SaudiMac

Apple released Mac OS X Update 10.5.5. It is available from the Apple Software Update. The update include many fixes including the following:

General

• Includes recent Apple security updates.
• Addresses stability issues with video playback, processor core idling, and remote disc sharing for MacBook Air.
• Addresses an issue in which some Macs could unexpectedly power on at the same time each day.
• Resolves a stability issue in TextEdit that could be found when accessing the color palette.
• Improves Spotlight indexing performance.
• Fixes an issue in which contacts might not sync properly with PalmOS-based devices.
• Improves iPhone sync reliability with iCal and Address Book.
• Includes improvements to Active Directory (see this article for more information).
• Improves Speech Dictionary.
• Fixes Kerberos authentication issues for Mac OS X 10.5 clients that connect to certain Samba servers, such as Mac OS X Server version 10.4.
• Includes extensive graphics enhancements.

Read more »

Apple is currently giving away free high definition TV episodes. Unfortunately you need a US based iTunes account (which is possible for Saudi Arabia Mac users by using a MobileMe account and iTunes Gift Cards). Here are the links to the free episodes:

• He That Believeth in Me - Battlestar Galactica, Season 4
• Fun Runs, Pts. 1 & 2 - The Office, Season 4
• Lipstick Jungle: Pilot - Lipstick Jungle, Season 1
• Four Months Later… - Heroes, Season 2
• Pilot - In Plain Sight, Season 1
• Mr. Monk Buys a House - Monk, Season 7
• Ghosts - Psych, Season 3
• Merit Badge: Pilot - Life, Season 1
• Bad to the Drone - Eureka, Season 3

Via TUAW

You can now watch Steve Jobs’ keynote at the “Let’s Rock” event. Apple posted the video and is available for streaming here.
You can also download the video by subscribing to the Apple Keynotes (iTunes link, it is free to download).

Apple also released 3 new iPod Touch models, 8, 16 and 32GB models are available for $229, $299 and $399 respectively. New features include built-in speakers, exterior volume controls, Nike+ wireless receiver, preloaded with the new 2.1 software and a thinner form factor. They are available now on the Apple Store.

For owners of the first generation iPod Touch (and bought the 2.0 software). You can download the 2.1 software from the iTunes Store now. The 2.1 software update for the iPhone will be available this Friday.
Apple also posted a guided tour video of the iPod Touch on their website.

Apple released the 4th generation of the iPod Nano. The device is only 90.7mm-38.7 mm-6.2 mm and weighs 36.8 grams. Pricing is $149 for 8GB and $199 for 16GB. They are available in 9 colors. The device is now available on the Apple Store.

Apple released the new iPod Nano ad: (you can also find it on Apple’s site)

Update: Apple posted an iPod Nano QuickTour video highlighting the new features of the iPod Nano.
Read more about it at Macworld

Apple released an update to Front Row. Version 2.1.6 provides improved compatibility with the new iTunes 8.0 software. It also includes bug fixes.
As usual, the update is available on the Apple Software Update or can be downloaded from Apple’s site.

Apple released Quicktime update 7.5.5, the update includes the usual “increase reliability, improve application compatibility and enhance security” notes. The update is 67.5MB for intel-based Macs. More information is available on Apple’s website.

Apple released an important update to the MacBook Air, and it is recommended to all MacBook Air users.

This update is recommended for all MacBook Air computers, and addresses issues with video playback and processor core idling.
Third-party software that modifies processor operating characteristics such as frequency and voltage is not supported and should be removed before installing this update.

The update can be installed using the Apple Software Update or download it directly from here.

GuidedWays released version 2.0 of their Islamic Prayer calendering software iPray. iPray 1 was available for the version 1.0.x of jailbroken iPhone and iPod Touch devices. One thing to note about that program is that only a handful of Saudi Arabia cities were included in the program, ignoring major cities such as the capital ( Riyadh ) and Jeddah and other cities.

Only eight cities in Saudi Arabia are included in the basic (free version) of the iPray application. What’s odd is that other countries have more cities listed than Saudi Arabia. Bahrain lists 11, Kuwait lists 18 and UAE lists 14! All those countries are geographically smaller than Saudi Arabia and have a better list that covers all the major cities/time zones.

GuidedWays did disclaim that “Note that iPray Basic has less number of cities.”, but looking at the city list. I noticed that most countries’ major cities and capitals were listed. The only exception was Saudi Arabia!

This is a bad attempt to force users in Saudi Arabia to buy the application without giving them the ability to use the free version just like users in other countries. I will not buy the $10 version just to get the city of Riyadh. I will continue to use the free program that was provided by Nokia on my Nokia N95.

Please also note that this program is not compatible with iPhoneIslam’s Arabtaller Pro 2 Arabic localization software for the iPhone/iPod Touch and will cause crashes.

Apple is offering free replacement for MagSafe power adapters with separation of the white insulation. According to Apple’s knowledge base article, “Whether your product is in or out-of-warranty, you can take your adapter (you don’t need to take the computer) to an Apple-Authorized Service Provider”. Some MacBook and MacBook Pro models are affected.

If you have problems with your MagSafe adapter then contact the Apple dealer that you bought your MacBook from. Or contact Arab Computers, Apple’s Distributor in Saudi Arabia.

Via MacUser.