We've received reports that the rather creative OSx86 hacking community has created another release, this time to update existing 10.4.1 installations to many of the new features introduced in 10.4.3. Sources indicate that the new security features implemented in 10.4.3 have prevented a full release and that this update is in lieu of that release.
We've received confirmed reports today that Apple has recently seeded OS X 10.4.3 for Intel to ADC members. Unlike the recent update to 10.4.2, this is a full system upgrade, and is approximately 3gb. The build, 8f1099, contains numerous changes and fixes along with those already found in 10.4.3 for PowerPC-based machines. Some of the more interesting updates found in the changelog include the newly completed Carbon and Cocoa frameworks and a universal binary of Flash 8. Java support has also been upgraded, and new debugging functions are now found in Rosetta. It would also appear that the system has recieved some optimizations, with more routines now accelerated by SSE, and improved OpenGL support. Universal printer drivers have also been added. A new build of Xcode is included, which seems to confirm reports that 10.4.3 once again breaks binary compatability with previous versions. Overall this update seems to focus on the polish, as opposed to the core of the operating system, which seems to indicate that progress on the final version of OS X for Intel is proceeding well. As always, The OSx86 Project would like to suggest that all ADC members update to the newest build.
Looks like Apple would like you to buy a package and not a software OS.
Apple Spins New iMac as Media Hub
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,1870306,00.asp
October 12, 2005
Updated: Apple has designed its latest iMac G5 to be a home's central point for accessing everything from music files to television, in a bid to strengthen the links between its computers, music players and online music store.
We are often hearing about what could be potentially lost with MacIntels transitions, without serious information regarding what could be gained with such CPU migration.
That's the reason why we have decided to release 2 screenshots sent to us by an anonymous source.
We do not think that this info will hurt Apple, since it simply demonstrates the huge potential offered to mac users by the future MacIntels.
Without giving much details, those captures shows MacOSX x86 running on a 4 physical CPU-based MacIntel with Hyperthreading enable. One can clearly see 4 physical processors recognized while 8 logical processors are recorded by the CPU monitor.
So MacOSX can really manage without problem any MacIntel based on either physical or logical processors.
After the recent seed of OS X for Intel version 10.4.2 (build 8B1072) to Apple ADC members, we've received confirmed today reports that Apple has seeded a new update, available through the "Software Update" system. Known as 10.4.2 build 8B1072A, this new version fixes graphics and performance issues and is purported to prevent current workarounds for running the system. Weighing in at 26.6MB, this update is quite small, but provides radical changes.
After much speculation has been tossed around as to how Apple would lockdown their new Intel operating system, perhaps we have found the answer. Many popular blogs and websites have begun to think that Apple may, in fact, be using the community of enthusiasts to find the bugs in their new OS and crush them, leaving a truly user tested final product which is almost uncrackable. When looking at Apple's track record, it would almost seem ludicrous, why would the company for the people use the people as a tool? Well, it's a few elements working together. Most importantly, Apple isn't for the people. Apple is for the cash. As it's been said before, Apple IS a hardware company, and until they change their focus (not something to be ruled out), they will still make their cash selling you iBooks and PowerMacs. It's a simple fact of life. Any company which doesn't watch out for profits will die.
Most interesting, however, is the method this update was delivered. Ponder this: Apple adds support for new features and fixes security flaws, seeding these updates through Software Update. However, these updates also lock out any cracks and holes that have recently been discovered. Sounds like a good deal right? Just don't update. Except for one problem. Imagine that Apple then strongly "advises" publishers to only allow their software to work with these updated versions. Suddenly users without updates are locked out.
While this may seem like a smart measure to prevent piracy, let’s look at the whole picture. Many Apple users love their legacy hardware and Apple famously supports them past their death date. Look at the number of computers still running 10.3, 10.2, or even 10.1 and 10.0, simply because they can't handle the latest updates. Although these are major revisions, which, of course, have some incompatibilities, imagine this process compressed to the point where a single update stops you from running that latest programs. Perhaps this update breaks something in your hardware as Apple phases out support, perhaps it just has a new bug, either way, it could spell trouble.
At this point I think many Apple fanboys put too much trust in Apple. Yes, they could do it right and only break compatibility between major revisions, yes, they could debug the updates incredibly well and keep out all but the smallest bugs. But Apple is really out there to make money. Can we really trust that? Maybe Apple isn't God's gift to the geek, but then again, do we really need one? Perhaps we should love the product and not the company, because the two just don't go hand in hand.
In an intriguing move, Intel has announced that they will be discontinuing their 915G chipset - the almost-identical-but-not-quite chipset on which Apple's Developer Transition Kits are based. Apparently, the chipsets and their GMA900 integrated graphics processors would not be powerful enough to run the resource-hogging demanding GUI effects of Windows Vista's Aeroglass.
Apple clearly felt that GMA900 was good enough to run Quartz Extreme. Will the effects of Glass be so much greater that they will require that much more graphics processing power?
And what about all of those who bought Intel 915 chipsets in order to run OSx86 natively? Could the mandatory return of the DevKits be linked in any way to the discontinuance of this chipset?
While it may be years (possibly never, although I think it'll happen) before you can purchase a legitimate copy of OS X for your regular x86 PC, pirates in Bangkok have sped up the process, selling what they call a "retail" version of OSx86. According to Hardmac:
"Pirates of course took advantage of the osx86project.com community discoveries, in order to sell versions they dare to call "Retail Edition", for 6 Euro."
Six Euro? Around 12 Dollars? We find it appalling that someone would try to make a quick buck from someone else's (Apple's) work. And, for the record, we neither support nor endorse any of their activities, nor any illegal use of OS X for that matter. These pirates have used hackers' "cracks" from elsewhere, not "discoveries" from this site.
They do everyone a disservice. Here, no one wins.
UPDATE: Sorry, I miscalculated - 6 Euros would actually be 7.23 in USD. I'm headed to England soon, so I was stuck in Pounds mode.