Notes: Mac OS X 10.4.2, Apple in talks with Overstock.com

After taking a brief hiatus to kick back and celebrate during this past holiday weekend, Apple on Monday released to developers the latest pre-release build of Mac OS X 10.4.2 Update.

According to reports already present on Internet websites, the Tiger system update sits at build 8C44. This appears to indicate that only four or five complete compiles of Mac OS X 10.4.2 have been made over the past two weeks — typically a telltale sign that development is nearly complete and extensive quality assurance measures are in motion. In its earlier stages of development, it's believed that Apple was compiling the software on average of once each business day.

The latest build continues to weigh in at approximately 60MB and is reported to have addressed annoying glitches that arise in Mac OS X 10.4.1 when a user switches AirPort locations, attempts to log into WPA networks, or wakes a machine from sleep after network locations have changed.

Sources also told AppleInsider that build 8C44 includes a snazzy new Widget Manager icon, portraying the existing Dashboard application icon as a locket. It appears half-way open to reveal images of sprockets and gears (presumably representing the widgets). This latest build also repairs a bug that allowed Dashboard widgets to re-expand after a user logged out or rebooted his or her system, sources said.

When it's released, Mac OS X 10.4.2 is expected to deliver nearly 100 bug fixes and reliability enhancements to the Mac OS X 10.4 "Tiger" operating system. While earlier reports had indicated that the software was nearing a release in mid-to-late-June, this was apparently not the case. Instead sources say Apple plans call for extensive testing of the system update in its latter stages, as it will soon be released to retail.

According to this early post on Apple's AppleScript website, Mac OS X 10.4.2 will also include Standard Additions 1.10.1 for Mac OS X.

Apple taps Overstock.com

Rumors that Apple may be holding a tad of extract iPod inventory persisted last week. Specifically, sources told AppleInsider that Apple representatives recently contacted Overstock.com to discuss a possible arrangement where the online discounter would help rid the iPod maker of some of its own overstock.

Specifically, sources said the two companies likely talked of moving excess iPod shuffle and 4th generation iPods with mono-chrome displays. However, this could not be confirmed with 100 percent certainty.