MacSwitching.com > Apple announces

Google has announced Google Talk, a new service that will allow existing Gmail accounts use its Instant Messaging AND Voice Calling service, for free!

Google site says that its released client is for Windows 2000/XP users, but Linux and Mac OS X users may be in business too.

How? Just using one of the many Jabber-compatible IM client.

We tried two of them, one that is listed on the Google Mac page, namely iChat, that comes for free with Mac OS X, and you may already know; the other is Fire, a multi-IM client that is pretty good with ICQ, MSN, Yahoo IM AND, from now, with Google Talk.

– iChat configuration is fully described on Google’s page,
– Fire configuration it’s even simpler.

In both cases, remember to set the server as talk.google.com and port 5223.

Now I’m stuck in a dilemma:
– I’m a long time Skype user (both on Windows AND Mac OS X),
– I’m a long time GMail user,
– I’m a long time Fire user (by far the best under Mac OS X),
– I’m a satisfied user for all of the above…

What am I going to do?

Right now, I’m going to test Google Talk for a while, and time (and bugs) will tell…

For your reference:
– Google Talk: http://www.google.com/talk/
– Google Talk Mac OS X reference: http://www.google.com/talk/otherclients.html
– Google Talk iChat setup and configuration guide: http://www.google.com/support/talk/bin/answer.py?answer=24076
– Mac OS X Fire: http://fire.sourceforge.net/

Apple Computer is believed to be prepping one final update to its PowerPC-based PowerBook G4 product line that could be unveiled at the end of next month, AppleInsider reports

Two new models are expected to be announced for the September (3rd week) Apple Expo in Paris.

They will sport minor CPU upgrade but major enhancement for displays and graphic cards.

The 17″ model will (rumors say) sport a 1920 x 1200 pixel display, first ever on a notebook computer.

Read here more and Steve Jobs’ keynote speech announcement in Paris

Apple releases (again…) a major Security update for Mac OS X 10.4.2, just as reported here on MacSwitching.com, Apple released a security update a few days ago.

Now, you should update the update!

Yes, read here more details about the Security update v. 1.1, which is strongly recommended to all users who have applied the previous patch…

Seems graphics chip maker is hedging its bets with the new card, which is the first to support both Mac OS X and Windows XP platforms.

The Markham, Ontario-based company said the $199 card can drive ultra high-resolution monitors like the Apple 30-inch Cinema Display with up to 2560×1600 resolution or better thanks to the card’s dual-link DVI display support. That means that you can buy a cheap Dell but make it look really nice in landscape or portrait mode for $2,999. Oh my, what Steve Jobs must be thinking about that.

Eventually, PC users will be able to better crossover to the quality of Apple display products with the transition to x86 chips, so the Radeon 9600 Pro may have a short shelf life.

Read more here.

On Aug. 15th, Apple released a major Security Update, 2005-007, affecting all latest Mac OS X versions: 10.3.9, both Server and Client, and Tiger 10.4.2, again both Server and Client.

Some early analysis reports that only few corrected flaws are critical and most should not affect most users.

Check here Apple Downloads and here the detailed information on this update.

Read here an article from News.com

Not only it shocks the world by introducing a two-button mouse (after some 22 years+ of single button mice), but comes with added features like wheel and side scrolling, programmable features too!

Retails for US$ 49

Sorry, Mac OS X Tiger only!

Logitech Wireless Headphones for iPod: one of the coolest iPod accessory ever! At US$ 149 seems the ultimate iPod headphone you’ll ever need!

Check here a review and go to logitech web page.

On the usual Tuesday, Apple announced a lineup revision for both the Mac mini and the iBook: price down, features up!

Impressive figure, isn’t it?
For those of you who downloaded the DashBoard widget counting up to 500 ml (and still counting), it has been quite amazing.
Two years and 17 countries later, Steve & friends can be quite happy about iTunes Music Store.

By the way: the 500 millionth song, Faith Hill’s “Mississippi Girl,” was purchased yesterday by Amy Greer from Lafayette, Indiana, and as the grand prize winner she will receive 10 iPods to share with family and friends, an iTunes gift card for 10,000 songs and an all-expenses paid trip for four to see Coldplay on their world tour.

Read more here