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June 2005

Apple Updates iPods

6-28-05

The monochromatic iPod is no more. Today Apple released updated iPods that feature a color screen, while merging the iPod with the iPod photo line.

The new iPod line consists of two models: 20GB for $299 and a 60GB for $399. The new iPods have the same capability as the iPod photo and feature 15 hours of battery life.

The Special Edition U2 iPod also got refreshed with a color display and is now priced at $329. The 1GB iPod shuffle price has also been cut from $149 to $129.

iTunes 4.9

6-27-05

With iTunes 4.9, you can now browse and subscribe to podcasts from within the iTunes Music Store. Podcasts are frequently updated radio-style shows downloadable over the Internet. You can also transfer podcasts to iPod, for listening on the go.

Single Processor PowerMac Dropped

6-15-05

Apple quietly dropped it's single processor PowerMac today. All PowerMac G5s are now dual processor machines ranging from 2.0GHz to 2.7GHz.

Security Update 2005-006

6-8-05

Security Update 2005-006 delivers a number of security enhancements and is recommended for all Macintosh users. This update includes the following components:

For detailed information on this Update, please visit this website: Apple Security Updates

Apple to Move to Intel Processors in 2006

6-6-05

Steve Jobs announced at WWDC today that Apple will be making it's third great transition and moving the Macintosh to Intel processors starting in 2006. The transition of all Macs to Intel processors will be mostly complete by the end of 2007. During the keynote Jobs surprised the audience when he told them that everything they had been seeing onscreen this morning was running on a Pentium 4 processor at 3.64GHz. Mac OS X has been leading a secret double life in Cupertino, CA. Every major release of Mac OS X has been developed simultaneously to run on Intel processors... just in case.

"Our goal is to provide our customers with the best personal computers in the world, and looking ahead Intel has the strongest processor roadmap by far," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "It's been ten years since our transition to the PowerPC, and we think Intel's technology will help us create the best personal computers for the next ten years."

Steve also announced that the next installment of Mac OS X v10.5 will be code-named "Leopard" and due out alongside Microsoft's Longhorn at the end of 2006. He ended the keynote by saying "We know transitions and they have kept us on the forefront... because more than even the processor, more than the hardware innovations that we bring to the market, the soul of a Mac is it's Operating System, and we're not standing still."

Apple Settles iPod Battery Claims

6-4-05

First or second generation iPod owners who find their iPod now hold a charge for less than 5 hours of continuous playback or third generation iPod owners whose iPods hold a charge for less than 4 hours of continuous playback are eligible to file a claim. iPod owners who purchased their iPod used are not eligible.

First or second generation iPods that were purchased new before May 31, 2004 and that experienced the aforementioned battery issues within two years of purchase are eligible to receive either a $50 Apple Store online credit or a check from Apple for $25.

Third-generation iPods that were purchased new before May 31, 2004 will automatically have their one-year warranty extended by an additional year to cover battery failure. If battery failure occurs during that additional year, owners can opt to either have Apple swap the battery out for a new one for free or receive a $50 Apple Store online credit.

iPod owners who experienced battery failure and already paid for a replacement iPod battery before June 3, 2005 will receive a check covering 50 percent of the amount they paid for the replacement.

There is no official word from Apple, yet. A California judge will hold a hearing in August on whether to give final approval. For more information visit Wired.

Apple Announces iPod Recycling Program

6-3-05

Apple has announced an iPod recycling program at U.S. Apple retail stores, with a same-day discount if you purchase a new iPod at the same time.

"Bring any used iPod, iPod mini or iPod photo to any of the more than 100 Apple Stores in the US for free environmentally friendly recycling and get a 10% discount on the purchase of a new iPod that same-day. See your store for details."