Apple patches Mac OS

Apple Computer has released a security update for Mac OS X that fixes 20 vulnerabilities, including a high-profile Web browser and Mail flaw disclosed last week, reports News.com.

The Apple security update addresses flaws in the Safari Web browser and Apple Mail client. The vulnerabilities expose Mac users to the installation of malicious code through a bad Web site or e-mail because of improper validation of downloads.

The update also changes iChat, Apple`s instant messaging application, to block instant message threats such as the Leap.A pest that was detected recently and attacked some Apple users.

Apple Computer has introduced a speaker system for iPods and a new Mac mini that can stream music, photos and video from other computers.

The Los Angeles Times says according to Gartner, the two products together provide a clear indication that Apple intends to expand more into the home and move away from its on-the-go focus.

Announcing the iPod Hi-Fi with two custom-designed wide-range speakers and a low-vibration bass system, Apple co-founder and CEO Steve Jobs said iPod owners, who accounted for 78% of the digital music player market, needed a top-notch sound system to share their music.

Sony plans to release the first batch of high-definition movies on its Blu-Ray format in retail stores towards the end of May, meaning the rival HD-DVD format will have a head start of about two months when it launches in late March, reports Red Herring.

Sony`s movie title releases will coincide with the introduction of the first Blu-Ray disc player from Samsung, soon to be followed by Blu-Ray disc players from Sony and Pioneer. Sony will also release a Blu-Ray compatible personal computer.

Toshiba, which backs the HD-DVD standard, is scheduled to start selling the first HD-DVD players at end of March along with about 40 movie titles. With the $40 billion worldwide DVD market at stake, the format war between Sony and Toshiba has been raging for more than three years.

Microsoft researchers have demonstrated a prototype software program that lets people use a floor pad to sort e-mails and digital photos by stomping and moving their feet as part of a project aimed at exploring alternative ways of interacting with a computer.

Seattle PI says although the footpads are not likely to go to market soon, the general concept could someday make its way into Microsoft products.

The report says the researchers will show the "Step User Interface" prototype to the company`s product teams this week to spark ideas and get them thinking about ways that feet could be used to interact with a PC.