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Last week's AirPort/Time Capsule firmware update is breaking IPv6 tunneling for some users, according to complaints on Apple's support forums. Tunneling allows IPv6 traffic to flow through IPv4 links. Without fixed firmware, the glitch could prevent some sites and services from connecting through Apple routers.
Lawyer Perminder S. Tung, a resident of Surrey, British Columbia, has filed a lawsuit against Apple Canada for the demise of his nearly three-year-old Time Capsule. According to the court documents filed earlier this week, Tung accuses Apple of being in breach of contract for failure to provide promised services and goods, and is seeking over $25,000 in damages for the failure of the networking device and the loss of the "sole backup" of his iPhone, containing irreplaceable "information and memories" not stored anyplace other than the phone and the router.
At Apple's online store today save on refurbished iPads starting at $399 for the first generation 16GB iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G after a $130 price cut. Refurbished iPad 2 models start at $419 for the 16GB current generation iPad 2, or $499 for a 64GB iPad 2. Or save $100 for the refurb. 64GB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi + 3G, now $729.
Apple's Time Capsule routers are seeing delays or shortages in different parts of the world, notes 9to5Mac. The company's online stores in the US, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, and France are sometimes seeing delivery times of one to three weeks for 3TB models, or one- to two-week delays for 2TB routers. Third-party vendors Amazon and Best Buy are out of 3TB models, and some Australian Apple Stores may be completely out of stock.
At Apple's online store today save on refurbished iMacs like the 21.5-inch iMac with a 3.06GHz Intel Core i3 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive, now $929 after a $170 price cut. For $1269 upgrade to a 27-inch iMac with a 3.2GHz Intel quad-core i3 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive.
Apple took a surprise step Monday by completely reworking its desktop AirPort app. AirPort Utility 6.0 (14.1MB) is reworked to look like its iOS counterpart and starts off with a visual topography for the user's network including the active status and whether or not updates are waiting. Any router on the network, and the Internet connection itself, gets a pop-over that shows both common settings as well as an option to edit settings for that device.
Late on Thursday, Apple released firmware updates for the MacBook Pro (all models), as well as the Airport and Time Capsule wireless base stations (802.11n capable models only). The update to the MacBook Pros, which brings the firmware up to version 1.5, resolves an issue where the MBP may shut down under heavy load when the battery charge is very low, even if the unit is actually plugged into power at the time.
The completed version of iOS 5 should allow people to configure AirPort and Time Capsule routers without having to go through a desktop or notebook, a series of images from an AppleInsider reader show. Within the firmware's Wi-Fi Networks menu, located under Settings, a new "Set up an AirPort Base Station" option is present, listing any AirPort or Time Capsule peripherals in the immediate area. Tapping this prompts users to either create a new network or "Do something different."
A pair of looks at the upgraded AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule has shown more upgrades and changes than first thought, including a slightly misleading view of the hard drive. One breakdown shared between AppleInsider and iFixit has shown that the new AirPort Extreme and presumably Time Capsule output about 2.8 times more power, at 392.64mW, than the previous version. A test wasn't immediately possible, but the potential existed for as much as a 60 percent range boost, though only in ideal conditions.
Apple's plans for new routers were confirmed Tuesday with a quiet update to the Time Capsule. Although no press release or store update has arrived so far, the company's splash page now shows the hybrid router and network storage as "available in 2TB and 3TB models." It had previously stopped at 2TB, and the 1TB model has now been phased out.
Apple's plans for new AirPort hardware were cemented Tuesday after an FCC filing showed a new AirPort Extreme station. Known just as the A1408, few details are available beyond that it would have a 3X3 antenna layout, likely to get 450Mbps peak speeds. Although the online Apple Store is still up as of early Tuesday morning, the FCC filings have the details due to go public the same day, suggesting Apple either launches now or in the very near future.
An unusual plethora of rumors Monday night provided possible details of the new Mac Pro and other near-term Apple updates. The pro tower will supposedly get a "unique CPU" along with its more rackmountable case. What that would entail wasn't said by MICGadget's purported informants, though it's more likely to involve early access to the Xeon E5 due this fall than a genuinely rare processor.
Apple is gearing up another one of its overnight visual overhauls for Tuesday in what could be a sign of another product launch. A leak has pointed to an update this coming Tuesday night for an unveiling Wednesday. The 9to5 contacts mentioned some stores getting boxes as well, but whether these are display supplies or products isn't evident.
Hooks have been discovered in the iOS 5 beta for several undisclosed features. Code references for the Camera app, for instance, point to native panorama support, something currently offered only by third-party apps. The option is not yet live, but could be toggled on in a later version of the beta.
Apple's upcoming Time Capsule update could have more ambitious plans for remote storage based on an unverified rumor. Although it might not store iOS firmware, it would purportedly make Time Machine backups available online and let iCloud users sync their home folders between Macs. The approach Cult of Mac described would save Apple bandwidth at its North Carolina datacenter but still give an incentive to use the service.
Two clues Sunday morning have hinted that Apple may have two product or feature launches in the aftermath of WWDC. The company is expected by a source to have a major "visual update" on June 7 that would include both the usual changes as well as a window change, usually a clue as to a major new campaign. Speculation from 9to5 is that it may represent the start of the back to school sale, although it could also be new AirPort and Time Capsule routers.
Apple gave a possible clue to an iOS 5 feature with a mention of automatic app syncing in iTunes. A check of the app updates page by Marcelo Alves showed that a device can be enabled for Automatic Download to get both purchased apps and updates directly, without having to link up to iTunes. No feature of the kind exists in iOS 4.3, leading MacRumors to suggest the notice (since pulled) was a clue as to what was in store at WWDC.
An off-hand tip in a report late Thursday hinted that Apple's upcoming Time Capsules would borrow a cue from the current Apple TV. One source said that the new router, and possibly regular AirPort devices, would use either an A4 or an A5 chip and a heavily modified iOS foundation. The Ars Technica contact made no mention as to why, but it's presumed the backup option would require more computing power.
Future Time Capsules could be used to automatically cache updates for Macs and iOS devices, a report suggests. Apple is said to be testing the concept internally; in practice, a Time Capsule would learn which devices connect to it, and fetch updates in advance. If a person chose to install an update, the router would then use the local copy, 9to5 said, rather than start a new download.
Multiple reports Wednesday night slipped word that Apple retail stores were running out of the company's wireless routers. A number of readers mention the AirPort Extreme, AirPort Express, and Time Capsule all being out of stock, often all at the same time. MacRumors had heard just of stockouts, but TUAW had heard that even one store with stock might have been asked to return unsold inventory, indicating that it was a discontinuation, not just a supply issue.
A new lawsuit is accusing Apple, HP and several other companies of violating patents related to Wi-Fi antennas. Filed by Linex Technologies, the case specifically targets the defendants for breaking US patents 6,757,322 and RE 42,219, titled Space diversity and coding, spectrum antenna and method and Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) spread spectrum system and method, respectively. "Defendants' Accused Products infringe the asserted claims by receiving and processing multiple spatial streams using multiple receive antennas," a critical part of Linex's complaint reads. "The infringing MIMO mode is described in, for example, Table 20-30 and related portions of the IEEE 802.11n standard."
Following on from their previous NuShelf mount for the older Mac minis, Newer Technology has introduced the NuShelf Mount for the 2010 Mac Mini or Apple Time Capsule, and is aimed at owners who would like to save desktop space or better secure those items under a desk, shelf or cabinet. The new NuShelf version retains open access to ports, cooling vents, power buttons and the underside as well as the front of the Mac mini, and uses a thicker laser-cut acrylic to support heavier loads.
Apple has posted a firmware update for all 802.11n-capable Airport base stations and Time Capsules, as well as new versions of Airport Utility for Mac and Windows. The firmware update, labelled 7.5.2, closes several security holes as well as bolsters stability under IPv6. It also fixes issues with Airplay streaming, USB connectivity, addresses some issues with NAT port mapping and disables TKIP security for 802.11n in accordance with the Wi-Fi Alliance specifications.
Apple has detailed the US discounts it plans to have on Black Friday in advance of the sale itself. The Apple Store will sell all iPads at $41 off, bringing the price of a 16GB Wi-Fi iPad down to $458. The 13-inch MacBook Air, all iMacs and all MacBook Pros will also see their prices drop $101; the discount brings the Air down to $1,198 while the iMac and MacBook Pro will cost $1,098 for the one-day promo.
LaCie today became one of the few to follow Apple into the combination of a router and network-attached storage by launching the Wireless Space. Like the Time Capsule, it can share both an Internet connection over 802.11n Wi-Fi and to three Ethernet-linked computers, though with more sharing features. The NAS can serve content to other devices with DLNA or UPnP as well as serve as an iTunes host for a device like an Apple TV.
A recall notice has been issued for a select number of Time Capsule routers. Some models may suddenly shut down again after startup, Apple notes, or simply not power on at all. The faulty units were sold between February and June of 2008, and should have serial numbers ranging between XX807XXXXXX and XX814XXXXXX.
Apple on Wednesday released updates to its AirPort utilities for Mac and Windows systems, along with a firmware update for Time Capsule and AirPort Extreme Base Station devices. AirPort Utility 5.5.1 has been improved with a number of bug fixes, helping to prevent problems when importing settings or propagating MAC address control lists using an extended network.
Apple as promised has launched its Black Friday sale, currently ongoing in the US, Canada and Europe. The Friday-only discounts are highlighted by a $101 price cut for all iMac and MacBook Pro models regardless of size. The iPod touch also sees heavy discounts, bringing the 64GB model down to $358, the 32GB version to $268 and the 8GB model down to $178.
Stardom has introduced the Safe Capsule, a RAID 1 storage system designed for use with Apple’s Time Capsule. The device enables users to add up to 2TB of network storage for keeping backups, photos, music or other data files. The drives are configured as a RAID 1 array which mirrors the disks to protect against data loss if one drive fails. Safe Capsule also provides an auto-rebuild function to automatically rebuild the data after a hard drive fails. The rebuild status can be quickly viewed using an LED indicator.
Alongside the announcements of new Macs and the Magic Mouse, Apple on Tuesday quietly introduced updated AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule devices. Like its predecessor, the new AirPort Extreme base station utilizes the same dual-band communication on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. A redesigned antenna, however, is claimed to improve data speeds by up to 50 percent, while extending the effective range by 25 percent.
Apple's Time Capsule network drives are still suffering from power failures, complaints on official support forums indicate. The failures are allegedly occurring without warning, and are thought to be attributable to faulty power supplies, though some owners have suggested problems with chips or connectors. Most at risk are older drives, as a number of the dead units are said to have been bought in early 2008. Apple last refreshed its Time Capsule line in July.
Apple has quietly introduced an upgraded Time Capsule drive, which can now store as much as 2TB. The new capacity trumps an earlier 1TB option, which has been reduced in price to $299. The 2TB model is priced at $499.
Apple on Tuesday evening release an update to its software for its wireless router devices. The Time Capsule and AirPort Base Station Firmware Update 7.4.2 (with 802.11n support) fixes five specific problems, according to the company: (1) some problems with extending and maintaining connectivity with extended networks; (2) an issue with clients that enable 802.11 "Power Save;" (3) Fixes connectivity issues with some third-party devices; (4) an issue when the base station is configured for PPPoE; and (5) some Back To My Mac issues with connectivity and support for third-party routers. Apple recommends that AirPort Utility 5.4.2 or later be installed before upgrading to Firmware version 7.4.2 (including the version 5.4.2 for Windows).
Apple today released an update to its software for its line of branded wireless routers, including the AirPort Express Base Station, the AirPort Extreme Base Station, and Time Capsule. AirPort Utility 5.4.2 includes general fixes and compatibility updates for the following applications: AirPort Utility and AirPort Base Station Agent, Apple said. It also also installs AirPort Disk Utility on Macs running Tiger. An updated version for Windows PCs is also available.
Apple has released a combined update for AirPort base stations and the Time Capsule, bringing all of the devices' firmware up to v7.4.1. Though mainly intended for new dual-band models, the firmware can also be applied to older hardware; in the latter case it enables remote administration, and remote access to attached USB drives through Back to My Mac, though not for an AirPort Express. Creating Time Machine backups on a Time Capsule has also been made more reliable.
In tandem with the release of the new dual-band Time Capsule, Apple has expanded the functionality of MobileMe, which can now be used to remotely access files held on a Capsule. Drives must be registered through a user's MobileMe account, but then appear in a remote Mac's Finder sidebar, allowing file transfer. The technology functions similarly to the Back to My Mac function in Mac OS X Leopard, and in fact is not compatible with Windows computers.
Following the launch of new AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule devices, Apple has released updates to the AirPort Client and AirPort Utility. The AirPort Client Update 2009-001 addresses issues with roaming and network selection in dual-band environments. The new wireless routers can simultaneously communicate across the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. The 2MB download is recommended for all Intel-based Macs running OS X 10.5.6.
In addition to its updates to the iMac, Mac Pro and Mac mini, Apple has also released new AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule peripherals. Both of the devices now support simultaneous 2.4 and 5GHz wireless connections, allowing the creation of separate networks, such as distinct 802.11n and 802.11b/g connections, or a Guest Network which restricts users to Internet connectivity.
FCC filings indicate that Apple is set to release updated versions of its Time Capsule and AirPort Express 802.11n devices, according to AppleInsider. Testing documents show that the wireless routers could support simultaneous communication on the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band. The expanded capabilities would allow the base stations to work with 802.11b/g devices, such as the iPhone, while sending 802.11n signals to a computer or set-top box.
Despite the rumors of an iPhone "nano" and a tablet sized iPod touch, Apple is more likely to use the Macworld expo to announce updated versions of several existing products, according to a variety of sources. Analysts' forecasts have focused on a new line of iMacs and a refreshed 17-inch MacBook Pro utilizing aluminum unibody construction. The company could also be prepared to launch a new Mac mini and Apple TV, along with the latest versions of Time Capsule and iWork.
People may be able to see a variety of new Apple products at this year's Macworld Expo, despite the company's diminishing emphasis on tradeshows, says Kaufman's Shaw Wu. The analyst notes that while the focus of Apple's keynote will likely be on new Macs -- and a preview of Mac OS X Snow Leopard -- sources indicate the possibility of a new "consumer device" being announced, even if its exact identity is unclear.
Currently Apple's online store is offering some great deals on refurbished Apple products. The Time Capsule is available with two storage capacities to chose from, 500GB ($249) or 1TB ($419) along with Apple TV units in 40GB ($199) and 160GB ($279) configurations. Cinema displays come in three sizes, 20-inch for $499, 23-inch for $749 and 30-inch for $1499. Apple certified Mac Pro models are available in two configurations: 2GB of RAM, 320GB hard drive and 2.8GHz Intel Xeon processor for $2399 and 2GB of RAM, 500GB hard drive and 3.2GHz Intel Xeon processor for $4099.
Apple's online store is currently offering a range of refurbished Macs priced at $1,500 or less. Three MacBook configurations are available: for $899 is the 2.1GHz model with 1GB of RAM and 120GB hard drive; for $1,099 is the 2.4GHz model with 2GB of RAM and $160GB hard drive; and for $1,299 is the black 2.4GHz model with 2GB of RAM and 250GB hard drive. The MacBook Air with 1.6GHz processor 2GB of RAM and 80GB PATA hard drive is priced at $1,499. Four 20-inch iMac configurations are also available: starting at $949 is that 2.0GHz model with 1GB of RAM and 250GB hard drive or $999 for the 2.4GHz model; $1,049 for the 2.4GHz model with 1GB of RAM and 320GB hard drive and finally $1,299 for the 2.66GHz model with 2GB of RAM and a 320GB hard drive.
Apple's online store is currently offering an extensive selection of refurbished iMacs. 20-inch models start at $949 for 1GB of memory, 250GB hard drive and 2.0GHz processor or $999 for the 2.4GHz model with the same memory and hard drive specifications, and top off at $1,299 for the 2.66GHz model with 2GB of memory and 320GB hard drive. 24-inch iMacs start at $1,299 for 1GB of memory, 320GB hard drive and 2.4GHz processor and top off at $1899 for 2GB of memory, 500GB hard drive and 3.06GHz processor. All iMacs include a Mighty Mouse and keyboard as well as built in wireless, Bluetooth, iSight webcam, and 8x SuperDrive.
Apple on Wednesday unveiled Airport Utility 5.3.2 for Leopard, Tiger, and Windows users, offering enhancements for users with an Airport Express or Extreme Base Station, or Time Capsule. As with most recent Apple updates, details are scarce. Since the update is a minor version release, it most likely contains bug fixes, operational optimizations, slightly improved features, and similar tweaks.
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.
Las Vegas-based hosting company Macminicolo is offering an unusual new service, intended to provide extra redundancy for Mac users. Called Transport, it involves hosting a user's Time Capsule drive in the company's data center, where it is protected from disasters that might otherwise affect a customer's home or office. While a Capsule can be used for remote Time Machine backup, it can also be used for more traditional backup, or alternately as a file server.
QuickerTek has announced that it is shipping new versions of its Dualy Extreme Wi-Fi extender, this time designed around Apple's Time Capsule backup/NAS drives. The standard option consists of two 500mW transceivers (1W combined) connected to two antennas, which can increase the range of a Time Capsule up to five times; alternately, this may help power past nearby obstacles, such as signal interference or intervening walls and floors.
MacWireless recently unveiled several new antennas and boosters for Apple's Time Capsule, offering users increased range control in a variety of forms. The antennas are available in a number of types: omni-directional, uni-directional, 90-degree corner, ceiling mounted, whip, and MIMO. The antennas are passive focusing systems since they do not use power to operate, and are available from MacWireless, ranging from $6 to $60, depending on the style of antenna.
On March 19th, Apple released a nonspecific update regarding its Airport ecosystem and Time Machine – simply stating optimizations and driver fixes – but it is revealed to allow Time Capsule-like functionality with standard Airport Extreme Base Stations. According to Macworld, the update allows users to back up using Time Machine to a standard USB hard drive that is connected to an Airport Extreme Base Station.
