Beta

Apple releases third Mac OS X 10.6.7 beta, no new issues

Apple has released the third beta of Mac OS X 10.6.7 for developers to thoroughly explore. No new issues have been included in this build (10J850) and developers are again asked to test graphics, AirPort, and Bonjour reliability.

The Mac App Store, introduced in the Mac OS X 10.6.6 update in early January, is also a major focus of the Mac OS X 10.6.7 update, which, given the lack of new issues in the latest build, should signal a public release in the next couple weeks.

Mac OS X 10.7 Lion is expected … Read more

Firefox on Android improves, but still bloated

After a slow start, Mozilla has cranked out another beta for the mobile version of its next-generation browser, Firefox Mobile 4 beta 4 for Android 2.1 and higher and Maemo that boasts faster page-load times, better JavaScript handling, reduced memory usage, and support for restartless add-ons that are currently making their debut in the desktop version of the Firefox 4 beta.

Along with those improvements, however, remains a massive app to install by mobile comparisons. This fourth beta is actually a third of a megabyte bigger than the previous beta, weighing in at a practically obese 13.70 MB … Read more

Firefox 4 entering the home stretch

With plenty of competitors breathing down its neck--Microsoft's IE9 in particular--Mozilla is fixing the final bugs that lie in the way of a Firefox 4 release.

Last night, Mozilla released Firefox 4 beta 10 (click to download for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux). This version focuses mostly on stability and performance rather than on new features--although one new option is the ability to start Firefox in safe mode by holding down shift when launching on Windows.

Flash should work better on Mac OS X with the new beta, and memory usage should be better, Mozilla said in a … Read more

Browser start-up speeds up in Firefox 4 beta 9

As Mozilla finally nears completion of the next generation of its popular open-source browser, the beta version of Firefox 4 begins to solidify into its final form. In the latest Firefox 4 beta, the browser focuses on faster start-up times brought by making improvements elsewhere in the code.

Available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, Firefox 4 beta 9 debuts new under-the-hood code for bookmarking and history. You won't see any interface changes to those features, although they do load faster now. As a consequence of those snappier load times, the browser itself will start faster, the company said in … Read more

Apple releases iOS 4.3 beta

Apple has released to developers a beta of iOS 4.3, the newest operating system update for iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad. iOS 4.3 will include several feature upgrades including the addition of personal Wi-Fi hot spots, new multitouch gestures for iPad, and customizable messaging alerts.

Also included in the first beta of iOS 4.3 is the return of orientation locking by using the hardware switch on the side of your iPad. Users will be able to toggle the usage of that switch from its current function, muting, to the new orientation lock.

The App Store app has … Read more

Sync and speed in latest Firefox 4 beta

Improved desktop-to-mobile synchronization and hardware acceleration powered by WebGL are the hallmarks of Mozilla's latest Firefox 4 beta, which the company plans to release later today for desktops and mobile devices.

Firefox 4 beta 8, for Windows, Mac, and Linux, isn't expected to make any sweeping changes to the browser, instead focusing on improving already-included features. Meanwhile, not much is known at this time about what will be included in the simultaneous release of Firefox Mobile 4 beta 3 for Android and Maemo, although CNET has been able to confirm that the update will contain improvements to the … Read more

Beta Shell protects lenses from water, shock

While your dSLR is important, you can't take pictures without lenses. So, it's important to offer equal protection for your optics and camera body. dSLR bodies can go into bags with ample padding, and lenses can go into the Beta Shell.

These lens containers are watertight so you don't have to worry about getting drenched in the rain. They are also capable of regulating temperature so the lenses won't get too hot or cold in extreme climates. The polymer plastic case is also shock-resistant, while the neoprene cushions inside will dampen any vibrations that may damage the optics.

The company makes cases for most popular Canon and Nikon's lenses, and you can check out the list on the product Web site. The shells cost between $45 and $84, depending on the size. Check out the video below to see just how tough the Beta Shell tubes are. … Read more

Microsoft releases free Security Essentials 2.0

Microsoft yesterday quietly released the latest version of its Security Essentials anti-malware software.

Security Essentials 2.0 is available as a free download with several changes over its predecessor. A Microsoft representative today confirmed the release.

Microsoft said the updated anti-malware engine makes the software faster and smarter at detecting security hazards. The software also now ties in with Windows Firewall, giving you the option of turning the firewall on or off. When I installed the 2.0 edition, it detected that Windows Firewall was not running and asked if I wanted to enable it.

The new version integrates with … Read more

Adobe claims 10x performance from Flash Player 10.2

Flash Player 10.2 (currently in beta) is reportedly going to deliver 10 times better performance according to recent claims by Adobe's Principle Product Manager for Photoshop, John Nack.

The question that immediately comes to mind: "Is this too little, too late?"

Engineer Mike Melanson explains the enormous task load Flash must endure:

"In addition to decoding the data, [Flash] has to convert YUV data to the RGB colorspace and combine the image with other Flash elements. Then it has to cooperate with another application (web browser) to present the video to the user... It plays … Read more