Apple has updated the company’s iTunes Match service to include 19 additional countries. The list includes Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Guatemala, Honduras, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Venezuela, bringing iTunes Match availability to 37 markets in total. Apple debuted the iTunes Match service late last year. For an annual charge, customers can scan and match tracks from their iTunes libraries and replace them with tracks in the iTunes Store and store them in iCloud. Apple lets customers download up to 25,000 tracks without DRM restrictions, with the ability to match any track in a supported audio file format.

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Apple is poised to release updated models of its Mac Pro and Mac mini computers at the end of July or the first week of August, according to Tweets from one CNET editor. Both families are expected to be updated with Intel Sandy Bridge processors as well as the new Thunderbolt I/O ports. Unfortunately, there still isn’t a whole lot of information on what other hardware or changes will be offered in the refresh, but CNET does say that the new computers will be preloaded with OS X Lion. The rumor is in line with the Cupertino-based firm’s past refresh history: Apple last updated its Mac Pro line on July 27th, when it introduced its new 12-core models, and the Mac mini was last refreshed on June 15th, 2010.

[Via 9to5 Mac]

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Mac users have recently been targeted by a phishing scam that falsely claimed their computers were infected with a virus. Upon being redirected to an illegitimate website, users were instructed to install “Mac Defender,” which was malware masquerading as an antivirus application. Until recently, Apple had reportedly instructed its AppleCare support reps to deny any existence of the problem and said reps should “not remove or uninstall any malware” found on a computer. On Tuesday, however, Apple finally acknowledged the issue and posted instructions on its support forums that cover how to avoid and remove the Mac Defender malware. Hit the jump for Apple’s instructions.

Removal steps

• Move or close the Scan Window
• Go to the Utilities folder in the Applications folder and launch Activity Monitor
• Choose All Processes from the pop up menu in the upper right corner of the window
• Under the Process Name column, look for the name of the app and click to select it; common app names include: MacDefender, MacSecurity or MacProtector
• Click the Quit Process button in the upper left corner of the window and select Quit
• Quit Activity Monitor application
• Open the Applications folder
• Locate the app ex. MacDefender, MacSecurity, MacProtector or other name
• Drag to Trash, and empty Trash

[Via The Register]

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On Wednesday Microsoft confirmed with enthusiast blog LoopinSight that it will launch Service Pack 1 for Microsoft Office for Mac 2011 next week. The update will reportedly include performance enhancements, as well as security and stability fixes, but it will also include major changes for Outlook for Mac. After applying the software patch, users will be able to sync their Outlook calendars, tasks, notes, and contacts with Apple’s Sync Services, and it includes support for CalDAV calendars. The update will also add a new redirect and resend buttons. iPhone and iPod touch devices will also stay in sync, Pat Fox, Microsoft’s senior director of product management told The Loop. Service Pack 1 does come with one caveat, though: users will not be able to use Sync Services to sync with the MobileMe calendar beginning on May 5th.

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Apple has released OS X 10.6.7 for Mac computers, and it includes some stability, performance, and security enhancements. It also fixes display issues that have been plaguing early 2011 MacBook Pro models. The update should make the Back to My Mac software more reliable, resolves some issues that occurred while transferring files to SMB servers, addresses bugs related to FaceTime performance and the Mac App Store, and improves graphics stability and display compatibility when using your MacBook Pro with an external monitor. The entire update should be roughly 390MB in size and can be downloaded through Snow Leopard’s software update utility.

Following reports last week stating that Windows Phone 7 Connector for Mac was nearing release, Microsoft today made its OS X connector software available to the public. The software, currently available as a beta, allows users to connect their Windows Phone 7-powered devices to Mac computers and synchronize multimedia content. To make the process as familiar as possible, Microsoft’s Connector syncs phones with music, videos and photos already present in users’ iTunes and iPhoto libraries, so no additional cataloging is necessary. Windows Phone 7 Connector for Mac requires OS X 10.5 or higher and is available directly from Microsoft’s website.

[Via Mac Rumors]

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With only five days until Apple’s Back to Mac press event, the rumors are flying in thick and fast. Speculation around Apple’s refreshed MacBook Air is growing daily, and there are some new reports that just surfaced. Earlier in the week, the 11.6-inch display rumor popped up again, but last night, Engadget received some photos on what they believe to be an early prototype for the new MacBook Air. Except… the unit pictured in the photo seems to house a 13.3″ screen. Additionally, the machine appears to run the same under-powered Core 2 Duo seen in the current generation, though it is possible since the laptop was not in final form, the internals have been upgraded.

Earlier in the week, Apple Insider rumored that the new MacBook Air computer would contain no conventional hard disk drive or solid-state drive. The new Air would supposedly opt for a high capacity “SSD card” instead. AppleInsider has also followed up on their original report with some new information, and from what one of their sources is telling them, Apple will actually launch both rumored models — 11.6″ and 13.3″ display notebooks.

So guys, is this the new MacBook Air we are looking at?

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If you were following this morning’s Apple announcement, it may have been quite overwhelming and your head could be spinning in confusion. We’re here to clear things up and give you additional details over what we posted this morning. What we know so far is that the device itself, in terms of hardware and software, doesn’t disappoint. Out of the box, it can support every single application available in the iTunes App Store right now. There is a new version of iWork available for the iPad — with each application going for $9.99 (which means $30 for the whole kaboodle). The Wi-Fi only version will be available in 60 days, and the 3G and Wi-Fi versions in 90 days. Hit the break as we break it down for you!

First, Connectivity and the Internet

The iPad comes with Wi-Fi — duh. What everyone was waiting for is a 3G version with carrier support. For better or worse, most of you will think the latter, the iPad will be on AT&T in the U.S. Data plan pricing, however, is respectable: $14.99 for 250MB per month, or $29.99 for all-you-can-hoard data. However, Steve Jobs did mention that the iPad is unlocked and supports micro-SIMS – this means if your carrier supports micro-SIMS, there’s no real reason for the inability to connect to the Internet.

Different Strokes For Different Folks

If you thought there was only going to be one version of this device, perhaps you haven’t been keeping up! There will be three different storage capacity options in one of two possible categories: Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + 3G. As we mentioned earlier, there will be 16GB, 32GB and 64GB versions to choose from depending on your needs.

The Price Is Right

Most analysts were throwing around high numbers for iPad pricing, usually starting around $1,000 and working their way up. However, when Steve Jobs said, “Grab the iPad that’s in the kitchen,” we were thinking that this is going to be a really accessible and affordable device if you can leave it lying around the house. Sure enough, the iPad starts at $499 for the 16GB Wi-Fi only version. The 32GB and 64GB Wi-Fi only versions go for $599 and $699, respectively.

For the Wi-Fi + 3G versions, the price gets a little bit higher, but we would rather spend the extra cash to have the 3G. After all, it’s better to have it and not need it than, well, you know where we’re going with this. So, for 16GB, 32GB and 64GB you’re looking to dish out $629, $729 and $829, respectively.

An E-Reader To End All E-Readers

Hardcore bibliophiles need their books. It’s part of the reason why the Amazon Kindle and the Barnes & Noble Nook are such hot commodities right now. But would you pay for a Kindle or Nook if, for just a little extra, you can have an e-reader that supports over 140,000 applications and offers real web browsing and media playback? Probably not. The iPad features iBooks, an application that looks strikingly similar to the “Classics” app available for the iPhone now. Books are displayed on a bookshelf and selecting one opens the book, just like on the iPhone app. It’s a very slick and clean interface and easy to read. There is the argument that e-Ink is so much easier on the eyes, but we spend all day reading blogs and news on the Internet without too many complaints, especially with LED-backlit displays which the iPad makes use of. And with 10 hours of battery life and a month of stand-by time, you won’t be rushing to grab your charger just before you find out what happens to Alex Cross in the last chapter.

One More Thing…

So we have a giant iPhone with long battery life and a faster processor — Apple’s very own 1GHz A4. It supports all the iPhone apps, has an oleophobic touchscreen, ambient light sensors and an accelerometer. But come on, Apple! Where is multi-tasking? Where are the front or rear facing cameras? Apple wanted to fill in the gap between the iPhone and the Macbook, and Jobs said that netbooks were definitely not the answer — “cheap, underpowered laptops.” Going by that logic of fill-in-the-gaps, we should at least be able to expect multi-tasking and cameras for video chat. Throw in these few, critical extras and we’d be jumping up and down.

The Apple iPad is a hot device, no doubt about that. Our only concern is its current 3G options are limited to AT&T right now and there is no multi-tasking. Are these dealbreakers? Well, that all depends on you and how important these features are. It also depends on whether AT&T does something about its network performance and what coverage is like in your area (if you’re considering the Wi-Fi with 3G version). Barring those few issues, if they’re not a big deal to you then we really can’t see why you wouldn’t want to pick up this slick new device from Apple. For what it is, and especially compared to what’s out there, they definitely just moved the goal posts for almost every other competitor in category.

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Today at 10:00AM PST, hundreds of thousands of eyes were glued to computer screens as Steve Jobs made one of the most anticipated announcements in Apple history: the iPad. Some might giggle or scoff at the name, but that’s where the snark stops. The hardware and software had event attendees up on their feet applauding. Before we get into a deep run-down of the device, here are some specs you need to know right off the bat (we’ll continue updating these if there are move developments):

• 0.5″ thick and 1.5lbs light
• 9.7″ IPS display, capacitive multitouch touchscreen
• Built-in accelerometer, mic, 30-pin connector, 802.11n Wi-Fi, compass, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
• 10 hours of battery life and one month standby time!
• 1GHz Apple A4 processor
• 16GB, 32GB and 64GB Flash storage

On top of all this, the iPad will run the applications you already have for the iPhone. It can appear on the screen one of two ways: pixel for pixel accuracy in a black box or pixel double it and run the application in full screen. Typing on the iPad was made to look like a breeze with a large software keyboard that pops up on the screen when typing is required. That ought to give you all a taste of things to come as the event is still very much in progress, so we’ll get back to you with more details very soon!

Building on the success of the integrated location-based services in the iPhone, it looks like Apple is getting set to include some similar functionality in its upcoming Snow Leopard OS release. According to Apple Insider, the new operating system will allow software developers to utilize Wi-Fi triangulation to integrate location information into their applications. This could in turn be used to provide a variety of proximity-based information for portable computer users. On the input side, it looks like Snow Leopard will also be gaining further multi-touch support. No word on exactly what this might entail, but given the integration of multi-touch trackpads on the new line of Apple portables, we’re guessing that it might include support for new gestures and/or the ability to interface with external multi-touch input devices. While Snow Leopard is still being billed as more of a maintenance release, these new features should add significant value to the new operating system and provide an extra layer of incentive for those on the fence about upgrading.

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This one has been in the pipeline for quite some time, but it’s good to see HP finally placing their official stamp on their flagship home media server. The MediaSmart EX485/487 is a powerhouse of a entertainment box, sporting either 750GB or 1.5TB of storage space depending on the spec level. In a nod to the increasing prominence of Apple hardware, both the 485 and 487 are compatible with both OSX and Apple’s new Time Capsule storage device, though you’ll need a Windows box to access all of the Admin-level stuff. Both devices also sport a 2.0 Ghz Celeron processor, 2GB of RAM, 4 drive bays, an eSATA port, 4 USB ports, Amazon S3 support, and much more, all running atop the latest vesion of Windows Home Server. The boxes also come complete with a customized version of Twonky’s streaming media server, allowing you to access your songs and photos from any computer with a broadband connection. All of this goodness comes at a price, however, with the 485 setting you back $599 and the 487 running you a cool $750. Given the feature set, however, we’re pretty confident that more than a few of you will be eager to scoop one of these things up when they become available on the 5th of January.

[Via Gizmodo]

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We admit, this seems a bit unlikely, but TUAW is reporting that the next iteration of Apple’s OS X operating system could debut as early as next week. According to the site, Apple is preparing to seed developers with an early version of the new OS. 10.6 will reportedly focus “solely on security and stability”, with little to no emphasis placed on groundbreaking new features. The early seeding would apparently place 10.6 on track for a January ’09 public launch, concurrent with Apple’s annual Macworld Expo. This will be Apple’s first Intel-only operating system, placing another nail in the PowerPC coffin.

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