Mac OS X

127 'Mac OS X' stories December 2010 - July 2014

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Apple brings iTunes Extras to Apple TV, HD Extras to Macs today & iOS 8 in fall

Jordan Kahn Jul 10 2014 - 8:05 am PT

Apple-TV-Extras

Apple today released iTunes version 11.3 and with it is making its iTunes Extras feature available for HD movies on Macs. Apple also announced today that the feature is now available for Apple TV with update 6.2 and will arrive on iOS 8 this fall.

While we’ll have to wait for iTunes Extras to arrive on iOS with the release of iOS 8 this fall, the Apple TV OS 6.2 update rolled out late last month to users alongside iOS 7.1.2.

iTunes Extras offers an interactive experience for some video content on iTunes that often includes behind-the-scenes videos, image galleries, commentary from the creators, cast interviews, exclusive clips, short films, and more. Content creators decide whether or not to offer the iTunes Extras feature and create the experience using templates provided by Apple. Apple also notes that “new iTunes Extras will be automatically added to your previously purchased HD movies as they become available- at no additional charge.”

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Analyst suggestion of converged iOS/OS X device flies in face of Apple statements

Ben Lovejoy Feb 12 2014 - 6:26 am PT

converge

CNET reports that JP Morgan analyst Mark Moskowitz forecasts that Apple will release a converged iOS/OS X device he has dubbed the iAnywhere.

While not a new idea, our global tech research team believes Apple could be on the cusp of introducing a new category with iAnywhere, a converged MacOS-iOS operating system that allows an iPhone or iPad to dock into a specially configured display to run as a computer

This is a variation on earlier claims that a larger iPad – widely dubbed the iPad Pro – could also run both operating systems. I’ve written at length about this idea, so won’t rehearse the arguments again here, I shall simply counter with a few quotes from Apple …
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Gallery: Eight beautiful new OS X Mavericks wallpapers

Zac Hall Sep 3 2013 - 5:52 pm PT

Rolling Waves

Apple released its seventh developer preview of OS X 10.9 Mavericks today including eight beautiful new wallpapers. The new wallpapers depict various landscapes including a scenic mountain view and yet another oceanic-themed wave. Check out our gallery below and try out the new Mavericks wallpapers for yourself!
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How to: Create a bootable OS X Mavericks USB Flash Drive from original App Store package

Jun 13 2013 - 11:38 am PT

On Monday Apple finally unveiled to the world the next iteration of OS X, Mavericks. A developer preview of the new operating system is available now as a Mac App Store download for registered developers. Delivering Mavericks via a download is super conveient and easy for everyday users but can be unhelpful in several troubleshooting or advanced OS modification situations. The only way to obtain a bootable OS X Mavericks USB flash drive is to create your own:
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Former Apple SVP and Palm CEO Jon Rubinstein responds to iOS 7: ‘the Mac has webOS stuff, too!’

Scott Buscemi Jun 12 2013 - 9:17 am PT

Yesterday, FierceWireless published an interview with former Palm CEO Jon Rubinstein. Palm released its webOS operating system in 2009 to much fanfare, however, the sales were abysmal and led to the eventual HP acquisition.

Rubinstein still remains very proud of the innovation behind webOS and believes the technology is slowly being “adopted” by other companies. With the introduction of iOS 7, many have said that features like multitasking cards resemble webOS, but Rubinstein believes the webOS influence extends even further into other operating systems like OS X and those of other companies:

FierceWireless: It seems like iOS 7 is taking lots of multitasking cues from webOS. How do you think that platform, webOS, influenced other mobile platforms?

Rubinstein: It’s not just mobile platforms. If you look at the notifications on Mac OS X, it looks just like webOS, too. We did a lot of things that were very, very innovative. Obviously, multitasking, notifications, Synergy, how we handled the multiple cards. There’s a long list of stuff we did that has been adopted by Microsoft, Apple and Android. Our over-the-air updates and mechanism has been updated by everybody. Our whole Synergy concept is now becoming much more common. I don’t think anyone has implemented it as well as we did yet, but clearly they’re all heading down that direction.

Read the entire interview here.

Apple officially announces OS X Mavericks at WWDC

Michael Steeber Jun 10 2013 - 10:23 am PT

Answering probably the biggest question regarding the Macintosh Operating System, Apple revealed today that the tenth iteration of its OS X system will be dubbed Mavericks.

OS X 10.9 delivers a collection of new features including:

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

May 14 2013 - 12:35 pm PT

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.

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.

Apple seeds OS X 10.8.4 beta build 12E47 to developers

Mark Gurman May 8 2013 - 1:13 pm PT

Just over a week following the previous build, Apple has seeded OS X Mountain Lion 10.8.4 build 12E47 to registered Mac developers. The update is available via the Mac App Store for developers and should be on the Mac Developer Center shortly. Apple, once again, tells developers to focus on WiFi performance, Safari, and Graphics Drivers…

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Not able to register for WWDC? Apple’s bringing the conference to you with Tech Talks 2013 Fall Tour

9to5 Staff Apr 26 2013 - 7:26 pm PT

Screen Shot 2013-04-26 at 10.16.43 PM

WWDC 2013 sold out in a matter of minutes likely cutting out a few developers who wanted to head to San Francisco for the show. For those who who missed out or who can’t make the trip to San Francisco, Apple will again be offering Tech Talks this Fall in a number of cities. (Apple will also be offering videos of WWDC session videos as they unfold.)

In 2011, Apple’s Tech Talk hit 9 cities though it is far from certain that Apple will be hitting the same places this time around:

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WWDC 2013 could mark 230 days since last Apple keynote event, the longest in recent memory

Seth Weintraub Apr 24 2013 - 11:29 am PT

via Business Insider

Unless the “April-ish” predictions by iMore’s Rene Ritchie come true for the iPad 5 launch event, Apple will have gone 230 days without a keynote when it holds WWDC on June 10-14th.

To make it worse for Apple hardware-lovers, that event is billed as showing off the next version of iOS and OS X so we’re not guaranteed to see any new Apple gadgetry there. The wait is unusually long for Apple as Jay Yarrow demonstrates in his thoroughly researched timeline of Apple’s recent keynotes.

Apple CEO Tim Cook hinted during yesterday’s conference call that Apple wouldn’t have anything notable in terms of hardware until the Fall, though it is unclear exactly what he meant by that.

The 132 day wait between the 2010 MacBook Air and the iPad 2 was the longest hardware dry-spell before the one we are currently enduring.
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Apple seeds OS X 10.8.4 beta build 12E36 to developers

Mark Gurman Apr 23 2013 - 1:40 pm PT

Just under a week after the last build, Apple has seeded developers with build 12E36 of the upcoming OS X Mountain Lion 10.8.4 release. Apple, again, asks developers to focus on WiFi performance, Graphics, and Safari. Thanks, D!

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Logitech announces Mac OS support for G Series gaming accessories

Jordan Kahn Apr 22 2013 - 11:36 am PT

Logitech-G-Series-Gaming-Accessories

Previously available to Windows gamers only, Logitech today announced Mac OS X software making its recently unveiled revamped lineup of G gaming accessories available to Mac users too. Ranging from approximately $50 to $200, the G gaming products include the G700 wireless gaming mouse, G510 gaming keyboard, as well as a selection of mice, gaming headsets, and the G13 Advanced Gameboard controller.

Today, we are excited to share that Logitech Gaming Software (LGS) has been updated to support Mac OS for our full keyboard and mouse lineup. Now Mac gamers can enjoy the same great personalization and customized control our PC customers have come to reply on. You can download the latest version of LGS from the Logitech support page for each compatible product.

You can check out the full G Series of Logitech gaming accessories here and download the Mac OS X software here. As usual, Amazon has some of the best prices on the current G series accessories, while the revamped lineup will be available through Logitech later this month.
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Apple releases OS X 10.8.3 to the public with Mac App Store camera gift card redemption, Boot Camp improvements & fixes

Jordan Kahn Mar 14 2013 - 1:21 pm PT

Screen Shot 2013-03-14 at 4.21.32 PM

Following the release of OS X Mountain 10.8.3 build 12D78 to developers earlier this week, Apple today released 10.8.3 to the public with a number of new features and enhancements. One of the more notable new features is the ability to redeem iTunes gift cards using the Mac’s built-in camera within the Mac App Store. It’s a feature that Apple originally introduced with iTunes 11 in November.

Other improvements in today’s release include support for install Windows 8 in Boot Camp and Boot Camp support for Mac’s using 3TB hard drives. Users had previously been using workarounds to utilize Boot Camp on Macs with hard drives larger than the utility’s old 2.2TB limit.

The release also includes Safari 6.0.3 and audio related fixes for Logic Pro and 2011 iMacs:

-The ability to redeem iTunes gift cards in the Mac App Store using Mac’s built-in camera
-Boot Camp support for installing Windows 8
-Boot Camp support for Macs with a 3TB hard drive
-A Fix for an issue that could cause a file URL to quit apps unexpectedly
-A fix for an issue that may cause Logic Pro to become unresponsive when using certain plug-ins
-A fix for an issue that causes audio to stutter on 2011 iMacs
-Includes Safari 6.0.3

Apple seeds OS X 10.8.3 Mountain Lion build 12D76 to developers

Jordan Kahn Mar 5 2013 - 3:45 pm PT

Screen Shot 2013-03-05 at 6.44.39 PM

After releasing 12D74 late last month, Apple released OS X 10.8.3 build 12D76 to developers today with no major changes. Apple isn’t listing any known issues, and the company once again asked developers to focus on AirPlay, AirPort, Game Center, Graphics Drivers, and Safari.

We’ll let you know if developers report any changes in today’s build. Full release notes below:

Thanks, Anonymous!

Update: As noted by MacRumors, build 12D76 appears to include support for NVIDIA’s Quadro K5000 graphics card that the company announced for the Mac Pro in September but is yet to ship. Yesterday we told you about the new Sapphire HD 7950 graphics card shown for the first time at CeBIT, while support for the AMD 7000 series was first discovered in a 10.8.3 beta back in November.

Release-notes-12D76

Apple seeds OS X 10.8.3 Mountain Lion build 12D68 to developers

Jordan Kahn Feb 14 2013 - 1:20 pm PT

Screen Shot 2013-02-14 at 4.18.40 PM

Apple has seeded a new release of OS X 10.8.3 to developers today with build number 12D68. Apple, once again, told developers to focus on AirPlay, AirPort, Game Center, Graphics Drivers, and Safari. The build comes one week after Apple released build 12D65 to developers on Feb. 6 with a fix for the “File:///” bug.

We’ll let you know if developers report any changes in today’s build. The full release notes are below. Thanks, Anonymous.

Screen Shot 2013-02-14 at 4.24.00 PM

Java browser plug-in on OS X re-enabled with update to Java 7

Jordan Kahn Feb 1 2013 - 2:02 pm PT

Reports from earlier this week noted Apple had recently blocked Java 7 browser plug-ins again on OS X. While the exact reason was unclear, a terminal workaround is no longer required. Oracle released update 13 for Java 7 for Mac OS X today. The critical patch brings over 50 new security fixes for Jave SE products, in addition to re-enabling plug-ins on OS X.

The original Critical Patch Update for Java SE – February 2013 was scheduled to be released on February 19th, but Oracle decided to accelerate the release of this Critical Patch Update because active exploitation “in the wild” of one of the vulnerabilities affecting the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) in desktop browsers, was addressed with this Critical Patch Update.

EA & DICE looking to bring Frostbite engine to Mac OS X

Jordan Kahn Jan 28 2013 - 7:50 am PT

According to a job listing from game developer DICE, EA might be looking to bring its popular Battlefield 3 franchise to OS X. The Battlefield3Blog pointed us to the job listing seeking a Mac OS X engineer to be”part of a team focusing on bringing Frostbite to Mac.”

Frostbite is looking for developers who want to join us in taking our engine to the next level. You will be part of a team focusing on bringing Frostbite to Mac and work closely with game team customers and the Frostbite team to deliver an engine as great on OS X as it is on Windows and traditional console platforms.

With plans to bring the Frostbite game engine to Mac, it could also mean EA plans to bring Frostbite-powered titles previously only available on Windows, Xbox, and PS3 to the Mac. There is no mention of specific games, but on top of the Battlefield series, Frostbite has been used for Need for Speed and Medal of Honor titles. We’re assuming this is for Frostbite 2, but there’s also a possibility it could be a next generation of the engine.

Apple seeds OS X Mountain Lion 10.8.3 build 12D54 to developers

Jordan Kahn Jan 16 2013 - 12:19 pm PT

Screen Shot 2013-01-16 at 3.19.31 PM

Apple just made OS X Mountain Lion 10.8.3 build 12D54 available to testers after releasing build 12D50 earlier this month on Jan. 8 with no known issues. Apple said the new build includes significant changes to Wi-Fi and listed the following focus areas for developers: AirPlay • AirPort • Game Center • Graphics Drivers • Safari.

Screen Shot 2013-01-16 at 4.42.59 PM

Apple seeds OS X 10.8.3 build 12D43 to developers

Jake Smith Dec 18 2012 - 1:13 pm PT

Shortly after releasing iOS 6.0.2 to the masses this afternoon, Apple seeded build 12D43 of OS X 10.8.3 to developers. The folks in Cupertino have not listed any new features or known issues, but they asked developers to focus on AirPlay, AirPort, Game Center, Graphics Drivers, and Safari. The last pre-release build was released on Dec. 5. You can check today’s release out on the developer center, while the full release note is below:

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MacUpdate Winter Bundle: $49.99 gets you Company of Heros, Roller Coaster Tycoon, Data Rescue 3, Snapz Pro, much more

9to5 Staff Dec 4 2012 - 10:04 pm PT

Adding another Mac Software bundle to the mix this holiday season, MacUpdate throws in a solid lineup of apps for $49.99, many of which retail for more alone.

You get:

1. Data Rescue 3 ($99.99)
* 2. Espresso 2 ($75.00)
* 3. Snapz Pro X 2.5 ($69.00)
4. TotalFinder ($18.00)
* 5. TotalSpaces ($15.00)
* 6. Mac DVDRipper Pro 4 ($24.95)
* 7. PopChar X 6 ($38.00)
8. MoneyWell 2 ($49.99)
* 9. Swift Publisher 3 ($29.95)
* 10. Company of Heroes ($29.99)
* 11. Roller Coaster Tycoon 3 Platinum ($29.99)

* BONUS. Live Interior 3D Pro ($129.95)
Available to first 12K.buyers only.

* = has never been in a bundle before (at least for the version that we’re selling, which are all paid upgrades from previous ones — like version 4 of Mac DVDRipper Pro)

The total value is $478.87, or $608.82 with Live Interior 3D Pro. For the next two weeks, only $49.99

Ending today: First Parallels 8 bundle with Snagit, Virus Barrier, MacOptimizer, Rubbernet: Just $59

9to5 Staff Nov 28 2012 - 10:53 am PT

From 9to5Toys.com:

Mac bundle season continues with a big one from StackSocial. Dubbed the Mac Utility Bundle, they’ve managed to knock $20 off the price of Parallels ($79 regular price) alone and added 4 more helpful utilities to boot. Great way to start off any Mac purchase you may be doing this holiday season.

Details below or on StackSocial.
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Apple releases OS X 10.8.2 Supplemental Update 2 for 2012 Macs, fixing Keychain issues

Jake Smith Nov 20 2012 - 12:54 pm PT

Yesterday, we reported the 2012 Mac mini, Retina 13-inch MacBook Pro, and iMac were unable to update to OS X 10.8.2 after Apple pulled the first update from the App Store last Friday. Today, the folks in Cupertino have released their second supplemental update for OS X 10.8.2 that should allow those users to install the update. Additionally, Apple said the update “is recommended for all Mac systems introduced in 2012” and mainly “fixes an issue with Keychain that can affect 2012 Mac systems.” Grab it from the source link below, and let us know how the update experience fares in the comment section down south.

[Apple]
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2012 Mac Mini users are unable to update to OS X 10.8.2, after update was pulled by Apple on Friday

Jake Smith Nov 19 2012 - 1:49 pm PT

A flurry of users on Twitter and CNET report that the newest Mac Mini released last month is unable to update to the latest version of OS X Mountain Lion, 10.8.2. The update is unavailable through the App Store’s Software Update feature after Apple pulled it for an unknown reason on Friday. Additionally, users received an error when trying to install the update manually through the manual installer made available by Apple. OS X displays an error message of “Error: OS X Update can’t be installed on this disk. This volume does not meet the requirements for this update.” Customers on the Apple Support Communities also voiced their concern.

The cause of the error is unclear, but what is clear is that for some reason a special version of OS X 10.8.2 is required for the Mac Mini (like the one that was pulled on Friday). Apple doesn’t explain why a special version is needed—perhaps it boils down to the new Fusion Drive that is also set to ship with the new iMac later this month—or why it pulled the update from the App Store on Friday. The best option for 2012 Mac Mini owners now is to stick it out on 10.8.1, because as Twitter user Gerald explained it, the update still didn’t work “after 5 hours and 4 reinstalls.”

There is no word on when the new version of OS X 10.8.2 will be released for Mac Mini owners or if they’ll have to stick it out until 10.8.3. We reported on Friday that Apple will soon release a build of 10.8.3 to early testers soon, and the Cupertino, Calif.-based company will provide new information about the 10.8.3 build during the week of Nov. 26.

Update: Additionally, we learned the update has also been pulled for the 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro and latest iMac…suffering the same issue as the Mac Mini.

Update 2: Apple has released a supplemental update to address the issue.

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NYTimes for iPad, Facebook Messenger, Aperture, Printer Pro for iPhone, FX Photo Studio, more

Jordan Kahn Nov 12 2012 - 12:14 pm PT

NYTimes for iPad version 2.5.3: The New York Times has updated its iPad app today with optimizations for the new iPad’s smaller display:

– Optimized for the iPad Mini

Facebook Messenger version 2.02: On top of “other improvements and bug fixes,” Facebook has added the ability to give feedback about its iOS Messenger app from within settings:

What’s New in Version 2.0.2
– Visit your settings to give feedback about the app
– Other improvements and bug fixes

FX Photo Studio version 2.6:

– MacBook Pro Retina display support
– Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion compatibility
– New look
– Overall memory usage and performance improvements
– Color processing improvements
– Enhanced adjustment for all filters
– Bug fixes

Aperture 3.4.3:

-Addresses an issue that could cause a licensed copy of Aperture to prompt for a serial number with each launch

iDisplay Mini: A new iPhone and iPod touch only version of the app that allows you to use your iOS device as a second screen for Mac or PC is out today. Instead of getting the $5 universal app, you can get this iPhone only version for 99 cents.

Shazam version 2.8.0:
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