Based on an Apple Support Discussions thread from earlier in the year, it appears as though users were able to purchase standard iTunes Gift Cards for use in the iBookstore; the new cards remove any ambiguity customers may have had about whether or not an iTunes GC would be usable in the iBookstore, and will likely be popular add-ons to those purchasing iPads as a gift.
iLounge noted yesterday that Apple has begun selling gift cards specifically for its iBookstore, offering convenient $25 and $50 options for gift givers. While existing iTunes Store gift cards can reportedly be used in the iBookstore, the new iBooks-specific cards offer a new option for those looking to focus their gifts on books as opposed to other iTunes Store content.
Thursday 11 November 2010
'Freemium' iPhone Apps Growing as Successful Business Model
A look at the top-grossing iPhone apps today finds 34 of the top 100 apps are free, but make their money through in-app purchases of mostly virtual currencies as well as other premium features. Remco van den Elzen, CEO of analytics firm Distimo, said he believes in-app purchases now represent about 30 percent of all iPhone App Store revenue. "We're seeing more developers implement more in app-purchases especially with games," he said. "Freemium Apps are also picking up significantly. A lot of developers realize it's a successful model."
GigaOM takes a look at so-called "freemium" iPhone apps: applications that are free to download and offer basic functionality but generate revenue through the use of In App Purchase content. According to the report, freemium apps are becoming increasing popular with developers, who are finding it a viable business model, and the number of such apps generating sufficient revenue to rank among the top-grossing App Store titles is increasing.
The striking success of freemium iPhone apps comes even as their prevalence in the App Store remains low, with only about 1.34% of iPhone apps using the model during the third quarter of this year.
Interestingly, the freemium business model has yet to catch on with iPad applications, as none of the top 200 grossing iPad apps utilize the strategy on a platform where higher purchase prices for applications are the norm.
As the report notes, iPhone developers are learning how to offer a solid app experience for their free versions while also pushing attractive upgrade options via In App Purchase, finding that the strategy can be more lucrative than offering ads in their applications and attract a more loyal base of customers.
Apple Releases Mac OS X 10.6.5 and Security Update 2010-007
The 10.6.5 Update is recommended for all users running Mac OS X Snow Leopard and includes general operating system fixes that enhance the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac, including fixes that:
Apple today released Mac OS X 10.6.5, the fifth maintenance update for Snow Leopard, via Software Update. The update offers a number of fixes implemented since the release of Mac OS X 10.6.4 in mid-June.
- improve reliability with Microsoft Exchange servers
- address performance of some image-processing operations in iPhoto and Aperture
- address stability and performance of graphics applications and games
- resolve a delay between print jobs
- address a printing issue for some HP printers connected to an AirPort Extreme
- resolve an issue when dragging contacts from Address Book to iCal
- address an issue where dragging an item from a stack causes the Dock to not automatically hide
- resolve an issue with Wikipedia information not displaying correctly in Dictionary
- improve performance of MainStage on certain Mac systems
- resolve spacing issues with OpenType fonts
- improve reliability with some Bluetooth braille displays
- resolve a VoiceOver issue when browsing some web sites with Safari 5
For detailed information on this update, please visit this website: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4250.
For information on the security content of this update, please visit: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1222.
Mac OS X 10.6.5 is available as both delta and combo updates for systems running Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server:
- Mac OS X v10.6.5 Update (644.48 MB)
- Mac OS X v10.6.5 Update (Combo) (977.21 MB)
- Mac OS X Server v10.6.5 Update (858.02 MB)
- Mac OS X Server v10.6.5 Update Combo (1.12 GB)
Apple has also released Security Update 2010-007 for users on Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard:
- Security Update 2010-007 (Leopard-Client) (240.74 MB)
- Security Update 2010-007 (Leopard-Server) (448.10 MB)
Apple's New MacBook Air Tops 'Consumer Reports' Ratings
The 11-inch model received a "very good" rating for ergonomics and display, a "good" rating for performance and "fair" ratings for versatility and speakers. Consumer Reports also found the MacBook Air had battery life of 6.25 hours. The Toshiba's battery life came in at 5.5 hours of battery life. The 13-inch MacBook Air scored "very good" for performance, ergonomics, and display. It also scored "good" for speakers, "fair" for versatility and had 7.5 hours of battery life.
The Loop reports that popular ratings and reviews magazine Consumer Reports has released its latest ratings of notebook computers, and Apple's new 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Air models have topped their respective categories.
The 11-inch MacBook Air scored 67 points out of a possible 100, easily outdistancing the second-place Toshiba Satellite and its 51-point score.
Steve Jobs Replies Regarding Rumors of AirPrint Issues
After yesterday's report that support for using Apple's AirPrint feature in iOS 4.2 to print to shared printers connected to Macs and Windows PCs appears to have been scrapped at the last minute, one MacRumors forum member emailed Steve Jobs to inquire about the fate of the feature. Jobs reportedly replied, noting that AirPrint has not been canceled. Q: As a release-day purchaser of an iPad, I was elated when you revealed iOS 4.2 would support AirPrint. Now comes reports AirPrint support has been pulled from 4.2. Between announcements/assurances of the white iPhone, and now the pulling of AirPrint, is Apple going to lose credibility and become known for announcing "vaporware"?
A: AirPrint has not been pulled. Don't believe everything you read.
Apple has touted that AirPrint will allow users to print directly from iOS devices to compatible printers, with HP leading the way in releasing AirPrint-friendly printers. That aspect of AirPrint has not been rumored for discontinuation, with only printing to other printers accessible via sharing from Macs and PCs being the subject of the claims.
Apple has been rumored to be releasing Mac OS X 10.6.5 and iTunes 10.1 today, with iOS 4.2 set to follow on Friday, although we have yet to see any indication from Apple of today's rumored releases.
BlackBerry PlayBook to Be Priced 'Under' $500
Research In Motion Ltd., the maker of the BlackBerry smartphone, said it will begin selling a tablet computer in North America in the first quarter for "under" $500 as it takes on Apple Inc.'s iPad.
Bloomberg reports that Research in Motion's 7-inch BlackBerry PlayBook tablet is set to debut in the first quarter of 2011 with an entry price of "under" $500, putting the device at or below the price point of Apple's iPad. Just how far under $500 the PlayBook will be priced remains to be seen.
"The product will be very competitively priced," Co-Chief Executive Officer Jim Balsillie said in an interview in Seoul today, declining to be more specific. Sales of the BlackBerry Playbook, unveiled in September, will expand globally from the second quarter, he said. The iPad starts at $499.
According to Balsillie, Research in Motion is looking to follow Apple's lead in embracing big box retailers with its tentative plans to bring the PlayBook to Target and Wal-Mart. Distribution would also be accomplished through carriers already familiar with selling the company's products.
Tuesday 9 November 2010
Microsoft Releases Office 2011 14.0.1 Update
Microsoft today released Microsoft Office for Mac 2011 14.0.1 Update, the first update to the latest Mac version of the company's flagship productivity suite. The update delivers fixes for "critical issues" that can cause freezing or crashing of Office applications. This update fixes critical issues in Office 2011, including issues that might cause Office 2011 applications to stop responding or quit unexpectedly. This security update resolves one publicly disclosed vulnerability and four privately reported vulnerabilities in Microsoft Office. The most severe vulnerability could allow remote code execution if a user opens or previews a specially crafted RTF e-mail message. An attacker who successfully exploited any of these vulnerabilities could gain the same user rights as the local user. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.
Notably, several security vulnerabilities addressed in the update also affect Office 2008 and 2004 for Mac, but no security update is yet available for those products.
Sophos Launches Free Anti-Virus Software for Mac OS X
That means your home Macs can be protected automatically in-the-background with the latest anti-virus protection, checking every program you run, every file you download, every USB stick you insert, completely free. Is there a catch you're wondering? Well, nope! There isn't!
Sophos today announced the release of free Anti-Virus for Mac Home Edition software, a version of their paid software typically targeting business users.
Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac Home Edition runs on Macs with Intel or PPC processors and requires a minimum of Mac OS X 10.4 and 256 MB of RAM.
Apple Addresses Hyper-Threading Issue With Logic 9.1.3
This update delivers improved general stability and compatibility.
Apple today released Logic Pro 9.1.3 and Logic Express 9.1.3 to address an issue with Hyper-Threading.
Issues addressed with 9.1.3 include:
- Resolves problems related to the support of Hyper-Threading
The updates weigh in at 193.01 MB (Logic Pro 9.1.3) and 139.68 (Logic Express 9.1.3) and require Mac OS X 10.5.8 or later.
Apple Releases Java Updates for Snow Leopard (Version 3) and Leopard (Version 8)
Apple today released a pair of software updates bringing new version of Java to Macs running Mac OS X Snow Leopard and Leopard. The updates deliver improvements to compatibility, security, and reliability. Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 3 delivers improved compatibility, security, and reliability by updating Java SE 6 to 1.6.0_22. Java for Mac OS X 10.5 Update 8 delivers improved compatibility, security, and reliability by updating J2SE 5.0 to 1.5.0_26, and updating Java SE 6 to 1.6.0_22 for 64-bit capable Intel-based Macs. J2SE 1.4.2 is no longer being updated to fix bugs or security issues and remains disabled by default in this update.
- Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 3 (74.30 MB, Requires Mac OS X 10.6.4)
Apple Releases Software Update for New MacBook Air, ProKit 6.0
This update fixes a few graphics issues including: This ProKit Update fixes issues with user interface software that is shared by Apple's professional applications. The issues addressed include:
Apple today released MacBook Air (Late 2010) Software Update 1.0, a minor update for users of the company's just-revamped MacBook Air.
- Resolves an issue where the system becomes unresponsive while playing back a movie trailer in iMovie.
- Resolves an issue where the system becomes unresponsive after waking from sleep when an external display is connected.
This update is recommended for users of all MacBook Air notebooks manufactured in late 2010.
Apple also released ProKit 6.0 (SnowLeopard), addressing issues with the user interface package for Apple's professional applications.
- Improves reliability for browsing iPhoto libraries in Aperture.
- Addresses cosmetic issue with appearance of disclosure triangles in Aperture.
- Fixes a problem in Logic Pro and MainStage where numeric parameters display incorrect information.
This update is recommended for all users of Final Cut Studio, Final Cut Pro, Motion, Soundtrack Pro, DVD Studio Pro, Aperture, Final Cut Express, Soundtrack, Logic Studio, Logic Pro, MainStage, WaveBurner and Logic Express.
Mac OS X 10.6.5 and iTunes 10.1 to Launch Tomorrow? iOS 4.2 on Friday?
According to our source, 10.6.5 completed the certification stage a few hours ago and iTunes was ready 3 weeks ago - likely after the release of beta 2 to developers.
MacStories reports that it has received word that Apple will be releasing Mac OS X 10.6.5 and iTunes 10.1 via Software Update tomorrow, with iOS 4.2 set to follow on Friday. The report comes, however, from a "source working close with AT&T", and carrier representatives are frequently sources of incorrect information, so some caution is warranted.
Apple just yesterday seeded Build 10H574 of Mac OS X 10.6.5 to developers.
Claims from a pair of German sites over the weekend had suggested that an iOS 4.2 launch could come either today or on Friday, but it appears that there will be no such launch today, as Apple's iOS releases typically occur around 10:00-11:00 AM Pacific Time.
Apple Tweaks iPod Liquid Damage Assessment Procedures
AppleCare has changed the way it screens iPods for liquid damage. When an Apple Retail Store or AppleCare Repair Center checks for liquid damage, if the Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI) inside the headphone jack has been activated, the iPod must be inspected for additional signs of liquid damage.
BGR reports that it has received a screenshot of an internal Apple support document outlining a change to the company's policies regarding potential liquid damage to iPods. According to the document, Apple's usage of internal Liquid Contact Indicators (LCIs) to report direct contact with liquids is now to be augmented with additional inspection by repair staff before concluding that an actual liquid damage event, which would not be covered by warranty, has occurred.
As before, unless a customer admits to accidentally damaging their iPod, final determination about liquid damage must be made by an Apple Retail Store or AppleCare Repair Center.
Apple's Liquid Contact Indicators, which change color upon exposure to liquid, have been the subject of some controversy, with some customers, especially those living in areas of high humidity, claiming that the LCIs have activated without the devices being in direct contact with liquid. Apple's revised LCI policy appears designed to address this controversy, asking support staff to look for additional signs of direct liquid contact before making a final determination about whether repair or replacement would be covered under warranty.
Adobe Audition for Mac Beta Now Available
Back in June, we pointed to a YouTube video appearing to show a Mac version of Adobe Audition, the company's professional audio editing software. Just a few weeks later, Adobe confirmed its plans to bring Audition to Mac OS X and noted that a public beta would be released in late 2010. Welcome to the public beta release of Adobe Audition for Mac. Adobe Audition for Mac brings modern audio post-production to the Mac platform. Familiar tools for audio editing, multitrack mixing and recording meet improved performance, greater workflow flexibility, and new features such as native 5.1 surround support and new effects. Plus, the best-of-breed audio sweetening and restoration tools in Audition make it easy to clean up production audio. With essential tools you can rely on for quick-completion projects, Audition for the Mac brings a fresh face to audio post-production.
Adobe has followed through on that schedule with today's release of the public beta of Audition for Mac, now available through the Adobe Labs site.
Apple Reportedly Acquires Bluetooth Headphone Company Wi-Gear
Apple plans to build its own stereo Bluetooth headphones for future iOS devices and MacBooks with technology and expertise from Wi-Gear. As you'll recall, Apple didn't have a great amount of success with its own Bluetooth headset and instead of building in-house for their new product, decided to pick up the small Wi-Gear outfit.
9 to 5 Mac reports that Apple appears to have acquired Wi-Gear, a small San Francisco-based company that offered highly-touted Bluetooth headphones for the iPhone and iPod known as iMuffs.
In support of the acquisition claim, the report notes that the company's co-founder now lists his occupation as "iOS Bluetooth Engineer at Apple Inc." on his LinkedIn profile.
iWork '11 to Launch Alongside Mac App Store in Early 2011?
People familiar with the matter say development of iWork '11 wrapped up this fall and the software was initially slated for an introduction alongside iLife '11 last month, but was held back at the last minute for undisclosed reasons.
AppleInsider reports that the next version of Apple's productivity suite, iWork '11, is ready for launch but will likely debut alongside the company's Mac App Store very early in 2011.
Apple's revised plans currently call for the company to launch the new productivity suite alongside the forthcoming Mac App Store, these same people say. The applications included in the bundle -- Pages, Numbers and Keynote -- will be available for purchase individually when the Mac App Store debuts.
Promotional materials for the Mac App Store have shown the three iWork applications, Pages, Keynote, and Numbers, available on an individual basis for $19.99 each, below Apple's current $79 price for the complete retail box suite.
Apple announced at its "Back to the Mac" media event on October 20th that the Mac App Store would launch within 90 days, meaning that the store would have to debut by January 18th, 2011 in order to reach Apple's stated timetable. The company last week began accepting submissions from developers seeking to have their applications included in the Mac App Store.
Hasbro to Launch $30 'My3D' Accessory for iPhone and iPod Touch
It promises three-dimensional content that offers a 360-degree experience in gaming, virtual travel experiences and entertainment content. It's aimed at both children and adults.
The Associated Press reports that toy company Hasbro is set to unveil a new device called "My3D" that will allow iPhone and iPod touch users to view 3-D content on their devices.
The device, which resembles a pair of binoculars with a slot in which users insert their iPod or iPhone, will be priced at $30. It will be available starting next spring at stores where Apple's iPhones and iPod Touches are available.
Hasbro to Launch $30 'My3D' Accessory for iPhone and iPod Touch
It promises three-dimensional content that offers a 360-degree experience in gaming, virtual travel experiences and entertainment content. It's aimed at both children and adults.
The Associated Press reports that toy company Hasbro is set to unveil a new device called "My3D" that will allow iPhone and iPod touch users to view 3-D content on their devices.
The device, which resembles a pair of binoculars with a slot in which users insert their iPod or iPhone, will be priced at $30. It will be available starting next spring at stores where Apple's iPhones and iPod Touches are available.
Thursday 4 November 2010
Apple Releases iPhoto 9.1 With Support for Calendars
This update adds several new print product options to iPhoto '11. It also improves overall stability and addresses a number of other minor issues.
Apple today released iPhoto 9.1, an update to the iPhoto application included in the company's new iLife '11 suite. The update restores support for the photo calendars that had gone missing in the initial iPhoto '11 release, and also fixes several other bugs and introduces new holiday-themed letterpress card options.
- Provides the ability to create and order calendars in iPhoto.
- Additional letterpress holiday greeting card themes are now available.
- Fixes an issue that prevented videos downloaded from MobileMe or Flickr from importing correctly into iPhoto events.
- The update is recommended for all users of iPhoto '11.
iAds Begin to Go Worldwide as iPad Compatibility Comes in iOS 4.2
We've received word that Apple has begun to deploy iAd availability on a worldwide basis, with developers reporting that they are beginning to see ad impressions rolling in from locations around the globe. Previously, developers had seen ad requests from those countries go unfilled as Apple limited the program to North America and the United Kingdom.
The change opens up additional revenue streams for developers and new audiences for advertisers as the company prepares to extend the iAd service to the iPad with the release of iOS 4.2 sometime this month. With Apple having released the golden master version of iOS 4.2 to developers earlier this week, a public release could occur at any time.
LaCie Brings USB 3.0 Hard Drive Support to Mac Pros and MacBook Pros
LaCie announced today a major breakthrough, introducing industry-leading performance to Mac users with the availability of a USB 3.0 driver for Mac OS. The driver brings the fast speeds of LaCie's USB 3.0 hard drives to Mac computers and laptops - delivering transfer rates that are more than two times faster than FireWire 800!
Just as rumors of Intel pushing forward on its Light Peak connectivity standard surface, LaCie has announced support for USB 3.0 on Mac OS X with the release of a free driver to support the company's USB 3.0 hard drives.
USB 3.0 offers a theoretical maximum of 5 Gb/s, topping the 3 Gb/s available through eSATA. Real world burst performance on LaCie USB 3.0 hard drives is on the order of 130 MB/s for single hard drives and 220 MB/s for dual hard drives.
Update: For clarification purposes, LaCie is not the first manufacturer to deliver USB 3.0 drivers to Mac, as CalDigit released a Mac-compatibleSuperSpeed PCI Express Card and SuperSpeed ExpressCard, to support the company's line of AV Drive external hard drives, in early September.
