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Apple Releases Security Update, Flashback Removal Tool for OS X 10.5 Leopard
May 15th
Apple has finally released an official Flashback removal tool for OS X Leopard a full month after addressing the issue on Snow Leopard and Lion. Leopard Flashback Removal Security Update removes the Flashback malware, and disables the Java plugin for Safari, although the plugin can be re-enabled following Apple’s instructions.
About Flashback Removal Security Update
This update removes the most common variants of the Flashback malware. If the Flashback malware is found, a dialog will notify you that malware was removed. In some cases, the update may need to restart your computer in order to completely remove the Flashback malware.
To improve the security of your Mac, this update also disables the Java plug-in in Safari. For instructions on how to re-enable it, please visit:http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5241.
Apple has also released Leopard Security Update 2012-003, which disables out-of-date versions of Adobe Flash Player, encouraging users to keep their machines secure by running the latest version of the plugin.
About Leopard Security Update 2012-003
This update disables versions of Adobe Flash Player that do not include the latest security updates and provides the option to get the current version from Adobe’s website.For more information, please visit: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5271
Both updates are just over a megabyte in size, and are available immediately through Software Update for eligible Macs, as well a through direct download from Apple’s servers using the above links.
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New Ultra-Thin Retina Macbook Pros to Launch at WWDC
May 15th
Following a report from earlier today that Apple is preparing to launch a new thinner MacBook Pro with a Retina display, Bloomberg has stepped forward to confirm that that this is indeed the case – and that Apple is planning to release the new MacBooks at Apple’s World-Wide Developer Conference in June.
The updated MacBooks are said to include flash memory (likely a blade SSD, as in current MacBook Airs), which is said to both improve startup time extend total battery life. The fact that Bloomberg is now backing this report is interesting, and tends to cement the accuracy of the report.
From Bloomberg:
Apple Inc. is preparing a new lineup of thinner MacBook laptops running on more powerful chips made by Intel Corp., people with knowledge of the plans said.
The MacBook Pro machines, to be unveiled at Apple’s annual developers conference starting June 11, also will feature high- definition screens like those on the iPhone and iPad, as well as flash memory to cut startup times and extend battery life, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the plans haven’t been made public.
MacRumors suggests that this may be a controlled leak from Apple PR. Apple is known to occasionally “leak” such information to the press for a variety of reasons, including to boost anticipation for a release in order to promote a greater number of sales om release dates.
Apple is also widely expected to announce the release date of OS X Mountain Lion at WWDC, as well as provide more information about their next-generation mobile platform, iOS 6.
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First MacBook Pro re-design in four years could arrive at WWDC with USB 3.0
May 15th
It looks like the venerable MacBook Pro may be going on a diet.
It’s no secret that the MacBook Air has been a smashing success for Apple, the razor thin notebooks have spawned a parade of Intel Ultrabook clones and are projected to contribute $7 billion to Apple’s bottom line this year.
But while the MacBook Air basks in the spotlight the workhorse MacBook Pro (like it’s big brother the MacBook Pro) hasn’t garnered much attention. Last updated by Apple in October 2011, the MacBook Pro has sported the same unibody aluminum industrial design since its debut in the Fall of 2008.
It what reeks of a controlled leak, Bloomberg reports that Apple will release a thinner MacBook Pro at WWDC in June 11, 2012. Citing “people with knowledge of the plans” Bloomberg reports that the new MBPs will feature high-definition, Retina Displays “like those on the iPhone and iPad.” It’s also likely that the new MBPs be powered by Intel’s new Ivy Bridge processors and come with OS X 10.8 “Mountain Lion” pre-installed.
ZDNET’s Sean Portnoy notes that DigiTimes’ supply chain sources state the the new MacBook Pros will go into production starting in June and will peak in July to allow for plenty of inventory for the critical back-to-school buying season.
Further supporting the rumors, benchmarks for a MacBook Pro9,1 (and a new iMac desktop) running an Ivy Bridge Core i7-3820QM processor have surfaced with a Geekbench score of 12252 — about 17 percent faster than the current i7-powered MacBook Pro models.
Perhaps the most shocking rumor is that the new MBP will come with a USB 3.0 port, the first in a Mac. 9to5Mac reports that the latest Mountain Lion beta indicates that the upcoming Ivy Bridge machines will support USB 3.0 and a new NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M GPU.
Are you waiting for the new MacBook Pro or does the MacBook Air suit your needs?
Photo: 9to5Mac
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Review: offGRID Pro by Incipio – A Dual-Battery iPhone Charging Case for The Traveler On The Go!
May 15th
Continuing their long line of excellent iPhone 4 cases, Incipio has released the offGRID Pro, offering a battery backup solution for the iPhone with dual removable batteries, intended to cut down on the need to charge your device or the offGRID while on the go.
Design
The offGRID Pro comes with two batteries, a separate battery charger, mini-USB cable, and 3.5mm headphone jack converter (just in case your headphone tip is too large). The case consists of three individual pieces: the back and charging connector; battery; and bumper that snaps it all together. With a curved back, the offGRID Pro resembles the iPhone 3G and has a much more rounded feel. The additional battery pack, which is imbedded in the back of the case, adds a noticeable, but not cumbersome, amount of weight to the otherwise trim form-factor.
To put everything together, first add the battery, sliding it into the case-back. Next, place the iPhone onto the battery, snuggly connected the 30 pin dock connector. Finally, add the bumper from top to bottom. The bumper may resist a little when clicking it into place – do not fear. If it gives too much resistance, ensure the top is placed accurately around the power button. Taking the bumper off to change the battery is particularly difficult and I resorted to using a table knife in the finger slot, located between the mini-USB charger and speaker port.
Function
The offGRID Pro is designed to 1) power your iPhone without the need to charge from a wall outlet or computer, 2) protect your iPhone while offering on-the-fly charging, and 3) look really slick while doing it. There are many battery pack cases on the market, but Incipio has upheld their industry reputation with this case. I am highly impressed with the offGRID Pro’s ability to hide such a high capacity battery so well.
Hands down, the best part of the whole unit is utilizing the included mini-USB cable to charge the onboard battery and iPhone battery simultaneously, instead of having to charge either of them individually. With the dual charging capability, the iPhone never needs to be removed from the case. Testing it over a week, here is my timeline:
Tuesday 10:00PM – took my iPhone off the Apple charger at 100% and put it into the offGrid Pro
Wednesday 11:00PM – 10%
Thursday 7:00AM – iPhone died over night, turned on offGRID Pro
Thursday 8:15AM – iPhone charged to 64% before the case battery died
Thursday afternoon – switched to second battery
Friday 7:00AM – iPhone had 6% battery, turned on offGrid Pro
Friday 8:00AM – iPhone charged to 73% before the case battery died
Friday 8:15PM – iPhone still has 36%
So, to sum it up, I’ve gone from Tuesday night to Friday night and never had to plug my iPhone into an outlet. I can easily be categorized as a power user, averaging 5.5-6 actual “usage” hours between charges. The offGRID Pro has kept me running for three whole days sans traditional charging methods.
Conclusion
The offGRID Pro ($99.99, Order Page) is a great addition to your traveling gadget arsenal. I can definitely see this case being the perfect backpacking/camping trip companion, especially when moving in-and-out of cell coverage, which constantly strains your iPhone. Also, if you use your iPhone constantly throughout the day, pick up an offGRID Pro to ensure you are charged. While the case perfectly executes its main goal, a couple small details keep it from a true 5-star rating. The inability to easily remove the bumper and a power button that must be touched at the exact right spot are frustrating for such an expensive case. However, these small details do not detract from the overall appeal of the case. I highly recommend it!
Pros
- 1600mAh batteries (2 included)
- Mini charge cable charges iPhone and reserve battery
- Streamlined case
- One Incipio battery recharges 2/3′s of the iPhone’s battery
Cons
- Difficult to remove bumper
- Price
- Headphone hole is particularly small, but a converter is provided
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Review: Trip to Worlds – A Mobile Travel App With a Social Twist
May 14th
Fancying myself a world traveller, Trip to Worlds for iPhone ($.99, App Store) piqued my interest. As a trip journaling application with Facebook contact integration, the app allows users to keep track of previous trips to various countries and then encourages them to boast online to their less travelled friends. The developers consider the app a “mobile travel headquarters with a social twist.”
Design and Function
Utilizing a simple user interact, Trip to Worlds offers the following functionality: finding Facebook contacts on a world map; showing how many contacts are in a particular country/city; designating previously visited countries on a user map; journaling features; photo gathering; and Facebook posting. The journaling feature is the main component of the app, with a Tour List that is populated by trip.
The user must complete a list of categories, all of which must be populated with information, including a photo of the trip, trip name, origin and destination country, and total distance. My major complaint is the world map does not show a dotted travel line from origin country to visited country, nor does it automatically calculate the kilometers travelled. Another overlooked option is the inability to travel from specific city to city or US state to state.
Sharing to Facebook is the other major component of the app. The map lays out where your contacts are located, but you must first give up a lot of personal information (and your friends’ information) to Facebook. Linking the app to Facebook gives Trip to Worlds access to: your email address; your interests; your likes; your photos; friends’ hometowns; and friends’ locations. However, if you like to connect with Facebook friends and share traveled locals, this is a good option, although, the app is only for previous trips-and does allow tracking of future travels.
Conclusion
If you are hunting for a app to keep track of your various trips with the ability to “post and boast” your information on Facebook, Trip to Worlds ($.99, App Store) is an option. The app will keep track of visited countries and show you where your Facebook friends list their locations. Trip to Worlds, however, is a quick fix. There are many other travel apps available that have more utilities and present the journaled information in a much more eye pleasing way.
Pros
- See total kilometers traveled
- Mark visited countries on a world map
- Connect with Facebook contacts
Cons
- User must calculate their own distances
- Country of origin and destination are not tracked
- Connecting with Facebook shares personal information with the app
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