MacRumors

Apple today released Mac OS X 10.6.1, the first maintenance update for Snow Leopard, via Software Update and Apple's software downloads page. The most recent developer build of OS X 10.6.1, Build 10B504, was seeded just two days ago. The update brings several bug fixes, as well as an update to Flash Player to incorporate the most recent release from Adobe.

The 10.6.1 Update is recommended for all users running Mac OS X Snow Leopard and includes general operating system fixes that enhance the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac, including fixes for:

- compatibility with some Sierra Wireless 3G modems
- an issue that might cause DVD playback to stop unexpectedly
- some printer compatibility drivers not appearing properly in the add printer browser
- an issue that might make it difficult to remove an item from the Dock
- instances where automatic account setup in Mail might not work
- an issue where pressing cmd-opt-t in Mail brings up the special characters menu instead of moving a message
- Motion 4 becoming unresponsive

For detailed information on this update, please visit this website: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3810.
For information on the security content of this update, please visit: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1222.

- Mac OS X v10.6.1 Update (71.47 MB)
- Mac OS X Server v10.6.1 Update (71.57 MB)

Apple has also released Security Update 2009-005 for users on Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard and 10.4 Tiger.

- Security Update 2009-005 (Leopard) (93.14 MB)
- Security Update 2009-005 Server (Leopard) (93.14 MB)

- Security Update 2009-005 (Tiger Intel) (169.75 MB)
- Security Update 2009-005 (Tiger PPC) (77.95 MB)
- Security Update 2009-005 Server (Tiger Univ) (206.43 MB)
- Security Update 2009-005 Server (Tiger PPC) (132.53 MB)

TUAW reports that a number of iPhone users who have updated to iPhone OS 3.1 are finding themselves unable to access their Microsoft Exchange accounts due to device incompatibility with Exchange's server-side encryption.

While the iPhone 3GS supports this device-level encryption, other iPhone and iPod touch models do not. Non-3GS devices had been able to access Exchange systems utilizing the encryption option on iPhone OS 3.0, but the ability was apparently an oversight on Apple's part that has been corrected in iPhone OS 3.1.

While many are reacting to this issue as though it's a bug, and are reporting it as such, the reality is that the Exchange encryption requirement is a feature and the fact that it was not being correctly enforced was actually a security hole. IT administrators with Exchange 2007 SP1 servers and iPhone clients are probably going to be fielding an above-average level of incoming questions, but at least they can rest easy knowing that Exchange encryption is now working correctly. Cold comfort for their users, though.

Apple today posted a support document addressing the issue, noting that the only recommend solution at this time is for affected users' system administrators to disable the device encryption option for syncing.

iFixit has posted a teardown of the new fifth-generation iPod nano launched yesterday at Apple's "It's Only Rock and Roll" media event. While the teardown reveals very similar construction to the previous-generation model with the obvious exception of the camera module, the images provide an interesting glimpse at the internals of one of Apple's new devices.

Changes from the previous-generation iPod nano highlighted in the teardown include the speaker assembly, which directs the audio out the bottom of the device, and of course the camera, which is substantially thinner than the one found in the iPhone. The main ARM processor is Apple-branded and expected to be a Samsung processor as in the past, and the 8 GB flash memory chip in the dissected unit is from Toshiba.

AppleInsider notes that a newly-posted Nike + iPod User Guide (PDF) contains a reference to an as-yet unavailable heart rate monitor that will apparently only be compatible with the new fifth-generation iPod nano launched yesterday at Apple's "It's Only Rock and Roll" media event. The reference, found on Page 20 of the user guide, is part of a section entitled "Linking a Nike + iPod Compatible Remote or Heart Rate Monitor".

Nike + iPod compatible devices are sold separately from the Nike + iPod Sport Kit and the Nike + iPod Sensor.

You can use a compatible remote to control Nike + iPod wirelessly while you work out.

iPod nano (5th generation only) also supports Nike + iPod compatible heart rate monitors.

A further subsection provides information on linking the heart rate monitor to the iPod nano.

To link to a Nike+ compatible heart rate monitor (sold separately):
iPod nano (5th generation only): Connect your Nike + iPod receiver to your iPod nano, choose Nike + iPod > Settings > Heart Rate Monitor > Link, then follow the onscreen instructions.

The report also cites sources claiming that the heart rate monitor was expected to be launched alongside the new iPod nano, but has been delayed for an unspecified period of time, with no reason given for the delay.

PreCentral notes that iTunes 9, launched yesterday at Apple's "It's Only Rock and Roll" media event, once again breaks media syncing for the Palm Pre.

The big question on everybody's mind: does it break Palm Pre Sync? Pre users in this thread are downloading now and the verdict is yes, Palm Pre Sync appears to be busted.

The Palm Pre was initially designed to allow users to sync media directly from their iTunes libraries via iTunes by presenting itself as an iPod. Apple disabled the functionality for Pre users with the release of iTunes 8.2.1 in mid-July, but Palm fired back just a week later with the release of webOS 1.1, which re-enabled iTunes media syncing for the Pre.

Despite apparent violations of USB Implementers Forum regulations in its unauthorized use of Apple's USB Vendor ID Number to achieve media syncing, Palm also brazenly reported Apple to the compliance organization for what Palm believes to be improper actions by Apple in preventing other vendors from accessing iTunes via USB.

While many of the predictions for Wednesday's Apple Media event were spot on, one of the most prevalent rumors didn't come true. The new iPod touch did not get a camera. David Pogue interviewed Steve Jobs and asked him why they omitted a camera from the refresh:

Mr. Jobs reiterated what Phil Schiller, the marketing vice president, had said earlier in the onstage presentation: that Apple is really pitching the iPod Touch as a game machine these days. And to do that, you have to make it as inexpensive as possible.

Jobs explained that since marketing the iPod touch as a gaming machine, it's really taken off. Not adding new features such as a camera was seen as a way to drive the price down even further.

In further questioning, Jobs continued to downplay the importance of dedicated ebook readers and reported to Pogue that there shouldn't be any delays in new products due to Jobs' absence.

"There are some things that I'm focusing a lot of attention on right now -- to polish," he said. "No, I don't think we're going to miss a beat. We have some really good stuff coming up."

The interview concludes with Jobs reporting that he "feels great" and acknowledging that he needs to gain some weight and he'd been eating a lot of ice cream to accomplish that.

Apple has posted a podcast [iTunes Link] and QuickTime stream for today's media event which brought a number of new announcements:

- Apple Releases iTunes 9: New Media Syncing Options, Genius Mixes, iPhone App Organization
- Apple's Focus on Games: Madden NFL 10, Nova, Assassin's Creed, Riddim Ribbon
- Apple Updates Entire iPod Family, Bringing Capacity and Performance Bumps to iPod Touch and Video Camera to iPod Nano
- Apple Releases iPhone OS 3.1 for iPhone and iPod Touch

The podcast video can also be directly downloaded through this link.

The event also marked Steve Jobs' return to the keynote stage after having received a liver transplant earlier this year. This clip shows him walking on stage at today's event:

At today's "It's Only Rock and Roll" media event, Apple focused on games for a significant portion of the event. Apple's Phil Schiller even directly compared the iPod touch to the Sony PSP and Nintendo DS.

And people are starting to see what a great gaming device this is. When you think about the companies that came before us... when you played those other systems, they seemed so cool, but now when you look at them, they don't stack up against the iPod touch.

Schiller then invited developers on stage to demonstrate some new games that hadn't been seen before.

- Assassin's Creed 2 - simultaneous release with other platforms
- Riddim Ribbon - a racing/music game
- Nova - described as Halo-like first person shooter
- Madden NFL 10 - detailed look and video at TouchArcade

The newly introduced iPod touch also shares the faster processor and improved 3D hardware of the iPhone 3GS, making it even more competitive. While some may doubt that the iPod touch would be a serious threat to dedicated handheld devices, Sony has already made several steps to better compete with the iPhone and iPod touch, and has even recruited popular iPhone developers to port their games to their new platform.

At today's "It's Only Rock and Roll" media event, Apple announced the availability of iPhone OS 3.1 for the iPhone and iPod touch. The new firmware will be able to take advantage of the new Genius feature for apps to help users find new apps that may be of interest based on past purchases and will also allow wireless downloading of new pre-cut ringtones. The full list of 3.1 features and updates includes the following:

- Improved syncing for music, movies, TV shows, podcasts, and photos
- iTunes U content organization
- Redeem iTunes Gift Cards, codes, and certificates in the App Store
- Display available iTunes account credits in the App Store and iTunes Store
- Save video from Mail and MMS into Camera Roll
- Option to "Save as new clip" when trimming a video on iPhone 3GS
- Better iPhone 3G Wi-Fi performance when Bluetooth is turned on
- Remotely lock iPhone with a passcode via MobileMe
- Use Voice Control on iPhone 3GS with Bluetooth headsets
- Paste phone numbers into the keypad
- Option to use Home button to turn on accessibility features on iPhone 3GS
- Warn when visiting fraudulent websites in Safari (anti-phishing)
- Improved Exchange calendar syncing and invitation handling
- Fixes issue that cause some app icons to display incorrectly

iPhone OS 3.1 is available and is a free download for iPhone customers and iPod touch users already running iPhone OS 3.0. iPod touch users running earlier firmware versions can upgrade to iPhone OS 3.1 for $4.95.

Apple announced new pricing and capacities for its iPod line of digital media players at today's "It's Only Rock and Roll" media event. Most notably, the new generation of the iPod nano line receives numerous upgrades, including a video camera and FM radio with live pausing and iTunes tagging capability.

The iPod touch gets a hardware upgrade for the high-capacity models and a price cut on the lowest-capacity model. The 8 GB iPod touch will be $199 (down from $249), while the 32 GB and 64 GB models will be $299 and $399, respectively.

The 32 GB and 64 GB iPod touch models are "50% faster" than previous models and will run OpenGL ES 2.0. iPod touch owners who already have the latest 3.0 firmware will also be able to download the new iPhone OS 3.1 firmware, which is available today, at no charge, while those running older firmware versions can upgrade for $4.95.

The only change to the iPod classic model is a capacity bump to 160GB, up from 120GB, at the same price point of $249.

The iPod shuffle also receives a refresh today, including new pink, green and blue colors in addition to the original black and silver. A new polished stainless steel special edition model available only through Apple online and retail stores also joins the mix. The new iPod shuffle will be available in two capacities - 2 GB and 4 GB. The 2 GB model will be priced at $59 and the 4 GB model will be $79, while the stainless steel special edition will be priced at $99. Also, Apple is working with third-party headphone manufacturers to release new headphones that will be compatible with the iPod shuffle's feature set.

The iPod nano receives the most noticeable feature changes with the addition of a video camera, an FM radio, Voice Over, and the new Genius Mix feature. The iPod nano will also have a slightly larger screen at 2.2 inches within the same form factor as the previous model and with a polished anodized aluminum casing. To support video recording, a microphone and speaker are also added, as well a built-in pedometer. Available today at $149 for the 8 GB version and $179 for the 16 GB version, the iPod nano will also be available in nine different colors.

All updated iPod models are available today.

The rumored iTunes 9 was announced today at Apple's "It's Only Rock and Roll" media event. iTunes 9 brings multiple new features, including iPhone app organization, "Genius Mixes", expanded media syncing options, and much more.

"iTunes 9 is a great iTunes release, with innovative features that make using iTunes better than ever and iTunes content richer than ever," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "iTunes LP, for example, lets artists share more of their creativity with fans and gives music lovers the feeling of being immersed in an entire album with art, lyrics, liner notes, photos and videos."

Genius Mixes is a new feature that leverages the Genius information gathered since the launch of this feature with iTunes 8 at last year's September media event. Genius Mixes can play an endless mix of songs from your iTunes library that "go great together." iTunes 9 will automatically generate 12 of these mixes by default, and more can be created by the user.

Device syncing has also improved in the latest version of iTunes. Genres and artists can be selectively synchronized along with playlists, and photos can now be synced by Faces and Events.

Home sharing is another new feature that allows iTunes media to be copied and shared among 5 authorized computers in the same household, with settings available to make copying new purchases automatically. All authorized computers are visible in iTunes in the Shared category in the Source list.

iTunes 9 includes the iPhone app organization feature that was previously rumored. Replicas of the home screen pages of a connected iPhone appear within the Applications tab where apps can be selected for syncing and removal and dragged and dropped to appear on the desired home screen page.

Additionally, the iTunes store interface has been re-designed to allow for easier browsing and now offers iTunes LPs - albums with additional content such as lyrics, photos, liner notes, and more. Movies also get a bump from extra content through iTunes Extras that include additional features, graphical chapter selection, and more. Finally, Apple is now offering 30,000 pre-cut ringtones from major music labels, priced at $1.29 each.

iTunes 9 is a free download and is now available.

Apple's "It's Only Rock and Roll" media event is scheduled to start in just about 45 minutes, and a number of sites will be covering the event live with text and photo updates. We provide here a collection of links to a number of those sources, and we will update this story to summarize today's announcements. We'll also be providing Twitter updates @macrumors. Follow @toucharcade for iPhone game news.

- Gizmodo
- Engadget
- Ars Technica
- gdgt
- Macworld
- CNET
- Wired

Event Highlights

- iTunes link to iTunes 9 is up (link):

The world's No. 1 music store just got a makeover. With the iTunes Store's beautiful new look, everything you love -- music, movies, TV shows, apps, games, podcasts, and audiobooks -- is even easier to explore.

- TouchArcade reports that Apple's iTunes is already showing a new list that addresses some of the concerns developers have had about Apple's Top App Lists. Now, there is a new list ranked by Revenue, not by Units Sold.

- Cocktail appears to be live on the UK store. iTunes LP:

The visual experience of the record album returns with iTunes LP. Get a gorgeous, immersive digital version of select albums -- right in your iTunes library. So while you listen to your favorite songs by your favorite artists, you can also dive into beautifully animated lyrics and liner notes, performance videos, artist and band photos, and more.

- iLounge reports that they spotted Greg Grunberg of the TV show Heroes as well as representatives from both Nike and Pandora.

Summary of Event
- Steve Jobs on stage for presentation and receiving a standing ovation.
- Going to talk about music, but first iPhone. Over 30 million iPhones sold in 2 years. 1.8 billion apps sold.
- New today: iPhone OS 3.1. Free. Brings "Genius" to apps. 30,000 ringtones for $1.29 each.
- Now for music. 8.5 billion iTunes songs sold, 100 million accounts. #1 music retailer in the world.
- Introducing iTunes 9: Genius database expanded to include "Genius Mixes", which automatically plays songs from your library that go together
- New syncing options: artists, genres, etc. Also for photos and movies. Manage iPhone apps in iTunes: arrange home screens.
- Home sharing to manage copying of songs, TV shows, apps, etc. to up to 5 computers in your house.
- Cleaner layout for iTunes Store.
- iTunes LP: Album packages with tons of bonus material - lyrics, photos, videos, etc.
- Now showing a demo of iTunes 9.
- iTunes Extras: Bonus material for movies. Similar to DVD bonus features, but also includes interactive material.
- Schiller on stage to talk about iPods.
- Over 220 million sold to date, 73.8% market share. iPod touch is fastest growing product. Over 20 million sold. Plus 30 million iPhones.
- Fastest growing product is the iPod touch: sold 20 million of them. Going over why it's so great...music, video, apps, internet, etc. Great gaming device.
- 21,178 games and entertainment apps on the iPhone/iPod touch. 3,680 for Nintendo DS, 607 for Sony PSP. Now showing video montage of games.
- Developer demos: First up, Ubisoft to talk about Assassin's Creed II. Simultaneous release with other platforms. Put your own photos on wanted posters.
- Tapulous: Previewing Riddim Ribbon, a racing/music game.
- Gameloft: New FPS called "Nova". Very "Halo-like."
- EA: Showing off Madden NFL 2010 to wrap up the demos.
- Schiller back on stage. Talking about iPod touch...most affordable gateway to the App Store. Dropping price on 8 GB model from $229 to $199.
- New iPod touch price points: $199 for 8 GB, $299 for 32 GB, $399 for 64 GB.
- Also making the 32/64 GB versions faster, with ability run OpenGL|ES 2.0 like the iPhone 3GS.
- iPod classic bumped from 120 GB to 160 GB. Same $249 price point.
- iPod shuffle: New third-party headphones with iPod shuffle controls built-in.
- Now five colors for the shuffle: $59 for 2 GB and $79 for 4 GB.
- One more thing: video cameras in iPod nanos. Also includes a speaker.
- Also adding an FM radio, and Genius Mixes.
- Built-in pedometer for Nike+, larger display.
- 8GB for $149, 16GB for $179. Bright, glossy colors. Available today.
- Closing performance from Norah Jones.

AppleInsider reports on a tip from a reliable source detailing the forthcoming iPod model updates to be introduced today. The source, who has also provided reliable information to MacRumors in the past, reveals a list including updates to Apple's iPod nano, iPod classic, and iPod shuffle lines, but makes no mention of the iPod touch, an omission that may be related to last-minute production problems with camera modules.

The list includes iPod nano models in both 8 GB and 16 GB capacities, each available in the same nine colors currently available in existing models. Also included are 160 GB iPod classic models in the same silver and black colors found on existing models, but increased in capacity from the current 120 GB offerings. Finally, iPod shuffle models in 2 GB and 4 GB capacities are listed in several colors. It is unclear whether the new iPod shuffle models correspond to the latest version introduced in March in 4 GB capacities in silver and black or to earlier-generation models that have continued to be offered in 1 GB capacities in multiple colors.

MC027LL/A - IPOD NANO 8GB - SILVER
MC031LL/A - IPOD NANO 8GB - BLACK
MC034LL/A - IPOD NANO 8GB - PURPLE
MC037LL/A - IPOD NANO 8GB - BLUE
MC040LL/A - IPOD NANO 8GB - GREEN
MC043LL/A - IPOD NANO 8GB - YELLOW
MC046LL/A - IPOD NANO 8GB - ORANGE
MC049LL/A - IPOD NANO 8GB - RED
MC050LL/A - IPOD NANO 8GB - PINK
MC060LL/A - IPOD NANO 16GB - SILVER
MC062LL/A - IPOD NANO 1[6]GB - BLACK
MC064LL/A - IPOD NANO 16GB - PURPLE
MC066LL/A - IPOD NANO 16GB - BLUE
MC068LL/A - IPOD NANO 16GB - GREEN
MC070LL/A - IPOD NANO 16GB - YELLOW
MC072LL/A - IPOD NANO 16GB - ORANGE
MC074LL/A - IPOD NANO 16GB - RED
MC075LL/A - IPOD NANO 16GB - PINK
MC293LL/A - IPOD CLASSIC 160GB - SILVER
MC297LL/A - IPOD CLASSIC 160GB - BLACK
MC306LL/A - IPOD SHUFFLE 2GB - SILVER
MC307LL/A - IPOD SHUFFLE 4GB - GREEN
MC323LL/A - IPOD SHUFFLE 2GB - BLACK
MC328LL/A- IPOD SHUFFLE 4GB - BLUE
MC331LL/A - IPOD SHUFFLE 4GB - PINK
MC381LL/A - IPOD SHUFFLE 2GB - GREEN
MC384LL/A - IPOD SHUFFLE 2GB - BLUE
MC387LL/A - IPOD SHUFFLE 2GB - PINK

Apple briefly slashed prices on its existing iPod touch, iPod nano, and iPod classic models earlier today before the online store was taken down.