MacRumors' Mac Blog: Mac Apps, News and Rumors

Apple today released a pair of updates to its Apple Remote Desktop management system aimed at administrators who oversee large numbers of computers, allowing them to assist users remotely, administer their systems, and deploy software updates. Apple Remote Desktop 3.3 Admin (51 MB) and Apple Remote Desktop 3.3.1 Client (4.1 MB) address several reliability and security issues with the system....

TUAW notes that Apple is currently selling refurbished 5 GB first-generation iPods for $129 in its online store. Originally released in October 2001 and only compatible with Macs, the first-generation iPod utilizes Firewire connectivity and a mechanical scroll wheel. This is the very first iPod model, introduced in 2001. I don't know how they ended up there, or why they're selling them, but...

Apple today released Bluetooth Firmware Update 2.0.1, offering bug fixes and compatibility improvements for Apple peripheral devices. This update provides bug fixes and better compatibility with the Apple Wireless Mighty Mouse and Apple Wireless Keyboard. It installs on all Macintosh systems with Bluetooth based on the Broadcom chipset.The update weighs in at 1.78 MB and requires OS X 10.5.7 or ...

Apple today released iPhoto 8.1, adding several new options for ordering printed products. This update adds several new print product options to iPhoto '09: - Hardcover books can now be ordered in a new extra-large (10" x13") size - Includes three new book themes with travel-oriented designs: Tropical, Asian, Old World - A variety of new holiday greeting cards themes are now availableThe...

Apple today released three add-ons for Final Cut Studio, bringing additional functionality to the company's professional video editing application suite. Compressor Droplets weighs in at 103 KB and allows users to create customized workflows accessible from clickable Desktop icons. Droplets allow you to create a standalone Compressor preset that you can use on your desktop. These droplets...

Nowhereelse.fr posts an image that it claims is the Apple Tablet. A few other sites have already picked up on it, so we publish it here on Page 2. Nowhereelse's track record, however, is very poor. The French site was also responsible for previous fake iPhone photos and seemingly unfounded iPhone case discoloration concerns. We publish only because it's already gotten traction on...

Mac|Life reports that bookstore chain Borders has mentioned an Apple "iPAD" as part of a new online survey targeting its customers. The relevant question asks customers if they are familiar with, have purchased, or are planning to purchase any of a number of "Digital Reading Devices", including Amazon's Kindle, Sony's Digital Reader, and Barnes and Noble's affiliated Plastic Logic Reader. Of...

Adobe's Principal Project Manager for Photoshop John Nack today announced on his blog that future versions of the company's Creative Suite packages will drop support for Macs running on PowerPC processors and become Intel-only offerings. By the time the next version of the Suite ships, the very youngest PPC-based Macs will be roughly four years old. They're still great systems, but if you haven't...

The Sierra Sun reports (via 9 to 5 Mac) that Apple yesterday shot an advertisement for an unreleased product at Jax at the Tracks, a recently-opened 1940s-style diner in Truckee, California near Lake Tahoe. Apple computers worked on an advertisement at Jax on the Tracks Tuesday afternoon, but because the product they were advertising hadn't been released, members of the group didn't release any...

Apple yesterday released AirPort Client Update for MacBook and MacBook Pro, addressing issues with AirPort performance on OS X 10.5.8 while running on battery power. This update is recommended for some Intel-based Macintosh computers running Mac OS X v10.5.8 and addresses an issue with AirPort performance while running on battery power. It may only be installed on: MacBook (13-inch, Late 2007) ...

Apple today released Multi-Touch Trackpad Update 1.1 for Windows to improve trackpad performance for users running Windows XP or Vista under Boot Camp. This update improves the performance of the Apple Multi-Touch trackpad when running Microsoft Windows XP and Windows Vista on a Mac computer using Boot Camp. For information on how to install this update, please visit this website: About the...

Microsoft today released Remote Desktop Connection Client for Mac 2.0.1, an update to the company's software for connecting to Windows-based computers from a Mac running OS X. Remote Desktop Connection Client for Mac 2.0.1 lets you connect from your Macintosh computer to a Windows-based computer or to multiple Windows-based computers at the same time. After you have connected, you can work with...

Microsoft today released a pair of updates to address a bug introduced in Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac Service Pack 2 released last month that prevented users from opening some Office documents saved in Microsoft's Open XML format. A description of the issue is included on Microsoft's support document regarding the update. Compatibility is improved. This update fixes an issue that causes...

Apple has been sending out e-mails to customers in a number of U.S. states alerting them to upcoming "sales tax holidays" that may entitle them to tax-free purchases of qualifying Apple products. A number of states sponsor these programs on an annual basis, lifting state sales taxes on limited items for a brief period to stimulate retail sales. The programs are frequently billed as...

PreCentral reports that Palm has recently hired former Apple employee Jeff Zwerner as its Senior Vice President of Brand Design. We'd be remiss if we didn't mention that Zwerner, according to his LinkedIn page, has twice been in the employ of Apple - once as the Creative Director for Packaging in 2001-2003 and earlier as a Senior Art Director from 1995-1996. Sure, it's probably likely that some...

Apple today announced the launch of the iTunes Store in Mexico. Continuing Apple's tradition of providing international stores with localized collections, the Mexican store features local artists including Paulina Rubio, Vicente Fernndez and Zo and a wide range of international artists including Shakira, Lady Gaga, Green Day and thousands more. "The iTunes Store in Mexico is off to a great start...

Apple today released GarageBand 5.1, addressing general compatibility and stability issues as well as several other minor fixes. This update addresses general compatibility issues, improves overall stability, and fixes a number of other minor issues. The issues addressed include: - GarageBand track effects and Audio Units can now be added to a guitar track - Improved support for Apogee audio...

Apple has launched a revamped version of its job listings site, offering a modern design more in line with the rest of Apple's site and providing additional resources for prospective job applicants to guide them in understanding the company's philosophy and preparing to apply for positions with Apple. The site offers background information and job descriptions for both corporate and retail...