Apple Thoughts - News & Reviews on all things Apple

"Apple released minor updates this afternoon to iMovie and Aperture, bringing them to versions 8.0.2 and 2.1.3, respectively. The software updates are available both on Apple's website and via Software Update if you have either of the two packages installed."

The update was actually released yesterday, and you can get it either via the software update feature or go direct to Apple for the 8.0.2 or 2.1.3 updates. Also available is the Server Admin Tools update version 10.5.6v1.1. The iMovie update fixes some problems opening files which was causing iMovie to crash, an annoying problem to be sure!

The Aperture update, according to Apple, he update fixes "problem with Nikon images imported directly from a camera displaying thumbnails incorrectly in the Import window, fixed an issue that could cause duplicate image versions to be created after rebuilding a library and fixed a library issue that prevented operation of the Relocate or Consolidate commands in some circumstances." The update is recommended for all users of Aperture 2.

"Apple on Friday released an update for the recently released iPod shuffle, fixing a couple of minor items. The 17MB download will install VoiceOver Kit 1.0.1, which contains corrected pronunciations for several artist names. According to Apple, the update also fixes a few minor bugs, but they did not elaborate on what was fixed."

Nothing yet on the downloads page for Apple, so this one is still done via the Software Update feature on your Mac.

"It seems like just yesterday we heard from David Thomas that his Samsung Syncmaster 910 MP display wasn't working with his shiny new 2009 Mac mini. Oh, wait, it was yesterday -- and David's not alone, judging by the traffic on Apple's support boards."

It appears that Apple is on top of it, offering an update via the Software Update option, however it is not yet available on the download page at Apple. The problem is that older VGA displays using the Mini DisplayPort-VGA adapter may have some difficulty working correctly, flickering intermittently or just not working at all. These are similar to the issues that plagued some displays using the Dual Link DVI adapters. The update isn't huge, but you have to make sure you have the adapter plugged into your machine and that there is a VGA display hooked up to it for the update to work. And make sure you are plugged into a power source of course.

"Apple rounded off another Tuesday with small point updates to iPhoto '09 and Mac OS X's iLife Support files. Both are available in Software Update for their respective users. Rounding off another "Update Tuesday," Apple followed today's sweeping desktop, router, and AirPort Client upgrades with two software updates for users of Aperture, iLife '09, and iWork '09."

According to Apple, the iPhoto Update 8.0.1 is supposed to "improve overall stability and addresses minor issues in a number of areas, including internet connectivity, keyword import, and slideshow export." The iLife Support 9.0.1 update "improves overall stability, addresses a number of other minor issues and is recommended for all users of Aperture, iLife '09, and iWork '09." And there you have it.

"Apple released MacBook SMC Update 1.3 on Wednesday. The update improves startup time when running on the laptop's battery, and improves performance for the white MacBook (early 2009) when running on battery power. MacBook SMC Update 1.3 is available for download at the Apple support Web site."

Startup times were slower than they were supposed to be so this update fixes that problem. You can find out if your Macbook is affected by checking at the Apple support site.

About the Multi-Touch Trackpad Update for Windows XP and Vista 1.0

"This update improves Multi-Touch trackpad responsiveness and performance when running Windows XP and Vista using Boot Camp on MacBook Air (Late 2008), MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008), and MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) computers."

More information

About Digital Camera Raw Compatibility Update 2.4

"This update extends RAW file compatibility for Aperture 2 and iPhoto 08 for the following cameras:

• Canon EOS 5D Mark II
• Canon PowerShot G10
• Pentax K2000/K-m
• Leaf AFi-II 6
• Leaf AFi-II 7
• Leaf Aptus-II 6
• Leaf Aptus-II 7
• Leica M8.2

It also addresses issues related to specific cameras and overall stability."

Available via Software Update

"The Mac OS X 10.5.6 Update is recommended for Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard versions 10.5, 10.5.1, 10.5.2, 10.5.3, 10.5.4, and 10.5.5. It includes general operating system fixes that enhance the stability, compatibility and security of your Mac."

So... Yeah... Those rumors that this update would have a lot of bug fixes? All true. This 668 megabyte (that's the Combo Updater of course!) update is packed with all kinds of updating goodness.

There are a lot of good fixes in here, most notably a few AirPort fixes that might save a few of you from pulling out your hair, and even a few updates for Address Book and iCal that make it push and pull data from MobileMe more quickly.

Me? I'm most excited about this nugget:

"Improves the performance and reliability of Chess."

Thank GOD they fixed that, huh?