It’s that time again, kiddies — Apple has fired up the Software Update factory once again and the assembly line is busy pushing OS X Lion 10.7.4 onto Macs everywhere, with a little Safari 5.1.7 thrown in for good measure.
Apple has released OS X Lion 10.7.4 and Safari 5.1.7 on Wednesday, right on the heels of iOS 5.1.1 earlier in the week. The new updates are available now via Software Update, or can be downloaded manually and installed.
OS X Lion 10.7.4 includes a number of fixes, so let’s cut straight to the chase:
• Resolve an issue in which the “Reopen windows when logging back in” setting is always enabled.
• Improve compatibility with certain British third-party USB keyboards.
• Addresses permission issues that may be caused if you use the Get Info inspector function “Apply to enclosed items…” on your home directory. For more information, see this article.
• Improve Internet sharing of PPPoE connections.
• Improve using a proxy auto-configuration (PAC) file.
• Address an issue that may prevent files from being saved to an SMB server.
• Improve printing to an SMB print queue.
• Improve performance when connecting to a WebDAV server.
• Enable automatic login for NIS accounts.
• Include RAW image compatibility for additional digital cameras.
• Improve the reliability of binding and logging into Active Directory accounts.
Oddly, the OS X Lion v10.7.4 update also includes Safari 5.1.6, even though Apple is currently pushing out Safari 5.1.7, which disables outdated versions of Adobe Flash Player “to help keep your Mac secure.” A support document explains how to re-enable an out-of-date version, should you prefer to play fast and loose with your Mac’s security.
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You won’t find a ton of new features waiting for you, but iOS devices have a new software update waiting for them on this sleepy mid-Monday that brings the version number up to 5.1.1 and squashes a few minor bugs.
Apple has released iOS 5.1.1, a modest update to iOS 5.1, which was released back in March just ahead of the new iPad. The update mostly offers some bug fixes and reliability improvements, but the changes sound promising enough to install — assuming you haven’t jailbroken your device, that is.
iOS 5.1.1 includes the following changes:
• Improves reliability of using HDR option for photos taken using the Lock Screen shortcut
• Addresses bugs that could prevent the new iPad from switching between 2G and 3G networks
• Fixes bugs that affected AirPlay video playback in some circumstances
• Improved reliability for syncing Safari bookmarks and Reading List
• Fixes an issue where ‘Unable to purchase’ alert could be displayed after successful purchase
Users can install iOS 5.1.1 using the over-the-air Software Update from your device Settings, or by plugging into iTunes and downloading it from there. As always, recommends devices are plugged into a power source while installing.
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Where were you in 1983? If you were like us, chances are you were feeding quarters into classic arcade games like Dragon’s Lair, the Don Bluth creation which has survived the test of time, and has now made its debut as a comic book app.
zuuka has announced the release of Dragon’s Lair Comics, a universal app which brings the classic Don Bluth video game onto the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch in comic book form. The digital version of the series is debuting on Wednesday with the original six issues, and the first one is free.
“Don Bluth’s vision and creative genius with Dragon’s Lair set a new standard for animation and since then has entertained millions through video games and graphic novels,” said Woody Sears, founder of zuuka. “We are very honored to be bring fans the first-ever digital comic series of such a popular title as Dragon’s Lair and know they’ll enjoy it just as much as we do.”
The universal, Retina Display-enhanced Dragon’s Lair Comics app is absolutely free and includes the first issue, with other issues available via in-app purchase for only .99 each.
Dragon’s Lair Comic issue No. 1 begins the adventure with the deadly dragon Singe swearing revenge on Dirk the Daring for killing his offspring as he swoops up Princess Daphne in his razor-sharp claws. Now, armed with his courage and skills, the brave knight must survive the dangers of the Dark Kingdom to save his Princess. It’s swordplay, sorcery, dragons, and damsels…plus a pinch of humor. Lead on, adventurer…your quest awaits!
And what does the creator of Dragon’s Lair have to say about the new partnership? “We are proud to be associated with zuuka Comics and their line up of digital comic books,” responded Don Bluth.
Dragon’s Lair Comics is a free 31.5MB download from the App Store, compatible with all devices running iOS 4.0 or later. Have a peek at the YouTube trailer embedded below!
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After a recent barrage of big releases, the App Store is eerily quiet this week with a short list of new titles, as many developers are updating existing titles to make them shine on the new iPad’s Retina display. While you’re waiting for your current favorites to update, check out some of these week’s most intriguing launches.
Sad Cat Software, the developer of Violet Storm (Universal, .99) describes the game by saying, “Some games have a story to tell. Others make you think to get through a series of complicated puzzles. Violet Storm doesn’t have any of that.” So what does this title have to offer? Ridiculously (and unabashedly) intense action, flashing neon lights, and pulsing techno music. It’s basically what would happen if you took Geometry Wars to a rave.
There are plenty of options for tower defense titles out there, so 3 Sprockets set out to refresh the genre — and its take on the genre is Cubemen (iPad, .99). While the developers have maintained a game mode that offers standard tower defense, they’ve also added 5 different variants on the mode, 28 levels to play across, and — perhaps most exciting of all — cross-platform multiplayer matches. Whether your friend is playing on PC, Mac, or an iPad, you’ll be able to tear down their towers.
Most of will never be able to drag an 18-wheeler with nothing but our sheer strength and power of will. For those who dream about doing so, get out of the gym and grab The World’s Strongest Man (iPhone, .99) instead. Take on the career of a bodybuilder as you complete tasks and train to increase your stats — all in hopes of grabbing the elusive title of World’s Strongest Man. At the very least, you’ll have strong thumbs.
Get ready to hit warp speed. From developer SGN comes Ion Racer (Universal, .99), a sci-fi racing title that puts the player behind the wheel of a high-powered spacecraft. The game features multiple ways to play depending on if you prefer precise, tight controls, or blasting through environments with complete disregard for obstacles in your way. Plus you’ll land perks, upgrades, and your name on the top of the leaderboard as you play.
In the animal kingdom, a war is being waged. The harmless and adorably odd gnus have been captured by a group of cranky crocodiles. It’s your job to free the captives and exact some payback in Gnu’s Revenge (Universal, .99). Battle across 72 levels as a gnu with a jetpack, laying the smack down to some crocs in spaceships. Does any of it make sense? No. But it’ll probably be a fun adventure all the same.
There is almost always a plethora of new titles that hit the App Store every week, but this go-round seemed a little sparse. That said, there’s no shortage of games worth checking out–especially if you’re looking for some heavyweights. From blockbuster games to blockbuster movie tie-ins, and a few under-the-radar hits, this week might be light in number of releases but its no slouch in quality.
Because 500 million downloads just isn’t enough, Rovio is sending its Angry Birds franchise to a whole new frontier, and its out of this world. Angry Birds Space (.99, iPad) sends both the birds and the pigs into the depths of the galaxy after being sucked into a vortex. The game comes with coinciding merchandise launches at WalMart, Target and National Geographic. We’re starting to think this isn’t a game but an exploratory venture for Rovio’s space colony.
The first blockbuster movie of the year is upon us, and so is its iOS game tie-in. The Hunger Games: Girl on Fire (Free, Universal) puts players in the shoes of Katniss Everdeen as she attempts to gather necessities for her family while fighting to survive in the dangerous woods outsider her home. This title is sure to please fans of the Hunger Games series as well as indie gamers, as a dream team of designers are behind it.
If you’re looking to pick up a new title that will show off the Retina display on your new iPad, look no further than rComplex (.99, Universal). Its a uniquely beautiful game that uses simple colors and deceivingly detailed imagery to create seven levels of stunning landscapes that you’ll race across to escape the darkness. With narrative story telling and original music compositions, this is one running title that looks like it could go the distance.
What happens when a roller coaster goes off the rails? Usually fiery explosions and untimely deaths, but not in Madcoaster (.99, Universal). Instead, this is one designed for hopping the track to collect coins and switch platforms. The more you do, the better upgrades for your coaster. It looks to be a smooth game, but for the poor avatars trapped behind the safety bar of the roller coaster seats, its going to be a bumpy ride.
In a world where overpopulation has sent colonies to the moon and corporations have gained power through wealth, the only laws are set in contracts. In Hunters 2 (.99, Universal), you’ll play as the leader of a team of mercenaries that are looking to make a mark as bounty hunters–but not without a challenge from a rival group. Turn-based action allows for custom tactics, and a huge arsenal of upgrades brings more depth to this action/strategy title.
