Apple had released iPhone 2.0.2, an update to the operating system on the iPhone, for all iPhone and iPhone 3G users. While some claim that iPhone OS 2.0.2 delivers “improved communication with 3G networks” in an attempt to fix widespread reception/connectivity issues, users are mixed on the subject; some report slightly enhanced 3G reception, a minority report worse 3G reception, and most report no change.

Editor's note: my personal unit is last year's model, affectionately referred to as the iPhone 2.5G. So no 3G improvement for me, but the apps do seem to respond more quickly (when they are not crashing). Previously there was a lag when launching apps, even the built-in ones like SMS and Maps. I am, however, getting reduced signal strength on my cellular connection, 1-2 bars where it was 2-3 bars pre-update. I get 1 bar in my house where I used to get 4 bars. So whats up with that?

Just got this email from the Mobile Me team:

MobileMe Update--We have already made many improvements to MobileMe, but we still have many more to make. To recognize our users' patience, we are giving every MobileMe subscriber as of today a free 60 day extension. This is in addition to the one month extension most subscribers have already received. We are working very hard to make MobileMe a great service we can all be proud of. We know that MobileMe's launch has not been our finest hour, and we truly appreciate your patience as we turn this around. Read this article for more details. --The MobileMe Team

MacWorld reports that Apple has officially released the iPhone OS 2.0 software update. The file weighs in at 225MB and is available as a free download via iTunes for owners of the original iPhone; it also comes pre-loaded on the new iPhone 3G. iPod touch users can also download the iPhone OS 2.0 update via the iTunes Store at a cost of $9.95, which also brings with it the features added in the iPod touch software update in January.

MacWorld reports that Apple on Monday released Mac OS X 10.5.4 fixing several issues with iCal, AirPort, Safari, and Spaces & Exposé. The update is available from Mac OS X Software Update or directly from Apple’s Web site.

Today Apple announced a new Internet service called MobileMe - taking the best of .Mac and adding a host of new features. Current .Mac members' accounts will be automatically upgraded to MobileMe in July. For a closer look, watch the MobileMe Guided Tour and read below for an overview of this new service.

Mac integration you know and love.
With MobileMe, you'll continue to enjoy features that take advantage of seamless integration with Mac OS X and iLife - Back to My Mac; access to your iDisk in the Finder; Mac-to-Mac syncing of Dock items, preferences, and more; iWeb site publishing; and photo and movie sharing directly from iPhoto '08 and iMovie '08.

New web applications for when you're away from your Mac.
MobileMe features a suite of web applications at www.me.com that have the familiar look and feel of the applications on your Mac. Because these web applications stay in sync with your Mac and other devices, you'll have the same information wherever you go. Here's what you'll find at me.com:

• Mail, the anchor of the new suite, is even better with a refined interface.
• Contacts has a new three-pane interface, contact groups, maps integration, search, and photo support.
• Calendar is a brand-new web application that feels just like iCal, featuring multiple calendars, click-and-drag event creation, and more.
• Gallery lets you manage your collection of shared photos and movies from anywhere. You can now upload photos, rearrange their order, and set sharing preferences, all from a browser.
• iDisk now has the familiar look of the Mac OS X Finder. It features drag-and-drop filing and an easy new way to share large documents, by sending an email with a link for downloading the file.
• Account lets you manage settings such as storage allocation.
• To use the new web applications, make sure you have one of these browsers: Safari 3, Internet Explorer 7, or Firefox 2 or later.

Push email. Push contacts. Push calendar.
In addition to Mac-to-Mac syncing, MobileMe now keeps your iPhone, your iPod touch, and even a PC in sync. MobileMe pushes new contacts, calendar items, and bookmarks to your Mac or PC, and over the air to your iPhone or iPod touch. For example, if you add a calendar event on the web, the change will automatically be pushed to your Mac and iPhone. New email will be pushed to your iPhone in seconds, eliminating the need to check for messages manually.

Keep your Dot Mac Email address.
As a MobileMe subscriber, you can continue to use your mac.com address for email. You will also be issued a me.com address with the same user name that you can use if you prefer. The choice is yours.

Double the online storage.
To give you plenty of space for your email, photos, and other files, MobileMe doubles your storage from 10GB to 20GB for an individual subscription.

Apple is promising to update us when the new service goes live. In the meantime, if there are any questions about the upcoming transition from .Mac to MobileMe, please visit the MobileMe FAQ.

Introducing MobileMe. A new service for your iPhone, iPod touch, Mac, and PC. "The simple way to keep everything up to date." As one blogger put it, this is "Exchange for the rest of us."

MacNN reports that Apple has posted Mac OS X 10.5.3 to Software Update. This relatively major release addresses a number of issues existent in previous editions of Mac OS X 10.5.x, including problems with AirPort, Time Capsule, Mail, iChat, iCal and more. With regard to general fixes, the update addresses a font issue that could result in Helvetica Narrow being used in applications instead of Helvetica and also addresses an issue with stuttering video and audio playback in certain USB devices. It also fixes an issue in which certain attached hard drives may not show up in the Finder.

MacNN reports that AOL on Tuesday unveiled AOL Desktop for Mac, a brand new portal software for the company's internet services, representing the first such major release in five years. The client offers email, messaging, and web browsing services, as well as access to the company's various content channels. AOL includes easy transition tools, which allow users to quickly import AOL favourites and mail from the former Mac OS X client. AOL Desktop for Mac is available from the company's website. The new application brings with it a new web browser, based off the same open source project as Safari.

MacObserver reports that after moving GoLive out to pasture after the release of Creative Suite 3, Adobe finally moved the Web site design application to the digital dustbin on Monday. Adobe stated that it chose to stop GoLive development and support "so we can instead focus our development and sales resources on our market-leading web design and development application, Adobe Dreamweaver." After purchasing Macromedia, Adobe replaced GoLive with Dreamweaver when it released Creative Suite 3. Adobe continued to offer GoLive as a digital download, but stopped promoting the product, and even made it difficult to find on its Web site. Even though GoLive maintained a strong and loyal following in the Web design community, it did not share Dreamweaver's level of popularity. Adobe is offering GoLive users special pricing when moving to Dreamweaver at US$199 for retail and government users, and $99 for educational users.

MacObserver reports that along with Final Cut Studio 2, Apple introduced Final Cut Server during a special event on Sunday Final Cut Server is a media asset management application designed to work with Final Cut Studio 2 for post production and broadcast professionals. It includes a cross-platform client, supports content browsing, review, and approval on a local network or over the Internet, and automatically catalogs asset collections. Final Cut Server supports simple keyword searches as well as complex searches that include IPTC, XMP and XML metadata, includes customizable templates that fit typical broadcast, post production, and educational environments, and includes controls for defining user permissions on an asset or project basis. It also supports monitoring assets through the production process and can automatically send project status alerts to editors. Final Cut Server will be available this summer and will be priced at US$999 for the server and 10 concurrent client licenses, or $1,999 for unlimited client licenses.

MacObserver reports that Apple released a handful of firmware updates for the MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, and aluminum keyboard Tuesday evening. The updates address several issues including stability, and the keyboard update addresses an issue where extra characters appeared when typing. iMac EFI Firmware Update 1.3, MacBook Air EFI Firmware Update 1.0, MacBook EFI Firmware Update 1.5, and MacBook Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.5 all address issues related to overall stability. The Aluminum Keyboard Update 1.0 is available for both the wired and wireless versions of the keyboard. The updates are available via the Software Update application, or as downloads at the Apple Support Web site.

MacNN reports that Roxio has released Toast 9 Titanium, the latest version of its disc burning software for Macs. Price will be $80.00. The new version brings with it a number of upgrades; among these is Blu-ray support, including the ability to copy both computer files and raw video across multiple discs; some compatible video sources include TiVos, EyeTVs and AVCHD camcorders. HD video can also be burned to standard DVDs.

iPodNN reports that Apple today announced that it is implementing ActiveSync for Exchange mail support on its iPhone. The word came today during a planned meeting at the company's Cupertino campus, where Apple promised to discuss the future of software on the iPhone. ActiveSync for Exchange mail support, or 'push' mail, comes alongside promises of improved security for the mobile handset, according to phonemag. Stanford University has already purchased hundreds of iPhones for faculty and students, according to Apple, and the Cupertino-based company promised built-in Cisco IPsec VPN capability with certificates and identities with WPA2/802.11x. The forthcoming changes will see Exchange support built into the iPhone, directly in Mail and Calendar as well as contacts. Syncing is almost immediate, according to Apple, and the software allows users to toggle contacts as well as calendar and email on or off. The latest release will also allow IT managers to perform a 'remote wipe,' effectively deleting all data in the event that the iPhone is lost or stolen. Numerous enterprises have avoided widespread adoption of Apple's iPhone since its release in June of 2007, with many firms citing the device's lack of 'push' email support as the most significant barrier. The upcoming iPhone 2.0 software also includes a configuration utility that allows IT administrators to easily set up numerous iPhones, including password policies, VPN setting, installing certificates, email server settings, and more. Once the configuration is defined it is easily and securely delivered via Web link or email to users. To install, users need only authenticate with a user ID or password, download the configuration and tap install. Once installed, the user has access to all corporate IT services.

MacNN reports that Apple today provided development details for native third-party applications for the iPhone and iPod touch. The company has created a development kit that uses the same programming language and interface used by Apple itself and now includes Cocoa Touch, an API designed to add touchscreen input. Programmers can now use a modified version of Xcode that is not only used to write programs for the iPhone but to manage them as well, including designing the visual interface, source control, and debugging. Developers can also test the final results in an environment known as the iPhone Simulator, according to Apple. Apple's Phil Schiller explains that the environment is possible due to the similarities between desktop and mobile versions of Mac OS X.

MacNN reports that DriveSavers has unveiled an iPhone recovery service offering users the opportunity to save essential data from a malfunctioning iPhone that was not backed up. The service is able to recover pictures and critical data, once all other possible recovery alternatives have been exhausted. DriveSavers advertises a five to seven day turnaround for the recovery service, and costs anywhere from $500 to $1400, depending on the quality of the recovery.

MacNN reports that Mark/Space today released The Missing Sync for iPhone 1.0.1 alongside an updated version of SyncTogether. The Missing Sync for iPhone allows users to quickly load and archive data on an iPhone. The software supports syncing calendar, contacts, photos, and more from another cellular handset to an iPhone while allowing users to archive SMS messages as well as call logs and notes. The Missing Sync for iPhone 1.0.1 is priced at $40, with crossgrades available for $25. The application requires Mac OS X 10.4.9 or later. SyncTogether provides .Mac-style Mac-to-Mac syncing for up to three Macs, requires Mac OS X 10.4.8 or later, and sells for $49.95.

Macminute reports that Apple today introduced Xsan 2, which the company says is the first major upgrade to its easy to use, high performance, enterprise class Storage Area Network (SAN) file system for Mac OS X. Xsan 2 makes it easier for first time users to set up and quickly deploy a SAN; introduces MultiSAN, allowing users on a single workstation to access multiple SANs at the same time; is fully integrated with Mac OS X Leopard and Mac OS X Server Leopard and is now qualified to work with third-party RAID storage. Xsan 2 is available through the Apple Store and through Apple Authorized Resellers now for a suggested retail price of US$999 per node.

MacObserver reports that Parallels and Equinux recently announced that they have partnered to allow business professionals with Parallels Desktop for Mac to securely connect to their remote networks using VPN Tracker 5, Equinux's IPsec-based VPN client. The result is that users with the Parallels VM can now easily integrate with the equinux VPN Tracker 5. "It's no longer an issue for business users to go from Windows to Mac OS X," said equinux CEO, Till Schadde. "Basically, every Windows application that can be used with Parallels Desktop for Mac can access a highly encrypted VPN Tunnel under Mac OS X provided by VPN Tracker 5." VPN Tracker 5 securely connects a Mac with remote networks to easily access files, servers and e-mails. VPN Tracker was completely rebuilt from ground up in Cocoa to ensure the best user experience and highest security.

Macminute reports that Apple today released Mac OS X 10.5.2 via its Software Utility and on the Web (not yet updated with download). Apple says the Mac OS X 10.5.2 Update is recommended for all users running Mac OS X 10.5 or 10.5.1 Leopard. It includes general operating system improvements that enhance the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac. Complete details on all the changes in this this release are available on Apple’s site.

According to MacNN, Apple today unveiled iWeb 2.0.3, an 18MB patch that improves the application's stability and reliability with Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard.

MacNN reports that Apple today released updates for iWork, bringing compatibility and performance fixes to the software suite. Notes on the updates are extremely vague, but Keynote 4.0.2 allegedly solves a number of performance issues when playing or exporting presentations. Pages 3.0.2 and Numbers 1.0.2 both received fixes regarding compatibility with Mac OS X, presumably Leopard.

MacCentre701 reports that Microsoft shipped Office 2008 for Mac yesterday, coinciding with Mac World Expo San Francisco. It has been almost four years since the last revision - Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac (released in May 2004). Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac is finally a Universal Binary, a significant milestone as all major Mac software can now run on latest Intel-based Macs. Office 2008 was originally scheduled for release in second half of 2007, however it was delayed until January 2008 for fixing bugs. Inspired by Apple iWork, Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac comes with a number of newly designed templates, and Mactopia advertises it as “work smarter not harder.” Office 2008 for Mac contains four major application: Word 2008 PowerPoint 2008, Excel 2008 and Entourage 2008. Virtual PC is no longer in development.

MacNN reports that Garmin International today announced that it has expanded its suite of Mac-compatible applications to include waypoint, track, and route management. The new trip planning software works with both PowerPC and Intel-based Macs, and wors in conjunction with all Garmin USB devices. The software allows Mac users to transfer waypoints, tracks, and routes between a Mac and Garmin device while managing data using Garmin's catalog of map products. Favorite points of interest are available for quick reference on the Garmin GPS, and users can save as well as view favorite waypoints or tracks with a few keystrokes. The software is available for free via digital download, and the company is handing out copies of its application to all Macworld Expo attendees. The pre-release version precedes a future version promised by Garmin, which will include features like route editing and 'find by address' functionality by the end of 2008.

Electronista reports that Apple introduced at Macworld today the expected version 1.1.3 of its iPhone software, upgrading the handset with several heavily requested features. The device now includes a fully customizable home screen that lets users rearrange the order of icons; users can simply press and hold an icon to move it to a different location. For the first time, users can also add icons to the home screen through a Webclips feature that adds shortcuts to particular Safari websites. Users can now also send SMS text messages to multiple users at once. Google Maps has also been significantly revamped, Apple says. The software can now triangulate its own position using cell towers, providing a rough approximation of the user's location; users can now also view maps in hybrid view and add marker pins of their own without depending on preset locations.

MacWorld reports that Apple on Tuesday introduces iTunes Movie Rentals, a new feature of the iTunes Store that enables users to download movies and watch them for a short time rather than having to buy them. Movie rentals will be priced at $3.99 for new releases and $2.99 for older films. High Definition (HD) movies will be downloadable only via Apple TV and will cost $4.99 for new releases and $3.99 for older films. The new feature is dependent on iTunes 7.6 and QuickTime 7.4.

MacNN reports that Quark has announced that early tests reveal compatibility for QuarkXPress 7.3 with Leopard. There is one exception, however: the Flash export in Quark Interactive Designer. Quark spokesperson Sarah Rector told MacNN "We chose to focus on optimizing the latest version of QuarkXPress because it offers our customers the greatest value, features and benefits. We plan on releasing a QuarkXPress 7 update with fully tested Leopard support within the next few weeks." Quark says the new release will be a free update for existing QuarkXPress 7 users and will be available to download from the Quark Web site. Of important note is that QuarkXPress 6.5 is not compatible with Leopard.

MacNN reports that FileMaker yesterday released FileMaker Pro 9.0v2 and FileMaker Pro 9.0v2 Advanced, enhancing its database software with improved support for Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard. The update no longer crashes when creating files if the file system language and region do not match, and returns the correct version on Mac OS X operating systems ending with double digit revision numbers like 10.4.10. The database consistency check initiated on launch will no longer incorrectly report that a database is damaged for some databases that users can open and use without any problems, and the update addresses issues that caused the application to crash when a page range was specified when printing. FileMaker Pro 9.0v2 and FileMaker Pro 9.0v2 Advanced are available as downloadable updates to registered users of version 9.0.

The latest revision of FileMaker Pro no longer causes records to disappear from a portal related to another portal after adding approximately 400 records, and the application no longer crashes when a page range is specified. A relationship with a global field now returns all related records if the value of the other key is empty, the application no longer freezes when displaying a layout that opens an external file via a relationship, and searching for decimal values with non-period decimal operators in a file with non-U.S. file locale will no longer fail.

An exhaustive list of changes is available from FileMaker.com via an update support page.

Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard offers many amazing capabilities for your Mac and to show you, Apple has posted a guided tour video for your viewing enjoyment. Are you considering the leap to Leopard? Are you sure if your installed applications will work after the upgrade? Is your Mac model even compatible with Leopard? If you cannot answer these questions, and you rely on your Mac on a daily basis, then you need the services of a consultant. Did you know that many software developers do not update their products until after the final Mac OS release? Many of the third-party apps you run now may not work with Leopard! As your consultant, we recommend NOT upgrading until we take a complete inventory of your system. We look at application software, printer and scanner drivers, and other peripherals that may require driver updates (free software download) or complete upgrades (purchase a new version) in order to work properly with Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard. According to Apple's system requirements, Leopard will run on any Mac with at least a PowerPC G4 867MHz or faster processor, and requires at least 512MB of RAM, a minimum storage capacity of 9GB and a DVD drive to read the installation media. Some Leopard features require a compatible internet service provider.

Macworld News Alert
October 26th, 2007
Breaking news from Macworld - The Mac Product Experts
============================================================
Here's a special news alert from Macworld: Mac OS X 10.5, the major OS X update also known as Leopard, ships today, and we've got in-depth looks at the 300-plus features and enhancements Apple has added to its operating system. For full Leopard coverage, visit our topic page.
http://www.macworld.com/topics/software/system_software/os_x/leopard/index.php?lsrc=newsalert

"Inside Leopard "article explores the major additions to Leopard, such as its Time Machine backup tool and the Spaces virtual desktop feature.
http://www.macworld.com/2007/10/features/leopard_main/index.php?lsrc=newsalert

We also have a video of our favorite Leopard features.
http://www.macworld.com/weblogs/mwvodcast/2007/10/leopard_video/index.php?lsrc=newsalert

Other Leopard coverage at Macworld:
Apple's Leopard pounces on Tokyo
http://www.macworld.com/news/2007/10/26/leopardjapan/index.php?lsrc=newsalert

Ten overlooked Leopard gems
http://www.macworld.com/2007/10/firstlooks/leopard_s_hidden_gems/index.php?lsrc=newsalert

Shelve Leopard's Dock shelf
http://www.macworld.com/weblogs/editors/2007/10/shelvedockshelf/index.php?lsrc=newsalert

MacWorld's Jim Dalrymple reports that with the release of Mac OS X Leopard just 24 hours away, one company is bucking the trend of announcing compatibility with the new operating system. Apple owned FileMaker said its products are not compatible with Leopard.

“We are currently working on Leopard compatibility updates for FileMaker Pro 9, FileMaker Pro 9 Advanced, FileMaker Server 9 and FileMaker Server 9 Advanced. At this time FileMaker does not recommend the use of FileMaker 9 products on computers running Mac OS X Leopard,” said a support note posted to FileMaker’s Web site. Representatives from the company told Macworld that they couldn’t be more specific on when updates would be available. FileMaker also said they have not performed compatibility tests on older versions of FileMaker, but they do not recommend using them with Leopard. FileMaker 9 was released in mid-July.

source: MacWorld

MacFixit reports that Mac OS X 10.5 does not support the Classic (Mac OS 9 runtime) environment for PowerPC-based Macs. The only option for running Mac OS 9 applications after updating to Leopard is to boot your system into Mac OS 9 (if it supports the OS) or booting into a Mac OS X 10.4.x or earlier volume.

Apple has now confirmed this information with a Knowledge Base article that states:
"Classic applications do not work on Intel processor-based Macs or with Mac OS X 10.5. Upgrade your Mac OS 9 applications to Mac OS X versions. Check with an application's manufacturer for more information."

It has been clear for some time now that Mac OS 9 is dead. Jefferson Consulting discontinued support for Classic Mode, Mac OS 9 and other legacy Mac OS versions earlier this month.

Macfixit.com reports that DiskWarrior and other tools that modify or rebuild the directory of volumes should not be run after installing Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard until furthernotice or updates from the developers of these tools.

Alsoft, the developer of DiskWarrior, has now released a statement on compatibility that is somewhat confusing. It reads:

"[...] until we have a copy of the final build of Leopard, we cannot completely comment on Leopard compatibility.
"We will absolutely support Mac OS X 10.5. While we have the early builds of Mac OS X 10.5 to test with, Apple does not tell us ahead of time what changes or enhancements they plan to make until they provide us with the software and documentation. Apple engineering may make changes right up to the last few days before the release and we wouldn't know about them until after the fact.
"As for your current version of DiskWarrior, you can run the application knowing no harm will come to the hard drive or to your data. If a newer version of DiskWarrior is required, DiskWarrior will simply not allow the replacement of the old directory.
"When DiskWarrior 3 was released 3 1/2 years ago, Mac OS X 10.2 (Jaguar), was the current version of the operating system. When Mac OS X 10.3 (Panther) was released we updated DiskWarrior for compatibility at no charge. The same is true for when Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) was released - no charge. Each of these updates was available through the process of downloading an updater which helps you burn an updated DiskWarrior CD. More information will be posted on the Alsoft website, once Leopard is released."

Jefferson Consulting highly recommends not running DiskWarrior at all after installing Mac OS X 10.5 until further information is available. All current indications are that the program will run, and rebuild directories on bootable Leopard volumes and could result in serious consequences, including an inability to startup from the drive.

MacNN reports that two major publications have already published reviews of Apple's Mac OS X Leopard, due for public sale on Friday. Walter Mossberg of the Wall Street Journal describes the operating system as an evolutionary release, but says that it is still "better and faster" than Windows Vista, with useful new features. Among these are the Time Machine backup system, Quick Look file previews, and the ability to browse with Cover Flow in Finder. Mossberg further notes that upon upgrading his iMac to Leopard, all his programs continued to function properly, including VMWare's Fusion application, used to merge Windows and Mac OS. General speed is reported to be equal to Mac OS X Tiger, and in terms of start-up substantially faster than Windows Vista, launching in 38 seconds from a MacBook Pro versus Vista's time of two minutes from a Sony VAIO notebook. Complaints about Leopard are few; notable is a limitation of Time Machine, in that network backups can only be accomplished by copying to a hard disk attached to a Leopard Mac. The translucent Menu Bar can be difficult to read with dark wallpaper, and fonts on some websites may be illegible, a problem Apple is already aware of. 

British newspaper the Telegraph also takes a favorable view of Leopard, praising elments such as Stacked Dock icons, and the ability of Mail to the detect key data, which can be then used to quickly add Address Book or iCal information. Time Machine is highlighted as the most important upgrade, simply because it automates the backup and restoration process, something many users many not be adept at. The paper in fact has no criticisms of the new OS, except that because it is not a dramatic upgrade, there is no reason to buy it immediately.

MacNN reports that after a brief downtime on Tuesday, the Apple Store is back online with Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard, now available for pre-order. The latest version of the Mac operating system costs $129 for a single user or $199 in a "family pack," and should ship October 26th; customers who pre-order now will receive free shipping. The software introduces a number of new features to the Mac OS, among them Time Machine file recovery, stacked Dock icons, and the integration of Cover Flow into the Finder system browser. Users can also divide their desktop into separate "Spaces," and run Boot Camp without a separate download. An Intel or PowerPC G4 Mac is required, with a minimum of a 867MHz processor, 512MB of RAM, and a DVD drive.

MacNN reports that Apple has released a battery update (version 1.3) for 15" MacBook Pros that the company says addresses battery performance issues with the 15-inch MacBook Pro. Instructions state that your computer's power cord must be connected and plugged into a working power source while running this update. Also, after the Battery Update has been installed, any additional batteries you put in your 15-inch MacBook Pro are automatically updated. Installation of Battery Update 1.3 requires Mac OS X 10.4.10 or later.

Also new is a security update for the Windows version of QuickTime 7.2. The update patches a flaw where viewing a maliciously crafted QTL file may lead to arbitrary code execution.

MacNN reports that Apple has begun warning users that its beta Boot Camp software for running Windows on an Intel-based Mac will expire at the end of October. Unlike VMWare and Parallels virtualization solutions that run from within Mac OS X, Boot Camp allows users to start up their Mac using Microsoft's Windows operating system. The Cupertino-based company last week posted a technical support document indicating that some versions of the beta software have already expired and that the latest version will expire when Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard ships in October. Apple's next-generation Leopard operating system was delayed earlier this year so the company could focus its development resources on the iPhone.
The document notes that the license to use Boot Camp Beta 1.2 or earlier expires on September 30, 2007 and that the Boot Camp Assistant Beta will no longer open after expiration. Apple says that users can continue using Boot Camp Beta by upgrading to Boot Camp Beta 1.4, but warns that that "the license to use Boot Camp Beta expires when Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard is available to the public. To continue using Boot Camp at that time, upgrade to Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard." It is not clear whether Apple will offer its Boot Camp technology for Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger.

MacNN reports that Microsoft has announced its expanded product line-up for the Universal version of Office 2008 for Mac, which is expected to be available on retail shelves on January 15th, 2008. The delayed product launch will include three separate Office 2008 for Mac products, including a Special Media Edition and a Home & Student Edition.

The Office 2008 for Mac core suite ($400) includes Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Entourage along with Microsoft Exchange Server support and Automator tools, while the Office for Mac Special Media Edition ($500) combines Office 2008 applications with the Microsoft Expression Media digital asset management system. The special education and consumer version, Office 2008 for Mac Home and Student Edition ($150), provides the basics of Office 2008 for Mac for home and school users: it includes three user licenses for use by consumers and students but does not include connectivity to Microsoft Exchange Server or support for automated workflows. The new Office 2008 for Mac Special Media Edition features the Office 2008 applications together with the Microsoft Expression Media digital asset management system, a digital assent management suite acquired from iView Multimedia earlier this year.

All versions of Office 2008 for Mac support the new Open XML file format and are Universal applications that will perform natively on Power PC- and Intel-based Macs.

MacNN reports that Parallels today released a free feature update for its Parallels Desktop 3.0 software, which allows Mac OS X users to install Microsoft Windows XP or Vista and run Windows-based software right alongside Mac applications on the Mac OS X desktop. The update makes Coherence windows -- Mac OS X windows that contain running Microsoft Windows software -- work exactly like Mac windows, and includes full support for Apple's Expose technology. A new "Mirrored Desktops, Documents and Media" feature makes Windows "My Documents," "My Pictures," and "My Music" folders point to the same location as Apple's "Documents," "Pictures," "Movies," and "Music" folders so that changes in one folder automatically affect the other. The latest release of Parallels Desktop boasts improved performance under heavy workloads, as well as more efficient resource management -- especially related to CPU-intensive tasks. Parallels Desktop is priced at $80 for new users, and requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later.

MacNN reports that Google on Wednesday launched Google Earth 4.2 with Sky, allowing users to explore the universe by zooming in to distant galaxies hundreds of millions of light years away. Sky enables users to explore the constellations, see the planets in motion, and even witness a supernova explosion, according to Google. "It's like having a giant, virtual telescope at your command -- your own personal planetarium!" Google Earth 4.2 adds a new Sky button on the toolbar at the top of the screen providing access to more than 100 million individual stars and 200 million galaxies, as well as various natural phenomena -- such as the Orion Nebula -- and asteroids. Users can animate the solar system in motion, view some of the best photos taken with the Hubble Space Telescope, and overlay the sky with a microwave view to see temperature variations. Google Earth 4.2 is already available as a free download, with Plus and Pro editions priced at $20 and $400, respectively.

MacNN reports that Apple today announced that more than one 1 million copies of its Safari for Windows Web browser were downloaded in the first 48 hours since its release on Monday. The Cupertino-based company touts Safari 3 as the world's fastest and easiest-to-use browser, "rendering Web pages up to twice as fast as IE (Internet Explorer) and up to 1.6 times faster than Firefox 2." Apple's browser supports all of the modern internet standards including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, SVG, and Java. Safari updates are delivered easily through Apple's Software Update feature, the first of which has already arrived which fixes various security flaws discovered in the test browser just after its release.

Adobe has confirmed it will abandon Freehand, the popular illustration tool acquired as part of its merger with Macromedia. Although the company continues to sell Freehand MX -- last updated more than four years ago, it is now urging current Freehand users to migrate to Illustrator CS3, and says it has added features to that version of the application it hopes will make the migration "comfortable."

Adobe has created a Migration FAQ (PDF) that explains the details of its decision not to update FreeHand, and talks about those Illustrator CS3 features added to make FreeHand users more comfortable.

The FreeHand to Illustrator Migration Guide (PDF) and in printed form -- is targeted to designers and illustrators: the four-color manual provides a graphical comparison of the FreeHand and Illustrator workspaces, along with differences in terminology, features, and functions between the two applications.

The more technical Migrating from FreeHand to Illustrator is designed for production managers, IT managers and designers, and offers tips and suggestions for moving legacy FreeHand content into Illustrator, handling different file formats, outputting files, and other information.

Adobe is providing a special upgrade to Illustrator CS3 for registered owners of FreeHand, offering the newly released vector tool for $200; however, there is no direct FreeHand-to-Creative Suite 3 upgrade.
---
Source: MacNN

Apple today began shipping Final Cut Studio 2 from the online Apple Store. Announced last month at NAB, Apple's revved Final Cut Studio 2 update the industry-standard video production suite--which now includes Final Cut Pro 6 with Apple's new ProRes 422 format for uncompressed HD quality at SD file sizes and support for mixed video formats and frame rates in a single Timeline. It also includes Motion 3, which offers an intuitive 3D environment, paint and new behaviors; Soundtrack Pro 2 with tools for multitrack editing, surround mixing and con- forming sound to picture; Compressor 3, which offers batch encoding for multiple formats with a single click; and DVD Studio Pro 4.2 for SD and HD DVD authoring. The suite includes "Color," a professional color grading and finishing application for ensuring consistent color and creating signature looks.

The Apple Store indicates a 2-3 day delivery for new versions ($1,299), while FC Studio upgrades ($499 from Final Cut Studio and $699 from older versions of Final Cut Pro) are due in 2-3 weeks.
---
Source: MacNN

MacNN reports that Microsoft today released its standalone, drag and drop MS Word Open XML file converter for Office 2004 for Mac. Helping users transition to the new Office Open XML file format, the company said that the standalone, drag and drop converter was developed as a provisional solution until the final, integrated converter is available. The new converter provides read-only access to Office Open XML files and converts Word documents to a Rich Text Format (.rtf) while offering both individual and batch file conversion.

The beta release expires on December 31, 2007 and may have problems with converting graphics, color fills/shading in tables, documents with bibliography/citations or large photos, WordArt, layout/formatting, Unicode characters, large pictures, SMB network volumes, picture bullets, and fonts. Microsoft, however, said that PowerPoint and Excel updates to the converter -- which will be available via AutoUpdate --are due for release this summer. The final Office 2004 for Mac converter will be the only suite-wide Office Open XML converter tool, the company claims, and will be a fully integrated solution providing both read and write functionality. The utility is expected to ship 6-8 weeks after the release of Office 2008 for Mac.
---
Source: MacNN

MacNN reports that Microsoft's Mac Business Unit (MacBU) has issued an update to Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac, offering several improvements to security as well as stability. Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac 11.3.5 includes fixes for vulnerabilities that an attacker could use to overwrite the contents of a computer's memory with malicious code, and provides all of the improvements released in previous Office 2004 updates. The update applies to Office 2004 Standard Edition, Office 2004 Student and Teacher Edition, Office 2004 Professional Edition, Word 2004, Excel 2004, PowerPoint 2004, and Entourage 2004. Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac 11.3.5 requires Mac OS X 10.2.8 or later. [Download - 59.5MB]
---
Source: MacNN

An unlinked statement has appeared on Apple's News page, stating that Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard will be delayed until October.
"...we will not be able to release Leopard at our Worldwide Developers Conference in early June as planned. While Leopard's features will be complete by then, we cannot deliver the quality release that we and our customers expect from us. We now plan to show our developers a near final version of Leopard at the conference, give them a beta copy to take home so they can do their final testing, and ship Leopard in October. We think it will be well worth the wait..."

Source: Apple Hot News
---
Currently on iTunes: ''Lowdown'', by Boz Scaggs
The delayed stock quote for AAPL is: 90.24

MacNN reports that Apple says its latest iTunes 7.1.1 update, released last Friday, resolves a few more compatibility issues with Microsoft's recently released Windows Vista operating system. The company, which updated its iTunes support document for Vista users, says that iTunes 7.1.1 is "recommended for use with most editions of Windows Vista, however, Apple is actively working with Microsoft to resolve a few remaining known issues." The document notes that that ejecting iPod from Windows Explorer or by using the "Safely Remove Hardware" feature in Windows Vista may corrupt an iPod and that Microsoft is working on a software update for Windows Vista which addresses this compatibility issue.
Apple also notes that iTunes may exhibit graphical visual anomalies that can be resolved by resizing the iTunes window and that Contact Groups from Windows Contacts will not sync with iPod. In addition, the company notes that iTunes remains unsupported on 64 bit editions of Windows, including Windows Vista and Windows XP x64.

source: MacNN
---
currently on iTunes ''Weird Science'', by Oingo Boingo
the delayed stock quote for AAPL is: 91.43

MacNN reports that Apple today posted Mac OS X 10.4.9, a massive update to its current-generation operating system that fixes more than 20 security bugs and offers other enhancements. Fixes include RAW camera support, handling of large or malformed images that could cause crashes, improved image capture performance, mouse scrolling and keyboard shortcuts, font handling, playback quality, and bookmarks in DVD Player, USB video conferencing cameras for use with iChat, Bluetooth devices, browsing AFP servers, Apple USB Modem, Windows-created digital certificates, Open and Print dialogs in applications that use Rosetta on Intel-based Macs, Time zone and daylight saving for 2006 and 2007, and other security updates. Apple has a full list of details here. In addition, the company has posted a Security Update 2007-003 for Mac OS X 10.3 Panther (Server version) users. The update is available for PowerPC- and Intel-based Clients and both PowerPC- and Intel-based Servers or as a Combo update (PowerPC or Intel). Apple's iPhoto 6.06 also addresses issues associated with EXIF data compatibility and Photocasting.

source: MacNN
---
currently on iTunes: ''Coast to Coast'', by Scorpions
The delayed stock quote for AAPL is: 88.4

MacNN reports that Apple today released iTunes 7.1, an update to its multimedia jukebox software as well as QuickTime 7.1.5, an update to the multimedia software that address eight different security flaws. iTunes 7.1 brings support for Apple TV, allowing users to "enjoy your favorite iTunes movies, TV shows, music, and more from the comfort of your living room with Apple TV." Apple said that iTunes 7.1 also supports a new full screen Cover Flow and improved sorting options to let users decide how iTunes should sort your favorite artists, albums, and songs. Apple TV is expected to be available from Apple in next few weeks, after an unexpected delay pushed shipments back from promised February ship date. Apple's QuickTime 7.1.5, a 44.2MB download, delivers numerous bug fixes and addresses critical security issues. This update is recommended for all QuickTime 7 users.

source: MacNN
---
The delayed stock quote for AAPL is: 88.19
currently on iTunes: Podcast ''Mac OS Ken: 03.06.2007'', by Ken Ray

Macworld UK reports that Adobe confirmed this morning that it will launch Adobe Creative Suite 3 at a special event in New York on March 27. The company will be celebrating the global launch at the event, which will be webcast live at 8.30pm UK time. The long-awaited suite of creative tools is expected to kick-start Mac Pro sales, and will be the first release of CS3 that is optimised to run natively on Intel-based Macs. Adobe calls the March 27 announcement "the largest software release in Adobe's 25-year history". The company remains reticent regarding the features and applications within CS3, but has released a teaser video to help build further anticipation. The video is available on YouTube and the Adobe website, where there are pages detailing its What's In The Box campaign. Adobe last week confirmed plans to make an entry-level version of Photoshop available online as a hosted web service.

source: MacWorld UK
---
The delayed stock quote for AAPL is: 86.3199
currenty on iTunes: ''Mr. Roboto'', by Styx

Macfixit reports that Apple has released a daylight saving time update for Mac OS X that will bring systems up-to-date with new standards going into effect this year.
Apple's description reads: "The Daylight Saving Time Update for Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server addresses recent changes in the way Daylight Saving Time will be observed in the U.S. and Canada beginning in March 2007 and includes the latest time zone information for the rest of the world."

For more information, see this Apple webpage.

Download Links:
Daylight Savings Time Update (Tiger) [8.6 MB]
Daylight Savings Time Update (Panther) [4.3 MB]

---
source: MacFixit.com
currently on iTunes: ''Time'', by Hootie & The Blowfish

MacNN.com reports that Microsoft's Macintosh Business Unit (Mac BU) yesterday revealed that a new, Universal version of Office for Mac is slated for shipment in the second half of 2007. Office 2008 for Mac shares a new graphics engine with Office for Windows, and Office Art 2.0 enables users to add professionally designed graphics with one click. Office 2008 features a new user interface that introduces an Elements Gallery, emphasizing discoverability while providing quick access to tools as well as Mac-specific features within applications. Document Parts -- a tool that comes as part of the Elements Gallery -- enables users to simplify and automate some of the most common document tasks, such as adding a table of contents or headers and footers

Mac-only features include a publishing layout view to support layout-rich documents such as newsletters, fliers, and brochures; ledger sheets for handling common financial management tasks in Excel; and 'My Day' which allows users to track priorities while staying on top of daily activities. Mac BU will use the Office Open XML formats which were just approved in December by standards body Ecma International as an international standard, and in the spring Microsoft plans to release a public beta of the file format converters for Office 2004 for Mac, enabling users to read as well as write the new Office Open XML formats. The Mac BU plans to ship final versions of the converters six to eight weeks after Office 2008 for Mac launches.

source: MacNN
---

currently on iTunes: ''Up for Breakfast'', by Van Halen

MacNN.com reports that Quark has released QuarkXPress 7.1, an update to its desktop design software that brings performance enhancements, making the design software more responsive. The company says it has made significant performance improvements in several key areas — including text selection, clipped images, and flattening features. Each feature has received a performance boost, resulting in faster production times. In addition, the Universal upgrade has provided performance improvements throughout the application: in some areas QuarkXPress 7.1 is up to five times faster on Intel-based Macs than PowerPC, Quark said. Mac users must install QuarkXPress 7.01 before installing version 7. A full list of issues resolved is available on the website. The update is free for all Quark 7 users.


source: MacNN
---

currently on iTunes: ''Runnin' with the Devil'', by Van Halen

Macworld.com reports that Microsoft released an update to its Office 2004 software, the Office 2004 for Mac 11.3.3 Update adds several improvements and security fixes, including fixes for vulnerabilities that an attacker can use to overwrite the contents of a computer's memory with malicious code. In addition, the update includes all of the improvements released in all previous Office 2004 updates.

Improvements to Microsoft Word include improved compatibility with RTF documents, fixes for an issue that causes standard deviation calculations to produce inaccurate results when the calculations are used in PivotTable reports. Calendar events scheduled on or after March 11, 2007 display correctly in all calendar views in Microsoft Entourage. This update fixes an issue for users of Mac OS X 10.4.5 or later that causes any calendar event scheduled on or after March 11, 2007 to display on a time slot that is one hour ahead of its original start time.

source: MacWorld News

---
currently on iTunes: ''Fuzzy Logic'', by David Benoit

MacNN.com reports that Roxio today launched Toast 8 Titanium, enabling Mac users to burn TV programs from TiVo as well as EyeTV to disc alongside support for converting TV shows for viewing on Apple's video iPod or Sony's PSP. The updated software supports creating audio CD mixes as well as music DVDs, and introduces Blu-ray disc burning. Further enhancements include automatic disc cataloging, cross-platform data spanning, and disc restoration. Toast 8 Titanium also offers streamlined visual feedback via a media browser, easing drag-and-drop disc burning capability. Roxio's burning software supports personalized labels and covers to accommodate cover art as well as inserts, featuring full drawing and text editing tools with more than 600 clip-art images. Toast also supports LightScribe drives and media while incorporating Google image search functionality. Toast 8 Titanium is available for $100, and requires Mac OS X 10.4.8 or later. Roxio adds that special pricing and unique discount bundles are available at the company's Macworld expo booth #314 as well as its 'virtual' Macworld store through January 14th.

source: MacNN

---
currently on iTunes: ''Burning Down The House'', by Talking Heads

MacWorld is reporting the on Friday, December 15, Adobe will release a public beta of Photoshop CS3. This beta, available to Photoshop CS2 and Adobe Creative Suite CS2 users, will run natively on Intel-based Macs. That will remove the performance penalty Photoshop users experienced when running CS2 on Intel-based Macs using Apple's Rosetta emulation technology.

For more details on the Photoshop CS3 beta, including new features added to the next version of Photoshop:
http://www.macworld.com/news/2006/12/14/photoshopbeta/index.php

MacWold also has a special edition podcast, reviewing Photoshop beta:
http://www.macworld.com/weblogs/mwpodcast/2006/12/mwpodcast61/index.php

---
Currently on iTunes: ''Foggy Dew'', by Maggie Sansone
The delayed stock quote for AAPL is: 88.46

MacNN.com reports that Microsoft has issued a security advisory for a new vulnerability in Microsoft Word that could allow remote code execution by an attacker. The Redmond-based company is investigating a new report of limited 'zero-day' attacks using a vulnerability in Microsoft Word 2000, Microsoft Word 2002, Microsoft Office Word 2003, Microsoft Word Viewer 2003, Microsoft Word 2004 for Mac, and Microsoft Word v. X for Mac, as well as Microsoft Works 2004, 2005, and 2006. Users must first open a malicious Word file attached to an email or provided by an attacker by some other means before the attack can be carried out. Both Microsoft and Jefferson Consulting suggest exercising extreme caution when opening unsolicited email attachments from both known as well as unknown source.

---
Currently on iTunes:
''Wall Street Journal Tech News Briefing'', by podcast@wsj.com
The delayed stock quote for AAPL is: 87.47

Alsoft has released DiskWarrior 4, enhancing the software designed to maintain, repair, and recover Mac disks on both PowerPC and Intel-based Macs. DiskWarrior 4 runs natively on Intel-based Macs as a Universal Binary and repairs invalid file permissions. The update includes an additional suite of file and folder tests to discover problems early, and identifies corrupted Preference (.plist) files. Users can recover more data from drives with hardware malfunctions using the latest revision of DiskWarrior, according to Alsoft, and the application can repair as well as rebuild FileVaults. DiskWarrior 4 provides full support for case-sensitive file names, repairs and rebuilds Attribute B-trees, and repairs Access Control Lists (ACLs). DiskWarrior 4 is available for $100 to new users and $50 for upgrading license holders. The software requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later.

source: MacNN

---
Currently on iTunes: ''Snap!'', by David Benoit
The delayed stock quote for AAPL is: 88.75

Adobe today released Adobe Reader 8 as a free download from its website. This final component in the Acrobat 8 suite released in November, allows users to search, view, and collaborate with PDF files. Adobe Reader 8 features a new “Start Meeting” button that launches Adobe Acrobat Connect, an Adobe-hosted software service that provides real-time online collaboration through Adobe Flash Player. Version 8 features a new, streamlined interface with user customizable toolbars, allows Adobe Reader users to fill and submit forms, save data, and digitally sign documents. Adobe Reader 8 also features graphics processing unit (GPU) acceleration, which boosts performance when viewing graphics-intense PDF files, such as 3D content. Adobe Reader 8 is available on Windows, Mac, Linux, HP/UX, AIX, Solaris and SPARC platforms.

source: MacNN

---
Currently on iTunes: ''Hollerin' for Haggis!'', by The Rogues
The delayed stock quote for AAPL is: 89.93

According to rumor site Think Secret, sources recently disclosed that as development enters its final months features of the upcoming Adobe Photoshop CS3 have remained true to what Adobe originally planned. For many Creative Pro Mac users, the most notable improvement Adobe will be delivering with Photoshop CS3 is native support for Intel-based Macs. Sources stressed that the new version of Photoshop, which sports an upgraded and more responsive interface, continually exceeded their performance expectations, including on PowerPC hardware.

Photoshop CS3's interface is said to closely resemble the look and feel of Adobe After Effects 7, with easy palette organization and brightness adjustment for the overall interface itself. Another new feature substantially improving both workflow and raw performance is Live Filters. For example, the pixel radius of a Gaussian Blur, for example, can be adjusted long after it has been applied with just a single mouse click. Sources also report substantial performance improvements to the filters themselves, as well, and have speculated that Photoshop may now be tapping the GPU of the video card to help the CPU crunch filters.

Think Secret reports that 3D objects can not only be imported now, but their textures can easily modified, as well. Video support has also been improved with Photoshop CS3, allowing a film strip to be imported and saved as a PSD file with markers that Adobe Premiere and After Effects can read. In addition, a new Analysis menu includes a number of measurement tools sure to please engineers and 3D artists, while the new built-in Device Library contains listings for virtually every phone and smart device in existence, allowing users to preview how their creations will appear on the screens of such products. Substantial improvements to Photoshop's Save For Web functionality also appear in store. Support for Flash animation is also expected.

Adobe has previously said it is targeting the release of Adobe Creative Suite 3 for the second-quarter of 2007.

--
Currently Playing on iTunes:
'"License To Chill'', by Jimmy Buffett with Kenny Chesney
The delayed stock quote for AAPL is: 91.12

The PocketMac Team has released PocketMac 4.0 for BlackBerry, revealing a change in the user interface that looks more like Apple's iSync software. PocketMac for BlackBerry offers Mac users an easy way to safely sync their BlackBerry handheld devices, supporting many of the popular Mac applications that track or maintain important information. The updated PocketMac software can sync entire Entourage Calendars, Contacts, Tasks, and emails as well as Apple's iCal, Address Book, and Mail Apps. PocketMac 4.0 also syncs DayLite, Meeting Maker, and more.

Mac news site MacNN reported this past Friday that Apple has released Mac OS X 10.4.8, an update to its Tiger operating system. This update brings many bug fixes as well as several security fixes, which are also available for Mac OS X 10.3 (Client,