Around the Web

 Good morning. Key Mac-related reports circulating across the web this morning include the tragic death of Mac news pioneer, Stan Flack; various problems afflicting Apple’s laptops; a purported launch date for iTunes in Russia; new Apple TV software and an attempt by giant UK retailer, Tesco, to take on iTunes. Read on…

First. it’s with great sadness we must report the passing of MacCentral and MacMinute founder, Stan Flack. Flack (42) died at his home in Canada of complications bought on through an existing medical condition. His death has caused great sadness across the Mac web, with friends and colleagues lamenting his passing. 

Macworld’s Jim Dalrymple

Macworld’s Peter Cohen

Macsimum News’ Dennis Sellers

MacBook Problems

MacBooks are suffering unexpected graphics problems, mutliple reports explain. These problems are being widely reported on Apple’s discussion forums, with the company telling afflicted users it is looking into these complaints, promising, "further information will come in the form of a Knowledge Base article, Software Update, or Software Release."

iTunes Russia

A confused report emanating from a Russian publication claims Apple will launch iTunes in the country (the world’s thirteenth largest music market) on April 21. Russian music sales reached $210 million in 2006.

Apple TV updated

Apple has updated the Apple TV, introducing version 2.0.2 of the software. Little is known about the patch, beyond the addition of slightly improved Flickr support and claims the patch improves wireless network connectivity and speeds up remote control navigation. 

Tesco v. iTunes

Finally, UK retailer Tesco has announced plans to launch an MP3 download service, offering a catalogue of tracks in a format unhampered by digital rights management technologies. This move means the retailer is now in direct competition with iTunes, 7 Digital, eMusic and other UK digital music services.