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Aspyr dropping game support for Snow Leopard
When OS X 10.9 launches this fall, Aspyr will begin dropping support for its games running on OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, the company announced in a blog post this weekend. Aspyr notes that all future releases of its games, as well as any patches and updates for existing titles, won't be supported on OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard. Additionally, older titles that receive updates or patches may cease to work on OS X 10.6 in some cases. Aspyr says that, in order to continue using its games, users should update to the latest OS X their Mac can handle. If users cannot update their OS, they should not update any Aspyr games bought through the Mac App Store or those games will cease to work on their systems. Likewise, users should turn off auto-updates in Steam or the games will become inoperable on OS X 10.6 with future updates. The company explained its reasoning for dropping support for Snow Leopard as follows: Each new version of an operating system that Apple releases contains significant changes that Mac developers must adapt to. Reacting to the quickly changing OS environment on the Mac requires non-trivial resources, meaning Mac developers must make decisions about how to invest these resources. Currently 8% of our existing audience is on Mac OS X 10.6, down from 16% in January. With the release of Mavericks we anticipate this reducing further, and therefore we believe our efforts should be focused on supporting the growing audience. Aspyr is one of the most popular game makers for the Mac. Its latest release is the critically acclaimed Bioshock Infinite.
Java patched again, Snow Leopard users blocked from older version (Updated)
Update: Apple's Java team has quickly responded to the patch with a revised JVM for Snow Leopard, OS X 10.6. The Java for Mac OS 10.6 Update version 12 (APPLE-SA-2013-02-01-1) is available in Software Update, according to an Apple security email. It updates Java to 1.6.0_39. Another week, another Java exploit: Computerworld notes that Oracle has once again updated the Java VM for all platforms to fend off a prospective exploit. The update is technically the scheduled February critical updates release, but the delivery was pushed up. Unfortunately, while Mac users on OS X 10.7 Lion and 10.8 Mountain Lion can upgrade their JVMs using Oracle's installer for Java 7, Snow Leopard (10.6.8) machines are out of luck. Oracle's Java 7 installer won't run, and as of yesterday Apple's supplied Java 6 is blocked by Apple's own XProtect malware shield -- it won't do applets in Safari or Firefox until it's patched. There are some hacky workarounds for either disabling/modifying the XProtect manifest (not recommended) or getting Java 7 to install on 10.6.8 (also not recommended) -- but if you need to run Java in the browser on 10.6.8, there aren't many better options. Speaking of recommendations, TJ's Reasonable Guide to Java security is a good resource for managing your risks with Oracle's runtime Thanks, Charles!
Mountain Lion is king of the OS X jungle
As noted by Macworld UK, Apple's OS X Mountain Lion has clawed its way to the top of the OS X jungle. It was released on July 25, 2012 and as of this past December it's installed on 32 percent of all Macs online. That percentage is according to Net Applications, a web-measurement firm that tracks operating system usage by analyzing visitors to 40,000 websites. That number represents a 3 percent increase for the OS from November, when 10.8 was running on 29 percent of all Macs online. That gain came mostly at the expense of OS X 10.7 Lion, which sank from 30 percent to 28 percent. Mountain Lion also stole one percentage point from OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, which is now actually in second place, accounting for 29 percent of all Macs. Interestingly, Computerworld has compared Snow Leopard to Windows XP, noting its strong staying power. They attribute this to the stability of the OS and the ability of Snow Leopard to run PowerPC apps. Net Applications doesn't expect any future Mac operating system to ever crack a 50 percent share. That's due to Apple's new annual OS X update cycle. If OS X 10.7 and 10.8 are any indication, Apple should announce the 10.9 beta some time this spring with the official release coming in July.
Logitech Alert security cameras get OS X support for mindful MacBook owners
Logitech's Alert camera system has given security to Android, BlackBerry, iOS and Windows users alike, yet there's been a conspicuously Mac-shaped void in support. Logitech is plugging that hole with a native OS X version of its Alert Commander app. So long as Alert system owners are running Snow Leopard or later, they'll have an Orwellian view of live and pre-recorded video feeds from as many as six of the HomePlug-connected cameras. The control extends to 16 motion-sensitive zones, digital zoom, backups and desktop notifications for when an intruder disturbs the peace. As the app itself is a free Mac App Store download, the only cost left is a recent camera array like the Alert 750n to keep track of home from a MacBook Air.
Snow Leopard still used on more than a quarter of all Macs
Haven't upgraded to OS X Mountain Lion yet? You're definitely not alone. In fact, according to a report by Computer World, more than a quarter of all Mac owners haven't even made the jump to OS X Lion, instead opting to stick with the last version of Apple's operating system capable of running PowerPC-exclusive software, OS X Snow Leopard. Citing data from Net Applications, Computer World explains that nearly 30 percent of all Macs still run Snow Leopard, compared to roughly 25 percent that have Mountain Lion installed. In fact, new installs of Mountain Lion seem to have eaten away more at Lion installs than Snow Leopard. Lion installs are now about even with Snow Leopard. The adoption rate of Mountain Lion appears to be running slightly behind where Lion and Snow Leopard were at this point in their lifespans. Are you still running Snow Leopard - or an earlier OS X? Let us know in comments.
OS X Lion hits 10.7.5 with most recent update, brings improved security with Gatekeeper
While the latest software for OS X Lion isn't nearly as exciting as a couple of other updates that Apple released today, Lion users will find a few worthwhile improvements within the new OS X 10.7.5 update. Most importantly, the latest software introduces Gatekeeper, a security feature from Mountain Lion that makes it more difficult to inadvertently install malicious software. The update also brings improved WiFi reliability for the iMac (late 2009 and newer) and squashes a bug that'd caused Launchpad icons to become rearranged. You'll find an even greater number of fixes / improvements after the break, and it's also worth a mention that even Snow Leopard users have received a bit of love today in the form of a security update. Want to prove you're a good cat owner? Go ahead and check for new updates right away.
Malware affecting Macs running older versions of OS X
There's new Java-based Mac malware in the wild, but before you run screaming out the door to buy an antivirus app, read the rest of this post. The new malware, known as GetShell.A, requires you to approve the installation of a Java applet. OS X, being the polite operating system that it is, warns you that the applet is from a root certificate that "is not trusted." If you still decide to go ahead and install this applet, your device will be infected. What's fascinating about this malware is that it is multi-platform. Once you allow the applet to be installed, it downloads platform-specific code for OS X, Linux, and Windows to attempt opening a backdoor on your machine. Here's the interesting thing -- the OS X code won't run without Rosetta on an Intel-based platform as it is a PowerPC binary. That means that any Mac without Rosetta -- basically any machine running Lion or Mountain Lion -- is immune to the malware.
Apple issues Leopard update with Flashback removal tool
Folks still rocking Apple's Leopard may have been feeling left out after Lion and Snow Leopard both got an update for addressing that Flashback malware. If you're one of them, you'll be glad to know that Apple has finally issued a Leopard fix that comes with a removal tool for the vulnerability afflicting its big cats. In addition to a 1.23MB Flashback update, Apple also released a second 1.11MB fix for Leopard that disables versions of Adobe Flash Player that don't have the requisite security updates. Both should further whittle down the number of Apple computers affected by the Flashback trojan. For the actual updates, feel free to pounce on the source links below.
Apple offering free Snow Leopard update to MobileMe holdouts
Mama had it right -- procrastination is bad -- but mama never knew Apple. For Leopard users still clinging tightly to their MobileMe account, it looks like the path to iCloud just got a wee bit cheaper. Qualifying MobileMe holdouts are reportedly receiving email notifications that point them to a special portal; behind a registration form, folks are finding a free copy of OS X 10.6 (on DVD, no less). The goal here is to get customers to make yet another jump to Lion (an extra $29), but the idea of keeping most of that cloud functionality via iCloud is certainly enticing. As MacNN so accurately points out, it's odd that Apple's not including the $69 USB drive version of Lion, which contains the ability to boost even Leopard users to OS X 10.7. If you're one that generally skips out on reading those automated Apple emails, you might want to make an exception for this one.
Apple is giving away Snow Leopard to MobileMe customers
In an effort to get the remaining MobileMe customers upgraded to Lion and iCloud, Apple is offering a free upgrade to OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard for those still running OS X 10.5 Leopard. Macgasm posted pictures of the missive, which directs MobileMe customers to this link. After signing in, those who need a copy of Snow Leopard can get an installation DVD after filling out mailing information. Snow Leopard retails for $29. Those who take advantage of the offer will still have to pay $29.99 to upgrade to Lion. The Snow Leopard upgrade program expires on June 15, a couple weeks shy of MobileMe's shutdown date of June 30.
Apple publishes support page for Flashback malware, is working on a fix
After the Flashback / Flashfake Mac trojan was exposed by Russian site Dr. Web, Apple has finally responded by publishing a support page about the issue and promising a fix. If you haven't heard by now, the malware exploits a flaw in the Java Virtual Machine, which Oracle pushed a fix for back in February, but Apple didn't patch until a botnet consisting of as many as 650,000 Macs was identified on March 4th. Antivirus maker Kaspersky has confirmed the earlier findings, and released a free tool affected users can run to remove the trojan from their computers. Other than the update already delivered for computers running OS 10.6 and 10.7 Apple recommends users on 10.5 and earlier disable Java in their browser preferences. What isn't mentioned however, is when its fix is incoming or any timetable on its efforts with international ISPs to cut off the IP addresses used by the network. This is not the first time Macs have fallen prey to malware and as their market share grows will likely not be the last, so don't think just opting for OS X is automatically keeping you a step ahead security-wise. Check the links below for more information about what the malware does, and how to get rid of it.
Don't bother buying Adobe Photoshop CS6 for your 32-bit Mac
Look, how many bits you choose to process in the privacy of your own home is entirely your business, but don't expect the latest Photoshop to work on anything less than a 64-bit multi-core Mac running a minimum of Snow Leopard. Adobe's update brings a compute-heavy 'Mercury Graphics Engine' as well as better 3D and video manipulation, with the sacrifice of 32-bit support unless you're running Windows -- although even then certain features will be limited. The message is clear: jump on the upgrade treadmill or sacrifice 65 user-feedback-inspired features and a new crop tool.
Safari 5.1.4 now available, fixes issues and improves performance
Heads up! Safari 5.1.4 is now available for immediate download. The update, measuring 46.4 MB in size, is available for OS X Lion and Snow Leopard. Windows users can also get the update. What's new? According to Apple: Safari 5.1.4 contains improvements to performance, stability, compatibility, and security, including changes that: Improve JavaScript performance Improve responsiveness when typing into the search field after changing network configurations or with an intermittent network connection Address an issue that could cause webpages to flash white when switching between Safari windows Address issues that prevented printing U.S. Postal Service shipping labels and embedded PDFs Preserve links in PDFs saved from webpages Fix an issue that could make Flash content appear incomplete after using gesture zooming Fix an issue that could cause the screen to dim while watching HTML5 video Improve stability, compatibility and startup time when using extensions Allow cookies set during regular browsing to be available after using Private Browsing Fix an issue that could cause some data to be left behind after pressing the "Remove All Website Data" buttonFor detailed information on this update, please visit this site: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5142 For detailed information on the security content of this update, please visit this site: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1222
Snow Leopard update wreaks havoc on Rosetta, luddite users contemplate running with Lion (update)
Normally updates are meant to better your OS, delivering necessary tweaks and performance improvements. But this latest batch out of Cupertino's managed to do just the opposite for users running the Lion 10.7.3 package, as it's caused many applications to force crash and bewildered users to restore Time Machine backups. Well, now the hordes clinging to Snow Leopard can join in the commiseration, as forums begin to flood with reports of failed Rosetta compatibility. That software, essential for PowerPC programs to run on Apple's preferred Intel chipset, has been rendered useless by a just released security fix, prompting one community member to craft a DIY patch. While, Apple is reportedly working on a cure-all for these rampant woes, we'd caution any who haven't taken the plunge to sit this one out for a bit.Update: Good news for those of you on Lion that haven't updated, as Apple's pulled the 10.7.3 delta update (responsible for borked installs), leaving those who haven't taken the plunge to try the larger (and non-problematic) combo one. Unfortunately for users of Snow Leopard, though, the troublesome security update lives on, so until Cupertino rectifies (and we update), sound off on how the temporary fix is treating you in the comments below.
Snow Leopard security update revised to fix Rosetta issues
As noted yesterday, many of the users who updated their OS X 10.6 systems with Apple's most recent security patches found themselves unable to run PowerPC legacy apps via the Rosetta compatibility layer. Today a new version of that update (Security Update 2012-001 v1.1) is now available, and it should resolve the issues. The latest build removes the patch to the ImageIO code that was included in the original version; this, apparently, was the cause of the breakage. 10.6.8 users can download the new version from Apple's site or via Software Update. [via MacDailyNews]
Daily Update for February 3, 2012
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen.
Users report Rosetta problems after Security Update 2012-001
Several OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard users are reporting that Power PC-coded apps no longer work after applying Security Update 2012-001. The Apple support boards are full of stories about Rosetta apps crashing when any command is selected from the menu bar. Complaints seem heaviest from those running older versions of Microsoft Office, Quicken, FileMaker and Photoshop. Some users have recommended unofficial workarounds for the problem (attempt at your own risk), and it isn't known if Apple will fix the issue. Rosetta was deep-sixed in Lion, but was working fine in Snow Leopard until the security update was issued on Wednesday. Rosetta was introduced in Mac OS X 10.4.4; the code-translation layer allows apps that require a PowerPC Mac to operate on Intel-based Macs. Meanwhile, this week's Lion update had its own share of issues, with a number of users seeing strange graphics on screen and getting caught in a loop where applications would not close or re-open. Fortunately, it seems that applying the 10.7.3 combo update fixed the issue for many users.
Fusion 4.1 support for pre-Lion, non-server OS X is a mistake, says VMware
Late on Friday, Macworld's Jason Snell discovered that the new 4.1 version of virtualization tool VMware Fusion had a special talent. Up until 4.1, Fusion would refuse to install non-server versions of Snow Leopard and Leopard into a virtual machine, since Apple's licensing for those OS builds did not include a virtualization option. Only the server versions of 10.5 and 10.6 were legit for VM use; for 10.7, Apple moved to allow virtualization of either client or server. In the new Fusion build, however, client versions of 10.6 and 10.5 are OK for installation in a new VM; the install tool just prompts you to make sure you're license-compliant. While a Lion virtual machine is pretty useful, a Snow Leopard VM has something Lion doesn't have: the Rosetta PPC compatibility option, letting users run older applications that rely on PowerPC code. For some apps (Quicken Deluxe being the primary example), that's a workable way to keep them compatible for the time being. It wasn't clear from the Fusion 4.1 release notes whether VMware had sought Apple's permission to make this adjustment to the install process, and I asked the Fusion team for comment. Earlier this evening, in a blog post, the company announced that the licensing check for Leopard Server and Snow Leopard Server (the only legitimately virtualizable versions of 10.5 or 10.6) was left out of the 4.1 build of Fusion. A subsequent update is likely to restore the checking routines that prevent the installation of non-server 10.5 and 10.6 OS versions. In the meantime, Fusion 4.1 remains a downloadable update for the virtualization app, which normally retails for $79.99 but is currently on sale for $49.99. A 30-day demo download is also available.
VMware Fusion now virtualizes standard builds of Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard and 10.6 Snow Leopard
VMware released the latest dot update to its flagship Mac virtualization product today. The free update, Fusion 4.1, improves Lion full-screen compatibility, graphics performance and startup options; it can be downloaded immediately for all Fusion customers. While those changes are certainly nice, they aren't the big story in this build. Macworld's Jason Snell has discovered that alongside the acknowledged changes and improvements, a less obvious adjustment has appeared in Fusion 4.1 in the area of virtualizing Mac OS X itself. Unlike previous versions of Fusion (and other virtualization products for the Mac like Parallels and VirtualBox), which included a built-in limiter to prevent users from installing a non-server version of Mac OS X 10.5 or 10.6 in a virtual machine, the new Fusion build simply reminds you to respect Apple's licensing restrictions -- and then lets you go ahead and install vanilla Leopard or Snow Leopard anyway. Up until now, the only versions of 10.5 or 10.6 that were considered 'legal' for virtualization were the pricey Mac OS X Server versions. This may seem like a small difference, but it's a seismic shift in the Mac OS X virtualization landscape, and one that could have a major impact for specific 'abandonware' applications on the Mac platform. With the ability to virtualize Snow Leopard easily, VMware users can create a virtual machine that retains the Rosetta code translation stack Apple removed in Lion -- giving those people back the ability to run PowerPC applications. Quicken Deluxe is the most prominent app on the PPC roster, but older versions of Adobe's Creative Suite and QuarkXPress are also up for revitalization in a 10.6 VM. When I spoke to the Fusion product team during the Fusion 4 announcement, they were somewhat coy about the possibilities for virtualizing Rosetta-capable builds of Mac OS X other than the server versions; the decision on licensing was up to Apple, they said, while they would of course continue to explore their options and keep the lines of communication open to Cupertino. I don't know whether this move towards liberalizing the install was done with or without Apple's knowledge and consent, but I'll ask. In the meantime, if you're still holding off on your Lion upgrade because you've got PowerPC applications that aren't ready (or willing) to make the leap to Intel code, your options just got much more interesting.
iTwin's filesharing USB gets official OS X compatibility, still plays nice with Windows too
Sure, iTwin's USB filesharing drive has had Mac OS X (Lion and Snow Leopard) support in beta for some time now, but things just got official. If you'll recall, the iTwin's a double-sided splittable USB plug that allows you to play James Bond and remotely access files over the web under AES encryption of the 256-bit variety. Whether you're moving files between two Windows rigs, OS X devices or Mac to PC while globe-trotting, the iTwin promises to easily let you get your secure share on. As it stands, the iTwin remains priced at $99, and if you need a refresher on how it works, check out the video and PR just past the break.
