Filed under: Software Update

Apple has updated Logic Pro and Logic Express, its digital audio workstation and MIDI sequencer software applications.

The Logic Pro 9.1.1 update weighs in at 192MB and addresses compatibility and numerous fixes including:

- Improved stability of the 32-Bit Audio Unit Bridge
- Compatibility with Novation"s Automap feature in 64-bit mode.
- Compatibility with Euphonix Eucon protocol in 64-bit mode.

The Logic Express 9.1.1 update weighs in at 139MB and addresses compatibility and numerous fixes including:

- Support for 64-bit native mode
- Compatibility with 64-bit Audio Unit plug-ins
- File names with over 32 characters are now supported
- Samples are now mapped correctly when using the "Contiguous Zones" option in the EXS editor

Both Pro and Express require Mac OS X 10.5.7 or later for 32-bit mode or Mac OS X 10.6.2 or later for 64-bit mode.

In addition to today's Aperture update, Apple has released a series of printer driver updates. Brother Printer Drivers for Mac OS X v10.6 weighs in at 100MB and includes the latest Brother printing and scanning software for Snow Leopard.

Samsung Printer Drivers for Mac OS X v10.6 weighs in at 23.25MB and includes Samsung printing software that shipped with Mac OS X v10.6 (Snow Leopard). The updates require 10.6.1 and 10.6, respectively. The drivers are also available via Software Update.

Apple has released its third fix for Aperture 3 since launching a little over four weeks ago. The update addresses an issue affecting the playback of HD video clips used in Aperture 3 slideshows on Snow Leopard. Audio and video tracks now remain properly synced in video clips that have been trimmed.

The update weighs in at 3.29MB and is recommended for all Aperture 3 users. Mac OS X 10.6.2 is required.

New browser time -- and unfortunately, time to restart your Mac. Safari has been updated (for 10.4, 10.5 and 10.6 on the Mac side, and Windows XP/Vista/7 on the Win side); it includes the improvements noted:

• Performance improvements for Top Sites
• Stability improvements for plug-ins, and for sites with SVG graphics and online forms
• Fixes issues affecting settings changes to some Linksys routers and iWork.com user comments

There are also a slew of security fixes in this update; full list is in the continuation of this post, via the Apple Product Security mailing list.

The update weighs in at 31.8 MB on my Snow Leopard install, but your download size may vary. You can get it in Software Update or via the Safari download page.

Microsoft has just released updates to the 2004 and 2008 versions of Microsoft Office. According to the company, the updates, which weigh in at 9.7 MB and 221.5 MB respectively, provide "fixes for vulnerabilities that an attacker can use to overwrite the contents of your computer's memory with malicious code" as well as improvements to stability and performance.

The update for Microsoft Office 2004 can be downloaded here, while those with the 2008 version can find it at this link.

As with most Mac OS X-related updates, whether from a third party app or a system update, you should consider backing up your data before proceeding.

Keep in mind, as you install this update, that right around the corner is Microsoft Office for Mac 2011. Notable updates for the next version of the suite for the Mac include the replacement of Entourage with Outlook, the return of VBA and, gasp (or hurrah!), a more ribbon-oriented user interface, à la the Windows version of Office.

Step right up for an update for ProKit apps. According to Apple:

"This ProKit Update fixes issues with user interface software resources that are shared by Apple's professional applications. The issues addressed include:

• Corrected an issue with improper scrolling behavior.
  
• Resolved memory leaks for improved performance.
• Addressed layout of interface elements in certain application alert windows.

The update is recommended for all users of Final Cut Studio, Final Cut Pro, Motion, Soundtrack Pro, DVD Studio Pro, Aperture, Final Cut Express, Soundtrack, Logic Pro and Logic Express."

Installing the software doesn't require a re-boot and should show up in your Software Update window. Or if you'd prefer to install manually, you can download it from Apple's support page.

Apple has released Digital Camera Raw Compatibility Update 3.1 via Software Update. The update can also be downloaded here. The 6.77 MB (web) or 7.2 MB (Software Update) update requires Mac OS X 10.5.8 or 10.6.2, and extends RAW image compatibility for Aperture 3 and iPhoto '09 for the following cameras:

• Hasselblad H3DII-50
• Leica M9
• Leica X1
• Olympus E-P1
• Olympus E-P2
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1
• Pentax K-7
• Pentax K-x
• Sony Alpha DSLR-A500
• Sony Alpha DSLR-A550
• Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

The two Olympus cameras and Panasonic Lumix model are examples of the new compact Micro Four-Thirds cameras, which provide SLR-like capabilities in a compact form factor. The Hasselblad is a high-end 50 Megapixel camera with a price tag to match (US$25,000 and up), so it's good to know that your Mac will be able to handle the digital output from this beauty.

Mac OS X 10.6.3 Build 10D561 has been released to developers less than a week after the previous build. Not a great deal has changed since the last build -- iPhoneinCanada has the specific details on this latest build, which include refinements to OpenGL and 64-bit logic. Since this sixth 10.6.3 build follows so quickly after the last one, it's a good indication that an official release of 10.6.3 is imminent.

10.6.2 arrived on November 9, 2009, and, like the forthcoming 10.6.3, was primarily a bug fix update for Snow Leopard. 10.6.3 should be out any day now in Software Update complete with those always-informative release notes, including my favorite: "increases reliability and improves compatibility and security."

[Via MacRumors]

Let us know how your update goes in the comments.

UPDATE: Many users are saying that if you are running the unactivated trial version of Aperture 3, Software Update will fail to install the update. Instead, you'll have to re-download the complete Aperture 3 trial, which has itself been updated to 3.0.1.

Apple seeded another build of OS X 10.6.3 today. This latest build number is 10D558. This is just nine days after Apple seeded build 10D552. iPhoneinCanada is reporting that the current build focuses on Apple Filing Protocol, AirPort, Graphics Drivers, and QuickTime, as well as the following:

• Performance improvements for 64-bit Logic
• Addresses compatibility issues with OpenGL-based applications
• Includes changes to QuickTime X that increase reliability and enhance security
• Improves printing reliability and compatibility with 3rd party printers
• Addresses issues that cause background message colors to display incorrectly in Mail
• Issues that caused machines using BTMM and Bonjour Sleep Proxy to wake unexpectedly
• Issues with recurring events in iCal when connected to Exchange servers

This is the fifth build of 10.6.3 Apple has released since January. While no time frame for release is ever given, generally the closer in time the builds come to one another, the better likelihood that a release is imminent.

I didn't even have dust on the box yet, but Aperture 3 has scored an update within a few days of its release. The update, according to Apple, "...addresses an issue affecting the playback of video clips used in Aperture 3 slideshows on Snow Leopard."

The update is 65.2 megs to download. If it hasn't popped up for you yet, you can force it from the Apple Menu by selecting 'Software Update.'

I can't tell you it's a great fix because I haven't tried any video in my slideshows yet, but Apple suggests all users get the update.

I other words, be there, or be square.

[Thanks to Andrew for the tip]

Yes, Apple TV has an available firmware update, bringing the Apple 'hobby' device to version 3.02. No reason for the update is given, and no new features are listed.

It's likely an update to allow Aperture 3 to work with it, but really, we don't know and Apple ain't talking. If you have an Apple TV you can force the update by going to the settings menu, or wait until the auto updater gets around to reminding you. Either way you'll get an update that ... uh... well, really, we don't know what it does.

Well, it's Tuesday, and that's Apple's favorite day to update software.

Today we get an iLife '09 update, and a bunch of camera RAW updates.

Here's what Apple has to say about the iLife update:

Provides system software resources that are shared by iLife and other applications. This update improves overall stability for the Media Browser and iPhoto slideshows. It also provides compatibility between Aperture 3 and the Media Browser.

The update is recommended for all users of iLife '09, iWork '09, and Aperture.

And the camera updates:

This update extends RAW image compatibility for Aperture 3 and iPhoto '09 for the following cameras and formats:

Canon PowerShot S90
Canon sRAW
Canon mRAW
Leica D-LUX 4
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

It's not earthshaking, but will be welcome for heavy iLife '09 users. You can get these from the software update option under the Apple menu.

[Thanks Michael for the tip]

It certainly caused a lot of excitement when the Apple web store went down this morning. No, it wasn't an updated MacBook Pro line but Aperture 3, Apple's high-end photo editing and image management software.

The latest version is U.S. $199.00, and upgrades are available for any existing Aperture users for $99.00.

Apple says Aperture 3 has "more than 200 new features", including Faces and Places, brought over from iPhoto '09. There is an enhanced tool called Brushes, which allows photographers to paint adjustments and filters directly onto their images using new enhanced edge detection.

This latest version of Aperture runs in 64 bit on Snow Leopard and 64 bit processors.

Aperture has been in a long features war with Adobe Lightroom, a similar and very popular application. Aperture was last updated in February, 2008.

We'll have a close look at Aperture 3 when we get our hands on it. Apple has a free 30 day download for people who want an advance look, but as of this writing download links haven't yet been provided. Aperture 3 needs an intel-based Mac, so older machines like the G5 are out of luck.

Amid rumors that Apple has halted production of the 27-inch iMac due to display issues, Apple has released a second firmware update. The update, which is for iMac (27-inch, Late 2009) only:

Updates the display firmware on 27-inch iMac systems to address issues that may cause intermittent display flickering.

The update weighs in at 294KB and can be downloaded here or through Software Update.

The first 27-inch iMac update was released on December 21, 2009 that updated "the graphics firmware on ATI Radeon HD 4670 and 4850 graphics cards to address issues that may cause image corruption or display flickering."