Macgasm

I love the internet, there is no limit to the Apple themed items I can find. This week we are focusing on stuff for your wall. I’m not going to lie to you — I own some. I might have to add to my collection though as I’m loving this print.

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I have a bridge in Brooklyn that’s for sale! The Mac Observer is reporting that a new phishing attack is out in the wild that is targeting MobileMe users. Tactlessly, the phishing email reports that your MobileMe account has been hit by a virus, and that you should respond to that email with your username and password. Pretty much as far from subtle as phishing gets.

This is a good opportunity to discuss security for users of Apple products. The way the mainstream media presents security threats, the user has no defense. In reality, that’s rarely the case. Occasionally, unpatched exploits in the software you use can be used nefariously, but that is comparatively rare. If you consistently update your operating system and applications, that is an extremely minor risk. More importantly, you need to watch what you install, and where you type your passwords.

If you’re using the iOS or Mac App Stores to download your apps, you don’t have to worry about what you install. Apple is protecting you from malicious software on that front. On OS X, however, you can install apps from anywhere. If you don’t know or trust the application vendor, you should think twice before installing it. In fact, think thrice before giving it administration privileges by typing your Mac’s username and password when it asks for it.

If you use secure passwords, mind what you install from 3rd parties, and selectively allow administration privileges, and you’ll be fine. Please, please remember that no reputable company is ever going to ask for your password over email.

Source: Mac Observer

Well, look who’s back. It turns out that the problem wasn’t you — it was Apple. The recent App Store update that caused havoc with devices running iOS 3.1.3 has been resolved, and Apple has fixed whatever the problem was. So if you have an older iPhone or iPod touch stuck on the previous previous version of iOS, you can rest a little easier. You’ve not been put out to pasture just yet.

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The U.S. International Trade Commission handed down a ruling Monday that certain features of HTC’s Android phones infringe upon a patent owned by Apple. The order would prevent HTC from importing infringing handsets beginning in April 2012, but HTC has said it will simply remove the related features rather than lose business. Apple has won several patent cases abroad, but this marks its first high-profile score in the US.

The infringement has been narrowed down to two claims revolving around “data tapping”, refering to the ability to tap on a phone number, address, or date in an email or webpage and then be able to make a phone call, map an address, make a calendar appointment, etc.

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Amazon has been pushing the release of their Kindle Fire tablet pretty hard with a comparison chart that makes the iPad look pretty lame, but another comparison chart is making the rounds and tells a bit more of the story.

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No apps for you, old timer! According to Apple Discussions, an App Store update on the 16th has left iOS devices running iOS 3.1.3 unable to download any app directly on the device. Why does that matter? Well, first generation iPhones and iPod touches are stuck on the 3.1.3 update, and couldn’t be updated if you wanted to.

I happen to have a first gen iPod touch, and it is still a fantastic music player. With my now-ancient device, I was able to test this for myself. At first, it took a while to even find an app that was 3.1.3 compatible. When I finally did, it looked like it started to download, but then triggered an error. I wasn’t even asked for my iTunes credentials. On the bright side, you can still download apps through iTunes, and then sync them over to your dinosaur iPod.

I don’t know if this really affects many people. In fact, I doubt Apple will even bother to fix the issue to support the four-year-old devices. If you weren’t convinced before to upgrade your iPhone or iPod touch, maybe now is the time. Alternately, just turn off the Wi-Fi, delete the apps, and keep rocking your kickass, long-lasting iPod. That’s what I do, and it suits me just fine.

Source: Apple Discussions

Most companies opt to charge you for expedited shipping, taking advantage of your slacker attitude. Apple, though, continues to take a stance that benefits its customer base.

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We all know that airlines forbid passengers to use their electronic devices during takeoff and landing (claiming that these devices will interfere with radio controls and cause the plane to hurtle towards the earth and a gruesome death), but American Airlines has made a small concession in that pilots are now allowed to use iPads.

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