Apple has released iTunes 8.2, an update that “now supports iPhone or iPod touch with the iPhone 3.0 Software Update.” The extremely brief release note also indicates that iTunes 8.2 includes many unspecified accessibility improvements and bug fixes; a security vulnerability involving itms: URLs has also been addressed. It’s available via Software Update or as a standalone 77.3 MB download.
Disable bouncing Dock behavior
Are you annoyed by bouncing icons in the Dock—and I’m not talking about the bounce when you open an application, but when a program wants to get your attention. Like when iChat has a video chat request, or System Preferences wants your OK to install a new panel, or Software Update found an update to install. The main problem I have with the bouncing icons is that they’re never-ending; once they start, they won’t stop until you switch to the application to end the bounce.
Don’t panic about Liquid damage
We’ve all had an “oh poopie” moment involving liquids: Time slows down, you watch as the glass tips over, its contents cascading (beautifully, in another context perhaps) over the rim and onto the table. The rivulets of beverage roll in a miniscule tidal wave across the surface, over the edge, and drip to the floor. All in the span of a few seconds.
iMac EFI Firmware Update 1.4
This update fixes intermittent system freeze issues for iMac computers with ATI Radeon HD 4850 graphics and fixes wake-from-sleep issues in Boot Camp.
To complete the firmware update process, please follow the instructions in the updater application (/Applications/Utilities/iMac EFI Firmware Update.app). The updater will launch automatically when the Installer closes.
After the firmware is successfully applied to your Mac, your Boot ROM Version will be: IM91.008D.B08
For detailed information on this update, please visit this website.
Apple Refreshes Wet iPhone Policy
Apple has recently revised its replacement policy regarding water-damaged iPhones. The company still won’t replace your damaged device for free if its Liquid Submersion Indicator has been activated (see “Liquid Submersion Indicators Reveal Accidental Dips,” 2009-02-17), but you can now purchase a $199 replacement phone. While $199 isn’t cheap, it’s still $400 to $500 less than purchasing a new iPhone without a 2-year contract.
Things 1.1/Things Touch 1.3.5
Things Touch 1.3.5 has been released along with Things 1.1 and, among a heap of bug fixes and UI improvements, you’ll find a new feature for syncing Areas of Responsibility from your Mac to your iPhone (it’s not yet possible to create Areas in Things Touch). The feature requires Things 1.1 on the Mac side, which was officially released today, but has actually been available (sans release notes) for about a week (assumedly waiting for Things Touch to make it through App Store approval).
Another new addition (which is more exciting, to me) is full AppleScript support in Things on the Mac. I haven’t had a chance to dive into it yet, but it’s a topic I discussed with Cultured Code at the last Macworld Expo and I’m excited to see it come to fruition. People using Things in any kind of group setting will appreciate the reconsidered approach to task delegation, as well.
System Preferences panel for .DMGs
OS X has a number of options for handling disk images—settings for such things as automatically opening them, moving Internet-enabled images to the trash after opening, verifying checksums, and more. You control all of these options (and a few more) in Disk Utility’s preferences panel.
AirPort Firmware May Fix Problems
The 7.4.1 firmware update for all Apple 802.11n AirPort base stations – any model released since 2007 – combined with Mac OS X 10.5.6 may fix Time Capsule disk corruption problems that some people have experienced. Colleagues Shawn King (Your Mac Life) and John Gruber (Daring Fireball) have recently explained to me problems they had with Time Machine disk image integrity and kernel panics. I also saw repeated disk image corruption in my testing last year.
Apple Updates iTunes – 8.1
iTunes 8.1 is now faster and more responsive. You will enjoy noticeable improvements when working with large libraries, browsing the iTunes Store, preparing to sync with iPod or iPhone, and optimizing photos for syncing.
In addition, iTunes 8.1 provides many other improvements and bug fixes, including:
• Supports syncing with iPod shuffle (3rd generation).
• Allows friends to request songs for iTunes DJ.
• Adds Genius sidebar for your Movies and TV Shows.
• Improves performance when downloading iTunes Plus songs.
• Provides AutoFill for manually managed iPods.
• Allows CDs to be imported at the same sound quality as iTunes Plus.
• Includes many accessibility improvements.
• Allows iTunes U and the iTunes Store to be disabled separately using Parental Controls.
For information on the security content of this update, please visit this website:http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1222
Apple Announces New iPod shuffle
Apple announced the new iPod shuffle, which features a new ultra-compact design in an anodized-aluminum enclosure, making it the world’s smallest music player and the first one that talks to you. With the press of a button, VoiceOver, a remarkable new feature on iPod shuffle, announces song titles, artist names, playlists and battery status in 14 different languages. Now with 4GB capacity, iPod shuffle holds up to 1,000 songs and supports multiple playlists. iPod shuffle is available in both silver and black.
The Over iT! Difference
We're Experts
Our staff is trained and certified in most Apple software and hardware products. We're skilled in making the complex simple to understand.
We Know You
We keep secure, detailed notations when you call. If an issue ever pops back up, just call us back and we can walk you through the steps that fixed your issue last time - saving you time and money.
No Appointments
Tired of waiting in line? If you need immediate support for your critical Apple tech support issues, our experts are only a call away.
Remote Support
No need to lug your Apple computer to the mall or invite a stranger into your home. Our experts can access your computer remotely and securely in just a few steps.