Despite the recent uproar over Apple's debatably dubious tactic of installing Safari on PCs via Software Update, as an "upgrade" to software users didn't have, the tactic seems to have worked. Usage of the Windows version of the browser has tripled since the 3.1 update, per Apple 2.0's report, growing from 0.07% to 0.21% during March and April.
We're hoping that Safari usage continues to expand, but perhaps without the Software Update shenanigans (and the UI for updates on the Windows side has been revised to reduce the likelihood of accidental Safariage). CSS compatibility and speed put Safari in a class to compete with Firefox on both Mac and PC platforms. Of course, those all-important features don't determine marketshare; being bundled with Windows installs seems to do the trick, though (see Internet Explorer). We have our doubts that Microsoft is going to incorporate Safari into its bundling plans any time soon.
Safari 3.1.1 is now available for both Windows and OS X. According to Apple, this update "includes improvements to stability, compatibility and security."
On the security front, this security bulletin outlines the changes. It appears as if a vulnerability existed that could allow malicious sites to spoof URL headers or execute arbitrary code. There are two issues that specifically affect the Windows version of Safari, so users on both platforms should be sure to update.
Just a reminder -- some plugins, like Saft, will stop working after installing the update. Visit the plugin author's homepage to download the newest versions as they become available.
Today, Apple posted an update to the Keynote presentation app (part of iWork '08). This update, version 4.0.3, says that it "addresses performance and stability issues when working with large documents."
You can download this update by opening Software Update (Apple menu > Software update) or by downloading the installer package from the Apple support downloads site.
Please note: Users must have Keynote 4.0.2 installed on their computer to install this update.
In addition to the iTunes update, Apple also released an update to QuickTime tonight. Version 7.4.5 promises "fixes that enhance reliability, improve compatibility with third-party applications, and address security issues."
You can download this update by opening Software Update (Apple menu > Software Update).
Please note that after installing the iTunes update, you will be asked to install the QuickTime update for best video playback in iTunes.
Apple has updated the Apple TV software to version 2.0.1. This is the first update to the Apple TV since the game-changing Take 2 software was released. Generally, with these "point releases," Apple doesn't change many things (mostly bug fixes and such).
The only significant difference in the update is the implementation of Genres in the "My Movies" list. Have you noticed any new features that we haven't covered? Be sure to tell us in the comments.
If you happen to be a photographer who likes to take digital photos using the RAW format, then Apple has just released an update you might want to take a look at and, perhaps, even apply. Appearing today in Software Update is what Apple calls the "Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 2.0."
According to the notes in Software Update, this new update "extends RAW file compatibility for Aperture 2 and iPhoto '08 for the following cameras:
Hasselblad CFV-16 Hasselblad H3D-31 Hasselblad H3D-31II Leaf Aptus 54S Leaf Aptus 65S Nikon D60 Olympus E-3 Pentax *ist DL2 Pentax *ist DS2 Pentax K100D Super Sony DSLR-A200 Sony DSLR-A350
If you're curious, you can also find more info on this update, which according to this page seems to be a bit of a security update as well, by going to the Apple support site. Of course, as always, if you decide to apply this update and your Mac explodes or something, be sure to let us know.
In keeping with the 2008 tradition of Tuesday morning updates, Apple released Safari 3.1 today for both OS X and Windows -- marking the transition out of beta status for the Windows build. At 143MB (for the Leopard version, at least), there's a lot of changes, including
Improved JavaScript performance
Standards support, including CSS 3 web fonts, HTML 5 video and audio elements, and SVG advanced text
Developer benefits like editing CSS in the Web Inspector
Caps lock alert in password fields (Yay!)
There's much more, of course, and you can read the full change log here. Note that installation requires a restart. Apple's page describes Safari as "the world's fastest browser," but of course your mileage may vary. Thanks to everyone who sent this in.
Who says this Tuesday arrived without updates? MacBook Air users can launch Software Update this morning and find SMC Update 1.0, which adjusts the use of the (very tiny) internal fan. If you've been having fan issues with your Air, let us know if this patch knocks them out.
Also, the ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT Firmware Update is available for the Mac Pro. The change this update offers is "system stability" according to Apple. How exciting.
As usual, we ask that you let us know if you have any trouble after applying these updates.
Fire up Software Update and you'll see iPhoto 7.1.3 which, according to Apple, "...Addresses issues with wire-bound books and cards." At least that's better than "Bug fixes."
If you've been having trouble with wire-bound books and cards, it looks like the nightmare is over. If you experience any trouble after downloading this update, let us know.
Looks like today was the ultimate Apple software update day in addition to that other thing that also happened! In their last batch of updates, Apple updated Front Row for Leopard. Here's what Apple says about the update:
This Front Row update provides for bug fixes and improved iTunes compatibility.
Please note, this update for Front Row requires iTunes 6.0.4 or later, and iPhoto 6.0.2. You can download this update by using Software Update, or by visiting the Apple downloads website.
If you already installed either Security Update 2007-009 or Safari 3 Beta 3.0.4 Security Update for Windows, you may have noticed a wee bit of instability in Safari post-update. The behavior in question is euphemistically described by Apple as "an unexpected termination of the Safari application when browsing to certain web sites," or translated into English: Safari go boom now.
Fortunately, before heading out to celebrate Christmas with their long-suffering families, Apple security engineers cranked out 1.1 updates to both the recent security patches, available for download now. If your Safari experience hasn't been all it can be since the updates, try the new patch versions and see if they improve matters.
Here's a quickie update notice: Adobe recently updated both Premiere Pro and Soundbooth for complete Leopard compatibility.
Premiere Pro 3.1.1, a 54MB update, also includes "important bug fixes" (but what they are, is anyone's guess), and is available from Adobe's website, in addition to the 4.1MB Soundbooth fix.
You hardly have a moment to catch your breath here on the iTunes update desk (cue teletype sound effects); 7.4.2 has just arrived in the hopper. What's new? Well, believe it or not, bug fixes -- and a fix for issues when creating ringtones from iTunes Plus (EMI, high-quality DRMless) tracks. Note this warning from reader Patrick: "Download a copy of 7.4.1 while you still can from Apple! This update even deletes your old ringtones." YMMV.
The update weighs in at 38 MB, grab it from Software Update or from here.
Thanks to Mentalsticks, Patrick & Eric for the heads-up.
A few minutes after I had ripped the shrink wrap off of my shiny new iLife '08 DVD, gotten it installed and was playing with iPhoto '08, I got a little message from the folks at Apple: iPhoto '08 (aka iPhoto 7.0) already has an update. In addition to its appearance in the app itself, the update also showed up in Software Update and at Apple's website.
This update to iPhoto, which measures 8.8MB and brings the application to version 7.0.1, "addresses issues associated with publishing photos from an upgraded library to .Mac Web Gallery," according to Apple. So, if you're like me and you've already installed the new iLife '08, then fire up iPhoto or Software Update and get updating. After all, who doesn't want their issues addressed? I know I do.
Despite the recent uproar over Apple's debatably dubious tactic of installing Safari on PCs via Software Update, as an "upgrade" to software users didn't have, the tactic seems to have worked. Usage of the Windows version of the browser has tripled since the 3.1 update, per Apple 2.0's report, growing from 0.07% to 0.21% during March and April.
Today, Apple posted an update to the 
In addition to the 
If you happen to be a photographer who likes to take digital photos using the RAW format, then Apple has just released an update you might want to take a look at and, perhaps, even apply. Appearing today in Software Update is what Apple calls the "Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 2.0."
In keeping with the 2008 tradition of Tuesday morning updates, Apple released 
Who says this Tuesday arrived without updates? MacBook Air users can launch Software Update this morning and find 
Fire up Software Update and you'll see iPhoto 7.1.3 which, according to Apple, "...Addresses issues with wire-bound books and cards." At least that's better than "Bug fixes."
Looks like today was the ultimate Apple software update day in addition to that 
If you already installed either 
Here's a quickie update notice: Adobe recently updated both Premiere Pro and Soundbooth for complete Leopard compatibility. 
You hardly have a moment to catch your breath here on the 
I think this past week represents the most we've ever written about a keyboard.
A few minutes after I had ripped the shrink wrap off of my shiny new iLife '08 DVD, gotten it installed and was playing with iPhoto '08, I got a little message from the folks at Apple: iPhoto '08 (aka iPhoto 7.0) already has an update. In addition to its appearance in the app itself, the update also showed up in Software Update and at Apple's website.
