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Current News: (News, Release Candidates, Machine Profile 1.4.3, VirtualBox 6.1.18)
Mac Upgrades/Mods | Storage | Video | Audio/Home Theater | macOS Updates/Tips/WiFi
= Recent Articles/Updates =
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Apple Release Candidates
Current Developer releases as of January 21, 2021.
(RC is Release Candidate, previously called GM Seed.)
- macOS Big Sur 11.2 RC (20D53)
- Xcode 12.4 RC (12D4e)
- iOS 14.4 RC (18D52)
- iPadOS 14.4 RC (18D52)
- watchOS 7.3 RC (18S801)
- tvOS 14.4 RC (18K802)
Apple also has Public betas. See Beta FAQ for info on joining or unenrolling.
(Public beta version updates are usually shortly after developer releases.)
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Micromat MachineProfile 1.4.3 Update
Changes in MachineProfile version 1.4.3 (use in-app update check):
- Fixed a reported dual GPU reading issue.
- Updated machine identification strings.
- Other minor fixes and enhancements.
(There was a longer list of changes/fixes in Jan. 14th version 1.4.2 update.)
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VirtualBox 6.1.18 Update
Freeware VM VirtualBox version 6.1.18 update's Change Log includes a note on improvements for macOS Big Sur hosts. ("macOS host: Multiple optimizations for BigSur") |
M1 Mini/macOS 11.1 - iCloudNotificationAgent 95+% CPU, Thousands of Faults
Posting this for a friend with a new M1 Mac mini running Big Sur 11.1 that's had this repeated problem. (Despite trying many of the usual tips, other than a reinstall of Big Sur. She's using only Apple software, no migrated data, no software addons.) The mini has had no kernel panics/crashes, no hardware errors logged and no errors found by Disk Utility. = Details =.
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Micromat Drive Scope 1.2.10 update
Changes in Drive Scope version 1.2.10 (use in-app update check):
- Added macOS 11 'Big Sur' compatibility.
- Fixed an issue where the SMART attributes would have Unknown names.
- Updated Sparkle update framework to version 1.24.0.
- Added additional drive manufacturer company logos.
- Other minor fixes and enhancements.
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VLC Media Player 3.0.12 Update for Mac
Info from the VLC news page on VLC for Mac version 3.0.12:
"VideoLAN 3.0.12 release fixes some loud audio distortion when resuming playback, adds support for Apple Silicon, and a few other issues. More details on the release page."
Download available from the VLC Media Player for Mac page. (Requires macOS 10.7.5 or later and 64-bit Intel-based Mac. VLC for older OS X versions are listed down the linked page.)
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Apple/Products related News, Tips, Rumors, Updates, PR (later first) [= skip =]
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Updates to Pages, Numbers and Keynote apps for Mac and iOS
(Mac apps require macOS 10.15 or later. iOS apps require iOS 13.1 or later.)
All updates at app store say they contain "Stability and Performance Improvements".
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Micromat MachineProfile 1.4.2 Update
Changes in MachineProfile version 1.4.2 (use in-app update check):
- Fixed Processor Speed information for Apple Silicon Macs.
- Fixed incorrect internal battery condition.
- Added support for Macs with a connected eGPU.
- Added new feature icons to the application toolbar.
- Updated macOS 11 'Big Sur' versioning method.
- Updated power adapter detection support.
- Updated machine and location identification strings.
- Other minor fixes and enhancements.
(Previous version 1.4.1 added support for M1 Macs and Big Sur.)
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Other News, Firmware/Software Updates, PR, OT (later added first) [= skip =]
- Chrome 88.0.4324.96 Stable Channel Update (google)
- includes 36 security fixes.
- 03.21.16 Firmware Update for LG CX/GX/WX OLED TVs
- Includes change info & download pages. (Added to FW Updates list.)
- OWC Acquires LumaForge and Jellyfish Technologies (sponsor pr)
- Adobe security bulletins on updates for Photoshop (APSB21-01), Illustrator (APSB21-02), Animate (APSB21-03), InCopy (APSB21-05), and Bridge (APSB21-07).
(In most cases only Windows ver. was vulnerable, but updates available for Mac & Windows.)
- Cubase 11: More Customizable, More Inspirational, More Productive (yamaha)
"Steinberg unveils Cubase 11, update to the award-winning music production system".
- Firefox 84.0.2 and Firefox ESR 78.6.1 Updates
- Microsoft January 2021 Patch Tuesday (isc.sans)
- patches for 83 vulnerabilities, 10 critical.
- Yamaha RX-A2A/V6A/V4A, TSR-700/TSR-400 Receivers Firmware Update
- OWC Announces Envoy Pro FX as Fastest, Most Compatible Waterproof, & Ultra Rugged Drive Available (sponsor pr)
- OWC Announces New Thunderbolt™ Dock (sponsor pr)
- OWC Announces High-Powered 6 Port USB-C Travel Dock E for Macs, PCs, iPads, Tablets, or Phones (sponsor pr)
- OWC Announces World's First U.2 Carrier Shuttle for 3.5" Drive Bays (sponsor pr)
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iOS 12.5.1 / iPadOS 12.5.1 Update
Info from the release notes:
"This update fixes an issue where Exposure Notifications could incorrectly display logging profile language."
(Apple's Security Updates page says this update has no published CVE entries.)
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Recent Apple Support/How-To/Troubleshooting Article Updates (later added first)
- Find out which macOS your Mac is using
- If you need to install Rosetta on your Mac
(Rosetta 2 allows M1 Macs to run Apps made for Intel-based Macs.)
- Play HDR video on Mac
- Includes a list of Mac models that support HDR.
- If you can't install macOS Big Sur on certain 13-inch MacBook Pros from 2013 & 2014
"Follow these steps if you can't install macOS Big Sur on a MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2013) or MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Mid 2014).
When you install macOS Big Sur on these Mac models, the installer might say that the update cannot be installed on this computer, or your Mac might start up to a blank screen or circle with a line through it..."
The article includes steps to try and solve the problem.
- Add your Desktop and Documents files to iCloud Drive
- Access iCloud Drive files from your iPhone and other devices
- Obtaining service for your Apple product after an expired warranty
- originally titled "Vintage and Obsolete products".
- Measuring and calibrating Apple Pro Display XDR
- If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- How to get old versions of macOS
- Back up your Mac with Time Machine
- Use AirPlay to stream video or mirror your device's screen
- How to use AirPlay to stream audio
- If the supported resolution isn't available on an ultrawide or super-ultrawide external display connected to your Mac with Apple M1 chip (new)
- If you can't unlock settings in System Preferences
- How to use external monitors with your Mac
- Lots of M1 Mac owner problems with Displays and adapters.
(Some adapters & Displays that worked with Intel-based Macs, didn't with the M1.)
- If iCloud Mail isn't working
- (How to) Use Apple products on enterprise networks
- How to set a firmware password on your Mac
- Get help with video problems on external displays connected to your Mac
- How to erase your Intel-based Mac
(was titled "How to erase a disk for Mac")
- If you get a personalization error when reinstalling macOS on a Mac with Apple M1 chip
- Measuring and calibrating Apple Pro Display XDR
- If your Mac doesn't turn on
- Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference
- Many M1 owners have reported Bluetooth problems in Apple's Mac mini Forum.
(Probably the most common problem topic, followed by Displays.)
Page of How-To, Troubleshooting & Tips for Mac/OS X/iOS Users from Airplay to Thunderbolt. |
Recent Updates, Tips, DIY Upgrades and Repairs: List of Updates, DIY Upgrades, Repair Articles, Tips and more you may have missed. (Topics range from OS/software/driver updates and troubleshooting, to hardware upgrades and repairs.)
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Previous News Archive Summary:
January 4th to 8th, 2021 News Archive
- Safari Technology Preview 118 Update.
- Firefox 84.0.2 and Firefox ESR 78.6.1 Updates.
- Tip for unlocking settings in Big Sur 11.1 System Preferences.
- Tip for problems mounting encrypted drives in macOS 11.1.
- Tip for Touch ID Problems in macOS 11.1.
- Brother Printer Drivers 4.1.1 for macOS.
- How to Quickly Block an Email Address on Mac.
- Making a working M1 Mac External Boot Drive.
- How to Use the Privacy Report in Safari 14.
- Tips for Printer Problems with M1 Chip Macs.
- The Top Mac Malware Types and Adware Tricks of 2020.
- Chrome 87.0.4280.141 Stable Channel Update.
- OWC Thunderbolt 3 10GbE Ethernet Adapter Review.
- The Top 14 Things People Really Want to Know About Thunderbolt.
- 03.21.09 Firmware Update for 2020 LG CX/GX/WX OLED TVs.
- 05.30.02 Update for 2018 LG B8/C8/E8/W8 OLED TVs.
- Yamaha RIVAGE PM Editor V4.7.0 for macOS 10.15 to 10.13.
- Yamaha RIVAGE PM Firmware V4.70.
- Apple Support/How-To/Troubleshooting Article Updates.
For links to older news pages, see the Archives.
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