Briefly: Backup 3.1; Foxconn; Firefox; Front Row; Amazon

Apple on Wednesday evening released Backup 3.1 via Software Update to its .Mac Internet service members. According to the release notes, the update delivers added support for some backup destinations and addresses file restoration and other issues. Backup 3.1, which is now a universal application, is recommended for all users of Backup 3.0.

Significant areas addressed in the release include: improved support for iDisk, local hard drives, and some network destinations (Mac OS X Tiger only); new iWeb QuickPick and updated iLife plan; and fixes to issues with restoring files.

iPod nano generating Foxconn $300M a month

Overseas manufacturing giant Foxconn Electronics, the registered trade name of Hon Hai Precision Industry, is pulling in revenues of over NT$10 billion (about US $308M) per month from making Apple Computer's hot-selling iPod Nano, according to DigiTimes. Apple's latest addition to the iPod nano series, a 1GB model, is expected to carve out a fat slice of the low-end and mid-range MP3 markets for Apple, and this in turn will generate more revenues for Foxconn, the publication said.

Firefox 1.5.0.2 to be universal binary

In the release notes for the recently-released Firefox 1.5.0.1 Web browser, the Mozilla Organization said it is planning to natively support Intel Macs starting with Firefox 1.5.0.2.

Apple investigating iMac Core Duo Front Row issues

Apple has confirmed it is aware of, and investigating, reports of video problems in the new Intel iMacs, according to Macworld UK. Recent reports claimed that some users had experienced random horizontal lines and other video playback problems when playing video in Front Row. Similar issues were discussed in AppleInsider's recent review of the iMac Core Duo.

"Apple is aware of this issue and is looking into it," the company said in an email to a web-based pressure group that has been gathering information on the problem. "If a customer has any technical issues, they should contact AppleCare." The problem is allegedly software-based.

Amazon extends Mac rebate promotion

An Amazon.com promotion offering rebates of up to $200 on Macs purchased through its online store expired on Tuesday. However, the online retailer has now extended the promotion through a new series of rebates set to expire on February 28th.

Offers include: iMac Core Duo 2.0GHz ($150 rebate), iMac Core Duo 1.83GHz ($125 rebate), MacBook Pro 1.67GHz ($150 rebate), MacBook Pro 1.83GHz ($150 rebate), iBook G4 1.33GHz ($100 rebate), iBook G4 1.42GHz ($150 rebate), PowerBook G4 12" 1.5GHz ($150 rebate), PowerBook G4 15" 1.67GHz ($200 rebate), PowerBook G4 17" 1.67GHz, Mac mini G4 1.25GHz ($25 rebate), Mac mini 1.42GHz ($25 rebate), Mac mini 1.42GHz SD ($25 rebate), Power Mac G5 Quad 2.5GHz ($200 rebate), Power Mac G5 Dual 2.3GHz ($200 rebate), and the Power Mac G5 Dual 2.0GHz.