Tuesday April 08, 2008

- Apple posts EFI and keyboard updates - xavier - 23:12:34

Apple has posted EFI updates for it's MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air and iMac computers - without much details, as usual:

This update fixes several issues to improve the stability of computers.

They also updated the accompanying restoration CD image: Firmware Restoration CD 1.6

The Firmware Restoration CD is used to restore the firmware of Intel-based Macintosh computers.

And an update for the aluminium keyboard:

This firmware update addresses an issue with the aluminum Apple Keyboard and the aluminum Apple Wireless Keyboard where a key may repeat unexpectedly while typing.

All updates can be found on www.apple.com/support/downloads/, or via the well-known Software Update panel.

- Another iPhone SDK - Lionel - 22:03:29

Source: http://www.iphoneatlas.com

Apple is offering a downloadable new beta iPhone SDK marked 9a2151. It contains, among other things, a new emulator and new firmware that can be installed on the equipment of developers accredited by Apple.
It seems Apple has an enormous power over the iPhone using the beta firmware. They could (it is still to be confirmed) disable the betas remotely once the new versions become available. Strangely, the unofficial devices on which the installation of the beta was forced are not affected by this disabling.
We remind you that if the sim deblocking is not illegal, downloading a beta firmware and installing it is considered piracy.

[translation by jeremy]

- Apple Store US closed [Upd] - Lionel - 21:57:20

The US Apple Store has been closed for almost an hour. The Europeans Stores have remained open. If a new iMac arrives today, it probably will not be available to us before closing tonight.
[Update] still no Penryn iMac or Mac mini.
Apple has announced the availability of Final Cut server which was announced a year ago at NAB as available for summer 2007 , and then finally postponed.
The 10 licence version cost $ 999 while the unlimited client version is $ 1999.

[translation by jeremy]

- The 8800 GT soon for the Mac Pro Rev 1 ? - Lionel - 21:53:13

Source: Macrumors

Since the release of Mac Pro, the owners of the previous model have been hoping that a 8800 GT model compatible with their machine will (soon) be available, and despite promises made by NVidia this is still not so.
A reader of Macrumors decided to put the question directly to Steve Jobs via mail. He responded and his answer could revive hopes:
"NVidia has not stepped up, we will have to do so. This should be available within a month."
See you in May to learn more.

[translation by jeremy]

- Apple TV supports 1080p - Lionel - 21:49:12

Over to Nicolas:

I have always believed that Apple TV was limited to 720p or 1080i (materially) but no! I do not know if it is only since the Update v 2, but I have just plugged in a full HD projector (Mitsubichi HC5000) on my amp DENON
And a new resolution appeared on the menu of Apple TV! I have noticed that it does not work with all cables.
After a few tests, the video is quite fluid. The B.A. HD wallE is remarkable. (Although slightly below the present on the Cars blue ray (or Ratatouille) BitRate on the H264
The blue ray: 20-30 Mbps BitRate of H264, the Quicktime file: 9 Mbps

[translation by jeremy]

- TimeMachineScheduler compatible with network discs - Lionel - 21:42:32

The software TimeMachineScheduler which allows changing the frequency of backups using Time Machine is now at version 2.1.


This new version provides compatibility with network volumes and the Time Capsule.
We hope that in the coming releases Mac OS X we will be able to configure Time Machine more precisely.
It would be desirable that we not only determine the frequency of backups, but more importantly can set in advance a maximum size of the backup. That would be a real plus - Time Capsule's discs can not be partitioned.

http://www.klieme.com/TimeMachineScheduler.html

[translation by jeremy]

- Yahoo! launches a new online publicity system - Lionel - 21:34:40

Source: Yahoo!

Despite its sparrings with Microsoft and uncertainty about its future, Yahoo does not mean to stop working and provides a new platform for online advertising.
On behalf of AMP! this new system is intended to be very simple to implement for the oadcaster and advertisers. The system will be gradually introduced in the third quarter and will continue to evolve in 2009.
While this product may not be revolutionary, the period of its announcement is not trivial. It can not only reassure shareholders, but more importantly increase revenue potential and therefore the value of the company. Yet it is on this point that Yahoo and Microsoft are in total disagreement.

[translation by jeremy]

- Quake 3 on iPod Touch - xavier - 09:49:34

Source : Hermitworks Blog

The guys at Hermitworks have managed to get Quake 3 running on their iPod Touch. (The source code for that game is freely available on the web). No technical information is available yet, but in the clip posted on YouTube, you can see that they run through the maps using the iPod Touch' built-in accelerometer, and they fire their guns by tapping the screen.
They're even supporting multiplayer mode!

We assume this project will work on jailbroken iPhones too.

- Transform SD videos into HD - Lionel - 07:33:13

Source : CDR Info

The company Topaz Labs is happy to announce a technology that improves the image of some vidéos by increasing the level of details. They claim that it would be possible to treat a SD image of 720x480 and then be able to project it in 1080p with improved image quality.
It is more than one simple extrapolation, the software uses the powerful and complex algorithms to refine the image. The company intends to quickly market its solution with the studios.
Of course, it is not the first time that the promise of this kind of miracle solution has been made, the majority having sunk without trace in our memories. However, and since the advent of HD television sets, a solution suitable for the general public that is able to improve at least the odd personal film would have an unquestionable success.
A demo is available on their site:
http://www.soundsthemovie.com/srtdemo.htm

[translation by crispin]

- Windows DRM, it's the fault of Hollywood ! - Lionel - 07:13:01

Yesterday, we may criticise the choice made by M6 not to support the Mac with its offer Replay.
The fault does not lie with them directly, but must be put on the back of studios offering content. They require the presence of Microsoft protection, seeing it as the only robust protection.
Of course, Apple is considering offering its software on both platforms could offer fairplay licenses and we would get out of the bind, but they prefer to retain the exclusive use.
The solution could come from elsewhere, Adobe with Flash Media Server 3.0 or perhaps Microsoft will introduce new DRM for video called PlayReady based on SilverLight 2.0 to be supported under Windows, Linux and Mac OS X . It will be available this summer.

[translation by jeremy]

- No lowering of price of iPhone in England - Lionel - 07:06:34

Source: Macworld.co.uk

When the iPhone saw its price fall significantly in Germany, O2 officials said they did not want to follow suit in Britain will happen in France.
Note that both in France and Germany, the iPhone is not sold outside Orange/Tmobile shops, while it is in England. In the latter case, a subsidy would be more complicated to implement, O2 must pay a sum when anyone subscribes after buying his iPhone in an Apple store.

[translation by jeremy]