Appletell

Apple has released updates to Quicktime and Front Row in support of the new iTunes 8.

Quicktime 7.5.5 fixes a number of security issues. Front Row 2.1.6 improves compatibility with the new version of Quicktime and iTunes.

Details and links after the break.

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Exibia, from Plyxim software, has just been upgraded to version 1.2. Exibia is a server video scheduling tool intended for schools and universities. With Exibia, the user can upload any video that is compatible with Quicktime to a central server, which is subsequently connected to the school’s closed circuit television system. The uploader of the video can choose a date and time for playback through the Exibia Web Client, and forget about it. The application can be used seamlessly by multiple users, and even handles issues with double booking of the system. Anyone with a Mac or a PC can connect and upload content, with no need to hook the actual computer up to a monitor or projector. Videos can also be stored for a longer period of time for multiple play-backs.

Version 1.2’s main change is a re-vamped UI for the Web Client. It is available as a free upgrade for current users. A single Exibia license is priced at $499, and a demo can be downloaded from the Plyxim website.

Product [ Exibia ]

MacRumors just posted that a reader has found references to “iSight HD” in QuickTime system files.

For those who don’t know, the iSight, which is currently the branding of the camera integrated into all Macs with displays, used to be the name used for an external Firewire camera sold by Apple from 2003-2006. It was released to coincide with iChat AV, Apple’s next-generation video/audio chat application. In 2006, they stopped selling it, presumably because most Macs would have one built in, but seemingly overlooked the fact that if you bought a Mac Mini or Mac Pro, there was now no Apple option for a webcam. The Cinema Displays also do not contain an integrated iSight.

More after the break.

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Yesterday, the US Patent & Trademark Office published Apple’s latest trademark, titled “Snow Leopard,” under application 7749408sn6.

According to Apple’s Snow Leopard webpage, “The next major version of the world’s most advanced operating system, Mac OS X, changes more than its spots, it changes focus. Taking a break from adding new features, Snow Leopard—scheduled to ship in about a year—builds on Leopard’s enormous innovations by delivering a new generation of core software technologies that will streamline Mac OS X, enhance its performance, and set new standards for quality. Snow Leopard dramatically reduces the footprint of Mac OS X, making it even more efficient for users, and giving them back valuable hard drive space for their music and photos.”

Apple filed their trademark under International Class 009 covering computer software and computer operating system software. Apple asserts a claim of priority based on Trinidad and Tobago application number 39830 and claims ownership of U.S. Registration Number 3386175.

Apple claims Snow Leopard will include out-of-the-box support for Microsoft Exchange 2007, and will introduce a new set of technologies, bringing unrivaled support for multicore systems to Mac OS X called “Grand Central,” extend 64-bit technology to support enormous amounts of RAM, and introduce QuickTime X, a streamlined, next-generation platform that advances modern media and Internet standards. Mac OS X “Snow Leopard” will most likely to be in retail stores by fall of 2009.

Via [MacNN]

Apple has been granted four new patents today by the US Patent & Trademark Office. The patents cover four inventions that relate to Apple’s multipurpose dock, QuickTime’s transmission of differently formatted media, measuring network bandwidth between two computers, and a communication between media servers and media clients.

Stand invention (US Patent D567800) does not offer a detailed explanation as to why this dock is much different than other docks on the market. Apple only provided a one sentence explanation in the patent filing: “The stand, which can be utilized as a dock, is used to support an electronic device, such as a media player, media storage device, cellular phone, PDA and/or the like.”

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Yesterday, Apple released yet another update to iTunes: 7.6.2. The latest version brings no major new features, but as usual, bug fixes to “to improve stability and performance.” If you haven’t already, you can download the software update by going to Apple Menu>Software Update. Alternatively, you can download it directly from Apple’s website. Previous updates have shown that they come before iPhone & iPod Touch firmware updates - this could be a sign of a new iPhone firmware soon.

On another note, QuickTime has been updated to 7.4.5, and Front Row to 2.1.3 - again, these updates bring no new features, but bug fixes and performance enhancements. The iTunes and QuickTime updates are available for Windows users too, but obviously not the Front Row update.

Via [TUAW]

Apple today released yet another QuickTime 7 update - its main purpose being a security fix. The update is for Mac OS X Panther, Tiger, and Leopard as well as Microsoft Windows. The update secures QuickTime from the latest exploits and threats on both Mac OS X and Windows. Users who don’t update to QuickTime 7.4.1 could visit a maliciously crafted website that could lead to unexpected application termination, or arbitrary code execution.

“A heap buffer overflow exists in QuickTime’s handling of HTTP responses when RTSP tunneling is enabled. By enticing a user to visit a maliciously crafted webpage, an attacker may cause an unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution,” Apple said. ”This update addresses the issue through improved bounds checking.”

I have downloaded a lot of QuickTime security updates recently, it seems to be a platform that hackers are targeting - most likely because any exploits will affect both Windows and Mac. It may be annoying to have to continously download updates that don’t appear to add any functionality to the software; but it is good that Apple is keeping security a high priority.

Via [Macworld]

Perian, the “swiss army knife for QuickTime”, is reaching 1.1 through a private beta. Why private you ask? When the last beta of the suite of codes hit, the app was leaked. So, to keep tons of Macs out there from crashing from buggy, unstable apps and codecs, Perian has restricted this beta to donators and development supports. What’s included in the 1.1 beta? In my opinion, Perian doesn’t need any fixing, however, no one knows yet, so if you’ve donated or helped out, you should be finding out pretty soon.

Via [TUAW]
Product Page [Perian]

A source has tipped Mac Rumors off to a pending update to iTunes and QuickTime that may be arriving around Macworld. QuickTime 7.4 is said to include mainly bug fixes and security patches and support for the new version of iTunes. Details of iTunes updates have not yet leaked.

It should be noted, however, that Apple often has to update iTunes to support extensive feature updates in existing products, or when supporting new products. This could mean that there will be new features introduced to the iPhone or the iPods, or it could reference the new ultra portable. It’s anybody’s guess, but it seems like this iTunes update will probably be centered around new or updated product compatibility.

This update would take iTunes to version 7.6, and QuickTime to version 7.4. This update may also coincide with Mac OS X 10.5.2 and may have integration there, or be optimized for the rumored new Mac Pro’s processors.

Via [MacRumors]

In addition to releasing iTunes 7.3.1 on Wednesday, Apple also released Quicktime 7.2. Along with adding security fixes and full screen playback, a new option has been added to the “Export” list. You can now do a quick click conversion and get your videos out to your iPhone. The new videos will be exported either using .m4v (iPhone) or .3gp (iPhone (Cellular)), whichever one you choose.

Via [Macworld.com]