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Apple updates iPhoto to fix data loss bug, modifies iTunes sidebar

Apple released Friday an update to iPhoto to resolve a data loss problem that can occur when upgrading one's library to iPhoto '11. The company also quietly modified the sidebar in its iTunes software to bring back Genius Recommendations.

iPhoto

Shortly after the release of iPhoto '11, an Apple Support forum thread appeared with a number of users reporting problems upgrading their iPhoto libraries, sometimes resulting in corrupted libraries and data loss.

Though Apple touts the library upgrade process as "generally safe and reliable," it recommends that all customers download and install iPhoto software update iPhoto 9.0.1 before updating to iPhoto '11. Apple unveiled iPhoto '11 as part of the iLife '11 software suite at its Oct. 20 "Back to the Mac" event, adding features such as new full screen modes, Facebook enhancements and letterpress cards. The update to iPhoto 9.0.1 can be downloaded from the Apple Support website or through Software Update.

Users who have already tried unsuccessfully to upgrade their iPhoto libraries are advised to install iPhoto update 9.0.1 before attempting to upgrade again.

iTunes

Apple also updated its iTunes media management software, although the changes don't require a software update, according to MacStories. The Cupertino, Calif., company has rechristened the "Ping Sidebar" that was introduced with iTunes 10.0.1 as the "iTunes Sidebar," restoring the much-missed Genius Recommendations section of the sidebar.

Meanwhile, some users have reported recent issues with iTunes, including problems downloading music or videos and being unable to view or post App Store reviews, though the problems do not seem to be particularly widespread.

Ping, Apple's attempt at a social networking music service, received a mixed reception when it was released alongside iTunes 10 in September. Despite critics' disappointment, the service attracted 1 million users in its first 48 hours of availability. Apple has since made minor improvements to the service, which reviewers took as a good sign that the fledgling service has promise.

Integration with social networking site Facebook was originally planned for the Ping service, but the plans were eventually dropped when Apple and Facebook couldn't agree on terms for a partnership. Rumors that the two companies are close to inking a deal gained credibility when it was revealed that Apple CEO Steve Jobs had invited Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg to his house to discuss Ping over dinner.