TidBITS #1018 on 2010-03-15

We have plenty of variety for you this week, starting with Glenn Fleishman reporting on Apple COO Tim Cook's $22 million bonus and Verizon's sneaky plan to woo Wi-Fi-only iPad buyers with their neat MiFi 3G portable hotspot. Glenn also contributes a look at T-Mobile, including an explanation of why the iPhone and iPad won't work well on T-Mobile's network in the United States; Matt Neuburg reviews C-Command's EagleFiler snippet keeper; and Adam explores how the Internet has changed the playing field for businesses like newspapers and record labels that sell arbitrary bundles of content. Finally, if you run a client-based business, check out our DealBITS drawing this week for ProfitTrain. Notable software releases this week include VMware Fusion 3.1 Beta, Things 1.3, MainStage 2.1.1, LogMeIn Pro2, Safari 4.0.5, and TextExpander 3.0.

TidBITS #1017 on 2010-03-08

The big news is that Apple has announced the ship date for the iPad - April 3rd - but we have a lot more meat in this issue. For instance, Glenn Fleishman lays out the changes in Apple's new Mac Developer Program and shares a pair of cartoons that echo the irritation we all have with DRM-instigated usability nightmares. Also this week, guest contributor Chris Pepper muses in depth about the effect on fiction authors of having to compete with zombies in the ebook market, and Adam both reviews the iPhone app WeatherBug Elite and explains why Apple might be charging your credit card $1.00 for no apparent reason. Notable software releases this week include DEVONthink and DEVONnote 2.0, BusyCal 1.2.2, Default Folder X 4.3.6, Mactracker 5.1, Mailplane 2.1.5 and ProKit 5.1 (Leopard and Snow Leopard).

TidBITS #1016 on 2010-03-01

Does the iPhone need more multitasking support? Absolutely, but what does "multitasking" actually mean in the context of the iPhone? Adam explores that topic in depth. Also this week, we look at the release of Aperture 3.0.1, report on a survey showing strong support for the Mac in multi-platform enterprises, and note that YouTube and other Google services will be dropping some support for ancient Web browsers. Jeff Carlson explains how to prevent Apple Mail from auto-completing incorrect addresses, and Matt Neuburg shares his enjoyment in using the Clipperz password management Web site. Notable software releases this week include Digital Camera Raw Compatibility Update 3.1, PDFpen 4.6 and PDFpenPro 4.6, Keyboard Maestro 4.1, and Camino 2.0.2.

TidBITS #1015 on 2010-02-22

We were a bit tardy in finishing this article, but we finally have our list of realistic things we'd like to see Apple do in 2010. Also this week, Rich Mogull looks at what enterprises will need to do to prepare for the iPad; Doug McLean ponders why Greenpeace keeps targeting Apple; and Glenn Fleishman covers news of a Skype client on Verizon smartphones, Microsoft's new Windows Phone 7 Series operating system, and an improvement in the MobileMe Web site. Plus, we have video of three of our appearances at Macworld Expo! Notable software releases this week include Firefox 3.5.8, TweetDeck 0.33.2, VMware Fusion 3.0.2, and iStumbler 99.

TidBITS #1014 on 2010-02-15

Last week resolved a big unknown in the Mac community: Would Macworld Expo survive without Apple as an exhibitor? We were there and can confidently report that the show, while certainly different, was as vibrant as it has ever been. We identify the gems from the exhibitors who chose to appear, Tonya offers a peek at Microsoft Office 2011 for Mac, and Adam looks at the show in general, including a special discussion with Mac luminary Bill Atkinson about his new iPhone app and how the iPad actually predated the iPhone. Also in this issue, Glenn covers the hum around Google Buzz and speculates on a version of Hulu for the iPad and iPhone, and Doug McLean notes the release of Aperture 3. Lastly, notable software releases this week include Microsoft Office 2004 11.5.7, Google Chrome 5.0.307.7, VueScan 8.6.11, Digital Camera Raw Compatibility Update 3.0, 2009 Aluminum Keyboard Firmware Update 1.0, and Mac Pro Audio Update 1.0.

TidBITS #1013 on 2010-02-08

The iPad remains in our thoughts this week, with Glenn Fleishman examining in detail the question of whether or not the iPad will kill Amazon's Kindle and looking back at his 3G data usage patterns to see if the 250 MB iPad data plan will be sufficient. Jeff Carlson also contributes a video of Glenn building and showing a presentation in the iPad's Keynote app. Plus, Steve McCabe returns with the story of solving a maddening color display problem that afflicted only some of his Macs, and we announce the release of "Take Control of Screen Sharing in Snow Leopard" and an update to "Take Control of Back to My Mac." Notable software releases this week include FontExplorer X Pro 2.5, Espresso 1.1.1, iPhone OS 3.1.3, iTunes 9.0.3, and 27-inch iMac Display Firmware Update 1.0.

TidBITS #1012 on 2010-02-01

We have a full issue of esoteric cryptography explanations, breaking Mac OS 9 news, and... kidding! Nearly all of this week's issue revolves around Apple's just-announced iPad, the latest and most significant addition to Apple's product line since the iPhone. Jeff Carlson and Glenn Fleishman were present at Apple's January 27th event, so in addition to a detailed look at what Apple revealed about the iPad, they've collaborated to give you their hands-on impressions based on using the iPad for a while. Plus, Jeff has composed a wonderful photo essay documenting what it's like to attend one of these Apple events, from getting up at 3:30 AM to waving goodbye to San Francisco at the end of the day. And Adam, stuck on the far coast, ponders what the future might bring with regard to new iPhone OS-based devices. Read on, and once you've had your fill of iPad coverage, make a note of where you can find us at the upcoming Macworld Expo 2010, and check out the notable software releases this week, which include Mailplane 2.1.4, Keyboard Maestro 4.0.2, BusyCal 1.2, Aluminum Keyboard Firmware Update 1.1, and PGP Desktop 10.

TidBITS #1011 on 2010-01-25

Most of our news revolves around the Mac this week, as a reminder that we'll know what Apple is going to announce on Wednesday when they announce it, and not before. Most notably, Apple announced record sales and profits today, selling more Macs (and iPhones) than ever before. Also, Mozilla has shipped a notable - though not entirely in a good way - new version of Firefox, Apple has finally updated Boot Camp to support Windows 7, and much of the community buzz of late surrounds a grassroots movement to create an email client for power users. Joe Kissell contributes an extensive look at why photos from Photoshop Elements can look so much worse on the Web, and Adam covers Amazon's futile attempt to steal Apple's thunder by opening the Kindle up to developers. Notable software releases this week include Phone Amego 1.1.9, Firmware Restoration CD 1.8, Things 1.2.9, Spell Catcher 10.3.3, TextWrangler 3.1, Mac Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.4, Xserve EFI Firmware Update 1.2, and Security Update 2010-001.

TidBITS #1010 on 2010-01-18

We didn't have anything to add to the news of Google deciding not to censor search results in China last week, but practical aspects of using Google do feature in this week's issue, thanks to the announcements that Gmail now defaults to encrypted sessions and Google Docs will be adding the capability to store any file type. Glenn Fleishman also passes on the news of Citrix shipping a version of the GoToMyPC remote control software for the Mac, we announce the release of "Take Control of Running Windows on a Mac, Fourth Edition," and Adam both shares the news of Apple's upcoming media event (Tablet? What tablet?) and unravels the mystery of why connecting an iPod touch to a Mac would launch iPhoto. Doug McLean runs down how the technology world is helping the relief efforts following Haiti's devastating earthquake, and guest contributor Steve McCabe debuts in TidBITS with an enjoyable look at how unlimited Internet access isn't a basic right, especially in New Zealand. Notable software releases this week include Logic Pro 9.1, Main Stage 2.1, Radioshift 1.5.2, Apple Remote Desktop 3.3.2, and Typinator 3.7.

TidBITS #1009 on 2010-01-11

Roving correspondent Jeff Porten has once again shouldered the Herculean task of covering the Consumer Electronics Show for TidBITS, and he has reported back with several articles about the new technology at CES. In other news, we've published the new "Take Control of Easy Mac Backups" ebook; two Apple-focused documentaries are now available for free streaming; a lawsuit against Apple alleging iPod-related hearing loss was thrown out; the Kindle DX is now available outside the United States; and the venerable multimedia project "If Monks Had Macs" can now be downloaded for free. Finally, Chris Pepper offers solutions to the problem of how to download Apple software updates even if you don't have high-speed Internet access all the time. Notable software releases this week include Bonjour Update 2010-001, DocHaven 4.2, Firefox 3.5.7, BusyCal 1.1.2, HoudahSpot 2.6.2, and Corel Painter 11.0.1.42.

TidBITS #1008 on 2010-01-04

We launch into 2010 with not one, but two new ways to read TidBITS while on the go. We're especially pleased to announce the free TidBITS News app for the iPhone and iPod touch, and those who prefer the Kindle can now subscribe to TidBITS on that platform as well. And what to read? Jeff Carlson works around a bandwidth limitation to install a specific printer driver from the Gutenprint collection, Glenn Fleishman offers helpful tips on improving Wi-Fi performance in the 5 GHz band, and Joe Kissell delves into the past and present of right-clicking on the Mac (or is that Control-clicking?). Notable software releases since our last issue in December include Things 1.2.8, WireTap Anywhere 1.0.6, 27-inch iMac Graphics Firmware Update 1.0, Keyboard Maestro 4.0.1, Mail Services Update 1.0, Firefox 3.5.6, Pro Tools 8.0.3, Hazel 2.3.5, Epson Printer Drivers 2.2 for Mac OS X 10.6.1, and Lexmark Printer Drivers 2.2 for Mac OS X 10.6.

TidBITS #1007 on 2009-12-14

It's our final email issue of 2009, and we're going out with a bang: a 50%-off sale on all Take Control ebooks. We also have lots of great articles, including news of the Google Chrome for Mac beta, problems with 27-inch iMac screens, details of Apple's new Mac Pro and Xserve configurations, and a look at training for MacSpeech Dictate that's offered by experts with disabilities. Rich Mogull returns this week to calm fears about the last issue of TidBITS triggering badly written anti-spam filters and to worry that his continued reliance on the still-broken iCal Server is evidence of a mental disorder. Oh, and you simply must watch this YouTube video Adam found; it's a mashup of Internet documentary talking heads sounding utterly absurd. Equally odd are some of the examples of dual-display devices he researched recently. Notable software releases this week include VMware Fusion 3.0.1, Things 1.2.6, Keyboard Maestro 4.0, BusyCal 1.1, MacBook/MacBook Pro Optical Drive Firmware Updates, Camino 2.0.1, and AirPort Client Update 2009-002. See you in 2010!

TidBITS #1006 on 2009-12-07

It's time once again for the TidBITS Gift Guide, offering community-driven suggestions for the Mac and iPhone users on your gift list. Also in this issue, Glenn Fleishman reports on the acquisition of the collaborative writing tool EtherPad by Google, and guest contributor Robyn Weisman explores how third-party SDKs are being used to add useful features to iPhone apps when Apple hasn't provided the functionality. Notable software releases this week include Dialectic 1.5, HandBrake 0.9.4, Labels and Addresses 1.5, Electric Sheep 2.7b21, Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 1, Java for Mac OS X 10.5 Update 6, Rumpus 6.2, TweetDeck v0.32.0, MarsEdit 2.4, and Mailplane 2.1.1.

TidBITS #1005 on 2009-11-30

It's time to vote in our annual Gift Guide survey! Also, Matt Neuburg returns to update his investigations into Snow Leopard problems this week, noting that Apple has made the increasing deprecation of creator codes official and explaining how to eliminate Snow Leopard's Finder-copying bug. Doug McLean revisits old territory too, covering how iPhoto 8.1.1 fixes the program's face recognition bug, while Adam looks at how Twitter has rephrased the question that greets posters to the microblogging service. Adam also describes a new interface to article summaries on the TidBITS Web site. In the Take Control world, Jeff Carlson contributes some of his favorite iPhone tips from his recently released "Take Control of Your iPhone Apps," and we announce the publication of "Take Control of Syncing Data in Snow Leopard." Notable software releases in the past two weeks include Server Admin Tools 10.6.2, 1Password 3.0, Snapz Pro X 2.2.2, WireTap Studio 1.1.0, PopChar X 4.3, Electric Sheep 2.7b19c, NoteBook 3.0v366, Camino 2.0, Mailplane 2.1, Apple Printer Driver Updates, and Fetch 5.5.3.

TidBITS #1004 on 2009-11-16

The holiday season looms large, and we're easing into it by soliciting suggestions for the annual TidBITS Gift Guide and by passing on news of free Wi-Fi hotspot access during holiday travel. In the iPhone world, we have a pair of new ebooks that will help you get more from your iPhone or iPod touch, news of a digital FM tuner for the iPhone, and links to several App Store rejection stories. On the Mac side of things, Matt Neuburg isolates a Finder-copying bug in Snow Leopard, and Adam passes along news of a workaround to a screen saver bug introduced in Mac OS X 10.6.2. Finally, Adam reviews the ViBook+ USB-based video adapter, explains how you can put Wikipedia in your pocket with the WikiReader, and looks at Waveboard, a WebKit wrapper around Google Wave. Notable software releases this week include Safari 4.0.4, Yojimbo 2.1, Wireless Keyboard Update 2.0, Freedom 0.5.1, Default Folder X 4.3.3, Microsoft Office 2008 12.2.3 Update, and Firefox 3.5.5.

TidBITS #1003 on 2009-11-09

Just before press time (whatever that means in the Internet age), Apple released Mac OS X 10.6.2, fixing a slew of bugs and providing a vast number of security fixes; we have some initial coverage. Despite what some other publications seem to believe, email isn't going away any time soon, and Adam explains why. He also looks into how the 100,000 apps in the iPhone App Store stack up against the competition, and why size may be the App Store's biggest challenge. Joe Kissell reports from Paris on the opening of the first Apple Store in France and reduced pricing for the Backblaze online backup service. Glenn Fleishman notes the new Google Dashboard service for displaying what Google knows about you, and goes in depth on the new 2D barcode trend. Be sure to enter our DealBITS drawing for a copy of BeLight Software's Labels & Addresses too! Notable software releases this week include Viewfinder 1.0, Captain FTP 6.2, MacSpeech Dictate 1.5.6, BBEdit 9.3, Sandvox 1.6.5, Kaspersky Anti-Virus For Mac 1.0, DiscLabel 6.1, BusyCal 1.0.3, Parallels Desktop 5, and TweetDeck 0.31.3.

TidBITS #1002 on 2009-11-02

There's something for everyone in this week's issue. For video fans, Jeff Carlson examines what's new in Apple TV 3.0 and Glenn Fleishman passes along news of two new streaming video boxes from Roku. In the iPhone world, Glenn looks at why the iPhone sold in China will lack Wi-Fi; and Doug McLean checks out the Best Camera app, Web site, and book. If you're more interested in networking, check out Adam's explanation of Twitter's new Lists feature, along with Glenn's description of Mac remote control via Twitter, coverage of the just-released PureFTPd Manager for Snow Leopard, and Wi-Fi-informed explanation of why a new chip may help bring GPS support to cameras. Finally, for Mac stalwarts, Matt Neuburg shows off SheepShaver, which lets you run classic Mac OS software on an Intel-based Mac in Snow Leopard. Notable software releases this week include Electric Sheep 2.7b18b, iTunes 9.0.2, Default Folder X 4.3.2, Wireless Mouse Software Update 1.0 for Leopard and Snow Leopard, VMware Fusion 3, ScreenFlow 2.0, Apple Server Diagnostics 3X106, and DoorStop X Security Suite 2.3.

TidBITS #1001 on 2009-10-26

Just when you think things might be settling down, Apple goes and releases a slew of new hardware. Led by Doug McLean and Glenn Fleishman, we have coverage of the new iMac, the new unibody MacBook, the updated Mac mini, the Magic Mouse, and Apple's faster AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule base stations. Doug didn't stop there, covering an annoying bug in iPhoto '09's Faces feature and working with Glenn on coverage of Barnes & Noble's new Nook ebook reader. Glenn and Jeff Carlson collaborated on coverage of Apple's Q4 2009 financial report, and Matt Neuburg contributed a look at how completely he relies on the just-released LaunchBar 5.0.1 for moment-to-moment Mac use. We've also published two new ebooks: "Take Control of Users & Accounts in Snow Leopard" and "Take Control of Sharing Files in Snow Leopard." Finally, notable software releases this week include iPhoto2Twitter 1.6.1, Business Card Composer 5, SpamSieve 2.7.7, and CrashPlan 10.19.2009.

TidBITS #1000 on 2009-10-19

A drum roll, please! This is our 1,000th issue of TidBITS (we're shocked too), and Adam shares some thoughts on where we are now and how we tell when we're doing a good job. But there's no time to rest on our laurels. Matt Neuburg explains how he tracked down a bug that will cause certain Apple events to fail and Rich Mogull recommends using Preview for PDF files to avoid Adobe Reader security vulnerabilities. Plus, Doug McLean covers Apple's acknowledgment of a data-destroying bug related to guest accounts, Microsoft's extension of Office 2004 support, and welcome new features in Gmail. Adam also explains how Find My iPhone can be used to increase comfort levels, covers Apple's In App Purchase policy changes, and walks through the new shared folders in Google Docs. Finally, Glenn Fleishman weighs in with some thoughts about how Apple missed the boat with the iPod nano's radio capabilities. Notable software releases this week include Acorn 2.1, Nisus Writer Pro 1.4, Phone Amego 1.0.8, Snapz Pro X 2.2.1, Performance Update 1.0, Airfoil 3.4, Cocktail 4.5.2, Evernote for Mac 1.5, Logic Pro 9.0.2, iMovie '09 8.0.5, SuperDuper 2.6.2, and Carbon Copy Cloner 3.3.

TidBITS #999 on 2009-10-12

Much of this week's issue revolves around cellular communications, with Glenn Fleishman covering Vonage's odd apps for the iPhone and iPod touch and Microsoft's data-destruction debacle for T-Mobile Sidekick users. Glenn also explains why AT&T's recent about-face with regard to allowing voice-over-IP apps to work over cellular data connections makes business sense for the company. TidBITS contributor Kirk McElhearn also rejoins us after a long hiatus with an in-depth look at the forthcoming international version of Amazon's Kindle ebook reader. But we also have two articles about the Mac from guest writers: Lewis Butler explains Mac OS X's hidden single-application mode, and Christian Voelker relates his experiences getting an old Apple LaserWriter 630 Pro working via Snow Leopard. Notable software releases this week include Epson Printer Drivers 2.1 for Mac OS X 10.6.1, iPhone OS 3.1.2, and Nisus Writer Pro 1.3.1.

TidBITS #998 on 2009-10-05

We're all over the map this week, or at least Adam is, as he reviews two of the early iPhone GPS navigation apps. Adam also reports on a profanity-free iPhone calculator, explains how to use the Find My iPhone service from an iPhone, looks at the new StuffIt Deluxe 2010, and wonders if anyone is using the unimpressive iWork.com. Glenn Fleishman has been busy as well, reporting on the just-announced pricing for the TomTom iPhone car kit, describing the new Dropbox iPhone app, and solving the mysterious case of the USB hard drive that couldn't be reformatted by Leopard or Snow Leopard. Notable software releases this week include ClickToFlash 1.5.3, BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac 1.0, VMware Fusion 2.0.6, Camino 1.6.10, Growl 1.2, BusyCal 1.0, PDFpen 4.5, Typinator 3.6, Bento 3, and iWork '09 Update 3.

TidBITS #997 on 2009-09-28

This week's issue is once again packed with Mac and iPhone goodness, anchored by an article revealing even more hidden refinements in Snow Leopard. But Jeff Carlson also walks you through how to use the just-enabled MMS service from an iPhone, Glenn Fleishman reviews the new myPantone color exploration app for the iPhone, and guest contributor Pete Resnick explains how he restored proper keyboard scrolling behavior to Microsoft Word 2008. In the news, a TidBITS reader reports contact from Apple regarding the widespread SuperDrive problems, Google adds Gmail push support to Google Sync, and we publish the fourth edition of our best-selling ebook, Joe Kissell's "Take Control of Mac OS X Backups." Notable software releases this week include iTunes 9.0.1, NetNewsWire 3.2, Nicecast 1.9.9, Audio Hijack Pro 2.9.4, Airfoil 3.3.4, Phone Amego 1.0.5, Logic Pro 9.0.1, Logic Express 9.0.1, Main Stage 2.0.1, HP Printer Drivers for Mac OS X 10.6, TweetDeck v0.30.5, and Quicken 2007 Certificate Updater.

TidBITS #996 on 2009-09-21

As Snow Leopard and the iPhone OS 3.1 settle in, we have a practical issue for you this week, thanks to guest writers Michael E. Cohen and Lewis Butler. Michael explains how changes in the iPhone OS could cause duplication when syncing calendar events, and Lewis figures out how to improve Snow Leopard's autocorrection capabilities. In other news, Adam explains how to watch Apple events online; and Glenn Fleishman covers Google's acquisition of reCAPTCHA, the introduction of the AT&T 3G MicroCell home cellular base station, and the 802.11n chip buried in the new iPod touch. Doug McLean also contributes a pair of features: a look at widespread SuperDrive problems and an article about the plight of real snow leopards (and what you can do to help!). Notable software releases this week include Sandvox 1.6.4, Mellel 2.7, MercuryMover 2.0.6, Camera Raw 5.5, Lightroom 2.5, and Things 1.2.2.

TidBITS #995 on 2009-09-14

Apple dominated the news again last week, releasing a snazzy new iPod nano and minor updates to the rest of the iPod line, along with iTunes 9 and iPhone OS 3.1. And if that weren't enough, two days later the company pushed out Mac OS X 10.6.1 and a raft of security updates for Tiger and Leopard. We have all the details on those releases, along with coverage of the New York Times Web site being compromised and AT&T's announcement of which cities would get faster cellular connectivity first. In fact, lots of other stuff happened last week too, so check the Bonus Stories for links to more content on our Web site. Finally, Snow Leopard continues to drive software releases, including Default Folder X 4.3.1, Phone Amego 1.0.3, PDFpen 4.2.1, PhoneValet Message Center 6.0.3, Simon 2.5.3, Airfoil 3.3.3, Audio Hijack Pro 2.9.3, Cocktail 4.5, ConceptDraw Updates, HP Printer Drivers for Mac OS X 10.6, iMac Graphics Firmware Update 1.0.2, Apple RAID Card Firmware Update, Firefox 3.5.3, QuickTime 7.6.4, and Suitcase Fusion 2.v13.2.

TidBITS #994 on 2009-09-07

Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard has been in the wild for two weeks now, and we're starting to dig more into the update - including unexpected shortcomings. In this week's issue, Matt Neuburg writes about how Snow Leopard no longer supports document creator codes, Adam tracks down problems clicking URLs in Preview, and Doug McLean reports on problems sending messages in Apple Mail and how to bring back missing Palm OS-syncing capabilities. On the flip side, Glenn Fleishman reveals hidden new features in the AirPort menu. In other news, Amazon finally does the right thing for Kindle owners whose George Orwell books were removed, and this week was big for telecommunications, with news of a forthcoming Vonage iPhone app, eBay selling Skype, and Adam making his iPhone and Mac work in tandem with Phone Amego. Notable software releases this week include BeLight Software Updates, Java for Mac OS X 10.5 Update 5, SOHO Labels 4.1, Teleport 1.0.2, Opera 10, Yojimbo 2.0, Omni Group Software Updates, Fetch 5.5.2, SuperDrive Firmware 3.0 Update, Apple Server 10.5.8 Update 1.1, Mac Mini EFI Firmware Update 1.2, HoudahGeo 2.3, Server Admin Tools 10.6, Scrivener 1.52, Apple Network Registration Update 1.0, ODBC Administrator Tool for Mac OS X, Aperture 2.1.4, and Gutenprint Printer Drivers for Mac OS X 10.6.