New and Noteworthy: Apple hires Microsoft XBox exec; Q2 Mac shipments seen outpacing industry; more

Apple hires Microsoft XBox exec Macworld UK reports that Apple has poached a critical Microsoft executive in a move "many think may presage more broadband-based offerings from the Cupertino company." Microsoft has lost its worldwide marketing and sales executive for Xbox Live, Julia Miller. "Speculation has begun that Apple plans to extend its service with a subscription-based offering in order to compete with Napster To Go. If it makes such a move, Apple has an instant market of Mac users, along with a potential audience of up to eight million Windows-using iPod owners." More.

Apple's Q2 Mac shipments seen outpacing industry Credit Suisse First Boston raised estimates on Apple Computer after a trip to Taiwan and after completing checks with key component suppliers, reports Forbes. CSFB said, "We believe both iPod and Mac demand are tracking above normal seasonal calendar first-quarter patterns." More.

BenQ delivers first Blu-ray DVD drive PCPro UK reports that BenQ is the first of the major peripheral manufacturers to announce a high-definition optical drive using the Blu-ray format that Apple recently announced it would back. "The unit was developed jointly with Philips and was unveiled at CeBit, Hannover. It will be available in the second half of this year. The DBD Triple Writer BW1000 is built around Philips' triple-laser optical pick-up, which enables blue, infra-red and red lasers to share the same optical pathway. As a result drives are capable of read/write support for CDs and DVDs in addition to Blu-ray." More.

Jef Raskin's memorial service Wired News reports on memorial services for Jef Raskin, the "father of the Mac", who died Feb. 26 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. At the time of his death, he was close to finishing a simplified user interface known as 'Archy' designed to do away with unnecessary mouse movements. "Though the gathering was somber at times, an upbeat mood also produced humor. And many of those who knew him thought that was fitting for Raskin, who was known for his love of life and for finding play in nearly everything he did." More.

Previously on MacFixIt

• Safari Connectivity: Making the cache inaccessible to eliminate stalls
• Mac OS X 10.3.x fast-user-switching bug
• Microsoft Office 11.1.1 (#4): Problems with Endnote
• WWDC 2005 Student Program

Resources