows 7 with the Black Screen of Death, so make sure you use this tool from Apple before installing Windows 7. Too late? Then you'll have to manually remove the offending default ATI drivers by starting from point 4 on this page (hold down Option key while booting up to select the Windows install disc, by the way), and then try the Boot Camp update again.
