Month of April , 2005

Apple has added two new files that weight 48MB in its support section. The first is the Java SE 5.0 Release 1 while the second is the Developer Documentation for this API.

The description provided for Java SE 5.0 Release 1 is:

Java 2 Platform Standard Edition (J2SE) 5.0 Release 1 provides support for J2SE 5.0 on Mac OS X 10.4.
This release does not replace the existing installation of J2SE 1.4.2.

According to Richmond Times-Dispatch, the Henrico County's School Board voted yesterday to use Dell computers rather than Apple's laptops for every high school student and teachers by next year.

That's very bad news for Apple which has been the supplier of laptops to Henrico schools for four years. By the way Dell has won a nearly $17.9 million deal to supply 15,800 laptops over the next four years.

Apple has just made available through the Software Update utility an update for QuickTime Broadcaster to version 1.5.

This update brings the following changes, according to Apple:

QuickTime Broadcaster 1.5 introduces a number of enhancements including:

Support for industry standard H.264 video
Increased support for 3G live broadcasting to mobile devices
Improved ISMA compliance
Performance improvements

Apple has posted an update for Apple Remote Desktop Client and Admin through the Software Update utility, bringing it to version 2.2.

Here is the description provided by Apple for the Remote Desktop Admin 2.2 update:

The Apple Remote Desktop Admin version 2.2 Update delivers improved reliability and compatibility for Apple Remote Desktop 2 and is recommended for all users of Apple Remote Desktop.
For detailed information on this Update, please visit this website: http://www.info.apple.com/kbnum/n300761

NOTE: Apple Remote Desktop version 2.2 Clients can only be managed by Apple Remote Desktop version 2.2 Admin software.

Apple has just released QuickTime 7 for Mac OS X Panther through the Software Update utility and the QuickTime section of its web site.

Here is the description proviced by Apple:

QuickTime 7 provides a vast array of new features, including:

H.264 video support
Live player resize
Zero-configuration streaming
Surround sound
New and improved playback controls
All-new content guide

Additionally, QuickTime 7 Pro users will enjoy the following new
capabilities:

Audio and video recording
Simplified movie sharing
Full-screen floating controls

Tiger is officially available today, at 6 p.m., at Apple retail stores and at many resellers who have organized special events for the occasion. The first copies of Tiger, ordered on Apple's online stores, had already started being delivered last week. Most of the orders made the first and the second day of the pre-ordering open, arrived yesterday and are still arriving today though. Since late March, Amazon offers a $35 rebate for Tiger orders bringing its price to $94.99. The offer ends on May the 31st.

A search in the patents and trademarks office database reveals that Apple has filed two new trademarks : "iPod Socks" and "Jam Box".

"iPod Socks" was filed on April 11, 2005, as :
"bags and cases for computer hardware and consumer electronics"

"Jam Box" was filed on April 18, 2005, as :
"computer hardware; computer software; computer peripherals, namely audio production systems comprised of computer hardware and software for composing, recording, creating, converting, enhancing, processing, amplifying, mixing, manipulating, and playing audio signals"

The database also contains a picture for the trademark.

According to AppleInsider, TigerDirect, a company based in Miami, Florida, is suing Apple over the "Tiger" trademark use.

Actually, the company owns "Tiger", "TigerDirect" and "TigerSoftware" since 1987 and believes that the use of this name by Apple's for its new operating system "is causing confusion, mistake and deception among the general purchasing public."

The company, which sells computer hardware and software, has requested an injunction that may prevent tomorrow's Mac OS X Tiger launch.

UPDATE: A MacNN report provides similar information, while AppleInsider has updated its article with additional information. It looks like the news first broke on Bloomberg.

Apple has posted a SuperDrve Firmware Update for certain PowerMacs and eMacs. This firmware update "delivers updated SuperDrive firmware to improve reliability when accessing DVD and CD media", according to Apple.

One MacRumors' reader notes that a song on the iTunes Music Store is encoded in a higher bit rate than the usual 128Kbit. SNAP's Rythm Is A Dancer (Original Mix) is encoded at 290Kbit. The site even provides a screenshot of the info tags of the song.

Adobe has just announced that its professional software suite Creative Suite 2.0 is now available in the USA.

Adobe Creative Suite Standard Edition sells for $899 and includes Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator while the Premium Edition, which also includes Golive and Acrobat Professional, sells for $1199.

Along with the release of the new PowerMacs, Apple has also cut pricing on its TFT Cinema Displays.

Now, the 20-inch Cinema is priced US$799, the 23-inch Cinema HD is priced US$1499 and the 30-inch Cinema HD is priced US$2999. All of the displays are available immediately.

Apple has just re-opened its European online stores (US, DE, FR, IT, UK...), and releases new PowerMacs as expected. Three new configurations have appeared with the same technical specfications as revealed yesterday by Amazon, while the entry-level PowerMac G5 single 1.8Ghz keeps the same specifications and pricing.

Apple has closed its online stores (US, DE, FR, IT, UK...), as it is usually the case before a new product release.

New PowerMacs are expected to be released today. Yesterday, Amazon.com has prematurely started taking orders on the new PowerMac family and, by the way, revealed their technical specifications.

Amazon has, probably unintentionally, revealed the specifications of Apple's new PowerMac line.

An announcement message is inviting visitors to order one of the new PowerMacs in the online retailer's computers section :

"Introducing the most powerful Apple desktops yet: The new 2.0 GHz, 2.3 GHz, and 2.7 GHz dual-processor Power Macs. Order yours today."

Many rumour sites as well as other publications have mentioned this week for Apple announcements. Here's a recap of what was said during the last ten days :

Hardware :

ThinkSecret provided, last week, some confirmation of recent revelations on the forthcoming PowerMacs which should be single-core, the site says.

Meanwhile, AppleInsider said last week that there would be hardware updates as soon as tomorrow, but stated today that the hardware introductions would happen on the first week of May. The site is finally confirming, in another more recent article, that new PowerMacs are indeed coming tomorrow.

Apple has just made available XSan 1.0.1 update through its Software Update utility and its support web site. The update weights 2.4MB and provides many bug fixes and improves reliability.

Here are the notes provided by Apple for this update :
The 1.0.1 Update delivers overall improved reliability for Xsan and is recommended for all systems. It includes improvements for:

- using the 'mv' command to move files from Xsan (ACFS) to Mac OS Extended (HFS+) volumes
- saving files over 4GB via SMB/CIFS to an Xsan volume hosted on Mac OS X Server

Apple has made available an update for GarageBand to version 2.0.1 through its Software Update utility. The update weights 14.4MB and is a minor update that mainly fixes bugs.

Here are the notes that Apple provides for this update :

GarageBand 2.0.1 addresses issues with duplicating tracks, playhead snapping to grid, joining software instrument regions on adjacent tracks, making precise adjustments to volume and pan settings, and converting Software Instrument Apple Loops based on drum sounds into Real Instrument Apple Loops. It also addresses an issue where recorded Real Instrument r

Kottke.org has discovered some interesting comments posted on Slashdot by someone who claims to be an Apple employee. The employee describes how Spotlight will evolve in the future with concrete examples.

Here's the most impressive :
You're doing a multi-party teleconference. A recording is made of that teleconference (each angle), and separate audio tracks are recorded for each participant. In real time, your computer transcribes each voice track and stores it as ancillary content on the recording, content that Spotlight indexes for you. At any time, you can type "meeting in San Jose" into Spotlight, and it'll take you right to the angle and track on which your co-worker Laurent talked about next week's meeting in San Jose.

Apple has released a "Java Update for Mac OS X 10.3.9" via Software Update utility :

This update will correct issues affecting some Java users following the
installation of Mac OS X v10.3.9 Software Update.

For detailed information on this Update, please visit this website:
http://www.info.apple.com/kbnum/n301382

Earlier this week, Apple acknowledged the issue by posting a

Apple has opened registration for AppleExpo 2005 which takes place from September 20 to 24, at Paris Expo, Porte De Versailles, Hall 1, as recently announced by the company.

Like every year, the event opens with a keynote presentation, usually performed by Steve Jobs. In order to register for the keynote, you have to register as an Apple Expo visitor first.

The registration is free and can be done through this dedicated web site.

Apple has posted two software updates through its Software Update utility and its support web site. The first is an update for GarageBand Jam Pack 4 Symphony Orchestra to version 1.0.1 and the second is a security update for the iSync utility labelled "2005-004".

Notes that Apple provides for the GarageBand Jam pack 4 update:
This update addresses isolated issues with the sound quality of some Software Instruments when used with GarageBand 2, Logic Pro 7, or Logic Express 7.

Dave Hyatt, a member of Safari's development team, has posted some comments on his blog about the latest version of Safari (1.3), that is provided in the latest update of Mac OS X Panther (10.3.9).

According to the developer, the latest version of Safari brings similar performance improvements as the version that will ship with Tiger, later this month. The performance is said to be improved by 35% on page loads. Hayatt also provides some articles explaining other changes in Safari 1.3, among them, an improved W3C compilance.

Adobe Systems, Inc, has announced, today, that it is buying Macromedia, Inc, its biggest competitor, for $3.4 billion in shares. The two companies where mainly competing on web development and design applications.

Macromedia shareholders will receive 0.69 shares of Adobe for every share of Macromedia, Inc. On Friday, Adobe shares (ADBE) closed at $60.66 while Macromedia (MACR) shares closed at $33.45. The purchase represents a 25% plu-value for Macrmedia's shareholders.

As reported on our Apple NAB presentation coverage, Apple has announced Final Cut Studio and Shake. Final Cut Studio includes Final Cut Pro 5, Motion 2, Soundtrack Pro and DVD Studio Pro 4.

New versions of Apple's Pro video software focus on HD editing support and add many new features as well. Detailed informatin and pricing can be found on each product's dedicated page on Apple's web site: Final Cut Pro 5<

The NAB show is taking place right know in Las Vegas. A special Apple keynote is presented by Rob Schoeben at this moment. Apple is expected to announce news software and maybe new hardware during the event.

Coverage is currently provided by Apple-X.net and acme.blogs.com (in French).

We'll be updating with the latest major announcements made during the presentation, so stay tuned.

Major announcements:
- European Apple Stores are down
- Apple announces Final Cut Pro Studio with Final Cut Pro 5..

Apple has just released Mac OS X Panther 10.3.9 update for the Standard and Server versions. The update weights 51.3MB and is available through the Software Update utility.

Here are the notes that Apple provides with the update :

The 10.3.9 Update delivers overall improved compatibility and reliability for Mac OS X v10.3 "Panther" and is recommended for all users.

Improvements include:
file sharing and directory services reliability for mixed Mac and PC networks
Mail, Safari and Stickies application reliability
compatibility for third party applications and devices
previous standalone security updates

Apple has simultaneously released updates for its iDVD, iMovie, iPhoto and iSight software. These updates are available for download through the Software Update utility. Here is the information provided by Apple for each update :

iDVD Update (5.0.1 - 3.7MB):
iDVD 5.0.1 addresses issues related to general stability and compatibility with iPhoto slideshows and iMovie HD.

iMovie HD Update (5.0.2 - 3.9MB):
Audio in PAL widescreen
Sharing (exporting) HDV to videocamera tape
Synchronizing with HDV 720p content
Importing video from a DV videocamera when using analog passthrough or recording live video

Apple's shares (AAPL) have closed significantly lower today at $37.26, a slump of 9.21%. The market reacted very negatively to Apple's Q2 earnings release, although the quarter was first qualified as "excellent". The stock went even lower on after-hours trading to 36.51, another 5.73% slump.

The main reason of this negative reaction is said to be the figures Apple has provided for this quarter's iPod sales. Although Apple has sold about 5.3 million iPods this quarter, which represents a 16% increase over last quarter, iPod's revenues did fall 16% because of Apple's recent price cuts and introduction of an entry level digital music player, the iPod shuffle.

AppleInsider hints that Apple may be ready to launch its iTunes Music Store in Japan. Last week, the site claimed that Apple was preparing to launch its iTunes Music Store in Australia.

Along with Tiger's announcement, Apple has also started a $30 discount offer for new .Mac customers. Any one-year subscription started before May 23, 2005, will cost only $69 instead of $99. The offer is also available for .Mac retail boxes as a mail-in rebate.

Apple has posted their financial results for the 2nd quarter. The company has posted profits of $295 million and revenues of $3.24 billion. Compared with last year's quarter, income is up 500% while revenues are up 70%.

More than 1 million Macs and 5.3 million iPods were sold this quarter. We can also note that Apple's market share in the MP3 players market has increased from 65% (last quarter) to 70% while its new iPod shuffle took over 43% of the flash-based MP3 players market share.

More details and analysis are provided by MacObserver. MacRumors and AppleInsider have also posted their recap of the financial conference webcast, which is available for listening here.

Apple has just started taking pre-orders for Mac OS X Tiger through its online store. An official delivery date for Tiger is also provided by the company: Tiger will ship on April the 29th.

Tiger is priced $129 and ships for free on Apple's online store. Apple also offers access to a free online seminar with every purchase of Tiger.

Apple made it hard for rumour sites to guess the release date of its new operating system. ThinkSecret had predicted Apple to announce a release date on April 1 but this didn't happen. Last week, anonymous sources told macosXrumors they expected an announcement for tomorrow.

According to MacWorld, Apple Expo will take place at Paris Expo, Porte De Versailles, Hall 1, from September 20 to 24, 2005.

Last year, the keynote was performed by Phil Schiller, who made some major announcements like the release of a new iMac line. It is still unknown wether the keynote will be performed by Steve Jobs or not this year.

AppleInsider provides some information on the opening of an Apple retail store in Midtown Manhattan. The store was rumoured to be in construction since last month around General Motors Building at 767 Fifth Avenue, Midtown Manhattan, New York.

Some pictures of the store's construction are also provided on a more recent story, while Apple se

A reader has provided us some information about Apple's presence at FOSE: the Apple booth was right at the main entrance of the show, with their line of desktop Macs (iMac G5, PowerMac G5, Xserve G5, Mac mini), running Mac OS X Tiger build 8A428. Additionally, another reader suggested that we take a look at this .Mac homepage which offers some pictures of the show.

ThinkSecret notices a job posting on Yahoo which reveals that Apple is looking for an "iPod graphics engineer". We might speculate that Apple is planning to develop iPods that have more advanced graphics or more advanced games.

According to Dagbladet, a very known Norwegian newspaper, Apple is planning to open an iTunes Music Store in Norway on April the 28th.

Additionally, a reader notes some interesting comments in an article on IDG.se. In one of the comments postings, it's claimed that "Apple employees have been testing iTunes in Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland.

Since last week, we've received Tiger related reports and here's what we've learned:

Firstly, sources definitely confirm that Tiger build 8A428 has been declared Golden Master, while first builds of Mac OS X 10.4.1 update have already appeared. However, we received several very negative reports about recent builds of Tiger, including the Golden Master build. Some sources qualified the Golden Master build as "beta" quality software. This is probably one of the reasons why there was some confusion over the release date of Tiger last month. As we had speculated, Apple again seems to favour a release strategy whereby it releases software early and follows it up quickly with bug-fixing minor releases. We expect 10.4.1 to quickly follow Tiger's release -- maybe in time for WWDC.

According to AppleInsider, Apple is still actively working on Panther 10.3.9 update and Tiger, as well as on server versions of both systems.

Mac OS X Panther 10.3.9 update build 7W94 was seeded to developers and is said to be ready for release, along with a Panther server update.

Although build 8A428 was declared Golden Master late last week, the site claims that Apple is continuing to develop new builds of Tiger. A build numbered 8A432 is even mentioned in the article as one of the first builds of Mac OS X Tiger 10.4.1 update.

The U.S. Patents and Trademarks office database reveals that Apple has filed a trademark for "iCalc" as "computer software". The trademark was filed on March the 28th 2005.

We may speculate that it could be the name of a spreadsheet application, while it is maybe just be the name of an advanced calculator. We may also notice that none of the current iWork applications' names start with the letter "i". Does it mean that this application won't be part of the iWork suite? Time will tell.

The name "iCalc" had already been mentioned by our sources, as reported on July 23, 2002, as being the name of a spreadsheet application that Apple was said to be working on. Names given by the source for the other applications that would be part of the rumoured office productuvity suite weren't accurate though. Apple later released Keynote presentation software and more recently Pages word processor but still has to release a spreadsheet application.

According to an article published on SiliconValleyWatcher, Apple has signed a contract with Alphamosaic. This company which is based in Cambridge and is a subsidiary of Broadcom, provides multimedia chips for handheld devices that are capable of displaying high resolution graphics and videos.

The initial press release of the chip in question, dated September 20, 2004, mentions some of its capabilities:
"Building on the success of the VC01, Alphamosaic is now sampling VC02, the world's most advanced mobile multimedia processor. The VC02 can display video on 3.5 inch color LCDs and capture 8 megapixel images, making it ideal for watching TV, making videos or taking studio-quality photos on a cellphone."

Here is a roundup of the recent Apple hardware related rumours and news:

MacRumors reported some unconfirmed information, last week, claiming that Apple will update its PowerMac line with multi-core G5 CPUs as well as PCI-Express graphics and support for up to 32GB of RAM. The report also mentions the possibility of a Powerbook HD release. The first hints on the PowerBook HD appeared in February in one of our articles.

Apple has silently launched its first online store for mobile phones in Japan. This online store allows owners of the lastest generation mobile phones, to order Apple products such as the iPod.

Adobe has officially announced the new version of its professional software suite, Creative 2.0 through its web site. The software suite is shipping next month.