longofest

Some users of Intuit's QuickBooks accounting software have encountered unexpected deletion of their Desktop folders caused by a QuickBooks software update. Intuit has responded that they have identified and resolved the issue that caused the problem, and is working on a solution for users who have already lost data. For those of you who have been affected, we are testing out options for...

A source has tipped us off to a pending update to iTunes and QuickTime that may be arriving around Macworld. QuickTime 7.4 will include mainly bug fixes and security patches and support for the new version of iTunes. However, the details of the new version of iTunes remains under wraps at this time. It should be noted, however, that Apple often has to update iTunes to support extensive...

Arstechnica sources are pinpointing this week for the launch of television shows via iTunes in Canada. The company plans to begin adding shows quietly to the store as early as [Tuesday] afternoon or evening, with an official launch expected for Wednesday if things go smoothly Ars notes that upon launch, the store will only contain a modest amount of content, including shows from CBC, CTV, and...

CompUSA announced today that it will sell or shut down its remaining stores. Stores remaining open through the holiday season will feature heavy discounts on products to clear inventory. CompUSA was once one of Apple's largest resellers until Apple began pilot programs with Best Buy and CompUSA began downsizing earlier this year. The retail chain had received approximately $2 billion in...

Apple's West 14th Street Store in New York will have its grand opening tonight at 6 pm EST. "We are thrilled to open our third and largest store in Manhattan on West 14th Street," said Ron Johnson, Apple's senior vice president of Retail. "We think New Yorkers will love this stunning new location and the incredibly talented team we've assembled to make the Apple Store West 14th Street a place...

Forrester Research, Inc has released a new research study that is critical of Apple's iTunes video attempts, and states there is room for competition in the industry. The iTunes video experiment of selling TV shows for $1.99 and movies for upwards of $9.99 although a great service to the 4% of online adults who regularly buy video on iTunes is not a mainstream model. Importantly, it wont...

Apple has released another Get a Mac Ad entitled "Now What". The ad focuses on Apple stores' personalized shopping experience, where Apple aims for trained staff to be ready to assist customers when they have bought their computer and ask the question: "now...

Apple has filed a patent application for techniques for providing input to interactive and multitasking applications, especially in regards to gaming. The application appears specifically applicable to portable devices, where screen real estate is a premium. From the application: A location on the input area can be designated, for example, for a gaming application if input is received in a...

According to CNet France (English summary provided by Electronista), iPhone 1.1.3 is set to arrive as early as this weekend, and will pack some commonly-requested features such as voice memo recording and disk mode. The disk feature behaves like the equivalent for iPods and will still block users from simply dragging and dropping content to load the phone with playable music, CNET says. Enabling...

Hardmac claims that according to their sources, Mac OS 10.5.2 and new Mac Pros will be released at Macworld 2008. Among the claims: - Apple is actively working on Leopard to benefit as much as possible from the recently released Intel Mac OS X compiler and libraries, including SSE4 support. Mac OS X 10.5.2 should be released for the keynote and fully takes advantages of the last Intel compiler...

Google reported today that the term "iPhone" topped a list of fastest rising search terms in the U.S. in 2007. "iPhone, of course, is a word very few people typed in a search box in 2006," said Marissa Mayer of Google, an Internet search engine. "It didn't exist." iPhone was also top ranking on a worldwide list. Other top-performers were social networking sites, TMZ.com, and "Transformers." Se...

Apple has released a new iPod game called Brain Challenge (iTunes Link). Just like your body, your brain needs exercise to stay in shape Maintaining it simply involves completing small exercises without pain, stress, or boredom. Thats where Brain Challenge comes in! It's like a real vitamin boost for your brain. More than just a game, Brain Challenge is your personal coach and an...

Adobe has released Flash Player 9 Update 3 which includes support for H.264 video, support for which was announced in August. Adobe Flash Player 9 now includes H.264 standard video support, the same standard deployed in Blu-Ray and HD-DVD high definition video players, and High Efficiency AAC (HE-AAC) audio capabilities. The latest update also features hardware accelerated, multi-core enhanced,...

A recent vulnerability in Apple's QuickTime software is reportedly being successfully exploited on the internet, according to security research vendor Symantec. The vulnerability affects recent versions of QuickTime, including 7.2 and 7.3, and remains unpatched by Apple. The vulnerability lies in improper handling of RTSP headers which can lead to a buffer overflow where an attacker can...

As if there was any doubt, IDG World Expo announced today (via Macworld) that Steve Jobs will be giving the keynote at Macworld 2008. The keynote address will occur on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2008 at 9:00 AM PST in Moscone West at San Franciscos Moscone Convention Center. For those attending Macworld, MacRumors members are arranging a meetup. Of course, for those unable to attend, MacRumors will ...

Apple's market share in both the computer and cell phone markets is hitting highs according to Net Applications. Last month the Mac OS had 6.8% market share, compared to 5.39% for November 2006. This represents the highest market share in Apple's steady climb, which appears to be almost directly proportional to a slightly declining Microsoft Windows installed base. WindowsMac OS XNov 20069 ...

For early buyers of Apple's iPhone in the U.S., today is the last day to submit a claim for the $100 store credit that was made available after the unexpected price drop on the 8GB iPhone. Users can redeem their credit via Apple's website. Note that while today is the last day to submit a request for the store credit coupon, there is no expiration date on the coupon...

Apple has issued a patent application for an adapter to convert mini CD/DVD-ROMs to standard 12 cm size for use in slot-loading drives found on many of Apple's computer models. Apple points out that the use of reduced-size media when possible would reduce shipping, manufacturing, and packaging costs. However, such media cannot be played in slot-loading drives that are designed to only accept...

One of the major obstacles for potential iPhone buyers is that the iPhone is offered exclusively via select carriers. Even if users are willing to switch carriers, they may not be willing to eat the often multi-hundred dollar early-termination fee that they would incur. Several websites are now available to help users avoid various cell carrier fees. Cellswapper.com and Celltradeusa.com both ...

Apple has released Xserve Lights-Out Management Firmware Update 1.1. Whats New in this Version - This update includes changes to the Lights-Out Management environment of the Intel-based Xserve. It addresses the intermittent issue that causes the LOM port to be unresponsive. This update is strongly recommended for all Intel-based Xserve systems. The Xserve Lights-Out Management Firmware Update...