Notes: Mac OS X 10.4.2, Apple in talks with Overstock.com
The latest on 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.
34 Comments
Great news on 10.4.2 being a serious bug patch. Tiger desperately needs it.
In some ways, Tiger is so buggy, I get nervous that only 100 bugs have been fixed and the patch is only 60mb.
But the good news is Apple sees the problems and doing something about it.
I know no piece of software is bug free, and never can be. But Tiger is too far in the other extreme. But if the .2 patch gets rid of the 100 very bad and in your face bugs, I will be happy and finally move my companies Macs over to Tiger.
At this point, while I am anxious for .2, I don't mind waiting longer if it means Apple keeps stomping out the bugs.
Good news ... I still haven't updated to Tiger as I've been waiting for the first few updates. It looks as though it will be safe to upgrade to TIger once 10.4.2 is out.
The Overstock tidbit is interesting ... I would think that Apple would like to have this ironed out before the Holiday buying season.
Any news on Quartz 2D Extreme?
Great news on 10.4.2 being a serious bug patch. Tiger desperately needs it.
In some ways, Tiger is so buggy, I get nervous that only 100 bugs have been fixed and the patch is only 60mb.
But the good news is Apple sees the problems and doing something about it.
I know no piece of software is bug free, and never can be. But Tiger is too far in the other extreme. But if the .2 patch gets rid of the 100 very bad and in your face bugs, I will be happy and finally move my companies Macs over to Tiger.
At this point, while I am anxious for .2, I don't mind waiting longer if it means Apple keeps stomping out the bugs.
Glad none of these "in your face" bugs affect my daily work. Care to share any that are affecting you?
Here's to all the folks who were screaming back in April "we don't care if it's buggy, just get it to us."
Incidently, the only annoying thing I experience is the strange visual behavior when the mouse pointer changes.