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Apple Inc

• Apple's next trick - It's the time of year again: What will Steve Jobs & Co. pull out of its hat at next month's Macworld? Fortune's Jon Fortt considers one popular prediction. (more) CNN Money
• ThinkSecret shuttered to settle Apple suit - Popular Apple rumours site ThinkSecret.com has ceased publishing in order to settle a court case brought against it by Apple. itwire
• CNBC asks you to vote for ‘The Face of Business 2007’ (includes Apple CEO Steve Jobs) - It was a year of ups and downs in business. A year where the world came together... Insanely Great Mac
• AAPL Climbs Up Over $191 Again - Apple's up-and-down holiday stock ride is on the upswing again. The Mac, iPod and iPhone maker's stock dropped below US$180 earlier this week, but managed to recover and climb back up over $191 Friday morning. Mac Observer
• Apple named one of ‘400 Best Big Companies’ -Apple has made Forbes’ “Best Big Companies list. Apple’s rank is five with a postive 87 percent change and a 12-month return total of 96.3 percent. It’s Apple’s fourth time on the list. MacimumNews
• Senior VP of iPod Division given 50,000 Apple restricted stock units - Apple gave Tony Fadell, senior vice president of the iPod Division at Apple, a stock grant valued at US$9.22 million, reports Bloomberg. Fadell received 50,000 restricted stock units on Dec. 17, Apple said in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The shares can be exercised in March 2010. MacimumNews
• ‘MacOSG Podcast’ celebrates their 100th episode - MacOSG past and present ‘podcast crew’ members, along with a few regular members, got together recently to celebrate their 100th podcast episode. Since it’s humble beginning by a few MacOSG members back in August 2005, the MacOSG Podcast has steadily grown to become quite popular globally. MacimumNews
• Shareholders refile, amend complaint against Apple - Shareholders suing officers and directors of Apple refiled their claims on Wednesday to address a judge’s ruling that some fraud complaints were too old and that the lawsuit contained scant details about wrongdoing by the company’s top officials, reports Reuters. MacimumNews
• Popular Apple rumor Web site to shut down - SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Apple Inc and a popular Web site that published company secrets about the maker of the Mac computer, the iPhone and the iPod have reached a settlement that calls for the site to shut down. Yahoo! NEWS
• ThinkSecret claims victory - ThinkSecret's lawyer calls out of court deal a big win for his client and a loss for Apple, claims it preserves journalistic freedom; popular site will close down but not be forced to reveal its sources. Macworld UK
• Shareholder ire at Apple options continues - Shareholders suing Apple over stock option accounting irregularities now claim Apple boss, Steve Jobs, made a billion dollars as a result of the scandal. Macworld UK
  

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Mac Hardware

• Exclusive: Apple to adopt Intel's ultra-mobile PC platform - Apple Inc. will form a closer bond with once-rival Intel Corp. early next year when it begins building a new breed of ultra-mobile processors from the chipmaker into a fresh generation of handheld devices, AppleInsider has learned. AppleInsider
• Building Your PowerMac Media Center Part 3: The Powerhouse that Is the GeForce - Detailed in my previous postings, the video card is one of the core elements in creating a Media Center. Having one that isn’t up to snuff is a downright horror, (read more) Applematters
• THIS DAY IN APPLE HISTORY December 21, 1998: iMac Number 1 for November - The original gumdrop shaped bondi blue iMac is the machine that put Apple back in the minds of consumers. It is also the computer that brought Apple its highest market (read more) Applematters
• Report: Apple to use Intel's Silverthorne chip in 2008 - Apple said to be considering Intel's upcoming low-power chip for use in 2008, but it's not likely it will have Intel inside the iPhone next year. C|Net News
• U.S. Army enlists Apple Mac for increased security - The U.S. military is quietly working to integrate Apple Macintosh computers into its systems to make them harder to hack... Insanely Great Mac
• MacBook, MacBook Pro update 1.1 doesn't fix first-letter-missing syndrome - Contrary to our report earlier in the week, it appears that MacBook/Pro Software Update 1.1 does not fix an issue where the first letter typed after a period of inactivity is missing (exemplified in an Apple Discussions thread titled "ELP! - first letter always missing!"), though it does resolve a general issue where the keyboard suddenly becomes unresponsive. MacFixIt
• Quicky Antenna Gets More Rugged Case - QuickerTek announced the immediate availability an updated version of its Quicky wireless booster antenna for the Mac on Friday. The new Quicky includes a more rugged case designed to hold up better when traveling. Mac Observer
• US Army Calls Apple to Active Duty - The U.S. Army is looking for ways to shore up its cyber defenses, so it is looking to Apple for some of its computer needs. The military is hoping that by adding Macs to its mix hackers will be less likely to break into critical systems. Mac Observer
• Apple to Adopt Intel Ultra-Mobile Platform? - Appleinsider claims that Apple will be adopting Intel's upcoming "Menlow" Mobile Internet Device (MID) platform for multiple new devices in 2008. MacRumors.com
• Apple eyeing ‘Silverthorne’ chip for ultra-mobile personal computers? - Apple will use Intel’s “Menlow” Mobile Internet Device (MID) platform for future handheld devices and ultra-mobile personal computers (UMPCs), according to AppleInsider. MacimumNews
• U.S. Army recruiting Macs - Lieutenant Colonel C.J. Wallington, a division chief in the Army’s office of enterprise information systems, says the military is quietly working to integrate Macs into its systems to make them harder to hack, reports Forbes. MacimumNews
• NetGear expands ReadyNAS product line - NetGear has launched new members of its ReadyNAS family or network-attached storage solutions: the ReadyNAS NV+ 1.5TB Gigabit Desktop Storage, the ReadyNAS NV+ 2TB Gigabit Desktop Storage, the ReadyNAS NV+ 3TB Gigabit Desktop Storage, the ReadyNAS NV+ 4TB Gigabit Desktop Storage and the ReadyNAS 1100 4TB Dual Gigabit Rackmount Network Storage. MacimumNews
• The 2007 Readers’ Choice Awards - Every year, Macworld editors hand out our annual Eddy Awards, given to our favorite products of the year. In 2007, 32 products caught our fancy. But we've had our say. Now, the readers get their turn to name their favorite products of the year. Macworld
• More Mobile Gear - It’s been a few weeks since the last installment of Mobile Mac, so rather than focus on a single bag or upgrade, Dan Frakes is going to give you the rundown on a few mobile accessories he’s been testing recently. Macworld
• Army Buys Macs to Beef Up Security - agent_blue writes "The Army is integrating Macs into their IT network to thwart hack attempts. The Mac platform, they argue, is more secure because there are fewer attacks against OS X than Windows-based systems. 'Military procurement has long been driven by cost and availability of additional software--two measures where Macintosh computers have typically come up short against Windows-based PCs. Then there have been subtle but important barriers: For instance, Macintosh computers have long been incompatible with a security keycard-reading system known as Common Access Cards system, or CAC, which is heavily used by the military. The Army's Apple program, created [in 2005], is working to change that.'" Slashdot

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OS X & Software

• Mammoth update ahead for Leopard - Developers have received their first pre-release build of the Mac OS X 10.5.2 updater, and it's a biggie. itwire
• FileMaker makes good on 8.5 Leopard promise - As promised, FileMaker has released an update that allows the use of version 8.5 of its eponymous database software under Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard before the end of the year. itwire
• Security fixes for Opera - Version 9.25 of the Opera web browser delivers a variety of security fixes along with other improvements. itwire
• QuickBooks data loss victims offered recovery software - QuickBooks users that lost data as a result of the recent update fiasco are being offered free data recovery software. itwire
• Virtualization Shootout: Apple Boot Camp vs. Parallels Desktop vs. VMware Fusion - Part of the reason many people own an Intel-based Mac is because of the possibility... Insanely Great Mac
• Microsoft files patent app for DRM-embedded no-skip ads in video downloads - Microsoft is attempting to secure a patent for technology that would prevent users from skipping ads... Insanely Great Mac
• ZDNet’s George Ou taken to woodshed over misleading Mac OS X security piece - "George Ou is again trying to convince the world that Mac OS X’s security is in shambles while Microsoft... Insanely Great Mac
• Fastforward Software announces Christmas sale, 20% off range of Mac OS X software - Fastforward Software today announced a Christmas sale with 20% off their range of Mac OS X software and games... Insanely Great Mac
• Fix for Security Update 2009-007 printing issues - For some users, printing is broken after applying Security Update 2007-009. It now appears that the problem is a refusal of CUPS (the common UNIX printing system) to start. The simple fix is to use the utility Printer Setup Repair and select the "Start cupsd" function from its CUPS Tools. MacFixIt
• Security Update 2007-009 (#5): Uninstalling; More Safari crashes, slowness, and other maladies - Uninstalling Security Update 2007-009 is causing so many serious issues for so many users that many are choosing to remove the update entirely. The only way this can be safely accomplished is via an Archive and Install. Note, however, that reverting your system will remove any refinements brought by the update and leave your system open to potential vulnerabilities. MacFixIt
• The magic disappearing window: Spaces, Safari and bugs, oh my! - Yesterday we reported on an issue -- in conjunction with Security Update 2007-009 -- where Safari windows mysteriously disappear after the system wakes from sleep. We've since received corroborating examples, under differing circumstances, from a number of users. MacFixIt
• Christmas Theme for Firefox and Other Holiday Goodies - In last installment of The Festive Mac, Charles Moore at Applelinks has posted mini-review of a Christmas Theme for Firefox, Christmas stationery for Apple Mail, "A Christmas Carol" for iPod and more. Mac Observer
  
• Cyndicate 1.1 Improves Mac OS X 10.5 Support - Cynical Peak Software announced the immediate availability of Cyndicate 1.1 on Friday. The updated version of the RSS/Atom reader application improved Leopard support and updated the user interface to more closely match Apple's new operating system. Mac Observer
• Does a Windows Backlash Pose a Mac Security Threat? - Hot Forum Topic - Today TMO readers are discussing whether or not a backlash from WIndows users angry over the Mac's resurgence poses a potential threat to Mac OS X security if the PC camp tries to "get even.". Mac Observer
  
• Guitar Hero III 1.1 Fixes Video Issues, More - Mac Gaming News - Aspyr released the first patch for Guitar Hero III for the Mac on Friday. Guitar Hero III 1.1 corrected several video-related issues as well as online game play issues. Mac Observer
• iSeek 1.1.3 Adds Leopard Compatibility - Ambrosia Software announced the immediate availability of iSeek 1.1.3 on Friday. The updated version of the Internet search application added Mac OS X 10.5 compatibility and also addressed problems PowerPC-based Mac users were experiencing. Mac Observer
• Leopard: User Accounts Advanced Options - TMO Quick Tip - Creating a user account in Mac OS X 10.5 is pretty straight forward: Make up a user name and password in the Accounts Preference Pane, and you are pretty much done. If you are looking for more control over how your user accounts are set up, however, you just need to know where to look. Mac Observer
• Freeverse offering Wingnuts 2 free to needy families - Freeverse is offering a free copy of the Wingnuts 2 game to any family in need this holiday season. MacimumNews
• Daylite to demo Daylite 3.7 at Macworld - Marketcircle will demo Daylite 3.7 with three new integration products and a report collaboration tool at next month’s Macworld Conference & Expo in San Francisco. MacimumNews
• Finder's hidden powers - In this installment of the Macworld Video, Rob Griffiths covers some of the new things the OS X 10.5 Finder is capable of doing. Macworld
• IT: Vulnerability Numerology - Defective by Design? rdmreader writes "RDM has a point by point disassembly of the security vulnerability story phenomenon. We regularly see these, comparing various vulnerability lists for different operating systems. ZDNet's George Ou, for example, condemns Linux and Mac OS X by tallying up reported flaws and comparing them against Microsoft's. What he doesn't note is that his source, Secunia, only lists what vendors and researchers report. Results selectively include or exclude component software seemingly at random, and backhandedly claims its data is evidence of what it now tells journalists they shouldn't report. Is Secunia presenting slanted information with the expectation it will be misused?" Slashdot
• Mozilla Releases New Firefox 3 Beta - NewsFactor - Mozilla rolled out its second beta release of Firefox 3 in less than a month with the goal of receiving feedback from developers on the browser's core functionality. The Beta 2 release now available for download features builds for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux in over 25 different languages. Yahoo! NEWS
  
• Crunch-time in high-def format war - High-definition video players to cost under $100 by 2011, analysts warn, meanwhile the two competing standards are in a struggle for survival. Macworld UK
• Microsoft updates Open XML Mac file converter beta - Open XML conversion tool updated, though Microsoft warns: If Office 2008 is installed on your computer, do not install this version of the converter as it might cause problems with Office 2008 applications. Macworld UK
• File sharing surges in Japan - Sharing of movies, music and computer software on the internet in Japan has surged in the last 15 months to hit an all-time high, a survey has shown. Macworld UK
• Mac Giving Tree offers free apps - Free software applications from third-party developers made available to users who sign-up for the Mac Giving Tree. Macworld UK
• Quark goes Alfresco for open source - Quark has entered into partnership with Alfresco Software in order to develop enterprise-class publishing and content management solutions for professional and corporate publishers. Macworld UK
• Who will buy SWSoft? - Springboard Research has identified Citrix, Virtual Iron and SWSoft as prime candidates for acquisition in 2008 as part of its list of hot predictions for the new year. Macworld UK
• Microsoft shares Windows secrets with Samba team - Microsoft has agreed to hand over Windows protocol documentation to Samba developers, ending a long-running dispute. Macworld UK
• EU group warns Google-DoubleClick deal threatens privacy - European consumer groups told the EC that Google's plan to buy DoubleClick would erode consumer privacy and increase prices for online goods and services. Macworld UK
• Google/DoubleClick deal approved - The US Federal Trade Commission will not try to block Google's acquisition of online ad-serving vendor DoubleClick, the agency said on Thursday. Macworld UK

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iPods, iTunes & Apple TV

• Refurb'd 3G iPods for cheap - Both Apple TV refurbs also listed at significant discount Insanely Great Mac
• Apple patents software DRM method - A garden fence to keep OS X off generic hardware Insanely Great Mac
• Analyst Predicts Apple Will Dump Apple TV - He also thought the iPod Video was "folly"... Insanely Great Mac
• iPod chief gets his share - Fadell receives options grant that's valued at $9.22 million Insanely Great Mac
• TV analyst predicts Apple will dump Apple TV in 2008 - Phillip Swann, president of TVPredictions.com, is predicting in a video commentary that... Insanely Great Mac
• Touch, Dissected - At first glance, Apple's iPod touch looks almost exactly like its sibling the iPhone. It sports the same distinctive touch screen, plays movies and music in much the same way, and can also use wireless Internet connections for surfing the Web. All it really lacks is the ability to call another person. However, according to a teardown analysis conducted by market research firm iSuppli, the touch isn't just a stripped-down iPhone, but rather it has some unique design traits of its own. iSuppli pegs Apple's total cost of components on the 8 GB version of the touch at $147. MacNewsWorld
• New Voyages, The Guild, IT Room, and More - iPO Free on iTunes - This week, Vern travels from deep space to cyberspace, stolls through an IT center, and finds some holiday tunes. All free, and just in time for your holiday festivities. Mac Observer
• iPod VP Scores $9.22M Stock Grant - Tony Fadell, senior vice president of Apple's iPod division, landed a stock option grant earlier in December that is estimated to be worth US$9.22 million. A Securities and Exchange Commission filing showed that Mr. Fadell was granted 50,000 restricted stock units on December 17. Mac Observer
• Review: ezGear alarm clock is feature packed but tricky to set up - ezGear’s new ezWake Alarm Clock for the iPod, the US$99.99 ezWake WK7, is an overall fine system. On the plus side, it packs a lot of features and good sound for the price. On the downside, it’s a bugger to program. MacimumNews

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iPhone

• Don't Pack Your iPhone With Your Luggage - This ain't no industrial strength cell phone. Insanely Great Mac
• RUMOR: Apple soon to announce 5 million iPhones sold - Apple expects to announce sales of roughly five million iPhones... Insanely Great Mac
• AT&T extends post-Christmas store hours to accommodate Apple iPhone shoppers - AT&T today announced extended hours at AT&T retail locations Wednesday, Dec. 26... Insanely Great Mac
• RUMOR: Intel’s ultra-mobile PC platform to power Apple’s next-gen iPhone, ‘Newton’ - Apple Inc. will form a closer bond with once-rival Intel Corp. early next year when it begins... Insanely Great Mac
• Network World: Why Apple’s iPhone matters so much (Does Apple need to license Microsoft Exchange?) - With its picture gracing the cover of Time’s Nov. 12 'Best Inventions of 2007' issue, the iPhone... Insanely Great Mac
• Using the iPhone as a Currency Rate Converter - iPodObserver - One could go to a Website with Safari on the iPhone and look up currency exchange rates. However, there's an easy way to trick the stock quote application of Safari into providing a simple exchange rate, if that's all that's required, according to the Inquirer Blogs on Friday. Mac Observer
• Ambrosia Rolls Back iToner to 1.0.4 - iPodObserver - Ambrosia Software released iToner 1.0.5 on Wednesday, a minor maintenance update that also included French German and Italian localizations. However, version 1.0.5 was pulled on Friday for some minor quality issues. iToner 1.0.4, the current version, supports iPhone firmware version 1.1.2. Mac Observer
  
• Recalling Life Before iPhone - iPodObserver - The Apple iPhone has received five-star reviews and was named "Gadget of the year" by Time Magazine. So instead of adding one more well deserved kudo, perhaps it's time to look back and remember what life was like before the iPhone, according to Tom Rose at the Boston Herald. Mac Observer
• KTF Confident About iPhone in S. Korea, Challenges Remain - iPodObserver - KTF is optimistic that it will, with help from NTT Docomo in Japan, win the rights to sell the iPhone in South Korea, according to the Korea Times on Friday. Even so, it's not a done deal and challenges remain. Mac Observer
• Apple to Reach 5 Million iPhones Sold by Macworld? - 9to5mac claims that Apple will reach approximately 5 million in iPhone sales by Macworld San Francisco in January 2008 which would bring them half way to their goal of 10 million iPhones sold by the end of 2008. MacRumors.com
• Korea Telecom Freetel expects to distribute iPhones in South Korea - KTF (Korea Telecom Freetel), a South Korean telecommunications firm specializing in cellular/mobile phones, is optimistic that it will sell Apple’s best-selling mobile phone iPhone in South Korea next year with help from its Japanese partner NTT Docomo, according to the Korea Times. MacimumNews
• AT&T boss promises 3G iPhone for 2008 - Apple will ship a 3G iPhone "next year" promises AT&T chief executive Randall Stephenson. Macworld UK
• Why iPhone matters so much - Exchange support and opening of development for iPhone will stimulate yet more success for Apple's must-have mobile device. Macworld UK
• Avaya says iPhone is ready for business - iPhone to gain conference calling, call transfer, shortcode dialling, and calls routed through the corporate PBX, once one-X Mobile ships in 2008. Macworld UK

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