Month of May , 2006

According to an unconfirmed report, Adobe's European Marketing VP told during Adobe Live this week that the company will discontinue Freehand and GoLive, in favor of Illustrator and Dreamweaver.

Earlier, today, Adobe's PR department denied claims that Freehand will be discontinued and there is no official announcement from the company yet.

Last year, Adobe bought Macromedia, the makers of Freehand, a very high quality alternative to Illustrator and Dreamweaver which is considered as the best WYSIWYG web development application.

AppleInsider claims to have obtained reports indicating Apple is seeking component suppliers for an "All-in-One" education Mac.

Although it may be considered as the successor of the eMac, the new entry-level Mac will use a TFT display rather than a CRT as on the eMac. It should also use similar entry-level components as the current Mac mini and MacBook.

The site's sources did not provide pricing but the new education Mac is expected to be priced slightly lower than the $1299 entry-level iMac. Availability is expected as soon as in September 2006.

Apple has released an update for iWeb, bringing it to version 1.1.1. It's available through the Software Update utility under the following description:

iWeb 1.1.1 resolves issues related to publishing sites to .Mac

It weights 95.2MB.

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Apple, which had sued AppleInsider and PowerPage for trade secrets leak, has reportedly lost the suit.

"In no relevant respect do they appear to differ from a reporter or editor for a traditional business-oriented periodical who solicits or otherwise comes into possession of confidential internal information about a company," Justice Conrad Rushing of the 6th District Court of Appeal wrote in a unanimous 69-page ruling.

"We decline the implicit invitation to embroil ourselves in questions of what constitutes 'legitimate journalism," he wrote. "The shield law is intended to protect the gathering and dissemination of news, and that is what petitioners did here."

Apple has trademarked "Mac Pro" on May 17 at the U.S. Patents & Trademarks Office. Here is the description provided by the patent filing:

IC 009. US 021 023 026 036 038. G & S: computers; computer hardware; computer software; computer peripherals; notebook computers; laptop computers; tablet computers; computer servers; handheld computers; mobile computers; hard drives; audio speakers; speakers for computers; personal digital assistants; electronic organizers; electronic notepads; magnetic data carriers; computer gaming machines; microprocessors; memories boards; monitors; displays; keyboards; computer input devices; computer cables; modems; printers; parts and accessories for all the aforesaid goods.

As recently rumoured, Apple confirmed yesterday it is selling its PowerSchool education software solution to Pearson.

PowerSchool’s web-based solutions provide K-12 administrators, teachers, students and parents with secure, up-to-the-minute information on student performance including grades, homework and attendance. They complement Pearson’s existing enterprise and SIS business, which brings assessment, reporting and business solutions to over 16,000 schools, helping them to fulfill the accountability requirements set by No Child Left Behind. The integrated services will bear the respected PowerSchool name and will be located in Folsom, California and Mesa, Arizona. PowerSchool’s president, Mary McCaffrey, will head the combined business.

According to several reports and readers, Apple's new MacBook which was released last week, includes a new piece of software called "Dashcode".

The new program is a Dashboard widgets development tool that really resembles to XCode. It makes widget packaging, personalizing and Javascript coding much easier than it used to be.

Dashboard is not available for download from Apple's web site at the moment. It is not included on the recently released XCode 2.3 install disc.

Apple has released a new version of its development environment for Mac OS X, XCode 2.3. It is available through the Apple Developer Connection web site (free membership required).

This new version brings the following changes, according to Apple:

Xcode 2.3 adds support for the DWARF debugging format for enhanced debugging fidelity. This release also includes stability and performance improvements to the Xcode IDE, build system, and Code Sense. It is recommended that all Xcode users install this update

More information on this update is available on a "Read Me" PDF file.

Today, Apple and Nike have just announced the Nike+iPod Kit, a new product allowing Nike+ sport shoes to communicate with the iPod nano.

The product consists of a sensor placed in the Nike+ shoes and receiver that connects to the iPod nano. It allows a runner to track his run in real time, acting as a pedometer. The user can register on nikeplus.com so as to track his progress.

On Tuesday, CNBC mentioned rumours of an imminent partnership announcement between the two companies. Maceinstein, which had predicted an Apple/Nike product two weeks ago noticed that the domain tuneyourrun.com had recently been registered by Nike.

According to the french Mac-centric site MacGeneration.com, Pascal Cagni, Apple Europe's VP, has sent a letter to European Apple resellers to inform them of the forthcoming changes in their contract with Apple.

The Apple reseller contract that will be applied by this summer in Europe will bring some dramatic changes. The most important among these changes is the fact that Apple resellers, which are currently running under the brand “Apple Center", will now be qualified as “Premium Reseller" instead. By the way, resellers won't be allowed to use the brands “Apple" and “Mac" in their name.

The Herald Tribune reports that Apple has filed a lawsuit against Creative Corp over four patent infringements, regarding their digital portable music players.

The suit against Creative was filed on Monday, May 15, the same day Creative filed a suit against Apple for patent infringement over the user-interface of the iPod.

Apple has released Final Cut Express HD 3.5, its entry-level video-editing application.

This new version adds support for Intel-based Macs (universal binary) and brings "full keyframe effects control" and "dynamic RT for Real-time previews".

A full licence for Final Cut Express HD costs $299 while the upgrade from prior versions costs $99.

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Sources reported to MacOSXRumors that Apple has recently seeded builds 8J2111 (Intel) and 8J111 (PowerPC) of Mac OS X 10.4.7 to developers.

This version fixes more than 50 bugs and focuses on Safari, Mail, Syncing and iChat. The update also fixes issues with Aperture.

Some minor issues remain to be fixed on this build. Release timeframe for this update is not available at the moment.

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Apple has posted System Management Control (SMC) Firmware updates for its Intel-based Macs on its support web site:

- iMac (early 2006) SMC Firmware Update
- MacBook Pro SMC Firmware Update
- Mac mini (early 2006) SMC Firmware Update

Here is the description provided by Apple:

Along with the release of the MacBook, earlier today, Apple has quietly updated its MacBook Pro with slightly higher clock speeds accross the line.

The MacBook Pro now comes in 15.4" 2Ghz, 15.4" 2.16Ghz and 17" 2.16Ghz versions and keeps the same pricing.

Additionally, Apple now offers the choice between a glossy or a standard screen at no cost.

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After closing of its worldwide online stores for about an hour, Apple has just released the long-awaited iBook's successor, the MacBook.

The MacBook comes in a single form factor but is available in three configurations and two colors.

MacBook 13" White 1.83Ghz:
- 13.3-inch widescreen display
- 1280 x 800 resolution
- 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo1
- 512MB memory (2x256MB SODIMMs)
- 60GB 5400-rpm Serial ATA hard drive2
- Combo drive (DVD-ROM, CD-RW)
- $1099

Apple has temporarly closed its European online stores (see UK, FR, GER...) as it usually does when a product release is imminent. If a new product is to be released U.S. Apple stores should also close in a few minutes.

The company is expected to announce the MacBook this week. MacBook is said to be the name of the iBook's successor, the first generation of Apple entry-level laptops that use the Intel architecture.

Apple has posted updates for four of the iLife suite's applications. Here are, respectively, the descriptions of iDVD 6.0.2, iWeb 1.1, iPhoto 6.0.3 and iMovie HD 6.0.2 updates.

iDVD Update 6.0.2 (5.6MB):

This update to iDVD addresses issues with burning some 16:9 projects and improves overall stability.

iWeb Update 1.1 (95.3MB):

This update to iWeb adds comment and search support for blogs and podcasts published to .Mac. It also addresses a variety of usability and performance issues for all users, including image management fixes to improve site load performance.

Creative Corp has filed a complaint and requests investigation by the U.S. International Trade Commission and has filed a lawsuit against Apple Computer over patent infridgement on the iPod's user interface.

Last year, Creative Corps had been granted a patent filing which is refered to as the "Zen Patent". It describes similar user interface as used in the iPod since its introduction and in newer models such as the iPod mini, iPod nano and the iPod 5G.

CNBC has mentioned earlier today a report by Nikkei Net Interactive claiming that Apple and Softbank are co-developing a mobile phone with iPod features. Apple and Softbank have already reached an agreement on the development of this device.

The report also states that the new device will be Apple branded:

Apple, which will be selling cell phone handsets under its own brand for the first time, is expected to outsource production. The company is believed to have chosen Softbank as its partner because Softbank plans to offer high-speed Internet access for cell phones, with a focus on improving convenience for consumers.

Sources who are in the media reported MacosXrumors that Apple has sent invitations to the press for a special event that will take place on May 18th on the 767th Fifth avenue at 59th Street in Manathan, New York.

The invitation's slogan is "Think inside the box" and it states:

Please join us at a press preview for the launch of the Apple Store, Fifth Avenue at 10:00 a.m. on May 18, 2006. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.

Here is a picture of the invitation.

Apple is expected to unveil its next generation iBook next week. The entry-level laptop will probably be called "MacBook" and will be powered by an Intel CPU. Recent unconfirmed reports also suggest the release of a red flavored iPod along with the new MacBook.

Three new updates have appeared today on Mac OS X' Software Update utility. QuickTime comes in version 7.1, FrontRow is updated to 1.2.2 while a Security Update labelled "2006-003" is also available.

As reports IfoAppleStore, Apple's European VP, Pascal Cagni, told the french newspaper Presse Océanie that a Paris location could be opened as soon as this year.

He said that Apple has long been planning a store in Champs Elysées. However, the first location will open somewhere else in Paris, then a second location, in Champs Elysées, should open in 2007.

According to the Asahi Shimbun, Sony Corp plans to support the AAC format in its next generation Walkmans.

Sony has long supported its own format called ATRAC while Apple has been using AAC, along with a proprietary DRM technology called FairPlay, since the introduction of the iTunes Music Store.

However, the forthcoming AAC-capable Walkmans won't be able to play AAC songs bought on iTunes because FairPlay is exclusively used on Apple iPods and some Motorola mobile phones.

Today, Apple has added shows from Fox Entertainment Networks to its iTunes video shows online catalog.

Famous TV shows such as "24", "The Shield," "Prison Break," and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" are now available for download through iTunes, $1.99 each episode.

By offering Disney and Fox content, Apple has now the biggest online offering for TV shows.

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AppleInsider claims that Apple will not release its MacBook next Tuesday but later this month, along with "changes to the company's iPod line".

The MacBook, which is expected to replace the current iBook and initiate the transition of Apple's entry-level laptops to the Intel architecture, was recently rumoured to be for release on Tuesday May 8.

MacosXrumors had also received a report last week, claiming that the iBook successor's release was imminent. However the report wasn't published because we had doubts on its reliability.

Intel has announced the commercial names of its two forthcoming processor line-ups.

The code-named Merom will be called Core 2 Duo while the code-named Conroe will ba called Core 2 Extreme. These new processors feature two cores and 64-bit processing while the Core 2 Duo is intended to laptops and compact PC such as the iMac.

Both of the processors are likely to be used by Apple in future products. The Core 2 Duo can fit in an iMac or a Mac Book Pro while the Core 2 Extreme could be used in the next-generation, Intel-based PowerMacs that could see their name changed to Mac Pro (according to trademark data).

Apple Corps, owned by the Beatles, has lost the suit it had filed against Apple Computer for the use of the brand "Apple" in its music service iTunes.

Lawyers for Apple Computer had argued that it was conducting its business legally and that music lovers are smart enough to tell the difference between the logos. Apple Corps uses a shiny green apple as its logo, while Apple Computer has a cartoon-like apple with a neat bite taken out.

Readers are reporting that Apple has started airing anew iPod ad which was also added to their web site.

The new ad features Wolfmother - "Love Train" and is similar to the recently improved "silouhettes ads".

Last week, Apple started a Mac-centric ad campaign with personifications of the Mac and the PC that are explicitly showing where Mac is better.

Apple clearly shows that it wants to improve its computer market share during the forthcoming quarters but doesn't lose its focus on the iPod.

MacsimumNews notes a new patent revealed by the U.S. Patents and Trademarks Office on May 4, describing an iPod that allows to buy ringtones from a cellular network.

"The patent relates to the purchasing of digital media items and, more specifically, to the use of a portable wireless device to identify and/or purchase digital media items. In fact, ringtones are discussed, so we're talking telephony.

MacRumors cites an unconfirmed report claiming that Apple is planning to release the iBook's Intel-based successor as soon as on Tuesday, May 9th:

An unverified anonymous source claims that Apple stores are receiving materials for a new window display that's labeled "do not open until Tuesday, May 9th." The source also claims that Apple has directed its stores to push iBook sales this weekend, presumably to clear out inventory.

Readers additionnally noted that Apple's web site mentions the MacBook in its navigation on the http://www.apple.com/ipod/ page. One of our readers has posted a screenshot on his blog.

Apple has released an update for its profesionnal photography software Aperture, bringing it to version 1.1.1. The 13.6MB update can be downloaded through Apple's Support web site and brings the following changes:

This update addresses several issues related to performance, stability, color correction, and display compatibility and is recommended for all Aperture users.

MacWorld reports that the company also denied recent rumours that it has abandonned development of Aperture after facing quality problems.

MacBook Pro batteries failing

According to SprintPCInfo, Apple is replacing a number of batteries which are failing. The problem seems to be limited to a small and specific period of the MacBook Pros production though.

Symptoms of battery failure include battery cutting off power to the system at very early stages, sporadic ampere hour reporting (coconutBattery), and the battery failing to respond when pressing the charging status button (after being charged and only slightly drained).

Apple has posted another update for iWork bringing Keynote to version 3.0.1v2 and Pages to version 2.0.1v2. It seems to be an update to the recent update.

Keynote Update 3.0.1v2

This update to Keynote 3.0 addresses issues with three-dimensional charts and textures. It also addresses a number of other minor issues. This update should be installed on all computers that share your Keynote 3.0 files, so that textures display properly.

Pages Update 2.0.1v2

Pages 2.0.1 addresses issues with charts and image adjust. It also addresses a number of other minor issues.

Marketwatch reports today that four majors, including Universal, Warner Music, EMI and Sony have signed the renewal of their Apple iTunes contract.

Apple's currently offering nearly 3 million songs on iTunes and holds about 80% of the share in the online music sales market. Every song sold on iTunes is priced $0.99 (USA).

The company has long been pressured by the majors to change the pricing model on iTunes in favor to variable pricing so as to allow majors to price recent songs higher and older ones lower than $0.99. However, Apple insisted on keeping its pricing scheme intact.

MacRumors' readers notice that Apple has started airing its new Mac-centric TV ads. Two spots were identified by readers, both are showing two people, the first saying he is a Mac and the second that he is a PC.

The first ad relates iLife while the second one relates viruses. Transcripts are available on posting while the video of the ad relating viruses can be seen here.

The U.S. Patents and Trademarks Office reveals that Apple has filed a trademark for the brand "Photocast":

Record n°78866788
IC 009. US 021 023 026 036 038. G & S: Computer software used to transmit and download photographs and to allow others to view them

Record n° 78866835
IC 042. US 100 101. G & S: Providing access to digital images via the Internet

Both records were filed on April 21 and relate Apple's recently introduced feature that allows users of its cunsomer software suite ,"iLife '06" to share their photos via the Internet.

As OSNews points out, a message on opensolaris.org mailing list claims that Apple is interested on ZFS which is a file system supported by Sun. Apple is said to be interested in porting the file system to Mac OS X.

"Here's some exciting news!

Chris Emura, the Filesystem Development Manager within Apple's CoreOS organization is interested in porting ZFS to OS X. For more information, please e-mail him directly at cemura at apple.com.