There was a series of minor software updates this week including Safari and Apple’s two photo management tools. Safari 6.0.4 adds a feature where you can enable Java only for certain specific web sites. This addresses a problem where users want to protect themselves from future Java security exploits, but need to use Java on some trusted web sites.
You can access this new setting after using Software Update to get Safari 6.0.4. Then you go to Safari, Preferences, Security and look next to the Enable Java checkbox for a new button that lists the web sites you have accessed that require Java.
The update to iPhoto adds the ability to delete individual images from a Photo Stream by simply dragging it to the iPhoto trash. You can also import images into a Photo Stream with drag-and-drop. Aperture 3.4.4 included a few bug fixes.
“He thought it would be safer if he had a rear view mirror when backing up his Mac.”
Rumors continue to fill a series of slow news weeks in the Apple world. There is more talk that the next iPhone model will out in July and will be called the 5s, following the practice of an “s” model coming out in between new version numbers: 3G, 3Gs, 4, 4s, 5. There is also speculation that the new phone will be available in two screen sizes, though other sources see this as doubtful. Also rumored for the summer is a 5th generation iPad.
On the Mac side, there is a mention on one rumor site of a new Mac Pro coming later this month. It has been years since the Mac Pro has seen a significant update. The current model isn’t even available in parts of Europe because its outdated design doesn’t meet regulatory standards.
“Just sign here and your divorce will be final.”
“If only getting out of my mobile phone contract was this easy.”
A quiet news week was punctuated with rumors proclaiming to map out the rest of Apple’s 2013. The most bizarre rumor sounded more like an April Fool’s Day joke: an Apple TV display controlled by pointing, requiring the user to wear a special ring around his or her finger. The same rumor claims the TV will come with an iPad-like second screen to allow mobile viewing throughout the house.
More reasonable rumors included a July launch of an iPhone 5s model and the release of iOS 7. The new version of iOS may include significant interface updates according to a source. Also surfacing again this week was talk of an Apple streaming radio service, perhaps launching this summer.
“Those iPhones are insecure. Someone could steal yours and easily hack it to get a list of all of your friends.”
“Or, they could just look at my Facebook page.”
T-Mobile will begin carrying the iPhone on April 12, with purchasing options that are very different from the other three major carriers. Instead of subsidizing the cost of the iPhone through regular monthly service payments over and beyond the life of a 2-year contract, T-Mobile will separate the cost of the iPhone from its service. Instead it will charge a monthly installment for the phone. While this will make little difference during the first two years, it will mean that beyond that time the monthly cost will go down.
T-Mobile is also offering unlimited 3G data, with limits only placed on faster 4G data. At this time, T-Mobile only has 4G systems in place in some cities. So for many, this amounts to an unlimited data plan, but with a slower connection. In addition, the T-Mobile version of the iPhone will include wideband audio, a feature also available with some European carriers that gives better voice quality on calls.
Apple updated the Podcasts iOS app this week with a new feature called My Stations. This lets you create lists of podcasts that will automatically update as new episodes are published. It could quickly become the preferred way to organize and listen to podcasts.
“My new scale shows my weight on my iPad. But it seems to think I’m 1.44 pounds heavier than I really am.”
