Posted 11/20/09 at 08:04:13 AM by Paul Lilly

In what's turning out to be a game of cat and mouse, Apple last week disabled support for Intel's Atom processor through a Snow Leopard update, a tactic the Hackintosh community insisted would present only a temporary setback. They were right, thanks to a Russian hacker known as "teateam," who says he has restored support for Atom-based Hackintoshes running Snow Leopard 10.6.2.

"The problem originates in a revision to the kernel in 10.6.2. The changes Apple made to the latest mach_kernel removes support for [Atom] processors, leaving updated netbooks in a useless state," InsanelyMac member "blkhockypro19" explained in a forum post.

TeaTeam's hack appears to address the issue, though Jeff Porten of MacWorld warned that performing the crack is not something to be taken lightly.

"You'll need to roll up your Terminal sleeves for a few simple steps here," said Porten. "And, of course, replace the kernel of your operating system -- the fundamental code that underlies everything else in Mac OS X -- with a file you've downloaded from the Internet."

Not only that, but it's only a matter of time until Apple releases another update that, in all likelihood, breaks support again. Apple hasn't been sympathetic to the Hackinstosh community, and even went so far as to serve Wired.com a cease and desist order after the tech site posted a video with instructions on how to hack a netbook to run Mac OS X.

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Posted 11/16/09 at 07:30:32 AM by Paul Lilly

Apple didn't just win its case against Psystar, it demolished the "open computer" vendor whose Mac clones triggered a legal battle over whether or not the hackintoshes violated Mac OS X's EULA. According to Judge William Alsup, it most certainly does. In fact, the judge ruled in Apple's favor on every count brought to the court's attention, although the biggest focus was on copyright.

"Psystar's use of Mac OS X has been in excess and has violated Apple's copyrights," the judge wrote at one point in his 16-page order.

According to Groklaw, there are still issues that remain for trial, including allegations of breach of contract, induced breach of contract, trademark infringement, trademark dilution, trade dress infringement, and state unfair competition under California Business and Professions. In other words, the best case scenario for Psystar at this point is that it will be held liable for damages on Apple's copyright claims, but with its primary defense now seemingly dismantled, the company appears to be in a world of hurt. Or as Groklaw puts it, "Psystar is toast."

Get all the gory details here.

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Posted 11/12/09 at 11:30:10 AM by Paul Lilly

A Microsoft manager has gone on record saying one of Microsoft's goals with Windows 7 was to "create a Mac look and feel in terms of graphics." After posting the story, Maximum PC reader Tekzel commented, "That dude is sooo going to get in trouble." Tekzel, you sooo called it.

It didn't take long at all for Microsoft to distance itself from Simon Aldous, the partner group manger who made the comment. In an official Windows blog post this morning, here's what Microsoft had to say:

"An inaccurate quote has been floating around the Internet today about the design origins of Windows 7 and whether its look and feel was “borrowed” from Mac OS X. Unfortunately this came from a Microsoft employee who was not involved in any aspect of designing Windows 7. I hate to say this about one of our own, but his comments were inaccurate and uninformed."

Oh snap! Microsoft went on to suggest reading an AP story with Ms. Larson-Green and a couple of other articles linked in the blog to learn more about the design of Windows 7.

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Posted 11/12/09 at 07:30:30 AM by Paul Lilly

Apple would argue that Microsoft has been ripping off its Mac OS GUI ever since Windows was first introduced, a notion Microsoft has dismissed on more than one occasion. That being the case, we're willing to bet the Redmond company isn't too thrilled that one of its managers is flapping his gums about Windows 7 taking a liberal cue from Mac OS X.

"One of the things that people say an awful lot about the Apple Mac is that the OS is fantastic, that it's very graphical and easy to use," said Simon Aldous, partner group manager with Microsoft. "What we've tried to do with Windows 7 -- whether it's traditional format or in a touch format -- is create a Mac look and feel in terms of graphics."

Spending a little time with the redesigned Taskbar is all it takes to see what Aldous is talking about, and it's not too difficult to find other similarities, either. And that's not necessarily a bad thing, though it's not something you want to flaunt if you're Microsoft, or one of Microsoft's managers. These types of admissions have a way of ending up twisted, taken out of context, and capitalized on by Mac OS pitchmen Justin Long and John Hodgman.

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Posted 11/02/09 at 12:45:29 PM by Paul Lilly

This one's sure to ruffle a few feathers, but according to the latest data from Net Applications, the launch of Windows 7 hasn't done anything to slow down Mac's record rise in market share.

Of course, we're only talking about a 5.27 percent of the OS market, which doesn't come anywhere close to Windows, which dominates the scene with a 92.52 percent share. Still, Mac fans will be quick to point out that Mac OS X still managed to reach a new hgh, and did so amid a heavy marketing campaign for Windows 7 accompanied by temporary deep discounts.

If you've been watching Apple's Mac vs PC ads, then you've seen Apple encouraging consumers to use the launch of Windows 7 as an excuse to switch to Mac. After all, if you're going to upgrade anyway, you might as well make the transition, Apple argues. And that's what Electronista believes is going on.

We're not so sure we agree, and while we'll concede that the numbers might not be what we were expecting, it's far too early to tell what impact Windows 7 or Mac OS X will have on the ongoing OS wars.

Hit the jump and tell us how you interpret the numbers.

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Posted 09/18/09 at 12:30:06 PM by Paul Lilly

An analyst with the NPD Group suggests that Apple's Snow Leopard has been selling like hot cakes, noting the first two weeks of Snow Leopard sales were more than two times higher than Leopard's initial release numbers, and four times higher than Tiger, TGDaily reports.

Baker was quick to point out that Snow Leopard's sales didn't show much signs of slowing down after the initial launch, either. From week one to week two, sales declined just 25 percent, compared to a 60 percent drop in demand for both Leopard and Tiger during each one's opening week volumes.

"With pricing reduced by more than $100 for both the single-user and five-user pack versus Leopard pricing, Apple has clearly demonstrated that aggressive pricing policies in this economic environment generate an outstanding consumer response," explained Baker.

Not to be outdone, Microsoft has begun offering students special pricing for Windows 7 Home Premium. Eligible students can grab a downloaded copy for just $30, while special pricing for Family Pack licensing is also planned.

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Posted 05/27/09 at 09:10:22 AM by Paul Lilly

Psystar, the company responsible for the 'Open Computer' and a continual thorn in Apple's side, has filed for bankruptcy protection. According to court papers, Psystar owes more than $250,000 to shipping companies, the IRS, and its attorneys.

"Debtor sales have been greatly affected by the decrease in consumer spending," Psystar said in a statement. "The financial crisis has also caused creditors to tighten up their terms and become more demanding for immediate payment."

Psystar gained notoriety for taking on Apple by selling computer systems equipped with Mac OS X. In July of last year, Apple sued the company for copyright infringement, however that lawsuit has now been temporarily suspended until the bankruptcy protection goes through proceedings. 

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Posted 10/16/07 at 07:01:14 PM by Paul "One4yu2c" Lilly

Apple sets a release date for OS X v10.5, Microsoft drops anti-trust appeal, why your iPhone could be toxic, and more!

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