.Mac Web Gallery speed boost not enough?

Apple has worked to rectify dismal speeds for the .Mac Web Gallery in recent weeks, though the changes have not been enough to satiate some users who still report uncomfortably long pauses between images displayed in slideshows and other performance pitfalls. A statement issued from Apple said "we have implemented a number of enhancements that should make your Web Gallery pages load noticeably faster. Actual page load times will vary depending on your connection speed and specific setup, but most customers should notice an immediate improvement."

However, users responded that while the changes are noticeable, performance is still subpar. It appears that the speed increase turned out to be from about 80 KB per second to about 100 KB per second, based on experimentation by a number of users. As described by one MacNN reader "As far as image slideshows are concerned the image displays on your screen for about 3 seconds. The screen then goes blank (black) for about 2-3 seconds before the next image shows."

Users are also experiencing problems with videos, which can be displayed in small, medium and large sizes. According to a number of users, if you choose medium it can take many, many minutes before the video starts streaming for a video that is only seconds long.

Meanwhile, Apple says further improvements may be on the way. A statement reads "We are aware that some customers are still reporting issues and are continuing to investigate concerns on a case by case basis. Performance improvement is an ongoing process and we are working to make sure we provide a world class level of service to all our customers in the weeks and months to come. With that in mind, please note that today's enhancements apply to your .Mac Web Gallery home page and photo albums only. We have not made any changes to Web Gallery movies or any other .Mac services at this time."

Apple previously announced measures to solve problems with the European .Mac service, Apple has announced. Users have complained for months of abnormally slow image uploads, frequently limited to between 78-80kbps.

Filed under: troubleshooting, Apple
Other story tags: .Mac