MacRumors

Appleinsider reports on upcoming incentives for purchase at Apple Stores.

The new 'Standard' and 'ProCare' packages reportedly replace the previous 'Mac Pac' service.

'Standard' (Free) packages simply include setup services for all CPU purchases, while 'ProCare' ($99) for Rapid Repair services, "advanced Genius Bar reservations', possible discounts and more.

The new packages will start on April 1st.

BBC reports that Microsoft has been fined 497m euros ($613 million) for monopoly abuse in Europe.

As part of the punishment, Microsoft must reportedly "reveal secrets of its Windows software" and also offer a stripped-down version of Windows, without Windows Media Player.

Microsoft is expected to appeal.

Apple has released iChat 2.1 (final) today in your Software Update. According to the description:

iChat AV v2.1 adds support for video conferencing with the new AOL Instant Messenger 5.5 for Microsoft Windows.

Apple had previously released iChat AV 2.1 in Beta form.

Apple posted a Firmware update for the Wireless Keyboard and Mouse.

"The Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Firmware Updates improve Apple Wireless Keyboard and Mouse performance and reliability."

The 1MB update is available here or through Software Update.

Apple announced that today it has now begun shipping the Xserve G5s which were announced in January.

The Xserve G5s were originally expected to ship in February, but were delayed for unclear reasons.

These newest machines from Apple utilize the new 90nm PowerPC 970FX (G5) processor from IBM.

Apple released iPhoto 4.0.1 today in your Software Update:

iPhoto 4.0.1 includes many organizational and stability enhancements. Performance has also been increased throughout the application, giving you faster importing, smoother image viewing and easier Rendezvous photo sharing. This version of iPhoto also features improved thumbnail images in your photo library. To take advantage of this, your thumbnails must be upgraded, which may take a while, depending on the number of photos in your library.

iPhoto 4 was originally released with iLife '04 in January.

LATimes reports (registration required) that McDonald's has forged a deal with Sony to offer free songs from Sony's new online music service - Sony Connect.

Free songs will be given away with the purchase of certain items from McDonald's. The deal is expected to be announced this week.

According to LA Times' sources, McDonald's and Apple had been negotiating a similar deal (previously rumored) "but switched plans after a last-minute pitch from Sony".

Last week, MacRumors received confirmation of impending Dual PowerMac and Display updates in the near future. As stated in the previous report, however, no release date has been provided.

Most eyes are fixed on an unconfirmed MacPlus.org report claiming a release on Tuesday, March 23rd.

Many readers, however, have noted that Apple has a number of promotions (Educational, and Memory upgrades) that end on March 27th. This coincides with the end of Apple's 2nd Financial Quarter for 2004... leading some to speculate that March 30th may be the day (should Apple continue in tradition with Tuesday releases). Coincidentally, IBM is holding an event on March 31st, providing a roadmap for the company's Power processor -- though it's unclear if this will specifically address the PowerPC processor itself.

Finally, Apple themselves will be holding a Event ("Moving Pictures. Moving Sound. Moving the Industry") on April 18th at the NAB conference.

Autospies 05-06 BMW 3-series update provides a small rumor about BMW and Apple working on a deal.

The last item in their report notes an unconfirmed rumor:

Audio system will finally have CD/MP3 capable playback and an interface connection to 'ipod-like' devices... we've even hearing rumblings out of Palo Alto Technology office regarding a potential deal in the works with Apple

The blurb warns that this rumor is unconfirmed, but could potentially add to a list of partnerships Apple has forged with many companies over the past few months.

Reuters reports that Intel announced that they would no longer be using processor speed as part of the name of upcoming processors.

Instead, Intel plans on introducing model numbers:

Intel's new model numbers give each Intel processor brand a series number. Within desktop computer chips, for instance, the low-end Celeron chip will be given the 300 series, the high-end Pentium 4 will be given the 500 series label, and its Pentium 4 Extreme Edition will be given the 700 series.

The move is expected to cause some confusion and require some reeducation of consumers.

Photo and Album Printing have been activated in iPhoto (for UK customers and presumably most of Europe).

These features allows iPhoto users to turn their pictures into physical prints and photo albums for enjoyment away from the computer.

Originally available only for U.S. customers, Steve Jobs announced in January that Photo Books and Prints would become available in Europe in March.

RockyMountainNews.com reports that the Grateful Dead are in the process of placing their entire archive of live music on iTunes:

The Grateful Dead is still putting its own archive out. Besides standard CD releases, the Dead is finalizing a deal with Apple's I-Tunes to make every live note they've ever recorded available for download.

Apple's iTunes recently reached 50 million songs sold.

According to ThinkSecret, Apple is developing an update for Remote Desktop.

The updated utility is said to include Task Lists, CLI configuration utilities, improved reporting system, VNC support, and more.

No timeframe is provided for the release of the new version.

Apple Remote Desktop was first released in March 2002.

Apple's retail site mentions a new Nike-Apple promotion:

Express. Define. Create. State.
Express yourself, define who you are, be creative and make a statement. What do your shoes say about you? That youre a fan of USC? That you adore the color pink? With NIKE iD, you can personalize your shoes to represent you. Visit an Apple Store and ask a Mac Specialist for more details about NIKE iD.

According to one report sent to MacRumors, Apple Store employees will be wearing the Nike ID shoes in stores along with Nike tie ins (Nike website as default on Safari) in a cross promotion effort lasting until May 18th.
Nike ID shoes allow you to customize your own shoes.
Update: Blurb removed from Apple's retail site.