Updates and Repairs

Looks like Apple spent this week cleaning up some dusty corners. First, they released a Mac Pro update to fix a nasty bug in 2009 Mac Pros that made the processor go wild when playing some audio. The update has been long-awaited by many.
Next, Apple gave the gift of a free update to iPod Touch users. Touch users have had to pay for their OS updates, unlike iPhone users who apparently pay by having a mobile phone contract. These $10 updates have been skipped by many users, leaving Apple having to support older versions of the OS. So this week Apple suddenly made the 3.0 OS update available for free via the regular update channels. Those with an iPod Touch who stuck with version 2.0 of the OS apparently only need to check for updates through iTunes while their Touch is connected. But reports of this working are sporadic, as it would require someone who hasn’t updated yet.
Then Apple decided to deal with a rare hard drive issue that affects some MacBook users who purchased in 2006 and 2007. Apple is reportedly offering a free repair if you have the issue, even though your warranty is long gone. If you think you might be affected, check out this page at the Apple site.
Outside of the mothership, an interesting third-party software development took place this week when Dragon acquired MacSpeech. Dragon NaturallySpeaking is the leader in speak-to-type software for Windows. MacSpeech used Dragon’s engine in their Mac software. I guess Dragon decided that MacSpeech was doing well enough for them to enter the Mac market again by simply acquiring the company. So soon MacSpeech won’t just be “close” to NaturallySpeaking, it probably will be NaturallySpeaking.