Skip to main content

Lion

See All Stories

Apple releases OS X bash update 1.0 addressing Shellshock vulnerability

Site default logo image

Screen Shot 2014-09-29 at 5.28.58 PM

Apple has just released a new download for users on OS X Mavericks to address the recently-discovered “Shellshock” bug. Apple previously noted that that only a few Macs were actually impacted by the bug and that most users were protected by default. The company promised to release an update shortly to address those who had manually configured their computers in a way that left them exposed.

For users on older versions of OS X, the Mavericks fix will not work. To secure those systems, there are separate downloads for Lion and Mountain Lion. The patch will likely be available through the built-in OS X Software Update mechanism soon. There is currently no patch for machines running the public or developer builds of OS X Yosemite.

Site default logo image

Apple seeds Safari 7.0.3 and 6.1.3 Seed 2 to developers

Safari-seed-2-703

After seeding the first beta of the next versions of Safari for OS X a week ago, Apple has just seeded another pre-release version of Safari 7.0.3 and Safari 6.1.3 (Seed 2) to developers.

Apple provides the following focus areas for devs in the release notes:

Please focus testing on the following areas:

• General website compatibility

• Safari Push Notifications

• Login AutoFill

• Credit Card AutoFill (OS X Mavericks only) • Extension Compatibility

Safari 7.0.3 will arrive for Mavericks users while the 6.1.3 release is the latest for Mountain Lion users. The updates require the following:

Safari 6.1.3 for OS X Lion requires OS X 10.7.5 with Security Update 2013-002. Safari 6.1.3 for OS X Mountain Lion requires OS X 10.8.5. Safari 7.0.3 for OS X Mavericks requires OS X 10.9.2 and is also included in OS X 10.9.3.

Earlier this month Apple pushed updates for iTunes 11.1.6 and OS X 10.9.3 betas to developers. When released to the public, the new iTunes version will restore the ability to sync contacts and calendars to an iOS device, while OS X is expected to introduce the ability to output at 4k resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate on the latest MacBook Pro models.

Site default logo image

Apple begins selling OS X Lion and Mountain Lion via the Apple Online Store

Screen Shot 2013-10-24 at 7.43.30 PM

 

Apple has started selling older versions of OS X through the Apple Online Store. Despite the fact that neither operating system can be purchased through the Mac App Store, you can still buy them for $19.99 each through Apple’s website. Rather than a physical disc with the software, you’ll get a code that can be redeemed on the App Store to begin downloading the OS immediately.

Offering Lion makes sense for older Macs since some Lion-capable machines cannot run Mountain Lion. Offering Mountain Lion, especially for $20, seems like an odd move since the entire line of Mountain Lion-compatible Macs can also run Mavericks for free.

Either way, if you need a copy of Lion or Mountain Lion, you can grab them now from Apple’s online store.

Site default logo image

Gear up for new Macs, D-Link releases four next generation ultra-fast 11AC WiFi routers

D-Link_11AC_Routers
From 9to5Toys.com:

Last month we were tipped to some clues in the latest OS X 10.8.4 beta which indicated that Apple is ramping up to release new Macs and accessories sporting the next generation wireless technology, 802.11ac. It’s entirely possible that we could see these Macs introduced as early as next month at Apple’s WWDC. If you’re planning to upgrade your Mac, you’re going to need an AC compatible router to take advantage of this new wireless technology. Below are four new options for you to consider when making the switch.

D-Link announced the immediate availability of four new 11AC wireless routers, starting at just $80.  The next generation wireless technology, 11AC delivers more coverage and up to 3 times the speed of the current wireless standard “N.” The proliferation of mobile devices and streaming content has necessitated the move towards AC wireless as a faster, more reliable wireless connection for home and businesses users.AC_3X_N_speed

The new D-Link wireless router lineup consists of the AC750 (DIR-810L), AC1000 (DIR-820L), AC1200 (DIR-860L) and AC1750 (DIR-868L), ranging from $80 up to $170. These cloud routers offer remote network management via the free D-Link Lite iOS app, which “enables users to see what websites are being visited, block unwanted connections, and set up automatic email alerts when unauthorized connections are made.”  The top of the line AC1750 and AC1200 feature four ultra fast Gigabit Ethernet ports.

Even though most devices we have aren’t AC compatible yet, if you’re currently in the market for a new router it may make sense to go AC in an effort to future proof your network.

All four of these routers are now available for order from D-Link or major retailers like Amazon.

OS X 10.8.4 code confirms new Macs incoming with super-fast 802.11ac Gigabit wireless support

Site default logo image

Apple is preparing to soon release new Mac computers that support super-fast 802.11ac Gigabit wireless, according to code-findings inside of Apple’s latest OS X Mountain Lion 10.8.4 beta seed to developers. The code was located by a tipster inside of the operating system’s WiFi-frameworks folder. As you can see in the image directly below, the 802.11ac code is not found in OS X 10.8.3, which is the latest public release of Apple’s Mac operating system.

fasterwifi

Previous reports have claimed that Apple is working with wireless chipmaker Broadcom to produce 802.11ac chips for future Macs. Now, it appears, Apple’s software is ready to support the new wireless technology as well. More details below…


Expand
Expanding
Close

Air Display update makes iPad a Retina monitor for Mac, enables HiDPI mode

Site default logo image

Developer Avatron announced its “Air Display” app, which allows iPhones, iPads and Macs to act as a second or third monitor, would be implementing support for the 2048-by-1536 resolution of the new iPad’s 264-DPI Retina display. That means you will soon be able to use your third-generation iPad as a 2048-by-1536 computer monitor.

The update will also benefit the iPad 2 and iPhone 4S with “dramatically better frame rates.” In addition, the upcoming update will allow you to enable HiDPI mode in Lion or Mountain Lion, a “feature in Mac OS X that renders with double-resolution on a double-resolution screen.” The results of turning on HiDPI mode in OS X is viewable in the image to the right. Avatron explained on its blog:


Expand
Expanding
Close

Passware: Filevault can be brute force cracked during the span of a lunchbreak

Site default logo image

FileVault has been included in Macs by Apple since the release of Panther many years ago. In Apple’s most recent release, OS X Lion, the company included FileVault that brought new ways of encryption. FileVault lets you encrypt your entire drive with a master password to protect key-chain passwords, files, and more. FileVault 2 uses a separate partition to store the FileVault login information.

Cnet pointed us to a new report from password recovery company PassWare, who claimed it can decrypt Apple’s FileVault 2 in under 40 minutes. Obviously, this is a big concern because FileVault contains so much of users’ information.

PassWare decrypts FileVault by going in through the system’s firewire connection and using live-memory analysis to extract the encryption key from the FileVault partition (so the machine must assumedly be running?). From there, a user can uncover keychain files and login passwords that can be used to unlock the whole HDD/SSD.

PassWare conveniently makes PassWare 11.3 available to do this, but you will have to throw down a lofty $995 to get the software. PassWare makes this software primarily available for law enforcement.


Expand
Expanding
Close

New in OS X Lion: “Network Link Conditioner” utility lets you simulate internet and bandwidth conditions

Site default logo image

What is it? Network Link Conditioner is a new utility in OS X Lion (via the free Xcode 4.1 app) that will allow you to simulate less than desirable network conditions, such as a bad 3G connection or Edge with “Good Connectivity”. This is an especially useful utility for those developing apps and sites that highly rely on network connectivity, whether it’s a multiplayer game or just an animation heavy web app.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Turn off irritating changes in Lion with Lion Tweaks

Site default logo image

Annoyed by the small changes in Lion? A new app called Lion Tweaks allows you to quickly turn on or off certain features in Lion that may be bugging you. The free app does nothing revolutionary, because all of these tweaks could be accessed in Terminal, but it’s nice to have a centralized place. I’m already eyeing, “Change iCal Leather to Aluminum”. (via Betanews)

Download
Expand
Expanding
Close

Skype launches HD video calls for Mac OS X Lion with 5.3 update

Site default logo image

Today Skype announced the 5.3 update for Mac OS X which brings HD video calls to Lion among a handful of other UI enhancements and bug fixes. The official Skype blog explains:

With Skype 5.3 for Mac OS X, you’ll also be able to send and receive HD quality video when talking to your friends and family. You’ll need to use the Mac’s built-in webcam or choose from a variety of webcams from our Skype Shop, such as the Logitech C910, to make video calls in crystal clear HD quality. To receive clear HD video calls on your Mac, we recommend an upload/download speed of 1.5Mbps.

While previous versions of Skype, even 2.8, seem to run rather well on Lion, official support should iron out any bugs you’ve been noticing since upgrading. The new update is not only available for Lion users, however, Skype’s blog post notes it is also compatible back to Leopard.

You can grab Skype 5.3 for Mac OS X here. We’ll let you know if we find anything else interesting in this latest update.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Launchpad Control allows you to select which apps appear in Launchpad

Site default logo image

A little tip for you weekend Lion users:

Launchpad feeling a little cluttered? Launchpad Control is a free application on OS X that will assist you in cleaning out the unnecessary apps in your Launchpad. The app is pretty simple in that you just check off which apps you don’t want to see . via LifeHacker

Download here.
Expand
Expanding
Close

OS X Lion loses compatibility with some network-attached storage drives

Site default logo image

CNet has discovered that OS X Lion users lose support for Time Machine backups with third-party NAS hard drives. Time Machine in OS X Lion is now only compatible with Netatalk 2.0. This means that third-party NAS (network attached storage) drives will need a software upgrade from their respective manufactures in order to work with Apple’s next-generation Mac operating system. Users of cable-connected external hard drives will not be affected. Drobo, the company behind popular network attached storage devices has noted the issues on their website:

DroboFS, B800fs and DroboPro FS users running Mac OS X Lion (OS X 10.7) will experience problems with Time Machine.

The next official firmware release for all “FS” products will ensure full compatibility with the released version of Mac OS X Lion,  including use of Time Machine.

Another popular NAS drive maker, Synology, has already released a fix in beta form. Other NAS drive makers will likely follow up with their own OS X Lion compatibility updates.


Expand
Expanding
Close

Use your MacBook Air USB key as a Lion installer

Site default logo image

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufdXy_NZjXc]

Apple packages an elegant little USB key with its MacBook Airs that allows you to restore Snow Leopard if your machine goes south.  But with many people upgrading to Lion, few will want to go through the process of downgrading to Snow Leopard and again to Lion if the machine goes bad.

Here is a way to upgrade your USB Key to Lion as well as your MacBook Air.

MacBenTosh has posted (thanks, Danny!) a video guide showing how to format the restore key into a drive that works like a normal 8GB rewritable Flash drive. To follow along with the instructions in the video you’ll need an instance of Windows running in a virtual machine, Boot Camp or a separate PC.  After restoring, the key will be shown as a 8GB drive.

From that point, Egg Freckles has posted a guide on how to create a Lion disc. Of course Lion will only be available from the App Store (or Dev site), but it’s nice to have a local, external installer.


Expand
Expanding
Close

RoaringApps tells you what apps are compatible with OS X Lion

Site default logo image

When upgrading from Snow Leopard to Lion, there is a chance of compatibility issues between app and the new OS. A new site called RoaringApps comes to the rescue by displaying what apps are compatible with the new OS. RoaringApps provides a long table of apps showing what apps are supported and if it is available in the App Store.

Other parts of the site include a forum and IRC chat to talk apps. This makes a great way to assure that all of your Mac applications are going to work, before you upgrade.

.
Expand
Expanding
Close