01/08, 6:21pm
New build comes two weeks after fourth beta, no new release notes
Two weeks after the previous build, Apple has made available a new, fifth beta of OS X 10.8.3 to developers through its Software Update channel. The latest build, 12D50, comes with no changes to the release notes from the previous 12D44 and lists no known issues, with the same request for testers to focus on AirPlay, AirPort, Safari, Graphics and Game Center. The lack of new information for the second beta running suggests that release may be imminent.
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11/19, 9:35pm
Models affected include nearly the entire Macintosh line
A pair of updates for Apple's products have both been pulled in the span of less than a week. Late last week, the App Store software update for OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion to 10.8.2 was removed for the new Mac Mini, iMac, and 13-inch Retina display MacBook Pro. Additionally, the "Mid-2012 MacBook Air/MacBook Pro Update 2.0" has been pulled due to problems reported by users.
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10/16, 7:22pm
Patches zero-day exploit for Snow Leopard, Lion, ML
Though recent versions of OS X no longer ship with a Java plug-in -- and Apple has ceased developing its own versions and left compatibility to Java owner Oracle -- the company is pushing an updated version of Oracle's latest release of Java SE 6 (version number 1.6.0 build 37) through its own Software Update mechanism. The update fixes a critical "zero-day" exploit reported at the end of last month and is available as separate releases for OS X 10.6, and OS X 10.7 and higher.
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06/19, 2:00am
Caused kernel panics, freezes on some machines
After causing problems for some users including serious boot issues that left them unable to easily access their Macs, Apple pulled a Thunderbolt Software Update (labelled v1.2) from its available downloads last Thursday, June 14. Today the update, which is meant to allow Thunderbolt-equipped Macs to use the new Thunderbolt-to-Gigabit Ethernet adapter, reappeared with a 1.2.1 version number.
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05/09, 6:37pm
Security fixes for Snow Leopard as well
Accompanying the just-released OS X 10.7.4 update, Apple has also posted several new versions of other products -- including Safari, Remote Desktop, the server version of Lion's Server Admin Tools and a security update for Snow Leopard users. The Safari and Remote Desktop updates apply to both Lion and Snow Leopard, and should be available through Software Update. The Safari update is available for both Mac and Windows users.
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03/28, 8:30pm
Improvements for Apple TV, iPods, more
Apple has begun pushing out iTunes 10.6.1 via Software Update, resolving some stability issues that had caused the program to unexpectedly quit when performing certain operations such as syncing photos to devices. The update also resolves other minor bugs such as incorrect descriptions of interface elements as described by VoiceOver and WindowEyes, a syncing issue with certain kinds of iPods, and an ordering problem seen with TV episodes on Apple TV.
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03/20, 1:55am
Software Installer Update for Snow Leopard
Apple late yesterday took an unusual step in posting a software update specifically for Snow Leopard users that resolves an issue where certain Apple software fails to install properly. The update is for users on the last version of Snow Leopard, 10.6.8, and is recommended for all such users. It will show up automatically in Software Update on qualifying machines, and is available from Apple's support website with a filesize of 1.34MB.
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02/03, 8:00pm
Available via Software Update for 10.6.8 users
A problem with the previous 2012-001 Security Update posted for users of Snow Leopard (client and server) that caused Rosetta-based apps to misbehave or fail entirely has been corrected, and the company is pushing a "v1.1" edition of the update through its Software Update servers (support web page not yet updated). Over the next 24 hours, users who installed the previous security patch for 10.6.8 systems should see the update available.
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11/14, 10:15pm
Updates to eliminate interruption
Microsoft has previewed a number of improvements to its Windows Update system that are designed to make software updates less intrusive. The Windows 8 team is attempting to address criticisms of Windows 7 and earlier versions, which require users to face frequent notifications and automatic restarts that must be manually stopped.
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01/19, 1:50am
Improves iLife compatibility, fixes sleep issues
Apple has issued software updates for iDVD -- bringing it up to v7.1.1 -- and the latest models of MacBook Air. The iDVD update improves overall stability and ensures compatibility when sending slideshows from iPhoto '11 to iDVD, while the MacBook Air update (labeled "Software Update 2.0") resolves an issue with some units that prevents the system from sleeping.
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10/29, 7:55pm
First version deleted photos in some cases
Fixing a bug that has gotten widespread coverage in recent days, Apple this afternoon began pushing an iPhoto 9.0.1 update to its Software Update servers in an effort to fix an issue that causes corruption and data loss in the iPhoto Library for some users upgrading from previous versions, along with other issues. The bug affects the version of iPhoto shipped in the iLife '11 retail package.
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01/22, 6:30pm
V2.4 enables printing HD video back to tape
Telestream has announced an update to its Pipeline software that works in conjunction with the company's video capture systems. The series of Pipeline network-based systems are designed to capture both HD and SD video from tape or live sources. Version 2.4 brings support for frame-accurate printing of HD or SD video back to tape, which can be used for the creation of spot wheels or review-and-approval tapes. Additional features include EDL import support and a timecode-break-triggered capture mode.
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11/09, 6:35pm
Download available for 2009 aluminum keyboard
Apple on Monday released a Leopard software update for its latest aluminum Wireless Keyboard released this year. The update provides support for the keyboard's special features including the function keys for display brightness, Dashboard, Spaces, iTunes playback control and speaker volume.
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09/11, 5:55pm
HP Printer Driver 1.1.1
Apple on Thursday unveiled HP Printer Driver 1.1.1, a set of updated printer drivers for a vast array of HP printers, weighing in at a total of 405MB. While the complete set of drivers is immense in size, when obtained through Software Update, only the printers attached to or used by the system in the past will be downloaded, easing the strain on users' internet connections. The full HP Printer Driver 1.1.1 update is available for download through Apple's support website.
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07/22, 5:20pm
Apple updates iLife
Apple today released software updates for iLife 8.0, the software suite that ships with most Macs. The release is largely aimed at fixing bugs and compatibility issues, although iPhoto 7.14 (77.1MB) includes "new holiday greeting card and postcard themes for use with Apple print products." Also released: iLife Support 8.3 (5.5MB), iWeb 2.04 (36.3MB) and iMovie 7.14 (39.8MB).
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07/11, 11:10pm
MobileMe v1.1 update
While portions of Apple's MobileMe service continue to be down, Apple has posted The Mac OS X Update For MobileMe v1.1, which it says is recommended for users running Mac OS X Leopard 10.5.4 and includes general system fixes that enhance your Mac for MobileMe. The 8.3MB download is available via the Mac OS X Software Update. Readers also report receiving their pre-ordered retail packages of MobileMe (with activation codes), but the homepage continues to be down. Sync services between computers and devices (through the "Cloud") appear to working fine along with email. Apple's own updated support notes problems with the homepage and its groups services.
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07/10, 7:30pm
Apple TV update details
Apple says the v2.1 update for Apple TV addresses six security issues. Several of the fixes involve code that can be executed from "maliciously crafted" movie files, resulting in "unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution. The security update also addresses breaches from malware-infected QuickTime content, and PICT images. Additional details have been posted on Apple's website.
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06/18, 5:00pm
Sony hints at XMB for PS3
An entry on Sony's PlayStation Blog by Eric Lempel, Director of PlayStation Netowrk Operations, today revealed the electronics giant will soon launch a couple of software updates for its PlayStation 3 gaming console. The first update, version 2.36, will reportedly fix some bugs users experienced when playing certain PlayStation titles. The one to wait for, however, is 2.40, which will bring the long-anticipated XMB in-game main menu interface, as well as a Trophies feature previously undescribed by the console maker.
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06/13, 8:45am
Apple Xsan 2.1 updates
Apple today released updates to Xsan, its enterprise-class storage area network solution. Xsan 2.1, Xsan 2.1 Admin and Xsan 2.1 Uninstaller updates have been posted to both Apple Downloads and Software Update. Patch notes reveal that this relatively minor release focuses on delivering an overall improvement in speed and filesystem reliability, along with a multitude of small bug fixes. It is recommended for all users running Xsan on Mac OS X 10.5 or Mac OS X Server 10.5 or later.
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06/05, 8:35pm
Brother Printer Driver 1.1
Apple on Thursday used its Software Update to push out updated printer drivers for both Canon and Brother's line of printers. Users with the software installed were prompted for a software update called "Brother Printer Driver Update 1.1". The update was released Thursday afternoon as a 23MB download. Brother printers drivers for Mac OS X 10.5 are currently located on the original CD and the company did not specify the changes in the current driver, except to say "The Brother Printer Driver Update includes the latest drivers for printers you have used on your system." Update: The Brother driver added new models and fixed a minor Memory leak with their ICA module, while the Canon drivers, noted below, have minor improvements related to wireless printing. [Correction: Apple has used the Software Update to deliver third-party printer updates for sometime]
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05/28, 1:30pm
Mac OS X 10.5.3
Apple has posted Mac OS X 10.5.3 to Software Update. This relatively major release addresses a number of issues extant 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 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.
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03/27, 11:25pm
Mac Pro Tiger Airport
Apple today unveiled two updates, one for its Airport drivers under Mac OS X 10.4.x Tiger, and a firmware update for the Mac Pro (Early 2008), bringing the firmware to version 1.3. The AirPort Extreme Update 2008-001 for Tiger is recommended for all users with Intel-based Macs equipped with Tiger, and is said to enhance the reliability of AirPort connections. The update is 1.3MB, and is available from Software Update, as well as Apple's support page.
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03/20, 1:05pm
Safari on Software Update
Apple's Windows version of its Software Update application is now asking users to install Safari 3.1, regardless of whether users actually have Safari installed on their computers. While Software Update comes with all Macs to manage updates, bug fixes, and security patches, the Windows equivalent is installed by Apple applications such as iTunes or QuickTime. Apple could be using Software Update to give the PC version of Safari a push start.
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03/19, 5:20pm
Apple updates Time Machine
Apple today released a combination update for Time Machine, bundling with it Airport driver fixes. What the update actually fixes is unclear, simply stating "This update is recommended for all users and includes compatibility improvements for using Time Machine with Time Capsule, as well as AirPort driver fixes." The update is available through Software Update under the Apple menu, but Apple has not released its typical accompanying web pages on its support site.
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03/03, 5:30pm
Apple updates GarageBand
Apple today issued an update to GarageBand, its personal music creation software for Mac users. The latest release improves overall stability, according to the company. The update also addresses issues with the automation of software instrument parameters, FireWire as well as USB based audio devices, and Magic GarageBand. Users can update to GarageBand 4.1.2 by choosing the Software Update feature under the Apple Menu in Mac OS X, or can manually download the latest release from Apple's updates page (19.1MB)
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03/03, 5:30pm
Aperture 2.0.1 released
Apple today released Aperture 2.0.1, an update to its post production photography software designed for professionals. The latest revision of Aperture addresses issues related to the performance and overall stability of Aperture 2, and includes fixes that impact various areas of the software. Fixes cover upgrading libraries from earlier versions of Aperture, publishing .Mac Web Gallery albums, Preview generation as well as deletion, and creating as well as ordering books. Aperture users can upgrade via Apple's 'Software Update' feature located under the Apple Menu, or can download the update manually from Apple's updates page (43.9MB).
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02/21, 5:55pm
iTunes 7.6.1 update
Apple today unveiled iTunes 7.6.1, a minor update to its media player software, advertising several bug fixes and increased compatibility with Apple TV 2.0. As with other recent updates, details on the bug and compatibility fixes were scarce, with the update saying little more than what was written above. The update is available through Software Update, but hasn't yet surfaced on Apple's support website.
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02/13, 7:50pm
10.5.2 problems
Mac OS X 10.5.2 and the accompanying graphics update were released to alleviate both minor and substantial issues, but may have instigated a few issued of its own. According to users in Apple's Discussion forums [1|2|3|4], the update has created some printing problems, compatibility issues with third-party wireless routers, sound-related glitches, software freezing, and failures when using Time Machine to back up data.
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