New and Noteworthy: Jobs and Gates: The rematch; Shark 4: Mac OS X application optimization; more

Jobs and Gates: The rematch The New York Times examines the re-emerging conflict between Apple and Microsoft -- this time for supremacy in the downloadable music industry "(The iPod) dominates its market in a way that no Apple product has done in a generation, raising the possibility that the company is becoming more than just a purveyor of computers with high design and low market share. If Apple continues to ride the wave of digital consumer electronics products, it may become the Sony of the 21st century. For that to happen, however, Mr. Jobs must do what he failed to do last time: prevail over his old nemesis, Bill Gates, who sees entertainment as Microsoft's next great frontier. Microsoft is working hard to make sure that the iPod is less like the Walkman and more like the Betamax, Sony's videocassette format that was defeated in the marketplace by VHS." More.

Shark 4: Mac OS X application optimization Apple has posted a document for developers detailing optimization techniques available through Shark 4 -- part of the Apple Developer Tools collection. "If your application could benefit from improved performance?and let's be honest, most can?you need to know about Shark 4, the latest update to Apple's remarkable performance optimization tool. Shark enables you to very quickly identify where your application's performance problems lie, down to the specific functions on which you should concentrate your optimization efforts. You can then focus on the fixes that will yield the maximum benefits. Developers using earlier versions of Shark have found and fixed problems that improved performance dramatically, in a matter of hours." More.

Keyspan offers AirPort Express remote Keyspan has announced a new USB infrared remote control that includes support for Apple's AirPort Express. "The Keyspan Express Remote is a convenient infrared remote that enables users to control media applications on a PC or Mac just as they control their TV or VCR." The device will retail at US$59 and ship in mid-November." More.

Apple offers iPod "socks" Apple has debuted a line of colorful iPod protection wear, affectionately dubbed "socks." The pitch reads "Dress your iPod up in any one of six vibrant color socks (green, purple, grey, blue, orange, and pink). This set of knit socks provides a stylish, fun, and practical way to protect your iPod. Fits all iPods." The set of six socks is priced at US$29. More.

Previously on MacFixIt

• Mac OS X 10.3.6 Update (#6): File name truncation; audio distortion; DVD drive compatibility; slow startup times; more
• Radeon 8500 flickering: A simple solution?
• Odds and Ends: Final Cut Express audio problem not just with USB; Knowledge Base updates

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