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New MacBook audio

Thursday, 20 May 2010

New MacBook supports audio via video: The updated plastic MacBook is compatible with audio-out via Mini DisplayPort, Apple support documents note. The feature can greatly simplify playing video through an HDTV, since it allows the use of just one HDMI connection, instead of separate audio and video cables. 
A Mini DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter is nevertheless required.
The change reflects updates to the rest of Apple's computers, including the MacBook Pro and the iMac. (Missing from the list is the Mac mini, Apple's cheapest computer. The system is popular as a media center set-top, since it can not only output better video than an Apple TV, but play DVDs, hold more hard drive space and run a complete Mac OS X desktop, writes MacNN.) 

Apple has posted two new Java updates for Mac OS X: The Snow Leopard download 'Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 2' brings the operating system's version of Java SE 6 up to 1.6.0_20. The install file is 78MB, and requires at least Mac OS X 10.6.3.
Fixed are issues with compatibility and reliability, and several security holes, all of which could potentially result in attacks via untrusted applets attached to websites. Hackers were previously able to launch exploits using mediaLibImage objects, for example, or flaws in window drawing. 
The Leopard patch is known as Update 7, and is a larger 122MB download for systems with Mac OS X 10.5.8 or later. 
Both updates are available either through Apple's support pages, or else the Software Update feature in Mac OS X.

Jobs' email compendium: If you’re interested in keeping abreast of Steve Jobs' (pic) new hobby of personally answering customer emails, check out 'sent by Steve'. [Pic from Cult of Mac.]

MobileMe Beta FAQ: Apple has posted a new FAQ page that can help anyone participating in the MobileMe Mail Beta program. The beta, which kicked off on May 12th, introduces an all new interface, enhanced performance, and several new usability features to the online part of the service. The FAQs page covers topics such as support languages, supported browsers, how to report issues, and more. A list of keyboard shortcuts that can be used in the beta from either a Mac or Windows based computer has also been placed on the new FAQs page.

Shift in Final Cut strategy? Apple may be refocusing its Final Cut Studio applications to appeal to a wider range of potential customers, including prosumers and advanced home users, a source has told AppleInsider. The shift is said to parallel Apple's changing customer base, which has continued to expand with consumers who fall somewhere in between casual users and professionals as the ranks of switchers increases.
The unnamed source claims that within Apple's ranks, there has been a shift in leadership for the Final Cut development team. Randy Ubillos, the original lead developer behind Final Cut Pro, had left the pro-level project to spearhead the redesigned iMovie '08 and latest iMovie '09 revision.