Next-gen Time Capsule, AirPort Extreme referenced in AirPort Utility update
An AirPort Utility update released yesterday has been discovered to contain references to forthcoming next-gen AirPort hardware. MacRumors and 9to5 Mac have independently confirmed that the software update contains references to a fourth-generation Time Capsule and a fifth-generation AirPort Extreme.
Two weeks ago, we reported that stocks of Apple's AirPort products were starting to dwindle at Apple's brick-and-mortar retail stores, and over last weekend shipping times for the Time Capsule extended to as much as two weeks in several of Apple's international online stores. Many of us expected to see updated Time Capsules at WWDC, with potential ties to Apple's new iCloud service; although the hardware updates failed to materialize last week, the data in the latest AirPort Utility update is just one more piece of evidence suggesting that product updates are imminent.
The AirPort Utility update also contains references to software updates being stored on the devices, but MacRumors stresses that this is not a new development: "the same text has been found in older versions of the software dating back to at least 2010." It's possible this is a feature Apple has been waiting to implement until iCloud's launch or a Time Capsule/AirPort Extreme redesign based around an A4 or A5 processor.
At this time, we'd advise that you hold off on purchasing a Time Capsule or AirPort Extreme unless you absolutely, positively must purchase within the next few weeks.
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An AirPort Utility update released yesterday has been discovered to contain references to forthcoming next-gen AirPort hardware.
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Maybe we will get the ability to host your own webpage on your time capsule and have icloud manage the dns sides of the deal. Since hosting will no longer be part of icloud it would be an interesting feature. I would also love to see VPN and QoS in the new device.
June 15 2011 at 3:55 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Replyeh, seems unlikely
June 15 2011 at 6:10 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyCome onnnn Time Capsule. I bought one a few weeks ago but returned it after I heard the rumors it would be refreshed. This old dlink isn't doing papa proud.
June 15 2011 at 2:15 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyMy Apple Extreme is a few years old now. It is solid. A new version would have to have something really compelling for me to retire it.
June 15 2011 at 1:06 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyIt will have a bigger Apple logo on it :P
June 15 2011 at 6:10 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyWell I think that NFC security, which would be dependent on an iOS compatible device release and Wi-Gig speeds of 6Gbps, SSD HDD (for reasons of heat and noise, and possibly to keep up with the Gbps speeds) would all be nice hardware upgrade(s).
Wi-Gig is what I'm holding out for.
i can'e get the software update i open up airport utility and it says i need and update i click update that closes opens up software update and it doesn't come up with the update
June 15 2011 at 10:07 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplySame reason I'm holding off on replacing Gen1 AppleTV with a dead HDD.
June 15 2011 at 7:52 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyCult of Mac ran an article before WWDC claiming a proven to be reliable source has told them there is deep integration of time-capsule with iCloud. So iCloud will federate the syncing process and you can choose to store your data locally to keep it under your control. Interesting philosophy and one many customers will prefer. If this proves correct, the upside is enhanced privacy and control over your data, the downside will be that offsite backup will require a separate solution.
Personally I very much like the sound of this approach.
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