What's New - Jul 18, 2001

Introduction

What's new for the Mac in the previous month:

• General issues, workarounds and fixes
• New Software and hardware
• Software and hardware updates/patches

New Software

Adobe Type Manager Light (ATM) 4.6.2
Akua Sweets 1.4.2
Extension Overload 5.8.6
File Buddy 6.1.1
iCab 2.5.2
InterMapper 3.5
HardDisk SpeedTools 3.3
MacLinkPlus 13
MacPopUp 2.5
MacSSH 2.1b9
Now Up-to-Date & Contact 4.0.2
Pepper 3.6.6b
PrefsOverload 3.0b3
Retrospect Drivers
Search & Rescue 3.0.1
Search & Rescue Classic 1.0.1
Smile 1.8.0
Sonnet Crescendo/Encore 1.4.6
TechTool Lite 3.0.1
TechTool Pro 3.0.4
vScan 1.8.6
ZipIt 2.0

Full listing for 6-18 to 7-15 (660 K file):
Or see: versiontracker.com

Software Notes

Mac OS 9.2

Mac OS 9.2 "Moonlight" is Golden Master and should be released very soon.

Mac OS 9.2 is solid, fast, and stable, according to sources familiar with the release. It also works well as Classic -- one of the central goals of Moonlight. It will be a killer combo once Mac OS X 10.1 "Puma" is released (free upgrade in September).

Mac OS 9.2.1 and Mac OS 9.3 "Starlight" are rumored to be in development, targeted at January 2002.

Hardware News

PowerBook AC adapter recall

Apple is voluntarily recalling certain AC adapters that were sold for use with PowerBook G3 systems shipped from May 1998 until March 2000. Apple has initiated an exchange program and will provide you with a new replacement AC adapter, free of charge.

The affected AC adapters could overheat, posing a fire hazard. Apple received six reports of these adapters overheating. No injuries have been reported. Apple urges you to order a replacement adapter immediately and not to leave your current AC adapter unattended while plugged into any power outlet.

The recall only includes AC adapters with a two-prong connection that came with prior generation PowerBook G3 systems or that were purchased separately in standalone adapter kits for use in North America, Japan, Latin America, and Asia Pacific regions.

See http://exchange.info.apple.com/exchange/

Retail News

Apple is really trying to take back Education by giving schools lots of attention.

Apple has hired Jordan Hubbard, a key development of FreeBSD, to work on Mac OS X. More info.

iBook and iTunes really, REALLY popular (I guess it's not that easy to burn CD's in Windows).

No more G4 Cube

On July 3, 2001 Apple announced that it will suspend production of the Power Mac G4 Cube indefinitely. The company said there is a small chance it will reintroduce an upgraded model of the unique computer in the future, but that there are no plans to do so at this time.

Click here for more info: http://www.apple.com/powermaccube/

Issues

The following are experiencing problems:

• mac.com, experiencing sporadic downtime.
• iBook display problem, some say that they come loose.
• Apple 17" Flat-panel LCD software installer probably will not work on any but the newest machines.
• Apple Studio/Cinema Display with two-way radios or cell phones can consistently turn off or sleep Macs by interference with the on/off button on the front. Apple knows about the problem. See http://www.macintouch.com/.
• PB G4 LCD display. Falls as little as 18 inches can require $1500 to replace the LCD display. If this happens to you, try to get insurance (home owners or what not) to cover it.
• iBook yo-yo charger and Optical Pro mouse cables develop electrical shorts. Neither are being recalled. See this report.

General News

securemac.com

The Macintosh Security web site SecureMac.com has resumed full services again after a month downtime.

To access the web site, see http://www.securemac.com/

iTunes radio

Apple will startup a service that will replace 3COM's Kerbango, with more. It would assimilate other tracking databases in real-time as well as allowing streaming sites to register directly with Apple through a Web page on its iTunes site. Expect to see this in a few months with an iTunes update.

It is rumored that Apple is also working on a service by which iTunes users can search for their favorite music and buy it in a QuickTime-based MP3 audio format that includes digital rights protection.

DVD Stuff

It is possible to record DVD movies to DVD-RAM drive with iDVD. See MacFixIt report 1. MacFixIt report 2. MacFixIt report 3.

According to a report from creativemac.com: "Apple will acquire Spruce Technologies, a maker of several DVD software and hardware products, including some DVD authoring suites and a technology for delivering DVD video and audio over the Internet."

Microsoft

AOL-Microsoft talks break down. See this New York Times (free registration required) article.

Windows XP enforces copyright with WPA (Windows Product Activation). After 30 days, you must "activate" Windows XP or it quits working. Microsoft gives out an "activation code" that is good only for one hardware setup after you register with their database. More info: The Register article - Fully Licensed papers - Personal Technology article.

Also read this Fortune article about Microsoft getting too private-information greedy: Fortune article.

WWDC 2001

Apple has begun releasing QuickTime streams of the WWDC 2001 sessions. You need to purchase a "key" to view it, or get a "key" from someone who attended. Please let one of us know if you are interested.

Humor

Joy of Tech

• Looking for a home.
• Cube 1
• Cube 2
• Genius Bar
• Macworld 1
• Macworld 2
• Macworld 3